Update: On Monday, April 29, Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer told the Boothbay Register that discussions with Cody resulted in him remaining in the position to ensure the storm damage applications were completed by the deadline.

Original post: David Cody has resigned as regional emergency management agency director. Since 2021, Cody has served as director for Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport. On April 24, Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer reported Cody’s resignation. “This was an immediate resignation, and all I know is this was a personal decision,” Bryer said.

The resignation comes at a bad time for the three towns. Midcoast Maine EMA directors are in the midst of filing for federal and state disaster relief grants for recent storms that caused severe property damage. Bryer wasn’t sure if the applications were submitted as the deadline approaches. “This is something we need to know,” Bryer said. “I can get into the portal, if it hasn’t been sent and file the information. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just something which makes the deadline. More details can be added later.”

Bryer told selectmen he will contact County EMA director Maury Prentiss about whether the Boothbay region applications were submitted. Bryer shared good news about local recovery efforts stemming from the storm damage. On May 6, crews will begin paving King Phillips Trail, Shore Road and Grimes Cove. Bryer expects paving and a finish coat to be completed by mid-month. 

In other action, selectmen sent a letter expressing support for pursuing a Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant. Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor are working in conjunction toward conducting a viability assessment, developing a climate resilience plan and rolling out a community education and outreach program. Shri Verrill works with both towns as their service provider. She told selectmen if their application is accepted the two towns could receive $62,250 each for their climate resiliency plan.

In the letter, Bryer expressed the board’s support for the grant request. “Boothbay would greatly benefit from the proposed assessment and plan development. We aim to improve the community’s preparedness for extreme weather events and identify ways to reduce risks to property and public safety,” he wrote. “The assessment and resilience plan will allow us to plan for infrastructure upgrades that preserve our town’s culture and contribute to proactive climate change mitigation on a local level.”

Bryer also updated selectmen about the Clifford Park Little League field. He reported the flag and foul poles were installed. The newly delivered shed is now full of field maintenance equipment. On May 11, a special ceremony is planned to begin the Little League season. “A procession of ballplayers will walk from the common to the Clifford Park. Y Arts will perform the National Anthem and Tom Nickerson will throw out the first pitch,” Bryer said. 

In his manager’s report, Bryer said the town is interested in purchasing a used bucket truck. He told selectmen Public Works Director Mike Alley found a 13-year-old truck with 200,000-plus miles for $16,500. “With veterans and graduate banners, Windjammer Days and Christmas lights, this would be another tool in the chest,” he said. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 in the conference room.