Over Zoom Nov. 12, Wiscasset selectmen discussed budget items including hiring a town planner.

Town Manager Dennis Simmons said because agendas of regular meetings are so busy, the board has little time to talk, so he arranged the workshop. “What are some of the things you think I or we need to be working on,”  he asked.

Hiring a planning consultant was on the top of the list for selectmen Kim Andersson, Katharine Martin-Savage and Sarah Whitfield.  Simmons said he has advertised for help; Dec. 1 is the deadline for proposals. Martin-Savage suggested Lincoln County Regional Planning Office might be able to help.

Developers wanting to remodel the former primary school on Gardiner Road into housing have contacted the town office seeking planning help, according to Simmons. A planner might also help seek grant monies to replace the White’s Island footbridges. Simmons said a new effort is underway involving the waterfront committee and parks and recreation seeking grant monies for the project.

“It would be a good investment for the town if we can come up with the money that’s needed,” said Simmons. Two footbridges are needed to link the island with the causeway at the lower end of Pleasant Street.  

Selectman Jeff Slack said now that the tourist season has ended, the state should place the two downtown traffic signals on blinking mode. “They promised us they’d do that starting Nov. 1 but it hasn’t happened yet,” he said. Simmons said he would get in touch with Maine Department of Transportation officials.

Simmons noted only two members are left on the budget committee. Nobody ran for the open seats. Residents interested in serving can contact the town office.

The board discussed periodically meeting with the school committee. Simmons will discuss this with Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood.

The next regular meeting of the select board will be 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the meeting in the municipal building will be limited to the board, department heads and the press. Included is a public hearing for a liquor license (beer and wine) for The Bath Ale Works at 681 Bath Road in the Wiscasset Marketplace plaza. The application was filed by Pepper P. Powers of Phippsburg.

To register to watch the meeting live via ZOOM log on to: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMucOmrrT0pE9chdiN0NQqFVll8tSDdFzBE. After registering, you will receive an email with information about joining the meeting.