Harbor Master Terry Stockwell reported May 27 on the discovery of an abandoned sailboat in the Sheepscot River. On June 10, he reported on its condition: "When I popped the hatch, it was pretty gross," he told Edgecomb selectmen.

Town officials have spent the past two weeks seeking advice about disposing of the abandoned property. The previous owner died and his widow declined to take ownership. During the meeting, selectmen wondered if they had legal right to take ownership and either auction or sell it. Selectman Michael Maxim has already tried contacting Maine Municipal Association for advice. "I called MMA staff attorney Rebecca McMahon, and I'm waiting for a response." 

The sailboat was found in Wiscasset and is now attached to an Edgecomb mooring. Selectman George Chase wondered if the town could auction off the boat. Stockwell said, "The boat is worth something, but it might cost more than you'd receive from a sale." Selectmen also considered "giving it away" or holding a lottery.

Maxim said he would continue seeking legal advice, and report back at the next meeting. 

In other action, selectmen voted, 3-0, to conditionally approve a liquor license renewal for Glidden Point Oyster Farm. Selectmen requested owner Ryan McPherson seek a change of use for his business as the lone condition. Maxim reported the business is transitioning from a farm stand to a Class A restaurant. "This is how they operated last year, but I'm proposing they request a change of use from the planning board as a requirement for next year's license," Maxim said. 

Superintendent Chris Cossette thanked selectmen with their assistance in a test-question posed to residents about expanding Wiscasset Water District's coverage into Edgecomb. Residents voted May 17 against expansion, 65-102, as part of a non-binding straw vote on the town meeting warrant.  Last year, the district received legislative approval to seek expansion. The proposal needs voter approval in both Edgecomb and Wiscasset. 

On June 10, Wiscasset residents supported district expansion into Edgecomb during their non-binding vote in their town meeting warrant. Water District officials plan to offer a binding expansion question on this November's referendum ballot. 

Cossette believes there was "too much confusion" regarding the proposal which resulted in defeat. "We plan to become better organized and hold a few public hearings this fall along with more coverage in the local paper," he said. "I think once the public knows more about the proposal, it will be a different outcome," he said. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24 in the conference room.