Southport selectmen finished a self-evaluation survey Aug. 31 as part of joining the Community Resilience Partnership, a program administered by the Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation and the Future. The program helps municipalities implement strategic priorities identified in Maine’s Climate Action Plan, “Maine Won’t Wait!”  Shri Verrill of Sunrise Ecological, LLC of Boothbay is working as a service provider helping Southport, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor enroll in the Community Resilience Partnership.

During the Aug. 31 board meeting, Verrill helped selectmen complete the self-evaluation. Survey questions included “What are two things the town is doing well?” Selectman Smith Climo, one of four Southport Climate Team members, answered: “We have installed a solar array and LED lights.”

Another survey question was, “What are two areas that could be improved in the short-term?” Selectmen answered upgrading the energy efficiency of appliances in the municipal buildings and planting a vegetable garden. Southport previously finished the community action list which is also a program requirement.

Besides Climo, other Climate Team members are Leigh Sherill, Claire Tomlin and new member Kathy Jacobs. The team met following the selectmen’s meeting and has two more meetings planned for September. The Community Resilience Partnership application is due either late winter or early spring, according to Verrill. 

In other action, selectmen began seeking pole permits for placing banners honoring local veterans this fall. The Charles E. Sherman American Legion Post 36 in Boothbay is honoring local veterans from World War II to present by placing 2.5 foot-by-5-foot banners emblazoned with their photographs this November. 

The post is working on a project which would display large posters of servicemen in prominent locations in all four peninsula towns. The post received permission from all four selectboards. Chairman Gerry Gamage said the town is seeking pole permits from Central Maine Power and Consolidated Communications to hang the banners for the first three weeks of November.

Selectmen also approved a town hall rental request. Friends of the Southport Historical Society will rent the hall Oct. 2 for a luncheon. The society is honoring all their summer volunteers. Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 in the municipal building.