Wiscasset selectmen authorized the town manager to sign off on an option to sell 32 acres to Central Maine Power Company for possible construction of an electrical substation.

CMP paid $1,000 to exercise a two-year option on the undeveloped property on the north side of Old Ferry Road that borders CMP’s transmission grid.

Fourteen acres are encumbered by a CMP easement, said Peggy Dwyer, CMP Real Estate Appraiser.

According to documentation accompanying the agreement, the land is tax-acquired property formerly owned by Ferry Road Development Co., LLC. The agreement includes an easement for underground utilities to the Back River.

Selectmen took up the matter at their July 12 meeting but failed to reach unanimity, instead deciding to have their attorney review the agreement. CMP offered to pay for the legal opinion.

The option runs until May 31, 2018. CMP and the town will base the purchase price on the fair market value established by a licensed appraiser. CMP is responsible for the cost of the appraisal. No price has been set for the land.

White’s Island decision delayed

Once again, selectmen postponed making a decision on accepting White’s Island. A representative from the Maine Coast Heritage Trust had been invited but couldn’t make the meeting.

MCHT has offered the island to the town on the condition it be kept in its natural state and open to the public for daytime, low-impact recreational use.

On June 20, selectmen put off signing a quitclaim deed for the transfer of the island’s ownership over concerns with some of the language of the agreement.

The town owns the dirt causeway and two wooden footbridges leading to the small island along with a right-of-way across it. The footbridges were closed in 2011 following concerns about their safety.

MCHT’s offer will be on the board’s Aug. 2 agenda.

Airport discussed

Ervin Deck, Associate, Senior Aviation Planner from Stantec of Scarborough briefed selectmen on a forthcoming meeting with Federal Aviation Administration officials concerning the airport.

Two items of business to be discussed are removing trees obstructing the runway approach at the south end of the airport and the acquisition of a utility truck for snow removal. Deck will meet with the FAA officials in August and September. The trees obstructing the runway approach are located on Chewonki Campground property.

Selectman Jeff Slack asked if the board would consider purchasing a pickup truck for the airport. The topic will be discussed with the airport manager at the Aug. 2 meeting.

Bids awarded

Seven offers were made to purchase the harbor master’s boat. The board voted to sell it to Matt Carter of East Boothbay, the highest bidder at $13,401.

Wiscasset Ford submitted the lower of two bids for the police cruiser, $26,697. The vehicle is a 2016 AWD Ford Explorer.

Clean-O-Rama of Gorham submitted the lowest of three bids for a Tom Cat floor cleaner for the community center, price $6,907. And there were no bidders on planned renovations to the EMS department. The work included providing sleeping quarters above the ambulance station.

Employee recognition

Pamela Emery was recognized for her many years of service at the community center. A luncheon honoring Emery will be held at the Senior Center July 28.

EMS Director Toby Martin recognized Dickey Brigance, who is retiring from Wiscasset Ambulance Service after 12 years.

Earlier in the evening Selectmen entered into executive session to meet with legal counsel, Benjamin Smith, Skelton, Taintor & Abbott for the purpose of discussing the Mason Station property on Bailey Point. No action was taken.

Before adjourning the board met once again behind closed doors for union contract negotiations.