The joint economic development meetings between Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor selectmen are off to a strong start. The two boards have met only twice, but the neighboring towns are already discussing forming a joint economic development committee.

The two boards want to combine forces to form an economic partnership similar to the one created by Lewiston and Auburn.

The two select boards met on Sept. 23, and the Boothbay selectmen were pleased to report the discussion centered on creating a joint economic development committee. The boards believe the “Sister City” concept employed by Lewiston and Auburn would fit the two Midcoast communities.

The Twin Cities joint venture is the central economic development agency for the two municipalities. The committee works closely with clients providing technical support, commercial financing, site research assistance, and marketing.

On Sept. 23, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor boards agreed to move forward on a memorandum of understanding forming a joint economic development committee.

The two towns are working with the Lincoln County Regional Planning Office in developing the memorandum.

Selectman Steven Lewis said the Lewiston-Auburn model was an appropriate one to follow.

“It doesn’t really matter if a business comes to Boothbay or Boothbay Harbor,” Lewis said. “The peninsula as a whole is going to benefit. The Lewiston-Auburn concept is a fitting one because we’re both sister towns.”

The two boards will hold their third economic development meeting at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 21 in the Boothbay Harbor municipal building.

Other business

In other action, Town Manager James Chaousis reported progress on convening a joint meeting with Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and community school district officials to discuss the charter. Chaousis reported a workshop session scheduled for Oct. 7 to work on “some perceived issues” with the charter.

Chaousis will join Boothbay Harbor Town Manager Thomas Woodin and Superintendent of Schools Eileen King in the workshop.

Chaousis expects administrators to create a study group comprised of elected leaders to further review the charter.

The Boothbay Selectmen hope a review will result in modernizing the charter’s language.

According to Selectman Lewis, the charter hasn’t changed much since it was enacted in 1954.  One immediate change he’d like to make is increase how much the CSD can set aside to purchase a school bus. The charter limits $12,500 limit per year for school bus purchases.

“That’s the one really sticking in my mind,” Lewis said. “School buses cost up to $100,000, and limiting only $12,500 per year really ties their hands. The charter just hasn’t kept up with the times.”

Chaousis also announced the Back Narrows Road would be closed to through traffic from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3. The road will be open on both the north and south end for residential traffic only. Through traffic will be closed due to a culvert replacement.

The selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8.