Thomaston — The Thomaston Select Board met June 11 to approve outside tables at Athens Pizzeria and a reapplication of a grant for land conservation. Select Board members also reviewed the Community Development Block Grant awarded to fix the facade and streetscape of the business block.

Select Board members Paul Chamberlin, Jonathan Eaton, Lee-Ann Upham and Peter Lammert attended the meeting. Member Bill Hahn was absent but his seat was filled by Bongo the cat.

A Community Development Block Grant totaling $150,000 was approved by the board for Phase 2 improvements of the business block. Streetscape improvement will take place behind the business block, including installing drainage work and underground conduits. Construction of a new sidewalk and curb is planned for the alleyway on the left side of the block to make the walking route to schools safer. The bulk of the work is tentatively expected to begin in spring 2013.

The Thomaston Grocery building will receive facade improvements, including plaster repair work, new windows and a new storefront.

A one-year lease agreement was approved by the board between the town and Angela Anderson Pomerleau and another artist. Pomerleau, the former executive director of the Lincoln Street Center, is renting a 600-square-foot space in the Thomaston Academy building for art instruction and studio space. The lease was changed to include the additional renter for the shared space.

Jerry Zwick was appointed by the Select Board as a member of the board of appeals.

The harbor committee's recommendation that public landing parking be regulated as first come, first serve was approved by the board. Jeff Armstrong, owner of Jeff's Marine and a member of the harbor committee, said "Self-policing was the best way for it to work."

It was suggested by Select Board member Peter Lammert that signs be created to differentiate between Slipway restaurant parking and harbor use parking.

Athens Pizzeria owner Joshua Smith's request to have outdoor seating was granted by a vote of 4-0, on the condition the sidewalk and entrance to the restaurant remain handicapped accessible.

An offer made by John Miller for the town to purchase a portion of land of the former Maine State Police barracks property was discussed. Pollution Control Superintendent John Fancy said, "It looks like a favorable thing for the town to do, but the problem is that the cash flow isn't looking too good." The reason for the limited funds is properties on the Thomaston Green have not been sold yet. Fancy's recommendation was to have himself and Town Manager Valmore Blastow negotiate with Miller.

A reapplication of grant funds from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program to purchase property from Wayne Thorndike for conservation was also approved. The land is adjacent to the Pollution Control Facility and is currently in tree growth. "I continue to support the theory, but this is an item where we've got to have the money," said Blastow.

The application will be submitted in mid-July.

The June 11 meeting was Selectman Chamberlin's last meeting. "The position was interesting and informative and I've learned immensely from all of you," he said. Chairman Upham wanted to do something special to commemorate Chamberlin's last meeting but he said having Bongo present was more than appropriate.

Courier Publications reporter Juliette Laaka can be reached by 594-4401 ext. 118 or by email at JLaaka@courierpublicationsllc.com.

Bongo will miss Selectman Paul Chamberlin. Chamberlin's last meeting was June 11. (Photo by: Juliette Laaka)