Earlier this month, selectmen requested a more detailed sketch of Lester Spear’s plans for the Boothbay Winter Festival scheduled during Gardens Aglow. On Oct. 27, Spear participated via teleconference regarding the holiday event featuring food trucks, crafters and Christmas tree sales. Selectmen reviewed an updated sketch presented by Spear which better depicted plans.

This is the festival’s second year, but its first on Boothbay Common. Spear told selectmen there wasn’t much to update them about and he wanted to find solutions before they became problems. Spear also reported he had lined up 12 food trucks and several crafters.

Town Manager Dan Bryer reported 89 parking spots were available. These spots were around Boothbay Common, in the municipal parking lot, post office and Clifford Park. This led to a brief discussion on primary and secondary parking for the event.

In other action, Bryer reported on the YMCA sidewalk construction’s resumption. Ranger Construction of Fairfield began preparing Route 27 for installing a sidewalk running from the Y to Pinkham’s Market. Bryer did note one change. Due to increased costs, the project won’t include conduit. At first, the project sponsored by Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Y planned on including conduit so street lights could be added in the future. “Prices are higher than expected and it couldn’t be covered in the budget so there is no conduit,” he said.

Bryer expects sidewalk paving to begin soon.  He also reported on the Gaecklein Road project. Bryer said paving was dependent upon the weather being warm enough. Chairman Dale Harmon predicted Gaecklein Road paving could continue as late as Thanksgiving Day. 

Selectmen appointed two alternates, Mike Thompson and Lucien Laurie Jr., to fill unexpired terms on the planning board.

Selectmen meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 in the municipal conference room.