The Edgecomb Planning Board’s roster became larger with a new addition. Selectmen appointed Phil Haas to a one-year term term as an alternate. Haas’ appointment along with a code enforcement report and town meeting warrant public hearing were among business during the bi-weekly May 2 meeting. 

Selectmen discussed an unresolved issue pertaining to a Cross Point Road property with Code Enforcement Officer George Chase. Selectman Mike Smith reported the property owner had improperly cut trees a couple years ago. “It’s been an ongoing issue and the owner hadn’t complied with the order to replant trees so we asked George to follow up on it,” he said.

The planning board also joined selectmen’s conversation with Chase regarding fee schedules. Town officials are wondering if current permit fees aligned with other communities. Chase is also Newcastle’s CEO. “He is already familiar with their fees and he will compare what Newcastle and Edgecomb charge to other surrounding towns,” Smith said. 

Chase received board approval to host the Midcoast Chapter of Code Enforcement Officers at town hall May 25. No time has been set.

Following the meeting, selectmen hosted a public hearing on the town meeting referendum ballot. On March 21, residents will head to the polls and vote on a town meeting referendum-style, 60-article ballot. Most articles pertain to the  proposed $4,901,553 Fiscal Year 23 combined municipal-school budget which reflects a 1.98% decrease. The hearing had both an in-person and Zoom audience. “We didn’t really get many questions so it sounds like we did a pretty good job,” Smith said. “Because if we didn’t, we definitely would’ve  heard about it, tonight.”

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, May 16 in the town hall.