At the August 19 meeting, Woolwich selectmen tackled unsightly culverts, a possible fish ladder and roadside berry vendors.

Selectman Jason Shaw visited the Dana Mill construction culvert site. He said the project would be finished this week. Selectman Dale Chadbourne asked why there was concrete on everything at the Dana Mill Bridge site. Jason Shaw explained that it will keep erosion down and will stabilize the riprap and the slopes.

Shaw reported that the contractors moved out of the bridge area by the Taste of Maine and left the Dewick Recreation area looking unsightly. Road Commissioner Jack Shaw said that he would repair the culvert on George Wright Road.

Commissioner Shaw also commented on the condition of the Robert Dewick boat launch area. He reported that people were having to drive over chunks of concrete in order to launch kayaks, and that someone will be held accountable.

He did not include the north end of the Shaw Road in earlier paving projects because it would have cost an extra $8,000, and he can’t justify spending that as it serves only one house.

Fish ladder

Selectman Allison Helper reported that she went to a meeting of many of the interested parties regarding the fish ladder, including representations from the Department of Marine Resources, Kennebec Estuary Land Trust and the Bath Water District.

Helper reported that for next year, the plan is to make temporary fixes, and that KELT will be reapplying for a grant to replace the fish ladder next year.

Berry vendors

An issue came up about a month ago concerning roadside berry vendors. Code Enforcemen Officer Bruce Engert pretty much let it slide about the selling of berries on the side of the road, but the sign issue has gotten out of hand.

Engert stopped at each of the vendors and let them know that the town has a sign ordinance that requires them to pay $40 per sign.

Engert spoke with Chip Kelley from MDOT who will make a run from the Sagadahoc Bridge to the Wiscasset Bridge.

Most of the signs had concrete blocks in them. Selectman Dave King said that he was almost involved in a four car accident when a person who bought berries just pulled out in front of traffic without looking first.

Selectman Lloyd Coombs mentioned that there is also an issue with people parking on the opposite side of the road and running across to the vendor and back to their vehicle, not realizing that the vehicles are traveling faster than they appear.

Old business

The floor at the Nequasset Church was torn out in the front entryway only to find that there wasn’t much under it for support. That has been fixed and the floor replaced. Debbie Locke noted that she has set September 14 from 9 a.m. to noon as the attic cleaning day.

The town is the recipient of a Boating Facilities matching grant in an amount not to exceed $5,000. The purpose of this grant is to install a vault toilet in the vicinity of the boat launch/swimming area. Selectmen voted unanimously to sign the grant agreement.