Southport Selectman Gerry Gamage is working toward clearing up a misconception regarding the town's pesticide spraying ordinance. In 1973, the town approved an ordinance which prohibited roadside spraying. But recently some contractors had concerns about spraying lawns. 

Resident Nancy Spinney wrote to the selectboard asking for clarification. April 30, Gamage acknowledged the ordinance only dealt with roadside spraying. "I will contact the Maine Pesticide Board who will spread the word that our ordinance only deals with roadside spraying and contractors are allowed to spray home lawns," Gamage said during the weekly selectboard meeting. 

In other action, selectmen contracted with Pine State Elevator to perform the annual Southport Memorial Library elevator inspection. Gamage will schedule an appointment with the firm and send the proper documentation along with a fee to the state. "We will receive a certificate, and be all set for another year," Gamage said. 

Selectmen received correspondence from the Portland law firm Preti Flaherty about assuming Southport's municipal legal services. Last month, Jensen & Baird notified the town about their decision to no longer deal with municipal clients. "We won't act on the (Preti Flaherty) request because we already have a new firm," Gamage said. The new firm is Bergen & Parkinson of Kennebunk. The firm's lawyer for the town is Gregory Braun.

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 in the town hall.