Boothbay selectmen had a room full of people during their Aug. 13 board meeting with seemingly nothing to say. A crowd attended in hopes of discussing the notice of violations regarding two West Side Road properties, but nobody spoke during the two public forums.

Selectmen were ready to adjourn without any public discussion before Dick Perkins asked Town Manager Dan Bryer if there was another agenda item. Perkins was referring to a notice of violation tabled July 23 by selectmen "due to insufficient information."

Selectmen received a packet detailing alleged land use violations, in their municipal mailboxes regarding the 323 West Side Road property the following day, but didn't pick-it up until Aug. 13. "Once we review the material, we will make a decision regarding the fine," Chairman Chuck Cunningham said. "We will be able to make a decision at our next meeting in September."

Selectmen will set a fine between $100 to $2,500 per day, according to Bryer. 

Following the meeting, the Boothbay Register asked several residents why they attended and didn't comment. Lisa Burnham, Nicholas Morley and Matthew Burnham said they wanted to support a resident's right to private property. "Nobody spoke because we were waiting for it to come up on the agenda. We didn't know we were suppose to speak during the public forums," Lisa Burnham said.

Had they spoken, Lisa Burnham said the public would've spoken in favor of Robert Reed and Robbie Campbell whose West Road properties have received notice of violations. Campbell is working with town officials on rectifying his violations and is not, at this time, in danger of being fined.

"These are a couple guys operating a business on their property. We don't see a problem here and hoping they do not impose a fine," she said. 

In other action, selectmen unanimously approved a wharves and weirs permit for Tracy and Travis Heiser for building a new pier at their Steves Road location. The board also approved several licenses and permits to local businesses. Selectmen approved a conditional liquor license renewal for a Restaurant Class I, II, III and IV for the Carriage House. The lone condition regards a need for clarification regarding the Carriage House's application.

Selectmen wanted clarification regarding the application question "Do you have a valid and current health license issued by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services or Department of Agriculture?" The applicant responded "no."

Bryer told selectmen he would check to see if the response was in error. The board renewed a Class A Special Amusement License permit for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Selectmen approved a Class C and D Special Amusement permit Class A (instrumental music and dancing) for applicant Catherine Latta for an Aug. 30 event at Sailor's Landing. 

Bryer reported the town received an $823,777 check from the Maine Emergency Management Association for damage caused by the January 2024 storms. Bryer reported the check covered approximatley 90% of the repair costs. Bryer will deposit the check's proceeds into the undesignated funds account. 

"This saved the town between $200,000 to $300,000 in interest. "All in all, we made out pretty good," he said. 

Selectmen meet next at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10.