At one time, a state grant for regionalization of two or more schools seemed attractive to Wiscasset and Boothbay officials. The two applied for a consolidated grades 9-16 school last year which included a career technical center through a state grant, but now, it is no longer an option.

Boothbay Town Manager Dan Byrer reported April 23, the joint Boothbay-Wiscasset committee looking into an option for consolidation decided against pursuing the grant. Bryer made the announcement during the Boothbay selectmen's meeting. "Wiscasset made the decision to pull out because more information about the grant became available," he said.

Bryer explained several Aroostook County schools had joined together and applied. "We became aware those schools fit the criteria better than we did," he said. Bryer reported Wiscasset still wanted to continue with discussions centered around consolidation. Boothbay's representatives on the joint committee are Selectman Russ Pinkham and Bryer, who plan on meeting with Wiscasset officials next month.

Pinkham recommended having a non-binding question on the November ballot to see if residents wanted to continue seeking an option with Wiscasset. "It's better to find out now than continue something the people don't want," Pinkham said.

In other action, selectmen gave conditional approval for allowing a landowner to use public land to fix a seawall. Selectmen conditionally approved providing applicants Martha Simpson and Roberts Jacobs permission to use nearby public land to continue with their seawall repairs.

In January 2024, the seawall was badly damaged during winter storms. Simpson and Jacobs previously received planning board approval for the project, but neighbors Michael and Nancy Henderek appealed the decision. The appeals board ruled the original decision was unclear regarding how the applicant would gain access to the property.

Simpson and Jacobs have a right-of-way to fix a 40-foot section of the seawall, but the planning board's original decision didn't provide access through Henderek's property.

In March, the appeals board remanded the decision back to the planning board. Kipp Farrin, who represents Simpson and Jacobs, proposed an alternative plan which included using a different abutter's land. The other abutter is the town of Boothbay.

Selectmen approved the request with a condition that Boothbay's planning board first approve an amendment to the application.  

Selectmen approved a code officer's recommended $7,500 fine levied against an East Boothbay property owner. Jeff DiMauro previously received approval to build an 800 square foot garage in East Boothbay. A family circumstance occurred which changed the plan to a larger apartment. This change resulted in the fine. 

Code Enforcement Officer Dan Feeney recommended a $7,500 fine as the best course of action. DiMauro accepted the penalty.

Selectmen renewed licenses for two businesses. Giselaine's Spa received a renewal of a Class I, II, III and IV restaurant liquor licenses. Smuggler's Cove Inn received renewals for an innkeeper's license, a special amusement permit and liquor license.  

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 in the conference room.