The footbridge closure and what that means to Boothbay Harbor commerce and tradition dominated the Oct. 12 selectmen’s meeting.

As was previously reported, the 115-year old bridge was closed when Public Works Director Chris Leeman and Fire Chief Nick Upham discovered significant rot in some of the joists under the swing span. Acting on the advice of a representative from Prock Marine, access was blocked and the bridge was shut down to foot traffic.

Town Manager Thomas Woodin said he, along with Upham and Leeman, agree with Baker Design Consultants, Inc. of Freeport, Maine regarding the repairs. “We build the same structure as we have now. It will not swing, unless the public decides otherwise,” Woodin said, adding that the bridge will maintain its present design, allowing boats, kayaks, and other watercraft to pass beneath. The town will work with code enforcement, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the U.S. Coast Guard regarding repair design development to solicit public bids on the project.

“The project timeline is not as quick as we would like,” said Woodin. “We will perform a regulatory review in November, choose a final design in December, and construction will take place during January and February 2017.” The project is estimated at $19,000; the town’s Undesignated Fund has $2 million in it.

Selectman Mike Tomko asked if the bridge could be opened for the holidays. “Could it be shored up so it could be used for the Festival of Lights in December? The Three Kings use it to cross over to the Catholic Church during the festival.”

“We might be able to construct a temporary aluminum walkway that would rise up and over the actual bridge,” said Woodin. “But we need to build something that won’t touch the span. It’s already compromised from the rot underneath. I’m willing to throw out the idea to see if it’s feasible.”

Several of those present urged Woodin look into the matter. Audience member Deborah Yale said, “We’re trying to promote commerce here. It would help if the bridge could be shored up for the Festival of Lights and the holiday season.”

On another matter concerning the footbridge repair, Tomko said he had been approached about restoring the swing in the swing span during repairs.

Audience member Bruce Engert, citing the Maine/Massachusetts Fish, Fowl, and Navigation Statute dating back to the 1600s, said, “We looked at this during my tenure on the board. I don’t think you can shut the bridge down. By taking the swing out of the bridge, that’s exactly what you’re doing.”

Allan Miller, who owns the bridge house on the footbridge, suggested the damaged spans be towed on a barge to the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard. “They can use the iron again. It’s a landmark, and once landmarks are compromised, they are never the same.”

George Friant added, “We opened that bridge by hand during the 1980s. To block it off is foolish and short-sighted. We should put back whatever was there.”

Selectmen’s Chairman Denise Griffin closed the footbridge discussion by saying, “It is unfortunate the footbridge has been closed, but it’s fortunate there were no accidents.”

Selectman Russell Hoffman moved that Woodin authorize Baker Design Consultants to go forward with this effort for a not-to-exceed $19,000 cost. The motion was seconded and passed.

In other business, Woodin announced that the Christmas lights have arrived for the Festival of Lights. He also said Upham has volunteered to fill the vacant Shellfish Warden position.

Woodin mentioned that Eddie Tibbetts, operator of Atlantic Edge Lobster, 71 Atlantic Avenue, wants to extend his lease there for another year, understanding that when the lease is up, the building, which has been declining in spite of repairs, will have to be rebuilt from the ground up. “We might look into replacing the building. Eddie would like to do one more calendar year and see where the town is going after that.” The board voted to extend the lease.

When the meeting was given over to public forum, the subject of building a seawall near the footbridge came up.

Bob Maroon said, “Last fall we approached the board regarding the seawall. Can be it on the docket in March for a vote? A lot of townspeople are for it.”

Selectman Wendy Wolf said, “We need to revisit where we were with the DEP assessment conversation regarding this subject. We were enthusiastic about it. It makes sense to look at it holistically.”