In just over 300 seconds, Edgecomb concluded its Jan. 24 public hearing on a proposed solar power ordinance. Three people attended. The ordinance would regulate commercial solar power projects over 4,200 square feet. In August, the planning board approved a New York City-based power company’s application to build a solar array on U.S. Route 1.

But the planning board realized there was no ordinance regulating solar panels in town, and began working on a municipal ordinance. Selectmen told attendees the ordinance sets up rules and regulations for how solar power businesses operate. The proposal set guidelines for design standards, site reviews, vegetation maintenance and decommissioning. Board Chairman Dawn Murray explained decommissioning was the proposal’s most important aspect. “We needed assurance they don’t leave a big mess and leave it as abandoned property,” she said.

The hearing preceded the selectmen’s meeting. Selectman Mike Smith reported Edgecomb had six projects on Maine Department of Transportation’s 2022-23 Work Plan. Two projects include replacing a culvert. A River Road culvert 220 feet north of Khloe Road is slated for replacement. A second River Road culvert replacement is .94 mile from McKay Road. 

There are two highway paving projects. One begins on Route 27 and extends 1.66 miles to River Road. The second River Road paving extends 1.55 miles north to Route 1. A bridge maintenance project will replace the wearing surface on West Cove Bridge, .47 miles southwest of Nichols Road. 

A rural highway project for Edgecomb and Wiscasset begins one tenth of a mile on Lee Street extending northeast to Railroad Avenue traveling toward Donald E. Davey and Cod Cove bridges. Selectmen believed the conversations regarding two 2021 Edgecomb DOT  projects played a role in the six placements for the upcoming fiscal year. “We chirped at them pretty hard this summer, and maybe it helped with these projects,” Smith said.

In other action, a rise in gas prices is resulting in higher winter plowing costs. Selectman Ted Hugger reported the contract calls for Edgecomb to pay more if gasoline rises above $3.50 per gallon. “It did, and we will pay $114.29 more for last month,” he said. Hugger also reported the town is reducing its Zoom accounts from three to one. 

Murray reported on her recent Zoom meeting with various Lincoln County entities regarding food insecurity. The meeting highlighted challenges residents on low incomes have with affordable transportation and housing as contributing factors in food insecurity. “The best part was a bio for the participants so it was a great way to network with the others,” she said.

Murray is also seeking information about installing a municipal electric vehicle charging station. She is researching grant opportunities and possible locations. “I think we may have to partner with someone because of the time involved with charging. I’m thinking something like a convenience store may work,” Murray said. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 in the town hall.