The Woolwich selectboard began its Oct. 16 meeting with a moment of silence out of respect for Richard “Dick” McElman Jr. who died recently at age 86. McElman grew up in Woolwich and was the longtime owner of the Subaru dealership on Route One. He opened the dealership in 1986.

McElman was a frequent contributor to the community's historical society.

“Mr. McElman was also a longtime member of the town’s planning board,” added Selectman Jason Shaw, acting as chairman in the absence of David King Sr. who had family visiting from out of state.

Maine Department of Transportation will begin taking public comments soon on the planned construction of a large box culvert on Route 127 (Middle Road). The work, slated for 2025, will be carried out nine-tenths of a mile north of Old Stage Road. The project will be explained in full in an on-demand presentation on MaineDOT's website beginning Oct. 21.

Selectman Tommy Davis reported the new fire hydrant had been installed in front of the municipal building and the leach field project was completed and landscaped. The only work which remains is some minor paving in the town office parking area.

Fire Chief Shaun Merrill noted the department’s Oct. 9 fire prevention night was a big success. “This year’s open house was co-hosted for the first time by the Georgetown and Arrowsic fire departments,” he said.

In his report to selectmen, EMS Director Danny Evarts said Woolwich ambulance had responded to 20 calls so far in October; 25 patients were seen with 13 transported. “MC1 was called for assistance once, and we provided mutual aid to Wiscasset once, while they provided mutual aid to us once for a motor vehicle accident with multiple patients,” wrote Evarts.

Evarts added that he had been researching grant sources for obtaining an AED unit for the town office. “Once this (paperwork) is ready, I will present it to the selectboard to apply,” he stated.

Reappointments included Evan Holbrook to the board of appeals, Suzanne Gandy from an alternate to full-time member of the planning board, Paula McKenney to the board of appeals and Linda Potts-Crawford to both the board of appeals and the road and highways committee. All those terms expire in June 2027. Town Administrator Kim Dalton noted Sue Ellen Whittaker was stepping down from the Nequasset Park Committee.