As Jim Cosgrove's first meeting at the head of the selectmen’s table neared its end, he announced he had something to give to Damariscotta Town Manager Matt Lutkus.

On Wednesday, July 2 Cosgrove, who was recently elected as a write-in candidate for selectman in Damariscotta, gave Lutkus the paper envelope familiar to frequent downtown parkers: the fee envelope for parking violations.

“I was downtown with an open spot in front of me, an open spot on either side and I still got ticketed,” he said. “The satellite parking spots aren't an option for me, or my employees.”

Cosgrove, who owns Newcastle Square Realty, said that unlike retail store employees, the employees at his business need to be able to come and go often, and parking at one of the satellite offices wouldn't work.

“I don't know if a parking pass is the answer,” he said. “Or, and I don't mean to denigrate anyone here, but another solution might be more common-sense enforcement.”

Cosgrove said he and his employees have been receiving tickets for parking in the downtown area when there are no other alternatives.

Cosgrove said he would like the issue to be added to future board agendas to see if a solution could arise.

“I understand that (in the municipal parking lot) we want traffic to keep moving, but I'd like to see the board alleviate (the problem),” he said.

Compounding the enforcement is the raised price: a parking ticket in Damariscotta used to cost $10, but currently cost $25 per violation.

The board will take the issue up at a later date, but something should be done, said newly-elected Board Chairman Ronn Orenstein.

“We have to make sure everyone is a little happier,” he said.

But, the problem in the end might be a good one to have, as fewer open spots mean more people visiting Damariscotta, Cosgrove said.

“I have to say: having a parking problem is a really good thing for the town,” he said.