Southport selectmen reviewed three proposals Feb. 2 for resuming Cozy Harbor Dockside’s eatery. Jennie Mitchell, who owns Brady’s Pub in Boothbay Harbor and grew up in Southport, submitted a proposal, as did Andrew G. Hawke, but selectmen unanimously chose Michael Nguyen’s and Louise Monroe’s bid.

Nguyen worked at the restaurant for the two previous managements. He described his vision as serving “meat and potatoes” for lunch and dinner. Nguyen told selectmen he would follow the successful pattern of past operators. “I know what sells and doesn’t sell,” he said. “I want to make it a place for family fun and serving Maine fare, and oh yes, the ice cream window will be back, too.” The lessees also planned to serve beer and wine.

Nguyen and Monroe proposed $3,000 per month rental from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekends. The duo included a three-year commitment. Selectmen accepted their proposal after amending the terms by reducing rent to $2,500 per month, and making their commitment a yearly one for three years. “No question in my mind you two are the right candidate,” Selectman Gerry Gamage said. 

Mitchell’s bid proposal would have operated from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day. Her menu would have included breakfast and, later in the season, weekend dinner and Sunday brunch. She proposed paying $100 per month and all utilities, insurances and  licenses. The town would have been responsible for septic and docks and floats’ placement and removal.  

Hawke proposed establishing a seasonal family restaurant. He explained his family spent years on Christmas Cove. He described Cozy Harbor as a perfect spot for a restaurant. Hawke had no experience as a restaurateur, but envisioned his place “benefiting everyone.” He planned on serving lunch and dinner and a brunch either on Saturdays or Sundays. 

His bid included $2,500 per month for six months pending a liquor license. He wanted to work with fishermen to serve haddock, lobster rolls and oysters. Other meals included specialty burgers, sandwiches, Taco Tuesdays and Pizza Fridays.

In other action, Axiom Technologies, LLC CEO Mark Ouellette updated selectmen on the $1.9 million municipal fiber optic project. He reported signups reached 117 with nine others pending. “About 125 signups means we’re right where we want to be,” he said. “This is good steady progress especially with spring coming, and seasonal residents returning.”

Town officials have targeted 300 subscribers as the financial break even point for bringing 100% high-speed broadband access to the community. 

The project’s completion is expected in late November or December. Ouellette believes this is a reachable goal with cooperation by Central Maine Power and Consolidated Communications. Southport’s broadband project needs both companies’ help in the permitting and line installation. “The permits aren’t that big of a challenge. It’s inspecting the poles to see if they can handle the added lines. That’s where everything might get held up,” he said. 

Gamage is not optimistic about the state’s largest power company’s dependability. “CMP is reliable as nothing at all,” he said.

Ouellette explained CMP could prove to be a major asset. He said CMP and CCI are understaffed and have several projects in progress. “It’s a pretty antiquated process which isn't efficient. Plus, an ongoing labor shortage is also a factor, but we’re still in a good place and CMP may end up being a real good partner.” 

Previously, Ouellette reported obtaining a state broadband grant was unlikely, but he has since changed his mind. The state will divvy up $16 million this spring and a second round of grants in the fall. Selectmen granted him approval to work with town office administrator Ashlea Tibbetts in submitting the application. “By applying it gets us into the process, and we’ll understand how our application is scored which may benefit us in round two,” he said. 

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 in the town hall.