In December, selectmen instituted a moratorium on renting Boothbay Common. Selectmen wanted more specific language for governing rental use regarding for- and non-profit requests. In November, Boothbay Winter Festival featured food trucks catering to Gardens Aglow traffic. Selectmen received mixed comments on the inaugural event. Town officials hoped to have a better use policy by March to clarify guidelines.

Selectmen discussed a new policy during their two February board meetings. On Feb. 23, selectmen reached a decision for short-term events which don’t charge admission. But a policy for events lasting three or more days or that charge admission will take at least one more meeting. 

For events lasting one to two days without an admission fee, there is no change. The town manager will continue to schedule Boothbay Common events and charge a refundable $150 deposit. But after two discussions, there was no consensus on a policy for groups renting for three or more consecutive days or who charged an admission fee.

Selectmen wanted to at least create a new policy by March so legacy events like the Boothbay Civic Association, Boothbay Farmers’ Market Association and craft fairs could plan summer events. Selectman Chuck Cunningham originally proposed a policy which separated short- and long-term events.  He wanted to continue the current policy for small events where the town manager scheduled events. But for larger ones, lasting more than three consecutive days, he proposed selectmen would approve those requests. 

Selectman Desiree Scorcia proposed “clarifying” Cunningham’s motion by allowing the town manager to schedule all events traditionally held on the common except for Boothbay Winter Festival and an antique show. Both events had charged an admission in the past with an intent to make a contribution to a local non-profit. Cunningham objected to her proposal because he didn’t want a policy “singling out a group.”

But Scorcia believed that was the motion’s intent. “But that’s exactly what this is doing. This only impacts Lester (Spear) and antique show,” she said. Selectmen tabled acting on a new policy for events lasting longer than three days or charging admission, The board requested Town Manager Dan Bryer develop an application which specifically dealt with for-profit rental requests.

During the public forum, residents had a mixed reaction on potential policy changes impacting Boothbay Winter Festival. Gail McPhee supported a more restrictive approach to common rentals. McPhee told selectmen she didn’t think the common was a good site for the festival. She specifically didn’t like the lighted “Eat Here” and restroom signs. “I’m a resident. I live here. This is (our) common,” she said. 

Lester Spear promoted Boothbay Winter Festival which ran in conjunction with Gardens Aglow and Boothbay Lights from Nov. 20 to Jan. 1. He reported the event drew people to Boothbay. “People from away loved it,” he said. “The event also benefited 14 local businesses and nearly 40 employees who live in Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor.”

In other action, selectmen heard from three non-profit organizations seeking larger municipal contributions for Fiscal Year 23. Boothbay Region Health Center requested $10,000, $3,000 above this year’s contribution. Board President Patty Seybold reported the center had 2,330 office visits compared to last year’s 1,700. “We’re asking for more to fill the gap in unreimbursed fees. Our care is a really good value and convenient for both residents and visitors,” she said. 

Boothbay Region Ambulance Service requested $433,516.44, a $91,000 increase. Board President Rob Ham reported the service is still struggling with several factors, but the major one in the 26.69% increase is the continuing labor shortage. The service is offering higher pay and enhanced benefits to attract a dwindling workforce. 

“The increase is mostly for wages and benefits. We only have three full-time positions, and the rest are per diem workers. We’re trying to attract more staff with better pay and benefits,” he said.  

Ham also reported the lower projected revenues also played a factor in the request. 

Boothbay Region Cemetery District requested $17,000, up $2,000 from last year. The district maintains 11 local graveyards. Trustee Kim Pinkham reported higher maintenance costs and labor fees resulted in the increased request. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 in the conference room.