The Joint Economic Development Committee and future collaboration between towns was the subject of discussion for Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor selectmen June 13. Former JEDC co-chair Wendy Wolf kicked the meeting off with a hopeful nudge to where the boards ended their last meeting: Who takes the reins on implementing the economic development and action plan matrix?

Wolfe said that after the plans were created, the JEDC met sporadically and then not at all, and members feel their charge has been completed. On the other hand, much work has been developing elsewhere, noted Wolf: Extension of shoulder season with Boothbay Lights, broadband, housing, east side zoning changes and expansion of public access, footbridge work and a historic buildings and sites inventory. Workforce housing and wayfinding in particular are action items which are nearly tangible now, added Wolf.

She said the question now is, if the towns should continue formal collaboration and, if so, how?

Boothbay Selectman Kristina Ford said collaboration happens when each party feels there is something for them to gain. Using broadband and workforce housing as examples, Ford said smaller projects now gaining traction may owe success to the JEDC, but ultimately individuals’ interest provided momentum.

“Should we continue having a formal agreement to promote collaboration,” Ford asked. “I don't see that as necessary … The working together will continue while we work together because we've seen what happens when we do. There's nothing more than that you could want.”

Wolf mentioned former Lincoln County Planner Bob Faunce’s sentiment that the JEDC was the first time he had really seen the two towns working together collaboratively and that a formal agreement could focus attention purposely.

“It's too easy for each town to do their thing without us being forced in some ways to talk about what we're doing together and make sure that we are informing each other with plans and strategies that are important for the region,” said Wolf.

The question of the evening sparked further questions, and summoned ideas and suggestions. New Boothbay Selectman Desiree Scorcia suggested the boards might consider committees for each of the six goals, and chairs to lead the groups and report back to a JEDC 2.0 type of committee. Boothbay Harbor Selectman Denise Griffin suggested Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor at least commit to meeting semi-annually and Ford proposed a quarterly check-in.

New Boothbay Harbor Selectman Ken Fitch said most people he has talked to have said continued collaboration is a must for all the towns because most of the issues are inherently regional. That is why he would suggest pulling Southport and Edgecomb into the mix.

Said Fitch, “I always believed that you have to have some sort of structure to force people to continue to work together. If you don't, it just dissipates. It may be clumsy and it may take more time, but I think it's worth it whatever you want to call it.”

Boothbay Harbor Chair Mike Tomko said the real challenge for both towns seems to have always been a lack of a staff planner, someone who can maintain momentum on efforts while providing true accountability.

Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer suggested quarterly meetings between all four boards would be helpful, but cautioned that if any issue is going to be addressed, it will start with a champion of the cause. “You have to find that person who really believes in whatever issue this is, and they are out there … Then make that an appointed position and during quarterly meetings, they tell the boards 'Here’s what we've done, here's where we're at.'”

Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission’s Mary Ellen Barnes strongly suggested a continuation of a new, officially appointed group. Barnes also said when it becomes necessary, she can drop in to help with some of the funding challenges the towns and new committee may run into. “I do think a newly appointed committee is going to continue to carry on that message and help guide it.”

Ford said her frame of mind is “nothing ventured, nothing gained,” so she wants to try something, but she has not heard so far what that should be.

Both boards agreed to meet again in the coming weeks after reflecting on the evening’s discussion.