CEI's plans to sell its three downtown buildings could create new opportunities for Wiscasset, an official with the nonprofit told selectmen on June 17.

“I know this cuts both ways,” said Stephen Cole, CEI's energy and environmental officer. Cole also serves on the CEI's building committee involved with the upcoming move to Brunswick.

“It's hard to lose people who buy lunch and buy services in the town, but on the other hand it may offer some opportunities.”

The buildings are all currently office space, but could have mixed uses, Cole said.

A real estate agent has yet to be picked; the properties will go on the market within about six months, Cole said.

Other than those details, Cole's remarks bore little new information over what Chief Executive Officer Ronald Phillips recently announced. About five employees, possibly more, will be staying on in Wiscasset, Phillips has said.

Two business counselors will still work in Wiscasset, continuing CEI’s free services to clients from the Midcoast and as far inland as Augusta, Cole said Tuesday night. According to Phillips, the nonprofit might lease space at one of the buildings after selling them, or retain part-ownership in one.

Cole invited selectmen to visit the buildings.

Phillips had been scheduled to address selectmen; he was unable to attend, Interim Town Manager Don Gerrish said. Selectmen had no questions for Cole about the move; they thanked him for coming.

Change in leadership

Selectmen voted in Pam Dunning as chairman. Jeff Slack nominated Dunning, saying he thought she did a great job when she previously served as chairman. Newly elected board member William Barnes nominated fellow new member Benjamin Rines Jr. Both men are past Wiscasset selectmen. Dunning got four votes, to the one vote Rines received from Barnes.

Rines went on to be elected vice chairman, in a 4–0 vote, with him abstaining.

Do you love a parade?

Fourth of July plans include a 10 a.m. parade, themed “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” Gerrish said. After the parade, veterans will hold a memorial salute and flag-raising at the Wiscasset Yacht Club. The schedule also calls for a Dyer Neck Gang concert and 9 p.m. fireworks.

“Things are moving,” Gerrish said about the plans shaping up.