While it may be hard for some to believe, Boothbay Harbor may be getting even better looking in the future. Talks of a beautification committee bloomed during the selectboard's Nov. 25 meeting thanks to a potential collaboration with local gardeners.  

Selectman Mark Gimbel reported progress towards creating the committee to help improve and maintain town parks. He said he and Town Manager Julia Latter met with members of Boothbay Region Garden Club, including Master Gardeners, who would be willing to help guide planting efforts in public spaces.   

“They are excited,” Gimbel said. “I think we will be excited to see what they can come up with to offer to us.”  

The group took a trip to Whale Park and Town Hall where the gardeners discussed how to keep plants healthy and pointed out areas where plants need extra care or could be replaced with more suitable species. According to Gimbel and Latter, the gardeners would be volunteering their time and have proactively sent grant information to the town to help support the efforts.   

“I learned more about gardening in three hours than I learned in my whole life. They are full of knowledge.” Latter said. “I look forward to what they can assist us with.”   

In other business, the board approved Rick and Louise Tranquilli's Wharves and Weirs application for 48 Western Ave. to replace a float with two new floats in a ‘T’ formation. However, an abutter raised concerns about the effect of the project on existing moorings and navigation. The board said the harbor master found the project would have no negative impact on navigation or fishing. Members unanimously voted that the project would not interfere with navigation and does not cause injury to the rights of others. “While it's tighter than it was before, it certainly seems adequate,” said Chair Michael Tomko.   

In addition, Latter and the board discussed a public workshop on parking. Members said the Oct. 8 parking workshop was a chance to air concerns and this next one will be geared towards solutions. The workshop is Dec. 17 at 5 p.m.   

Latter said the town signed the 2025 animal control service agreement with Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. She said it was the same as the previous year's, except for an increase in annual wage for the animal control officers. In addition, the board unanimously approved police officer Garret French as the town shellfish warden.   

The board also heard a special presentation by Lynn Thompson, executive director of the Harbor Theater. Thompson gave them an update on how town donations, $1,000 each from Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay and Southport, support programming. She highlighted several free family films she said were only made possible through the funds. In addition, she talked about the theater’s community efforts including free passes, collaborative events with schools and local organizations, and public service presentations.