The Boothbay selectmen approved a revised Common Use application at the February 11 meeting. The new use application became effective immediately.

The bulk of the revisions concern the issue of liability. The language in Section C of Conditions and Requirements states the following:

Any and all groups using the Boothbay Common to have an insurance policy that removes all liability to the town, its employees, municipal officers and/or municipal officials from any claims, losses, damages, or demands that may arise.

Applicants must maintain general commercial liability insurance and motor vehicle insurance policies on an occurrence basis with policy limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence/aggregate.

These policies must name the Town of Boothbay, its employees, municipal officers and officials as additional insured's as necessary. Such insurance will include without limits coverage for products liability and liability related to the sale of any food or beverage products whether or not for consumption on the Common.

Proof of such insurance must be submitted with the application that shows the requirements have been satisfied.

The $100 deposit is no longer a flat rate, it is now required for each day a group/organization will be holding an event. The deposit is applied toward any costs incurred by the town that result from the group/organization's failure to comply with the use agreement.

The town reserves the right to refuse any and all persons, groups or organizations without reason or cause.

The applicant(s) must promptly reimburse the Town of Boothbay for any costs or expenses incurred by the town due to the applicant(s) failure to comply with the requirements as stipulated. These expenses include, without limitation, those incurred for traffic control, parking enforcement, cleanup and/or repair of any damage to the Common.

And, the applicant(s) waive all rights to make any claim against the Town of Boothbay or its employees, officers or officials that arise from any inability to use the Common due to the condition of the Common or of any other property in Boothbay.

"Anyone putting on an event of any substance we think ought to have insurance - including non-profits," said Selectman Dan Harris.

Selectman Ross Edwards said he believed the cost of obtaining insurance for a day or two was not very expensive.

Boothbay resident Bill Green said that the liability coverage requirement was no different than what is expected in other communities and in other states.

Green said he was curious about how the Farmer's Market was handled.

Town Manager John Anderson said that the farmer's market is governed by the state Department of Agriculture and that the market is covered under a state umbrella.

Selectman and Chair Chuck Cunningham found only one line that required correction - The draft application stated that the town manager had the authority to waive a deposit, when, according to administrative code that authority lies with the board of selectmen.

The use application was approved with that sole correction.

The selectmen congratulated the students of Boothbay Region High School who were recently inducted into the National Honor Society - Karl Berger, Danica Ramsey-Brimberg, Claire Unda, Soren Barker, Zachary Miller, Allison Rocque and Morgan Mitchell.

Budget hearings will continue on February 19 and 20 - if needed. Contact the town office to be sure a meeting is planned.

All dogs over the age of six months must be licensed. There is a $15 late fee applicable to all licenses issued now. Spayed or neutered dogs are $6 (plus $15) and unaltered animals are $11 (plus $15).

Town reports are available for pick up at the town office during business hours Monday - Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Lincoln County Triad still has cell phones for the elderly (programmed for 911 calls only). Contact Deb Mullen at 633-7874.

The Boothbay Region Community Resources Group is seeking donations for fuel assistance. If wish to donate to the cause make your check payable to the Boothbay Region Community Resources Group and drop it off at the town office. To date the group has raised $1,600.