Wiscasset voters approved a $350,000 capital improvement project to replace its aging commercial fish pier during their referendum style Annual Town Meeting June 14.
The approval of the article was seen as a crucial step in the town’s long-term plan to revitalize its working waterfront and opens the door for larger grant funded projects including a Railroad Avenue improvement initiative.
Wiscasset Town Manager Laurie Smith has said the Board of Selectmen is planning on a five-year payback schedule that will be paid from the town’s reserve fund. The policy also allows for a 3.5 percent distribution from the fund each year to pay for capital improvements.
Voters also approved a village waterfront ordinance which will create “more appropriate standards for existing development patterns,” Smith said.
A sign ordinance, designed to create standards that will maintain and encourage business activity while protecting the aesthetic character of Wiscasset, passed, 241-100.
Residents also gave thumbs up to an amended ordinance, which allows for the enforcement of mandatory recycling. According to town officials, the intent of the ordinance is to increase recycling rates without having to resort to a pay per bag system: a potentially controversial Plan B which Board Chairman David Nichols has said could lead to garbage “dumped on the side of the road.” The ordinance will apply to both residents and commercial haulers with the penalty being $2.00 per bag for non-compliance.
Of the 57 articles presented, only three failed to pass including an article seeking $1350 support for Senior Spectrum, $1215 for Midcoast Community Action and $300 for the Tedford Shelter.
Voters narrowly approved funds for the Healthy Kids program and Coastal Transportation with Lincoln County Television and the Wiscasset Public Library handily passing. The $331,710 police department budget, a subject of intense debate during the months’ long budget battles, passed by a vote of 248 yes to 111 no.
Residents also elected William “Bill” Curtis to the Board of Selectmen. Curtis, who ran unopposed, will take the seat previously held by Bob Blagden who did not seek reelection. Selectman Pamela Dunning was also re-elected and will serve her second term on the board.
In other voting, Wiscasset residents shot down the proposed RSU #12 budget by a 198 no to 135 yes total. The second school related article, which sought approval for the purchase of a RSU #12 administrative property in Whitefield, was also defeated.
According to Wiscasset Town Clerk Chris Wolf, the turnout was relatively light with approximately 200 absentee ballots submitted.
“I’m pleased that the hard work of the selectmen and budget committee was recognized by voters,” Smith wrote in an email June 15. “It’s always difficult to balance the need for services with what citizens can afford. The town staff stands ready to begin a new year of challenges and opportunities.”
