To be or not to be manning one’s booth? That question appears moot, according to Wiscasset Town Manager Dennis Simmons’ look into a vendor’s request to be back at Main Street (Creamery) Pier this year. Selectmen Tuesday night are set to consider Potter's Shed’s request and those of other vendors.

In his written report ahead of the meeting, Simmons notes the waterfront committee recommends nodding requests from Sprague’s Lobster, IndustrialME and The River Shack, and denying Potter's Shed’s “on the stated basis that it had ‘failed to comply with manning its booth as required for the past two years.’ After reviewing the policy language, I do not find that this is grounds for denial,” Simmons writes. 

“Section 6 states: ‘In order to create a center of activity at the waterfront, all vendors will maintain standard business operating hours a minimum of 5 hours per day at least 5 days per week ... ' The (Potter's) Shed’s operating hours meet that requirement." Simmons tells selectmen, fellow vendor Frank Sprague of Sprague's Lobster opens and closes Potter's Shed each day.

"Pottery sales are conducted on an honor system, which is a common practice among small roadside vendors throughout the state. The policy does not require that vendor space be continuously staffed, nor does it prohibit sales through an honor system,” Simmons continues. 

“Because the application appears to comply with the policy as written, I recommend approval of all vendor applications for the 2026 season.”

Also Tuesday, selectmen are set to consider tapping the Old Ferry Road stumpage revenue to get town property at Old Ferry Road and Mason Station closer to possible development. The to-do list includes adding more information to a boundary survey, updating a deed and getting a commercial appraisal, which will also show if a prior owner has equity coming. 

“All of this preplanning work helps to make the property more marketable to potential developers,” Simmons writes.

Due to the newspaper’s print schedule, look for meeting results at wiscassetnewspaper.com and in the April 30 print edition.

The board meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the town office. Join the meeting via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85004446696?pwd=2PagF5T1W4NUgJDAuLqUkTnOEwFQ8y.1