The Conservation Committee is investigating solutions to a couple of ongoing recreational location challenges. On Aug. 8, the committee met with Edgecomb selectmen to discuss progress on finding a public boat access location. Chairman Gary Balducci reported after searching for nearly three years, the committee has not found a suitable location. “The town missed on a few opportunities prior to the committee’s creation,” he said. “We’ve spent most of our time searching, but have not found a suitable location.”

Selectmen requested the committee continue searching while beginning another project. They want them to search for another recreational location. The town needs to comply with federal guidelines regarding a 1974 Land Water Conservation Grant. Edgecomb is required to find a recreational replacement for the town’s defunct tennis courts. The grant built a single tennis court at the former Eddy School grounds on Cross Point Road. 

In 2004, the town sold the former Eddy school property for $1 to Elder Care Network of Lincoln County. The location now known as Edgecomb Green provides affordable senior citizen housing. The former municipal tennis court was at the former school and was not usable for years prior to the sale. 

In 2011, a state inspection determined Edgecomb had violated grant terms. In selling the property, Edgecomb failed to provide required public access and property maintenance, according to the state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

In 1974, Edgecomb received $5,600 in federal funds to build a tennis court on 2.8 acres. And since the town disposed of the property, the town cannot refurbish the court. The grant also prohibits Edgecomb from repaying the grant, in either 1974 or 2021 dollars. In recent years, the town has worked with the state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry seeking an acceptable outdoor recreation location. 

But finding it has not been easy. Balducci proposed constructing a pickleball court at the former Cross Point Road location or at another venue. “That is not an option because we no longer own the property,” Selectman Mike Smith said. “We can’t use town-owned property, either. We have to purchase a new property and make sure it’s ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.” Until Edgecomb meets replacement requirements, it is not eligible for future federal grants.

The committee agreed to continue searching for solutions to both challenges. In other action, selectmen voted, 3-0, to use $736 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase an AED (automated external defibrillator) for the town hall.

Selectmen reported results from the Aug. 4 special board meeting to set the mil rate. The rate increased by 3.4% from $16.15 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation to $16.70. Town Clerk Claudia Coffin said increases in the town appropriation, the amount raised from taxes, county taxes, school budget and a decrease in municipal revenue sharing resulted in the rise.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 in the municipal conference room.