Traffic at the U.S. Route One intersection of Cross and Cochran roads will become more intelligent by year's end. Edgecomb entered into a contract March 4 with Maine Department  of Transportation to install a smart traffic light system. The new system blinks when traffic is light and is solid red during denser times. 

Selectmen voted, 2-1, to enter into a deal with MaineDOT to adopt a more modern traffic light system. Last year, MaineDOT reported the project had an estimated $300,000 cost with a projected completion date by year's end. Under the agreement, Edgecomb is responsible for annual maintenance costs.

Selectmen Lynn Norgang and George Chase supported the proposal. Chairman Michael Maxim opposed it. "I thought the DOT should  pay for all the costs so I voted against it," he wrote in a March 7 email.

In other action, selectmen discussed establishing a capital reserve account for future budgets. In recent meetings, selectmen discussed creating a capital reserve account with the budget committee. The school committee and fire department already have capital reserves for buses and trucks.

"This is something we need to address with the budget committee. Maybe this could be something they could work on after this budget season," Maxim said.

Selectmen planned on discussing creating a capital reserve account during their March 7 meeting with the budget committee. 

Selectmen finalized the town meeting voting schedule. The school budget hearing will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 in Edgecomb Eddy School. The municipal town referendum will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. in the town hall. 

Muscongus Oyster Co. received municipal approval to seek an experimental lease at its Ring Point facility. Company officials told selectmen their current standard lease is about to expire. With town approval, MOC will now submit an application for an experimental lease to the Department of Marine Resources. 

Selectmen made a decision about the town report's dedication and the town's nominee for the "Spirit of America" award. Maxim said the official announcement for both decisions would be made after the town report's publication. Norgang said, "The two nominations are excellent selections."

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 in the conference room.