Southport selectmen have increased their “guest list” for a Jan. 5 meeting with Axiom Technologies on the $1.9 million municipal fiber optic project. Selectmen are meeting with Axiom CEO Mark Ouellette who will update them about the project’s progress. 

Selectmen also invited the Broadband Committee after member Maureen Kinsey wanted an update about the project during the Dec. 29 board meeting.  “People are asking questions, and we don’t know what to tell them,” Kinsey said. Board Chairman Gerry Gamage advised her of the scheduled meeting and encouraged the committee to attend. 

In other action, Harbor Master Jim Gagnon told selectmen he couldn’t devote enough time to the job and decided to resign. Gagnon has served as harbor master for 10 years and as building inspector for eight. “I’ve enjoyed it and wish I could continue, but I just can’t,” he said. “I don’t have time to patrol so I need to step away.”

Gagnon will continue as harbor master until a replacement is found. He also offered to advise his successor to ease the transition. Gagnon will continue as building inspector. 

Selectmen signed a contract extension with Midcoast Humane. Southport will pay $901.90 under the annual agreement. Selectmen also received municipal budget requests from three local nonprofits. Boothbay Region TV requested $5,000; Healthy Kids, $1,500; and Harbor Theater, $1,500. Selectmen signed a 2021 audit engagement letter with William Brewer.