Boothbay Harbor selectmen passed four proposed ordinances on to public hearing March 9. The long-debated, reviewed and vetted language makes changes or establishes rules for port regulation definitions, mobile food vending, blasting and subdivisions. Selectmen are also proposing language that increases a departmental maximum expenditure from $5,000 to $10,000.

After months of research and review, the planning board passed language on to selectmen that more clearly defines terms such as “mooring” and “float” which board members said was needed for the port committee and harbor master to better enforce harbor rules.

New rules on mobile food vending restrict the use to the downtown business and general business districts and private property and creates a new use in the land use table. Also, the code enforcement officer could grant temporary permits for non-profit statewide or regional civic events to operate on public property. Previous language specified the temporary permits would allow vendors to operate in “occasional nature.” Selectmen struck the phrase due to redundancy.

The blasting ordinance is a foundation for future regulations should need arise, said CEO Geoff Smith. The proposed language establishes rules on notifying neighbors and the general public and for a minimum amount of insurance of $1 million on the part of the contractor.

Finally, a change to subdivision language clarifies the method of measuring a 200-foot setback from any waterfront. Said Smith, “It was confusing and the goal is to clarify what was intended by laying out the 200-foot measurement and 10 additional feet, so we've added some language there which we hope gives people a better understanding of what to expect during the process and what they need to reserve for a subdivision.”

Selectmen are proposing changing the threshold allowing foregoing of bidding requirements for contracts for supplies, contractual services and improvements from the current $5,000 to $10,000. In the past few years, the board has discussed the roadblocks that can occur due to the requirement of putting relatively small purchases before selectmen, said Tomko. Town Manager Julia Latter said the $5,000 maximum has been in place since before she began working in the town office over 20 years ago.

Selectmen approved the amendments to go to public hearing at 6:30 p.m. March 23.

Footbridge

Latter announced the town has a study on the footbridge from Gartley and Dorsky Engineering and Surveying of Camden. The firm was charged with three tasks to back up previous studies conducted by Baker Design Consultants: Determine the structural integrity of the substructure, confirm crossbracing as sound and identify pilings to be replaced. G&D reviewed Baker’s 2016 report and confirmed the existing substructure is sound. G&D performed two site inspections and reviewed piling borings conducted by board chair Mike Tomko, Smith and Nick Upham. Those showed the structure to be sound, in need of minimal piling replacements, and that the existing substructure would have the life expectancy of a replacement superstructure. 

“It is reasonable and practical to proceed with the plan of maintaining the substructure, piles and bracing and replace the superstructure caps, decking and railings,” Latter said quoting the G&D report. 

Tomko suggested the board schedule a workshop after doing a full review of the G&D report. “This is good news … In general, we've got good crossbracing and a majority of the pilings are in good shape … Obviously we want to address the areas that appear to be deficient. We want to be able to do the improvements in order to take advantage of the SHIP grant that we received …”

Other announcements

The lone bid for publication of the 2019 annual town report came in from Lincoln County Publishing at $6,560, about $60 over budget, Latter said. With no others received, selectmen approved it unanimously.

Selectmen renewed liquor licenses for Topside Inn and Mine Oyster and a special amusement license for Mine Oyster. 

The broadband committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. April 6 in the Boothbay Harbor town office.