In Boothbay Harbor Select Board Chair Wendy Wolf's absence May 29, Vice Chair Denise Griffin addressed a comment Wolf made on eminent domain at the board’s May 14 meeting. The board received feedback indicating members of the public thought the board has considered using eminent domain to obtain pieces of land for public development.

“To the best of my knowledge, the board has never talked about that,” said Griffin. "During my tenure ... that's not something the town has ever gotten involved in, but certainly the Department of Transportation and the water district do have experience in eminent domain for pieces of property or easements ... in this town and Boothbay. I just wanted to clarify that."

Boothbay Harbor resident Karen Grindall was the first to speak during public forum. Referring to the  last meeting, when residents came together to show support for a public green space on the east side of the harbor – as residents Susan and George Craig proposed in an advertisement – she said she felt it was necessary to ask how much the board knew of the purchase and sale agreement on a property of interest – Cap'n Fish's Waterfront Inn – to developer Paul Coulombe one day later.

All board members – Griffin, Mike Tomko, Russ Hoffman, and Tricia Warren – denied having any knowledge of any sale agreements between the owner of Cap'n Fish's Waterfront Inn and Coulombe.

Griffin reiterated her point from the last meeting that taking a look at the town's history of not capitalizing on possible land purchases is an important lesson to be learned. “It's very difficult to find out what other peoples' private purchase and sale agreements are. They are exactly that – private. That's the best I can tell you from my perspective.”

Responding to Grindall's concerns and addressing Susan Craig directly, Corey Tibbetts said Coulombe's purchase of Cap'n Fish's Motel was a deal that was practically done at one point.

“No offense Mrs. Craig (sic), but quite frankly, … you got the whole town riled up that we were going to do something special with this piece property in front of his people. What did you expect to happen? That night he signed that paper, I guarantee it … So, I take great offense to you giving our board a hard time about this. That had nothing to do with them.

Tibbetts later apologized to Grindall and Susan Craig for exploding at them and letting his passion for the community get the best of him.

Hoffman said the first question to come out of the board after Coulombe’s announcement was, “Does that mean he's actually closed on the property?" Hoffman also reminded the board and audience the conversation was much broader than any specific piece of property.

“Yes, that provided some motivation, but I think the energy that was generated in that discussion was that we should position ourselves to be able to move on a piece of property at some time in the future," said Hoffman.

Griffin proposed the town and its community members think outside the box on how to identify properties which would benefit from public development. Tomko suggested he and his fellow board members create a team for that.

Boothbay Harbor resident Ken Fitch warned of the "cautionary tale" of developers who have the capital to move fast on investments in a way that a residential collaborative and even towns cannot.

Boothbay Harbor resident Darrell Gudroe asked the board members how they felt about the JEDC asking Boothbay Region Television to leave the last JEDC meeting.

Griffin said she felt it was a hasty decision not likely in the right. "Public meetings are public and the media should have full access to them. That's my opinion."

Tomko said that in local government positions, people make all sorts of mistakes and it is on the individual to rise above them and “be better.”

Warren said if a meeting is public and not in executive session, it should be available to the public whether in person, reported or recorded.

Also May 30, the board granted a request from MacMahan Investments at 61 Linekin Road to build a 4' x 10' access platform, 4' x 30' access ramp, 6' x 35' pier, 3' x 50' ramp, 10' x 20' float, and a 10' x 40' float.

Tomko shared his report of the Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor selectmen’s joint workshop. It was another step for both towns to work together, said Tomko, adding that there is more work ahead for the region, but both towns appeared willing to work together. Tomko said the meeting only scratched the surface on the discussion the two towns need to have. Griffin agreed, saying another meeting is needed.

Town Manager Tom Woodin announced EMA Deputy Director Larry Omland is stepping down, but will continue to work part-time in the office.

The town website upgrade is still under development, but is looking "much more user friendly," Woodin said.

Financial officer Julia Latter said the town’s revenue and expenses, year to date, total $7,754,149.22 and $7,180,549, respectively. The total accounts payable are $103,686.97 and the bank balance is $2,810,251.31. Latter said the town has collected 98.54 percent of taxes. She remarked that this was the best year in recent memory for tax collection.

The board meeting meets next at 7 p.m. Monday, June 11.