The Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen discussed Monday the numerous complaints it had received about the volume of outdoor music at Rocktide Inn and the Lobster Wharf over the past couple of weeks.

“I hope we can discuss this in a neighborly way to rectify the issue,” Board Chairman Denise Griffin said.

According to the town ordinances, outdoor music must not exceed 80 decibels in volume. Outside amplified music must end by 9 p.m., and non-amplified by 10 p.m. Between 6 and 9 p.m., the maximum volume drops to 70 decibels.

Of the complaints levied against the Lobster Wharf, most revolved around a wedding reception that was allowed to play past 9 p.m. Kim Simmons, owner of the Wharf, along with her husband Todd, said they would be more careful in the future.

Most of the complaints were against Rocktide Inn, specifically during the Sunday afternoon performances between 1 and 4 p.m. Chief Bob Hasch said the police department had received “over a dozen complaints” about the noise.

“No police officer has ever approached me during a show,” said John Sullivan, manager of Rocktide. “The day after, yes, but not during.”

The Boothbay Harbor police department does not have a decibel measuring device, and Chief Hasch said the devices are hard to use properly because they have to measure at the property line, and circumstances (such as being on the water) effect the volume of sound and distance traveled.

Residents from both sides of the issue showed up to have their say. Some showed up in support of the music, including musicians Garry Blackman and Tim Sprague, who have played together for many years.

“Music is a big part of life,” Blackman said. “All people's cares are gone for those two of three hours we're playing, and everyone is smiling. Why would we want to end that?”

“Regardless of the decibels, it's disturbing the peace,” resident Norman Pierce said. “Sound travels 7 to 10 times further over the water, and reverberates inside fiberglass boats out on the water. The situation is also totally unfair to places like Gray's (now Mine Herringbone’s) who make sure their windows are closed and play music indoors.”

“I'm astounded we are having this discussion,” resident Dorothy Ferrell said. “I'm old, but I think music is a sound of summer. What's next, a rule when we can use our lawnmowers?”

“I think the loudest music I hear is the band concert on the library lawn,” local musician Douglas Gimbel said. “I understand we are maybe not the oldest state, but certainly the most graying state. But young people come here and enjoy music, and the future of business lies in young people and families. For business to continue we need to tolerate everyone.”

“I can hear everything from my property, and if you don't believe me come and sit on my porch,” said resident Linc Sample. “The noise might be an irritant to some people but it's part of life — and I know that's hard to believe coming from me!”

Board Chairman Denise Griffin said she appreciated music personally, but it was also important to be neighborly and courteous, and a happy balance needed to be struck. She asked Sullivan how many more Sunday performances we scheduled. Sullivan replied only one.

Selectmen Bill Hamblen asked if perhaps the band could tone it down for the last performance. Sullivan replied that he would make sure they played at a reasonable level.

When changes to the ordinances was mentioned, Griffin said any ordinances changes involve a lengthy process before they reach town meeting.

“I personally feel it will be unlikely any changes will be made.”

Other business

The selectmen authorized Town Manager Tom Woodin to hire Danielle Betts of the Knickerbocker Group to create a plan for the former tennis court area located near Emery Lane. The sketch will include basketball courts and green space, along with a drainage plan to keep the area from flooding.

The selectmen were originally going to receive three drawings at a cost of $5,000, however, in an effort to save money they decided to stick with one plan at a third of the cost.

Woodin announced that Palmer Payne has applied to serve on the Board of Appeals. In July, the resignation of chairman Cynthia Watson left the board with only two members, which meant the board could not function. Since then variances have gone to the selectmen.

The selectmen thanked Payne for his application, and unanimously supported his appointment. Payne will serve out the term vacated by Watson.

Woodin also announced that the new town website (www.boothbayharbor.org) is up and running, and new improvements are still being made.

Two bids were accepted for new town vehicles: a $26,161 bid from Wiscasset Ford for a new police cruiser, and a $20,521.66 bid for a new Public Works truck from Goodwin Chevrolet.

The bid from Wiscasset Ford was the lowest bid received from the three bidders (others were Quirk Ford and Yankee Ford). The bid from Goodwin Chevrolet was the only bid received for the Public Works truck.

The next selectmen’s meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor town office on Sept. 8.