A number of options will be tried to help relieve traffic tie-ups on Nequasset Road in Woolwich resulting from parents dropping off their children at the start of and end of the school day.Jason Libby, principal of Woolwich Central School, promised selectmen Aug. 6, school officials would do all they could to improve traffic flow into and out of their parking area safely.

During the pandemic, more parents began driving their child to school rather than have them ride the bus. Libby explained the larger circle in the parking lot is reserved for buses, while the smaller one is for parents to use. The smaller circle can accommodate about a dozen cars at a time. When motorists are dropping off or picking up their child, others are waiting their turn, temporarily tying up both lanes of Nequasset Road. The problem results in about a 10-minute delay twice a day when school's in session. “The late-start on Wednesday is the morning we notice the most congestion,” added Libby.

The selectboard had invited Libby to meet with them following complaints from commuters and homeowners who live near the k-8 school. During the discussion, Fire Chief Shaun Merrill said he and other first responders had been delayed in getting to the fire station for emergency calls because of the school traffic. Much of the problem has to do with Nequasset Road; it has no road shoulders and there are no turning lanes into the school’s parking area.

Libby said there wasn’t much more the school could do other than make parents aware of the problem and have staff members in the parking lot to keep an eye on traffic. Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department typically provides traffic control here during the first week of school. The office staff also sends information to parents explaining the student drop-off procedure and busing schedule.

Selectman Dale Chadbourne suggested one solution might be to widen the road in front of the school. The discussion concluded with the selectboard agreeing to revisit the subject with the principal after school reopens and inviting a representative from the sheriff’s department to attend. 

After hearing from Nikki Yanok, climate finance specialist, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, the board voted 4-0 to proceed with filing a Community Action Grant Application. (Selectman Allison Hepler was not there.) The funding is sought for construction of a new bulkhead at Days Ferry Landing, the previous one having been severely damaged in extreme weather and astronomical high tides on the Kennebec River. Yanok said the project would cost $98,545; the town’s share being $15,145. The cost would be for planning, site preparation, construction and shoreline stabilization. If grant funding is approved, the work would begin, weather permitting, sometime in 2026. Woolwich contractor Reed & Reed, Inc. would carry out the wor, Yanok said.

Selectmen gave Mechelle Given permission to post neighborhood watch signs in the residential neighborhood where she lives. Given belongs to a group of volunteers calling themselves the Sasanoa Area Neighborhood Watch.

According to EMS Director Danny Evarts, Woolwich ambulance responded to 37 calls in July, saw 32 patients and made 21 transports. MC1 was called for assistance seven times and mutual aid was provided to Dresden three times.Fire Chief Merrill said the fire department had answered seven more calls since the last selectboard meeting; all were motor vehicle-related. Merrill noted the fire department is in the process of cleaning out its North Station.

The selectboard directed Town Administrator Kim Dalton to contact the Sagadahoc County comissioners. Beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year, Woolwich would prefer to pay its county taxes in two installments. Selectboard Chair David King noted Topsham has made a similar request. Woolwich currently pays its county commitment in one lump sum due by Oct. 31. He added, the town’s 2025 county commitment rose 8.84%, to $1,144,879.

In other business, selectmen renewed the services of W. H. Brewer, CPA of Bath.Prior to the meeting, they met with Brewer and afterward the town attorney to review the proposed boat launching site on George Wright Road.

Selectman Tommy Davis said Consolidated Communications would begin activating broadband internet services Aug. 13. “They plan to have a representative at the town’s annual community picnic Saturday, Aug 16,” he added. The annual gathering features free grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, cotton candy and soft drinks. The event is held rain or shine under the big top alongside the firehouse on the lawn of Woolwich Historical Society’s 19th century farmhouse.

The board also discussed creating a “taxpayers’ club." Residents would have the option of paying their property taxes in monthly installments instead of twice a year, or in a single lump sum; along with being beneficial to residents on fixed incomes, the change could help even out the town’s cash flow, explained the town administrator. If someone signs up for the tax club and misses a monthly payment, they lose their tax club membership. King called it a win-win situation. “It would be strictly voluntary but requires passage by voters at a town meeting,” he said.

Nomination papers are available at the town office for two,three-year seats on the selectboard. The papers must be returned to the town clerk no later than Sept. 4 by 4:30 p.m. with the signatures of 25 but no more than 100 qualified registered Woolwich voters. Please contact the town office with any questions: 207-442-7094. Voting is at the General Election in November.