The Boothbay Common gazebo is getting a facelift thanks to an anonymous donation. The Landscaping Committee reported May 13, a second anonymous donation will pay for maintenance on the aging gazebo.  Committee co-chairwomen Linda Redman and Susan Whitehouse provided a 10-point, detailed refurbishing plan which will likely begin in the next few days. The project includes re-shingling the roof and resetting the steps for improved stability. A stone veneer will be added. The project also replaces all white rotting gazebo trim with composite structures. 

Handrails will be added for improved safety. All electrical outlets will be outfitted with GFI (Ground Fault Circuit Interupter). A W- Fi outlet will be added to provide a free hot spot. Low maintenance planting and mulch will be included. The gazebo will be rebuilt with composite materials and inside lighting will be installed with LED (light emitting diodes).  Low maintenance planting and mulch will be included. A decorative weathervane designed in the town hall’s image will be added to the cupola’s roof. “This restores the gazebo, improves safety for users and reduces future maintenance costs,” said Whitehouse. 

This is the third project the committee will have overseen since its inception over two years ago. Selectmen organized the citizens’ committee to beautify the roundabout and Boothbay Common. In January 2019, the committee was charged with proposing a plan for revitalizing the common’s badly damaged turf. The committee proposed a $43,905 plan in which an anonymous donor volunteered to pay for the project. The resodding is done and selectmen briefly discussed keeping vehicles off the common especially during the weekly Farmer’s Market, but the chairwomen reported that wasn’t necessary. “They told us to keep vehicles off until May, and after that the turf could handle them,” Redman said.

All four selectmen present approved the project to proceed. “Personally I think it’s great and we should go ahead with all of it,” Selectman Steve Lewis said. 

In other action, Town Manager Dan Bryer announced the town office would be open sometime the week of May 18. Bryer explained one citizen at a time would be allowed in the building. The citizen would communicate behind a special glass workstation. After the citizen completes their town business, staff would wipe down the area before allowing another visitor. Selectmen are also hoping to hold a regular board meeting in the municipal building next month. Selectmen would use social distancing and allow only 10 people in the municipal conference room. Residents could watch the meeting online or call or text any questions.

Selectmen held four public hearings for annual license renewal requests. The board unanimously approved all requests. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens received approval for restaurant Class I, II, III and IV liquor license renewal and a special amusement permit. PGC2, LLC, doing business as Boothbay Harbor Country Club Wellness Center, received approval for a special amusement permit and Class I,II, III and IV restaurant liquor license renewal. The Boothbay Harbor Country Club also received a restaurant and liquor license Class I, II, III and IV renewal. Ocean Point Inn owner Tony E. Krason received approval for a special amusement permit and restaurant and lounge Class I, II, III and IV renewal and a Hotel/Food optional Class I-A license. Deckz, LLC received two license renewals. The first was for East Boothbay property Lobsterman’s Wharf for a restaurant liquor Class I, II, III and IV and  special amusement permit renewals.  The second was for Ocean Point Marina, also in East Boothbay, for a special amusement permit renewal.   

Selectmen discussed skipping their next regular meeting on May 27 and not meeting until 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10.