Maine municipalities have one more year before deciding whether to keep or relinquish rights to “paper streets.” In 1987, the Legislature set an August 2017 deadline for either accepting or rejecting streets shown on maps and plans, but never built.

The Edgecomb selectmen took Attorney Bill Dale’s advice March 14 to investigate before making a final decision. Town officials don’t know how many paper streets are in Edgecomb, but want to keep their options open.

“Either you do something or they go away,” Dale said. “By keeping them, the town retains water access rights, and if you do nothing, the rights go the abutters. The easy thing to do is keep them which keeps your options open.”

The selectmen will research how many paper streets exist in Edgecomb. The selectmen expect to hold joint meetings with the planning board in deciding the paper streets’ fate. Dale indicated the process would take several months to complete.

“It should take you right up to next August,” he said.

In other action, the fire department needs a new brush truck. Fire Chief Roy Potter said the current truck didn’t pass inspection, the frame’s rusted out and the engine has endured several mechanical issues for years.

“It’s done,” he said. “We’ve nursed it along for a couple years. This really puts us in a bind not having a truck for brush season.”

Potter requested purchasing a used chassis for approximately $22,000. Selectman Mike Smith thought the price was too high for a used body part.

“I’m not opposed to that, but I think if we search a little harder we could find an old beater for about $12,000,” he said.

Without a brush truck, Potter expressed concerns about protecting the Schmid Preserve.

“We already have difficulty getting down the road. It’s been that way for years,” he said. “I’m concerned liability-wise.  We keep talking about doing something about it, but nothing ever happens.”

Potter also requested the selectmen inquire about new warning lights for the fire department. They have expected lights from the Maine Department of Transportation since the new fire station opened in 2012. The yellow flashing lights would warn night motorists on Route 27 about fire trucks entering the roadway.

“We’ve had some really close calls in the past. Is there anybody we can call?” Potter said.

Selectman Jack Sarmanian said he’d call the DOT regarding the lights.

The selectmen will meet next at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 28 in the municipal building.