A resident has complained to Maine Department of Transportation and more recently to the selectboard about Southport Swing Bridge. On July 22, Southport selectmen received an email from Debrah Yale. In her email to MaibeDOT, Southport selectmen and over a dozen Southport and Boothbay Harbor residents, Yale requested noise mitigation at the bridge.

In the email, she cited the bells ringing non-stop for 10 minutes July 19. "The current operation of the bridge and its associated alert systems is disruptive to the community (and) abutting property owners, and must be addressed," she wrote.

In the email, Yale provided examples of the bridge's alleged disruptive actions. She wrote "the bell doesn't need to ring for one minute, 48 seconds after the gate is secured in the down position. At that point, the light is already flashing, and all three traffic signals are red."

She said the bell shouldn't continue ringing for two minutes as the gate returns to an upright position. The use of airhorns by bridge staff every time a boat passes is "excessive and unnecessary," and the new traffic light casts a green glow that affects several homes on the east shore at night, Yale said. She asked that state and local officials hold a meeting to address her concerns.

"Neighbors are deeply concerned , with some even willing to travel from out-of-town to attend a meeting to resolve this matter," she wrote. "We request this issue receive prompt attention and that a community meeting be scheduled as soon as possible to discuss options."

Chairman Gerry Gamage reported the bells ring at 34 decibels. In their response, selectmen advised Yale and other concerned parties the board meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. and "they could either just show up or make an appointment."

In other action, selectmen took no action on a MaineDOT request regarding Pratt's Island Bridge. Gamage reported a state inspection discovered the bridge had no west end guard rail. "The bridge is privately owned, we have nothing to do with it," he said. "What they don't know is the town owns the east approach and the west is owned by the Pratt's Island Association."

Selectmen approved a special liquor license for Southport General Store. July 26, the store is hosting a 30th anniversary celebration for Dogfish Head Brewery. Selectmen approved a town hall rental for Boothbay resident Rebecca McDuff for Nov. 7 and 8 for a baby shower.

Selectmen received a request to trim bushes on Nickerson Road. Gamage received a call from Joanna Edwards to "please trim this back for the safety of dog walker, etc.," said Gamage.

Selectmen appointed Dimzie McBride as a planning board alternate member. Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 30.