1. BRRDD Status: Messrs. Lewis, Leighton and Hopkins explained the terms of Edgecomb's membership in the Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District. Originally, Edgecomb's participation was on an annual contract basis. In 1988, Edgecomb petitioned to join BRRDD as a member and voted in favor of this in that year's Town Meeting. Since this waste district is established and maintained according to State of Maine legislative rules, withdrawing membership would be very difficult, and expensive to the Town. The participating towns: Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Edgecomb, are assessed according to respective populations, valuations, total taxable sales, and number of summer residents. The 2007-8 budget has been raised 5.66% because of rising disposal costs as well as the necessary purchase of a new tub grinder at a cost of $300,000, on a 20-year note.

   Stuart explained that the question had been raised during Edgecomb's early budget discussions, out of a concern for the LD1 cap on Edgecomb's 2007-8 budget as well as LD1's heavy toll on last year's surplus funds. He said that Wiscasset's rate is almost $15,000 lower than BRRDD's.

   Mike Leighton invited the Selectmen to attend the next meeting of BRRDD, Thursday, March 8, 5:00 p.m. at the Transfer Station office. In Executive Session, details of financing, the original charter agreement, etc. can be discussed.

   In other topics, Steve Lewis said that one of their most successful products, the reclaim gravel substitute made from recycled asphalt shingles, has never been used by Edgecomb's Road Department. It was agreed to encourage the Road Commissioner to avail himself of this product, which could be stored in the unused portion of the Salt Shed.

2. Water and Sewer: Frank described the Selectmen's meeting with the Boothbay Region Sewer District, Superintendent Zigra. It is expected that they will be running water lines down Route 27, but Edgecomb has received no proposal from them yet. Chris Cossette expressed the concern that between Boothbay and Bath, WWD will have to raise its fees. He clarified the status of water rates, which he said would not be raised for Edgecomb as a client town. WWD's bill is submitted at the first of the month; Edgecomb's revenue is sent at the end of the month.

   In other topics, Wiscasset's concerns with the Montsweag Brook impoundment and the Bailey Point ground restriction against wells are to comply with DEP's natural resource management requirements.

   On the question of rules/regulations vs. ordinance, Jo said that MMA advises, if the rules and regulations are procedural only, no Town vote is required. But if they have the weight of law, then the Town must vote to approve them.

   Frank suggested presenting the proposed rules and regulations at the coming Town Meeting, pending the establishment of an Edgecomb Utility District. The present Utility Committee is using an ordinance from Manchester ME as a model. Informational meetings and a public hearing will be required. Jo suggested joining the Planning Board in its schedule of meetings and hearing, March 3, 15 and 24.

3. State Representative McKane requested further information on the proposed Edgecomb Utility District, in order to introduce the legislation needed to establish it.

   In addition, Frank explained to Mr. McKane the seeming waste of money, to pave McKay Road when it really needs a major reconstruction problem, for which Edgecomb has already applied. The estimate to date for such a project is $220,000, of which Edgecomb would be expected to pay one-third.

   This project is not to be confused with the lesser project of repairing a .7 mile stretch of the River Road known as Slade's Hill. Originally estimated to cost $75,000, the Town voted the required third, $25,000, in May 2006. Lately, Frank has learned from Jeff McKittredge in MDOT's Rockland office, the estimated costs have risen so that the Town's third is now $42,000, some $17,000 more than has been already allocated. Frank asked Mr. McKane for help in resolving this cost dilemma.

1. There was no new business.

1. Planning Board over budget: Last week Fran Mague noted this overage. Stuart will ask her to move any bills from Murray Plumb Murray and other legal advisors from the Planning Board budget to Legal Fees.

   The first of four Budget Committee meetings started at 5:30 p.m. Departments concerned were BRRDD, Schmid Committee, Planning Board, Appeals Board, Fire Department.

#19 = $129,323.76