Update: The public hearing will be live streamed. The Select Board has arranged for the public to safely participate in the March 23 public hearing by remote access. Note that public participants will not be permitted to attend this meeting in person in order to comply with the Governor’s ban.

The Select Board will allow the submission of public comments via video-conference. Individuals submitting comments this way will need to state their name and legal place of residence.

Comments on the proposed ordinances may also be submitted electronically to the Town Manager jlatter@boothbayharbor.org prior to 6 p.m.on March 23.

To participate in the hearing remotely, please register online beforehand. Connecting by computer:You may be required to download the Zoom app in order to connect. This is free, and easy to use. Make sure to log in a few minutes early to ensure you can connect. Using your computer, go to https://zoom.us/j/235450567Meeting ID: 235 450 567.

Connecting by phone: •Pubic participants can use their mobile phones using the number below: (929) 205-6099,235450567#

•If you are using a regular phone, please dial the phone number (929) 205-6009, and you will be asked to enter the Meeting ID number (235450567) followed by the # sign. Questions about the public meeting should be directed to Town Manager, Julia Latter.  

Original post: Selectmen will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. March 23 in the town office to review five ordinance changes which will be voted on at the May 2 annual town meeting. Two changes would amend the land use code: clarification of subdivision setbacks and restriction of mobile food vending to private property in the downtown business and general business districts. Three changes will include amending town code: updating the $5,000 limit to $10,000 for contracts for supplies, services and improvements; updating port regulations definitions (“mooring” and “float”) and establishing “safety guidelines and rules”; and enacting a new chapter (Chapter 77) for blasting, specifically notification for blasting and a minimum insurance policy of $1 million.

Town Manager Julia Latter said due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Janet Mills’ directive to keep gatherings to a maximum of 50 people, selectmen are arranging different ways to hold the hearing so residents can participate. The hearing will be live-streamed by Boothbay Region Television (Channel 1301), comments can be submitted via conference call and questions or comments can be submitted by email before 6 p.m. on March 23.

Latter said the public is being asked not to attend the hearing if they are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms or if they have recently been to an area outbreaks have occurred in the past two weeks. Audience seating will be spaced six feet apart per Maine CDC guidelines and residents will be asked to use hand sanitizer before entering the town office. 

The annual town meeting will be at 9 a.m. May 2 in the Boothbay Region Elementary School gymnasium.