In a 3-2 vote Tuesday night, Oct. 19, Wiscasset selectmen passed MSD Wiscasset, LLC’s $28,000 a year lease of Wiscasset Municipal Airport land for a 20-acre solar project.

Selectman Kim Andersson said she was satisfied it is a good deal, two years in the making, good use of airport space and, as solar power, good for the climate and children’s future. 

Selectman Dusty Jones said that 33 minutes before the meeting, he received answers to questions, and he needed time. “I’d like to see this project happen, but I can’t vote yes on it tonight.” Chair Sarah Whitfield told Jones, elected in June, those questions have been being asked and answered since 2019, but she was fine with waiting another meeting. 

Andersson, Terry Heller and Pam Dunning approved the lease. Jones and Whitfield dissented. 

Also Oct. 19 in the meeting in Wiscasset Community Center’s gym and recorded for the town’s YouTube channel, the public hearing on the town’s Nov. 2 ballot  had many takers. Past selectman Ed Polewarczyk supported the proposed cruiser buy as equipping the department with what it needs to serve the town. He asked that another item on the ballot – the would-be, 20-year lease of the former Wiscasset Academy on Warren Street – charge Maine Art Gallery enough to make up for the taxes the property would bring if the town sold it instead.

Gallery Manager Kerry Hadley said it draws people to Wiscasset and had a record 1,300 visitors over the six months it was open this year. She said the nonprofit just lost a grant try, for water mitigation and eave repair, because the gallery does not own or have a long-term lease on the building and because the gallery could not show other money was going toward the project.

Peter Wells of the cemetery committee supported the proposed entryway for Ancient Cemetery as a sign of respect for those buried there. James Kochan said the proposal is not historically in keeping with a small town cemetery that old.

As for the net energy billing ballot question, Polewarczyk said voters don’t know enough about the possible 20-year deal, including who it would be with. And on the proposed solar ordinance, he was surprised to learn from Town Manager Dennis Simmons’ response to a question, because the solar project at Wiscasset Municipal Airport and one on Jones Road already have planning board approval, both would be grandfathered.

In other action, the board announced a 6 p.m. Oct. 28 workshop on Zoom to discuss using American Rescue Recovery Act funds, where Wiscasset Farmer’s Market might move and what work the board might have for the ordinance review committee. Selectmen agreed to tap the Larrabee Fund for $20,645 for band instruments for Wiscasset Middle High School. And Andersson praised Parks and Recreation Director Duane Goud for its strongest September yet in revenue. “In a global pandemic, you and your staff have continuously proven how valuable this place is ... On behalf of my whole family, thanks so much.” 

The department took in over $36,500, beating September 2019 by almost $500, Goud wrote in his monthly report dated Oct. 8. Memberships and participation are up, he wrote.