Boothbay Region Water District had planned to improve Adams Pond Road “to better protect the pond and improve water quality” with a $150,000 Department of Environmental Protection grant, but those plans are on hold. The district planned on a property swap with the town to move a 60-foot section inland, but selectmen aren’t sure they can approve the swap. “I believe this requires a town meeting vote,” Selectman Chuck Cunningham said during the May 8 meeting.

Sue Mello is the water district’s Natural Resource Program manager. She apologized May 8 to selectmen about the miscommunication. She explained the project was expected to begin last winter, but two massive storms distracted attention from it.

The district recently sent out a press release about the project. Mello apologized for not notifying the selectmen prior to making project details public. “We thought you already knew about it. I’m sorry for the kerfuffle this caused,” she said. 

The district has until 2025 to act on the grant. Bryer believes there is plenty of time to schedule a town meeting to facilitate a land swap. “There is time to get this done. The June 11 primary is a likely date for a special election,” he said. Bryer told selectmen he would seek an opinion from the municipal lawyer on whether a land swamp needs town meeting approval. 

On May 13, Bryer said he had not heard back from the town attorney.

In other action, Bryer had good news for East Boothbay residents. Reconstruction work on King Phillips Trail and Shore Road is complete except for repaving. “I’m hearing the road is better than ever,” he told selectmen. “We’re waiting on the weather to turn before paving. So, in a couple weeks, it should be back to normal,” he said. 

Selectmen voted unanimously to purchase a used F-150 bucket truck for $16,500. Bryer began shopping for a used bucket when requests for banner hanging increased. The public works crew recently hung Boothbay Region High School senior banners along with over 100 veterans’ banners. Bryer told selectmen the bucket truck would make the process more efficient and safer. “This truck should save us a couple thousand dollars per year so it will pay for itself in eight years,” he said. “We can also remove the bucket and place it on another truck in the future.”

Selectmen approved five liquor and special amusement license requests. Boothbay Harbor Country Club received a Class A, B, C and D special amusement permit for its property on Sugar Maple Lane. The country club also received a special amusement permit for its property on White Birch Lane. Giselaine’s Spa received a special Class A, B, C and D permit for its property at White Birch Lane. Smuggler’s Cove received renewals for a hotel-food optional Class I-A liquor license, Class C special amusement permit and an innkeeper’s license for its East Boothbay location. Bluebird Ocean Point Inn in East Boothbay received renewal of a Class A Lounge Class X liquor license.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 in the conference room.