As work to meet the state’s LD2003 requirements continues, the Boothbay Harbor Selectboard expressed interest Sept. 9 in voter input. Town Manager Julia Latter said the town will schedule a public hearing for Oct. 8. 

“I think the public piece is a big, big deal,” said Alyssa Allen. She later added, “I just think (voters) should see the work that's gone into it just to weigh in.” 

The deadline to meet the state’s LD2003 requirements is July 1, but the selectboard still has work to do including the hearing, legal review and holding a public vote. Selectmen also discussed the possibility of two public hearings. They considered focusing one hearing on educating people about LD2003, how it applies to the town and where the town has control over ordinance language to comply with the law. Selectmen said another could be more focused on gathering input from voters. 

Selectmen came to a consensus on some of the draft language for proposed ordinances. They agreed an accessory dwelling unit should be defined as having a maximum 800 square-foot living area, and it should be rented out for a minimum of four months.    

“The goal is to create long term housing (stock),” Allen said.  

Selectman Ken Rayle added, the town is largely a seasonal town for the summer months and the ordinance language should acknowledge that. “I think part of the character of our town is this whole seasonal essence and workers that come in temporarily,” he said. The season is four to five months, he said. 

Selectmen expect consultants from North Star Planning will provide draft language as part of the firm’s contract to craft ordinances to help deal with the town’s housing issues and stay in compliance with the state law. However, they expect changes as the process continues.

“I think whatever number we choose, we're going to receive a lot of feedback,” said Chair Mike Tomko.  

In other business, Tomko said he met with Rayle, Latter and a lighting firm about footbridge lighting, which has had complications since the bridge renovations in 2023. Tomko said they plan to change the lights to something more resilient to weather damage and less complicated. He said changes could include downward facing lights to focus on the walkway and lessen light pollution.  

In her report, Latter announced that Harbor Master Bill Hunt submitted a letter of resignation. She said Hunt will stay on until a replacement is found for the seasonal job. In July, the selectboard approved Hunt for harbor master.

“He’s been great out on the water. I've heard nothing but compliments,” Latter said, noting Hunt has an “excellent offer” from another employer.  

In financial business, Latter presented a report showing June through August parking revenue, including fines, is up more than 23% from last year. According to the report, the town collected $165,555 in 2024 parking revenue compared to $134,364 in 2023; in 2022, the town collected $178,880.

Police Chief Doug Snyder said he has not fully reviewed the data for an analysis and parking changes, but plans to deliver a report in the fall. “I will constantly tweak and make changes to the program based on lessons learned from the prior year. For example, we had nine long-term parking spaces, and there were too many spots. So, I will take away a few of them,” he said.