Sprague’s Lobster and the two other businesses on Wiscasset’s pier will be able to remain open throughout the winter. Robert Jones of Ridgeback Pottery initially requested that the three businesses be able to leave their stands on the dock over the winter and to open temporarily during December.
The businesses are usually required to remove their stands by the second week after Columbus Day.
The Board expanded upon Jones’ request and authorized the businesses to stay until their lease is up for renewal. A $300 non-refundable deposit will be required and put toward next year’s lease.
The Board agreed to look at the dock’s use policy in conjunction with the waterfront committee.
“It’s good policy to keep them down there,” Selectman David Nichols said. “They’ve been good for the town for several years.”
Board Chair Judy Colby agreed. “We’re trying to be business friendly,” she said. “This is a step.”
In other business, the selectmen scheduled a public hearing for the town’s proposed fireworks ordinance to be held on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
The Board voted four to one to remove the Christmas tree on the town commons after it was determined to be too large and unmanageable. The tree will be removed once a suitable replacement is found.
“There will not be an empty spot,” Colby said.
According to Town Manager Laurie Smith, the new tree will be between 16 and 18 feet tall.
Selectman Ed Polewarczyk voted against the motion, arguing that another Christmas tree be put on the commons rather than removing and replacing.
The Board voted unanimously to put out a bid for the removal of the cupola on Wiscasset’s Municipal Building. Because the cupola is an integral part of the building’s roof, the contract will also require that the roof be repaired.
The Board had initially sought out bids to repair the cupola, but ultimately determined that its repair would cost almost as much as its replacement. Several attempts at fixing the cupola have failed in the past.
“I don’t want to spend $4800 to maybe repair the cupola,” Selectman Pam Dunning said.
The Board voted unanimously to recommend Kevin Sprague to the Airport Committee and Edward Kavanagh to the Water District Committee.
Resident Donald Jones asked the Board to take action on a dangerous portion of sidewalk on Fort Hill Street. Jones alleged that homeowners on Fort Hill Street repaved their driveway, causing a dangerous 25 percent slope on the sidewalk. Town ordinances require a maximum slope of 2 percent.
According to Jones, several people have slipped on the sidewalk.
“This was done in violation of town standards, “Jones said.
The Board did not take any action.
