A New Jersey man connected to the Edgecomb Fire Department died April 19 due to complications derived from the coronavirus. Fire Chief Roy Potter announced the death of Capt. Steve Fenton who served as a volunteer fireman when he lived in Edgecomb as a seasonal resident. Potter reported the fire station’s flags would fly at half-mast in Fenton’s honor. “The protocol is to fly them at half-mast until the funeral, but there aren't any due to the coronavirus. So I need to find out how long the flags should be at half-mast,” Potter said.

Potter announced the death during the Edgecomb selectmen’s April 20 board meeting. In other action, selectmen are preparing to sell another Lallis property parcel. Todd Plummer bought the first parcel, a 3.3-acre plot, for $30,000 last year. Selectman Jack Sarmanian announced Plummer also wanted to buy another five acres. But Selectman Mike Smith requested the board wait and listen to another potential offer. For several years, resident James Schmal had been interested in buying part of the Lallis property, but zoning restrictions prevented any substantive negotiations. “I think we need to talk to Mr. Schmal first. He’s been patient and I think he deserves to have a conversation with us,” Smith said. Sarmanian volunteered to contact Schmal about his interest in the property. The Lallis property is an 82-acre parcel on McKay Road. In 2004, the town acquired the parcel.

Sarmanian announced the town received a $2,000 ASK (Assistance with Specific Know-how) Grant from Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission. Edgecomb will match the grant with $1,000. The $3,000 will fund engineering and architectural costs for a study of the town hall’s future. Selectmen are considering making the 1794 building more Americans with Disabilities Act compliant and improving the entrance and downstairs’ town office workspace. 

The coronavirus hasn’t just played havoc with global health safety, it has also caused economic damage. Smith voiced concerns about recent losses in the stock market regarding the town’s Woodend and Hammond funds. The Woodend account was established in the 1970s. A Davis Island property was forfeited to the federal government following the former owner’s (Woodend) drug conviction. The federal government gave the money to the town. Edgecomb sold the property and used the proceeds to establish a fund for buying public access around the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers. The Hammond Fund was created in 1999 as a bequeath from Maro Hammond to benefit beautification projects within the town. Smith advised selectmen to “play closer attention to the stock market” to prevent further losses.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, May 4.