Summer travel in a resort town is difficult, but this year’s will be worse due to several Boothbay road projects. Town Manager Dan Bryer updated selectmen about Maine Department of Transportation’s $10.7 million, Route 27 project which begins in July and is expected to make an already hectic construction season worse. 

During the March 13 selectmen’s meeting, Bryer recounted information he received from Boothbay Region Water District’s meeting with MaineDOT officials about project details.

MaineDOT officials recently met with BRWD Trustees about project details. Reconstruction begins in Edgecomb this July, and continues along Route 27 into Boothbay. At first, the completion date was this fall, but Selectman Dale Harmon, who works for BRWD, said the project would extend into next year.

Bryer said the project would likely coincide with several road projects already underway: Country Club and Butler roads, King Phillips Trail and Shore Road. “With all the projects, I’m going to have to find all my re-routing directions dating back to the roundabout for navigating around town,” Bryer said.

But a potential lengthy traffic problem in the midst of tourist season isn’t a joking matter for Chairman Chuck Cunningham. He was frustrated  MaineDOT hadn’t included town officials in their plans. “It’s coming, and it’s not perfect, but I wish they could’ve provided us with some sort of timeline,” he said. “My complaint isn’t that they are doing it, but they’re making plans which impact a lot of people.”

Bryer added residents could send suggestions and concerns to MaineDOT via a link on its website. 

In other action, resident Bruce Bowler asked about the board’s policy on posting agendas. Bowler is a member of the planning board, which posts its agendas on the municipal website and advertises in the Boothbay Register. “I checked the (town’s) website, and the last selectboard agenda was in 2022. I’m wondering why?”

Bryer responded the reason was a lack of manpower. The business and code office had recently undergone personnel changes resulting in selectboard agendas not being placed on the website. “Timing is also an issue for the newspaper. We’d have to place an ad two weeks prior to the meeting, but that would mean we could no longer add any new items on the Friday or Monday prior to the meeting,” he said. 

Previously, there was a full-time code enforcement officer and one part-time assistant. Now, both are part-time. “We’re trying to get the assistant her LPI (licensed plumbing inspector) certification so we’re trying not to throw too much at her. I’m also trying to get my LPI license back to lighten the load,” Bryer said. 

In time, Bryer believed selectboard agendas would begin appearing on the website. Agendas are now posted in the municipal building’s hall. Municipal officials will also consider placing agendas on the town’s Facebook page.

The Little League field is likely to be fully equipped by the week of March 18. Bryer reported bleachers Boothbay Civic Association donated were assembled and ready for placement. A utility building donated by the Rotary Club is ready for placement in the parking lot. Foul poles, distance signs and a flag pole will be installed the week of March 18.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 in the conference room.