During a regular meeting of the Edgecomb Board of Selectmen Jan.31, Selectman Jessica Chubbuck briefed the town on the continuing efforts of the newly formed Edgecomb Bypass Task Force.
According to Chubbuck, the committee has conducted preliminary research into a contested Bald Eagles nest on Davis Island, which scrapped plans by the DOT to begin construction on a proposed “long bridge” Wiscasset bypass. Town officials are concerned with the alternatives under consideration by the DOT and the potential impact on property and quality of life for Edgecomb residents.
“We have photographs of the nest and have requested documents from the DOT under the Freedom of Information Act,” Chubbuck said. “It’s our assumption that it is an eagles nest and (we) would have a hard time proving it’s occupied by an osprey.”
The committee is seeking a meeting with Gov. Paul Lepage but efforts have been hampered by his “busy schedule,” said Chubbuck. The task force is also pursuing the matter through legislative channels both locally, statewide, and nationally.
In previous comments, Selectman Jack Sarmanian vowed to fight the DOT decision using every available avenue and urged residents to join the cause. The Edgecomb committee is hoping to find a loophole in the American Bald and Golden Eagle Act, as outlined by the US Fish & Wildlife, which provides certain protections for the migratory birds. The discovery of the nest in November forced the DOT to abandon preliminary construction on a bypass tentatively set to begin in the spring.
“We need answers,” said Chubbuck. “We need to know how the new administration feels. Are we even going to have a bypass? This needs to be answered.”
In response, Selectman Stuart Smith said Lepage can only be governor for “eight years” but the issue will continue even if the governor doesn’t act.
In other business, selectmen provided an update on the bids for construction on the new fire station. Chubbuck said seven initial bids were in but the bidding process would continue through Feb. 15. A committee will review the bids and make recommendations to the Board with an eye toward a “spring groundbreaking,” said Smith.
The Board also read a letter from the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Management praising the emergency preparedness efforts of Edgecomb EMA Director Larry Omland. In addition to lauding Omland for an overall emergency operations plan, the letter from Lincoln County EMA Deputy Director Kimberley White Kaiser said “Edgecomb EMA has been the lead when it comes to sheltering in Lincoln County, without their assistance we would not have the plans we now have in place.”
The letter also itemized a series of storm damage grants, totaling $39,487.61, that Edgecomb was awarded in 2010. Selectman Jack Sarmanian, not present due to an ongoing vacation, also requested a letter from Edgecomb Harbormaster Corning Townsend be read which said all mooring balls be registered and applications submitted to Townsend by June 1.
The Edgecomb Board of Selectmen will next meet on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.
