On May 3, Center for Teaching and Learning volunteer Ross Branch wanted to make sure the Edgecomb Planning Board knew exactly who he was. So the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard craftsman displayed the May 3 Boothbay Register’s front page. “This is the Boothbay Register and that’s my daughter Jackie doing her mad face as part of the kiddie choir,” he said.

Branch sends his 5-year-old daughter to CTL in Edgecomb. Branch sought a building permit for a 16-foot by 20-foot enclosed barn-like structure and a 14-foot by 20-foot open air shed as part of the school’s outdoor classroom project. His first visit was to new Code Enforcement Officer Ken Vinyl, who referred him to the board.

Since neither structure is connected to power or water and together, they total less than 1,000 square feet, the board approved the proposal. “This really didn’t have to come before us, but I think he felt better with a permit, so we approved it even though one’s not needed,’ said Chairman Jack French.

Following the meeting, Branch indicated he’d begin once a building permit was presented to him. His work may begin the week of May 7. French promised to contact Vinyl about the board’s decision. Branch told board members the school has hired a timber framer to create the 16-foot by 20-foot structure. Branch will perform dirt work for the foundation and finish the frame, then put the shed’s roof off to one side.

In other action, the board approved separate requests for a blasting permit and a building permit. Knickerbocker Group project manager Steve Berger represented Mark and Kathie Eldridge seeking a blasting permit. The Eldridges want to prepare their 880 Cross Point Road property for constructing what Berger called a “personal spa.”

“For a lack of a better term, that’s what I call it,” he said. “They have a large family and want a building with gym, sauna, and hot tub built further down the road from their cottages.”

The board approved the permit request,  4-0-1. Vice Chairman Barry Hathorne abstained. The Eldridges needed a permit because blasting would displace more than 100 cubic yards. Berger reported blasting would likely begin the week of May 7. Once the blasting is complete, Berger will begin preparing a building permit application for the project.

The board unanimously approved a building permit for a pier at a Merry Island Road property. Consultant Lauren Stockwell of Stockwell Environmental Consulting, Inc. represented the Traci L. Beier Revocable Trust of 1994 which owns property at 225 Merry Island Road. The applicant sought approval for a 50-foot by 6-foot pier, with a 40-foot by 3-foot runway and a 10-foot by 20-foot float. Stockwell reported other Merry Island Road inhabitants would also likely use the pier.

The board will meet next at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17 in the municipal building.