The project is related to the Lands For Maine's Future River Link project, and the properties of interest are the Church property of 104 acres, and the former Lallis property, that is now owned by the town, of about 95 acres.

Jerry Bley, a land use consultant for the Boothbay Land Trust, and Rupert Neily a board member of the trust explained to the selectmen the owner of the Church property has given a verbal agreement to sell the property at market value to the land trust.

However, the land trust will seek money to purchase the land from the Lands for Maine Future program. A meeting is scheduled for November 22 to discuss the proposal.

Bley told the selectmen once the Church property is purchased by the land trust, it will be turned over to the town with the understanding it will be available for permanent preservation and public use.

In return the land trust would like the town to give them a conservation easement to the Lallis property.

Selectman Rodd Hopper said it sounds like a win-win situation for everyone. "However there are some things that have to be ironed out."

"Can we timber harvest on the Church property?" Hopper asked. Bley answered, "yes."

"Are you asking for all 95 aces of the Lallis property for conservation easement?" Hopper asked.

"Yes, however, we are certainly willing to discuss it with you," Bley said.

"There is about six acres on the McKay Road that could be sold into two-acre house lots. That would help the town re-coup some of there loses," Hopper said.

The representatives from the land trust saw no problem with that suggestion.

The selectmen suggested the trust put together a written outline of their proposal by January 23, 2006.

The proposal would go before the voters at the annual town meeting.

Rip Rap To Cover Utilities

The remainder of the construction of the water and sewer connections in the Sheepscot River is about to begin, according to the weekly report from Woodard & Curran, the engineering firm hired by the town.

Rip rap will be placed over a portion of pipe in the river and insulation will be placed around pipes that could freeze when exposed during the extreme low tide. A portion of the utility connection in the Edgecomb intertidal zone is exposed to the air during the extreme low tides. This section must be protected against freezing.

According to the report, the contractor, E Davies Allan, is not responsible for the installation of the insulation. However, the rip rap cannot be placed over that section of the pipe until Woodard and Curran have approved the insulation.

The contractor is obligated to start installation of the riprap November 15, and have it substantially completed by January 15.

According to the report, if the installation is not substantially complete by this time, the town may take over the project and complete at the contractor's expense by drawing against the letter of credit.

Gateway 1 Steering Committee

A meeting of the Gateway 1 Steering Committee will be held Wednesday, November 30, at the Rockland City Council Chambers, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Included in the agenda is a presentation from Lincoln County Planner Robert Faunce, on the Route 1 corridor growth patterns.