Boothbay residents will decide a 34-article town meeting warrant which includes a proposed $2,884,527 in municipal spending during their Monday, May 4 annual town meeting referendum election. Selectmen held a brief public hearing March 11, prior to voting on the budget and warrant articles. Town Manager Dan Bryer reported the proposal shows a 4.51% increase.

In the warrant, proposed municipal spending includes general government, $672,400; public safety, $668,125; public works, $1,116,804; capital improvement, $140,000; general assistance, $8,000; service, $223,997; and insurance, $55,200.

Selectmen appointed Tim Pinkham fire chief. He replaces David Pratt. Prior to Pinkham's appointment, selectmen directed him to research firefighters' pay around the region.

On March 11, Pinkham reported firefighters' pay ranged from $17 to $20 per hour. Boothbay pays $17.25 hour. In his officers' pay report, Pinkham said Boothbay's pay was competitive with other local towns.

"As far as I'm concerned $17 per hour is peanuts. We will try to do better next year. In fact, $20 per hour is peanuts, so please come back next year with a proposed pay increase for firefighters," Selectman Steve Lewis said.

In other action, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens began what president Gretchen Ostherr expects is a long journey in building the facility's glass house conservatory project. Ostherr described the new center as an important part of the Gardens' educational mission. Gardens officials are looking to expand educational opportunities for local public school students, so they decided to build the glass house conservatory. "The seasons don't line up with a school's field trip schedule. In the spring, flowers are starting to bloom, and in the fall, teachers are too busy getting the new school year off to a good start," she said.

Garden officials found a possible solution by building a 35,000 square foot glass house conservatory educational center on campus. Ostherr told selectmen the earliest completion date would probably occur in 2030.

A major hurdle facing CMBG officials is Boothbay's restriction to 34-foot-high buildings. The new conservatory has a planned 45-foot height. CMBG is seeking contract zoning to build its taller than normally allowed structure. 

Contract zoning is a land use tool that allows municipalities to create specific zoning agreements with property owners for developments that do not fit within existing ordinances. It offers flexibility in land use regulations to accommodate unique projects while ensuring consistency with the municipality’s comprehensive plan. 

Ostherr told selectmen, lawyers are drafting contract zoning language. The proposal still needs planning board approval. Residents need to approve the proposed contract zoning at a town meeting. Selectmen agreed November was out as a possible referendum date due to such a short timeline, but May was a likely option.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 in the conference room.