Edgecomb Selectman Mike Smith told the board Sept. 10,  Mission Builders of East Machias withdrew its bid for the municipal building roof repair because the firm did not have workers compensation insurance as Maine Municipal Association requires.

The firm had the low bid of $6,950. Williams Roofing of Waterville was the next lowest, at $10,990.

Smith contacted Williams’ references, including two Maine fire departments. He recommended the board accept the Williams bid, pending insurance information.

Selectmen have gotten no responses yet from two abutters who had first chance to bid on the Lallis property. The  minimum bid is $27,500 on the recently created 3.3 acre house lot on McKay Road.

If no response is received by the next board meeting Sept. 24, bidding will be opened to the public. The board will determine a process then.

Also Sept. 10, the board discussed a proposed long range planning meeting. Smith said it would give residents a chance to discuss goals and take a “longer view” than usual. Residents could also to volunteer to serve on town committees.

Selectman Ted Hugger agreed it was a good idea to be proactive. Chairman Jack Sarmanian explained, a number of residents are highly qualified and the town would welcome their expertise. Selectmen said the meeting might take place in late October. They hope to finalize the date at their next meeting.

The topic of wayfinding was raised and discussion followed about creating a sign to welcome travelers to Edgecomb. Sarmanian said with 85,000-100,000 visitors coming to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, the town should have a sign to “let them know they are traveling through Edgecomb.”

The question arose about having the sign conform to the Joint Economic Development Committee’s sign design. Edgecomb voters this year  approved $1,000 for “wayfinding project development.”

Hugger will contact the other towns to learn about their plans.

Fire Chief Roy Potter gave selectmen the department’s top three priorities for tax increment financing district (TIF) funds. These included an exhaust recovery system for the fire station for $40,000, an air fill station for air pack bottles for $52,000, and an LED message sign.

The town has heard from the Maine Department of Transportation with a list of possible projects. An MDOT representative will be invited to a meeting to respond to questions from residents concerning the intersection of Routes 1 and 27 and access from Englebrekt Road.

Resident Ron Carey provided suggestions to the board concerning a survey of other towns that contract for snow removal. He suggested questions that would help get cost comparisons.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Sept. 24 in the municipal building.