Boothbay Harbor Town Manager Julia Latter told selectmen May 24, the town has entered into a contract with Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission for a study on housing. The town was approved by Lincoln County Commissioners to spend $9,181 for the study which will analyze housing conditions and trends including municipal codes, state housing records, real estate and rental records.

“It had to wait to go before Lincoln County Commissioners,” Latter said. “So (LCRPC) is on the ground working and we'll proceed with … meetings according to the outline of the deliverables, and meetings (between) the planning board and board of selectmen to gather information and get clear direction …”

Funds for meters with credit card readers were put in last year's budget to replace the Howard Street and Oak Street meters, but prices have gone up over the past year and a half, said Latter. “We did budget $15,058 and I am asking you to approve a purchase of $19,517.50.”

Latter said funds from the capital budget account will make up for the price increase. Parking prices will not be going up and change will still be accepted by the meters, but use of a credit card will have a fee yet to be determined, she said. Selectmen voted unanimously in favor. Installation should be finished in June.

Selectmen unanimously granted liquor license and special amusement license renewals for Taka Mediterranean Bar and Grill and Boothbay Lobster Wharf; a liquor license renewal for Cabbage Island Clambakes and a new liquor license for Craft Kitchen and Tavern; two new victualers licenses for Craft Kitchen and Tavern and Hometown Convenience; and an outdoor event license for Harbor Theater’s Movie Night in the Meadow Mall parking lot.

Latter said there are three open seats on the board of appeals, one on the budget committee and one alternate seat on the port committee. With annual appointments on June 14, Latter encouraged the public to seek out an application on the town website, request one by mail, or stop at the town office and ask for one.

Town office services will remain by appointment only and restrooms closed to the public, Latter said. However, changes to those policies will be reassessed, she said. Restrooms at the Fish Pier, Whale Park, Barrett's Park and Maddocks building are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The town office will be closed on Memorial Day, May 31 and will open for normal hours June 1.