May 11, Boothbay Harbor selectmen announced that Garrett French is resigning as shellfish warden and is switching from a full-time to a reserve officer position at Boothbay Harbor Police Department. Applications for French’s former positions and a variety of others are on the town website.  

“We look forward to the opportunities that present him in the future, and we do wish him well (and) thanks for all that he's done,” said Chair Mike Tomko.  

Selectmen discussed Boothbay Harbor stepping down as the lead town for the regional shellfish committee due to its lack of active clam diggers and open flats. As other towns are not eager to take on the responsibility, Town Manager Julia Latter plans to write to the Department of Marine Resources commissioners about the situation.

In other business, selectmen voted Latter as interim code enforcement officer (CEO) and authorized her to search for a new interim CEO and/or licensed plumbing inspector.  

They also voted to change their meeting time to 5 p.m. Boothbay Harbor Town Office will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day. The selectmen’s meeting is rescheduled for 5 p.m. May 26. 

Latter gave an update on the partnership with Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for the Whale Park garden redesign project, which includes the removal of invasives in favor of native Maine species. The project costs $8,639 for planting and labor. Installation is June 7.  

During the approval of licenses, Selectman Mark Gimbel shared citizen concerns he'd received about the sidewalk and road congestion on Commercial Street during the queue outside Red Cup Coffeehouse. The business does not allow walk-ins and uses a takeout window. The board felt it did not have any recourse as it is a public safety concern, not an issue with business operations. They asked Latter to share with Red Cup that concerns were expressed.

The Boothbay Register has sought any comment from Red Cup.

New member Evan Hepburn was welcomed to the board. Tomko was reelected chair, and Kenneth Rayle as vice chair.

There is a comprehensive plan meeting on May 28, and a virtual public workshop June 15.The link is on the town website.