The Edgecomb Planning Board thinks requiring applicants to submit digital applications is a good idea. But the website committee isn’t so sure. Committee member Janet Blevins told selectmen Aug. 27, it would take more than a few tweaks before the municipal website could accept “fileable applications.”

Blevins conferred with fellow committee member Don Kroitzsch following an Aug. 23 Boothbay Register article detailing the planning board’s desire to review applications online prior to meetings. Blevins’ and Kroitzsch’s research showed it would be difficult. “We could do it, but it would be an expensive and complicated process. This is pretty high-tech for this community,” she said. “It would be a slow and convoluted process.”

The committee hasn’t discussed online applications with any planning board members. Blevins has contacted planning board secretary Jackie Lowell about the committee’s concerns. Select Board Chairman Jack Sarmanian recommended the committee convey its concerns directly to the planning board. Among the committee’s concerns are what party is responsible for loading digital applications onto the system.

Blevins described the process as time-consuming, and more than the two-person committee could handle. Sarmanian requested Blevins report back to the board in a couple weeks about any conversations with the planning board.

In other action, the clock is ticking for two Lallis property abutters to submit bids for a newly created house lot. Selectmen approved the text for a letter being sent this week to abutters Kenneth J. Loud of Bath and Shannon Wenners of 219 McKay Road. In 2004, Edgecomb acquired the Lallis property, an 82-acre parcel, due to unpaid taxes. The property remained in conservation for the past 14 years mostly due to its proximity to two land preserves.

But two years ago, selectmen proposed selling a portion as an undeveloped house lot. For over a year, selectmen worked toward subdividing and selling a 3.3-acre northeast portion. They used a $1,500 Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission grant to survey the property. At a special town meeting, selectmen received voter approval for a $200 soil test. 

In July, selectmen set a $27,500 minimum bid for the lot. Selectmen are following a policy developed last year for disposing of tax-acquired property. The policy gives abutters first chance to submit minimum bids. Wenners and Loud have 30 days to bid. If abutters aren’t interested, selectmen will put the property out to bid.

Selectmen also reviewed three bids for repairing the municipal building's roof. Of the three, Mission Builders of East Machias at $6,950 was the lowest. Other bids included Williams Roofing of Waterville at $10,990 and Horch Roofing of Warren at $13,165. Selectmen will accept Mission Builders’ bid next month if a check of the contractor’s references and workers compensation insurance are favorable.

Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Dr. Keith Laser met the selectmen for the first time. Laser introduced himself during the board meeting after attending an Edgecomb Eddy School barbecue. Laser gave his early impressions of the school and recent discussions in Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor about the high school’s future. He described Principal Ira Michaud as a “Cracker Jack” leader. “I’m very impressed with him,” Laser said. “There is a lot of positive feedback about him from the school community and within the AOS.”

Laser described recent discussions down the peninsula resulting from declining enrollments and concerns about investing over $8 million into a 65-year-old building. “There is a need for a discussion about the future of education on this peninsula, and we're encouraging everyone to participate,” he said. Laser added, the 1954 charter needed an update.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10 in the municipal building.