Edgecomb selectmen received negative feedback Sept. 15 regarding two warrant questions on the Nov. 3 special town meeting ballot. Resident Dr. Kathryn Rohr questioned the wording on one question pertaining to an ordinance change.

Selectman Cara Gaffney acknowledged the wording was confusing about Fire Chief Roy Potter's concern about how the ordinance impacted the fire department's standard operating procedures. Gaffney promised to provide Rohr with a copy of the fire department's standard operating procedures to clarify the reasoning. 

Rohr also questioned selectmen about an article seeking creation of a capital reserve account starting with a $17,000 contribution. Selectman Forrest Carver responded he and Gaffney both supported the fund's creation and wanted it included on the fall ballot. Carver said town officials are in the midst of creating a capital improvement spreadsheet listing all of the town’s property and equipment. The sheet would list the last time maintenance was done and include the equipment's current age and life expectancy.

Selectmen also made municipal appointments: Laura Lubelczyk and Rebecca Schaffner, Schmid Preserve Committee; Stuart Smith, appeals board member; John Allen III, appeals board alternate; Marian Anderson, code enforcement officer and licensed plumbing inspector; Terry Stockwell, harbor master; and David Nutt and John Dunlap, planning board alternates.

Selectmen proposed holding quarterly meetings with department heads for better communication within town government. Selectmen will request meetings with the planning board chairman, road commissioner and code enforcement officer in future meetings.

Town officials are planning to provide more information within annual tax bills. Selectmen discussed a letter from the municipal tax assessor on how other towns deliver their tax information. A copy of Belfast’s tax bill was reviewed which showed how municipal spending was broken down in percentages of municipal, school and county taxes.

Carver also reported about how an invasive species had invaded several parts of Edgecomb. The wild plant known as Japanese knotweed had grown so large, it engulfed the stop sign at the Eddy and Mason roads intersection. Carver also said the invasive species had grown wild in Schmid Preserve. Selectmen will apply for a grant to eradicate the species.

Selectmen are considering asking for an increase in what Spectrum pays Edgecomb for cable television services. Under the current contract which elapsed in 1997, Spectrum pays the town a 3% fee for each subscriber. Carver mentioned most town received 5% and Edgecomb should follow suit. Gaffney agreed. Carver said Nobleboro is in negotiations with Spectrum. “Their negotiations should be done in two to three weeks and a Nobleboro rep said it would be fine if we could 'copy' their work,” Carver said.

Selectmen also want to work with the planning board on creating an ordinance requiring new roads to include a turnaround for emergency vehicles. Selectmen are also working with the fire chief in contacting property owners to persuade them to allow turnarounds on their properties.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 in the meeting room.