Last November, Edgecomb selectmen resumed Zoom conference meetings in the midst of a coronavirus spike in Maine and nationwide. But that could change next month. On Feb. 22, Selectman Mike Smith told Planning Board Chairman Barry Hathorne in-person meetings could resume sometime in March. “We will meet one more time by Zoom and talk about in-person meetings at that time,” Smith said. Hathorne told selectmen he was ready to return to in-person meetings. “I’ve had my shots so I’m ready,” he said. Hathorne reported the planning board’s upcoming workload needed in-person meetings. 

Hathorne cited a current solar array project, which has a March 4 public hearing scheduled, and work needs to be done to incorporate a solar ordinance covering future expected solar proposals. Hathorne will hold a Zoom conference with capability of 250 participants for the March 4 public hearing regarding Syncarpha Solar of New York City.

“Public meetings would make everything so much easier. We need to get started on the solar ordinance working with ordinance review committee, which may require a special town meeting some time this year,” he said.

Hathorne added he wasn't sure if the solar ordinance could be finished this year. “There are a lot of state and federal ordinances to review so we really need to get started,” he said. 

In other action, the Wiscasset Community Center wants to enter into a partnership agreement with the town. Smith reported the community center’s proposed partnership has Edgecomb paying $5,000 to use their facilities. The proposal is based on $3.99 for Edgecomb’s 1,253 residents. Smith added the community center proposed a similar deal last year at $6 per person. “I don’t think this is something for this year’s warrant, but we should talk with Duane Goud. It may be something we want in the future,” Smith said. Selectmen will invite Goud to a meeting later this spring. 

Selectman Dawn Murray is taking the lead on an Efficiency Maine grant application. The board plans on upgrading the town hall facilities’ this year, and Murray found grant opportunities for heating and lighting upgrades on the non-profit’s website. “Why not let somebody else pay for this,” she asked. The grant lists contractors willing to provide an initial building walk-through in assisting with the town’s applications. Murray reported the grant deadline is the end of March.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 8 via Zoom conference.