Since only one member of the Budget Committee was present, it was agreed to ask the Budget Committee as a whole to attend the first Public Information meeting on Saturday, October 23, at 10:00 a.m. Pat Oberuch and Rick Elder have stated that they favor the TIF proposal. Members of the Budget Committee will receive copies of these and other recent meeting notes on this subject.

To correct a misconception, it is Edgecomb, through the TIF District, who will install infrastructures relying upon the TIF’s tax revenues. Toye is providing up-front money.

Lisa McSwain asked, if after all arrangements have been made, someone new wishes to hook up to these utilities, can we add a TIF district of our own? Yes. It was noted that TIFs are to accommodate utilities only. The pumping station would not be a part of the TIF that Toye would have to pay for. Edgecomb will have to pay itself back for this from the TIF revenues.

Rodd Hopper asked, could a private water district hook up? He noted that Davis Islanders sometimes go dry. Gibbons and Fitch advised, don’t mix public with private users. Fitch remarked, “I look at water service as of 100 years duration. Will the summer people still be around?” As to sewer service, in addition to Sheepscot River Inn, there are 7 - 10 private overboard discharges into the river from Davis Island.

The draft of the Sewer Ordinance, which must be reciprocal with Wiscasset’s, is ready; initially simple; it can be amended after study.

Paul Gibbons proposed a revenue bond at some future time.

Lisa McSwain asked what would be the effects of increased density on both public water and sewer. Erin Cooperrider said that increased density would actually counteract sprawl.

Rodd Hopper said there are 30 acres on Davis Island which people do not want developed because of wildlife habitat, eagles, egrets, et al. Frank Perkins asked if that meant that only 9 acres of Edgecomb Development LLC (formerly Sheepscot River Holdings II) were buildable?

Paul Gibbons said the real hassle is that Tom Toye wants this concluded so fast. Erin Cooperrider reported that the sale to Edgecomb Development LLC has been closed. Lisa McSwain reviewed the Town’s history of suspicions, no one wants it jammed down their throats.

Paul Gibbons pointed out the uniqueness of the deal, an entrepreneur willing to pay up front. Jim Fitch also reminded us that costs vis-a-vis Wiscasset will never again be so low.