Public commenters urge home-rule ordinance; Selectboard asks Harbor Board and Shellfish Committee to take lead

Residents urged the Selectboard May 12 to pursue a home-rule ordinance that would give towns more control over leases in local waters, after speakers described a recently approved 16-acre, three-year lease in nearby St. George.

Daniel (Danny) Staples and David Taylor spoke during the meeting’s new-business public-comment period, saying towns with adjoining waters should be notified and able to weigh in on leases affecting shared waters. Shellfish Clam Warden Jeff Schroeder recommended including the Maine Agricultural Association in conversations about a proposed ordinance and urged the board to examine who funds the advocacy group pushing the change.

Staff member Austin Donaghy suggested the Selectboard refer the matter to the Harbor Board, and the board agreed that the Harbor Board and the Shellfish Committee should draft what’s needed and bring recommendations back to the Selectboard for consideration. The minutes record the board’s consensus but do not show a formal recorded motion or vote to refer.

The transcript notes the local speakers’ concerns about notification and local control; it also records Jeff Schroeder’s caution that agricultural-industry groups may oppose the advocacy group and suggested reviewing that group’s funding and agenda.

Next steps: The Harbor Board and Shellfish Committee are to review options for a home-rule ordinance and return recommendations to the Selectboard. The minutes do not provide a timeline or the specific ordinance language under consideration.