The Monday, March 24 Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen's meeting started two and a half hours early to allow extra time to conclude all issues related to the upcoming town meeting and warrant. However, no extra time was needed since the selectmen had already decided to remove the controversial blasting ordinance, had agreed on the referendum and warrant article wording, and had made their budget recommendations in four special meetings held during the past week (see related article).

Town Manager Tom Woodin asked the board to approve the town warrant that will be put before the voters in May. Selectman Bruce Engert informed the audience that all budget item articles in this year's warrant would use the words "to see what sum the town will vote to raise." This wording allows voters to either raise or lower dollar amounts for individual line items. Last year's warrant was worded so that voters could only lower a dollar amount. The board approved the warrant unanimously.

Woodin reported that Dave Reingardt of Kettlefish, Inc. would like to renew his lease at the fish pier and Doug Carter would like to give up his lease for the fish market building. Woodin asked the board how they would like to proceed. Selectman Tom Carbone stated that only marine-related businesses could be sited in the fish market building. Selectman Brian Schutrumpf suggested that a first year's lease with a new lessee might want to take into consideration the work that needs to be done on the building.

Selectman Engert recommended that the board give some consideration to what would be a reasonable lease rate for each of these sites. Engert also pointed out that Carter was actually asking to break his five-year lease. Schutrumpf asked if Carter had suggested any remuneration to the town for breaking his lease and whether there is a penalty clause in the current lease.

Carbone moved that an engineer or contractor survey the building to determine any need for repairs. DPW Director Jody Lewis responded that Bill Haney had surveyed the site last year. No one was sure if a report was available. The board did not act on Carbone's motion.

The board decided to take these leases up again at the next meeting. Woodin said that he would provide selectmen with copies of the leases and ask both Carter and Reingardt to attend the next meeting.

Daren Graves stated that he had been asked to join the fire department, had completed his training, and has been waiting for the selectmen's approval. He said that he has been told that two firefighters are opposing his joining the department and that the fire chief considers his appointment too controversial to bring before the selectmen.

It appeared that this was the first that the selectmen had heard of this matter. Schutrumpf noted that Graves' appointment had not been brought before the board but the selectmen could ask why it had not. Selectman Louis Burnham stated that in his 10 years as a selectman, no volunteer firefighter appointment has ever come before the board.

Woodin suggested that Graves and Fire Chief Glenn Townsend meet the following day to resolve the problem.

In other business, the board decided that the town manager, with the support of the police chief, would negotiate the next union contract for the police department. The board also instructed Woodin to investigate the possibility of obtaining negotiation help from the Maine Municipal Association.

The board approved license renewals for the Chowder House, Blue Moon Cafe, and Townsend Avenue Coffeehouse. A wharves and weirs permit was granted to Thomas Thomson for a pier, ramp, and float.

The board disapproved a wharves and weirs permit for Ralph and Valerie Eatz until the exact location of the proposed structure is marked and the legality of tree removal in the shoreland zone is investigated.