Edgecomb officials are searching for federal grants to assist in revitalizing the town's historic municipal building. On Oct. 15, selectmen heard a building committee report detailing possible options for the building's future. 

The town has used American Rescue Plan Act funds to hire an architect to suggest ways of making the town office more accessible. Selectmen are seeking a practical plan for expanding the business office.

Building Committee Chairman Mike Smith outlined three options to the selectboard. Option A is the most expensive at $750,000. This would move the business office upstairs into a new building addition. 

Option B is a basement renovation at an estimated cost of $50,000.

Option C would renovate the upstairs' portion and move business there at an estimated $20,500 cost.

Edgecomb Historical Society member Lisa McSwain reported the town hall may qualify for federal grants as an historical building. She volunteered to seek additional grant information and report back.

Selectmen agreed to review the town hall proposals and make a decision at a future meeting. 

In other action, selectmen scheduled an Oct. 29 special town meeting to vote on a proposal to use Tax Increment Financing on repairing the fire station's garage doors. Earlier this year, Fire Chief Roy Potter said the station's overhead door footer was damaged. The estimated repair cost is around $60,000. The special town meeting is at 7 p.m. in the conference room. 

Also Oct. 15, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Kathryn Rohr said Pioneer Motel has made significant progress in bringing the facilty to code. In April, Maine Department of Human Services' inspection identified three critical and 11 non-critical violations of Maine Rules Relating to Lodging Establishments. The alleged violations included rodent infestation, lack of adequate cleaning, no commercial laundry facility, improper linen storage, missing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, improper extension cord use, no material safety data sheets for on-site chemicals in use, loose and rotten handrails, and equipment and facilities needing maintenance, repair, or replacement. 

Following the state report, Pioneer Motel surrendered its licensing resulting in a reclassification. The business is no longer a motel, under state supervision. The new classification is for rental rooms, under municipal supervision. In July, Rohr discussed findings of the first town inspection. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the conference room.