Wiscasset selectmen planned an executive session Tuesday to discuss the acquisition of real property with the town’s lawyer. But Selectman Ben  Rines, Jr. wanted the information to be made public. Once he seconded the motion to go into executive session, he insisted on a discussion.

“I don’t think we should be taking anything by eminent domain,” he said. Chair Judy Colby said the acquisition was not eminent domain, and that the two parties had formulated an agreement. However, the other party,  Chewonki Campground, has not yet signed it, she said.

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered that trees on the property be removed for safety reasons,  an easement called an avigation easement. Until the town and  campground reach an agreement, the FAA is withholding grants to the town earmarked for the airport.

No vote on the issue was expected to be taken following the meeting. In addition, the selectmen planned to meet to discuss a personnel issue,  and to consider a poverty abatement, also in executive session.

Town Manager John O’Connell announced that Lisa Thompson, director of Parks and Recreation, was named Distinguished Professional of the Year. The award was granted by the Maine Recreation and Parks Association. Terry Heller was appointed to Appearance of the Town Committee, and Stephen Wallace was appointed to the Planning Board. 

Selectmen voted to approve liquor licenses for Wiscasset Diner, Water Street Bar and Grill, which is in the building formerly called Le Garage, and approved the business license for Betsy Kyle, doing business as White Pine Home, an antique vintage furniture and home design business located at 57 Washington St.

Selectmen also approved the request of two churches to hold an Easter Sunrise service at the town pier on April 21, and the use of the Town Common by the First Congregational Church for Summerfest July 27.

O’Connell announced the budget schedule would include April 3, at 6 p.m., for selectmen to vote on the budget and review requests for capital improvement; April 8 at 5 p.m., when the budget committee will vote on each article; and April 9 at 6 p.m., when selectmen will accept the budget committee’s recommendations and vote for the final budget, excluding the school budget.