Rather than intervene in a dispute over a political flag, the Wiscasset selectboard decided June 17 to direct the ordinance review committee to draft recommendations for clarifying the ordinance.

The issue arose in March when Code Enforcement Officer Bruce Mullins cited Don Davis of Middle Street for flying a flag with “Ride with TRUMP” printed on it. According to the June 17 meeting, flags with writing violate town ordinances and are subject to fines of $100 a day. Davis questioned the fairness and logic of the ordinance when he brought his concerns to the selectboard three months ago. According to the board, red, white and blue “OPEN” flags some businesses display are also in violation but none have been cited.

ORC Chair Karl Olson clarified in an email to Wiscasset Newspaper June 18, “The sign ordinance does allow flags with "OPEN" on them. It’s the only allowed word.”

In selectmen’s June 17 teleconference meeting, selectmen were divided on whether or not Davis could resume flying his flag if he chose to. Jeff Slack and Katharine Martin-Savage felt Davis could until voters amend the ordinance.

Chairman Judy Colby, Ben Rines Jr. and Kimberly Andersson said the town was obligated to adhere to the ordinance but couldn’t agree what to do about the 20 businesses that routinely display the “OPEN” flags.

“You can’t win on this one,” Rines commented. “If you allow one, then anyone can put anything up.”

Likening it to “opening a can of worms,” Andersson warned that people will be flying flags depicting other political messages or causes. The board may seek advice from Maine Municipal Association.

In another matter, the board will seek a legal opinion before removing a shed from the Sunken Garden. At issue is whether or not the deed prohibits structures from being placed here.

In his monthly report, Police Chief Lawrence Hesseltine noted the department responded to 425 calls in May, including six motor vehicle accidents. The department made 19 arrests that included domestic violence, assault on an officer, operating under the influence, speeding 30-plus miles over the limit and endangering the welfare of a minor.

EMS/EMA Director Dennis Simmons reported ambulance calls were up 22 percent in May. Wiscasset Ambulance Service responded to 59 calls last month, 33 in Wiscasset, 20 in Dresden, and others in Westport Island, Damariscotta and Edgecomb. “These have been, and continue to be, trying times. I wish to thank and commend the members of my crew for their vigilance, patience and in particular, courage for facing this situation head-on and continuing to perform the important work that we do,” Simmons wrote.

Fire Chief Rob Bickford reported the department had 16 calls in May including two brush fires and three motor vehicle accidents. The department provided mutual aid for a grass fire in Alna and a structure fire in Woolwich.

Public Works Director Ted Snowdon said May was busy with mowing, tree trimming roadside ditching, a culvert replacement on Lowelltown Road and a catch basin replacement on Hodge Street. Snowdon said benches were placed downtown, two on each side of Main Street. More will be placed on the sidewalks later this summer.

Parks and Recreation Director Duane Goud said nearly all of Wiscasset Community Center’s youth spring sports were cancelled due to the pandemic. An exception is the combined Wiscasset/Boothbay Babe Ruth Baseball program which has its own regional set of COVID-19 guidelines. The Unsinkables Summer Swim team has resumed practicing and WCC is taking registrations for summer swim lessons in levels three, four and five, which begin in July. Goud noted the fitness room is open by reservation only.

Absentee ballots are available for the July 14 state primary and referendum election. Contact the town office at 882-8200. Due to the pandemic, voters are encouraged to vote absentee. The polls will be open at the WCC gymnasium from 8 to 8 the day of the election.

In the past month, Wiscasset’s capital reserve funds and endowments managed by HM Payson of Portland recovered more of their value lost during the pandemic. At the May 31 close of the stock market, the town’s endowment fund totaled $3.62 million, a one-month gain of $117,463. The capital reserve account stood at $11.64 million, gaining $380,231.