There are a number of large infrastructure projects ahead for the town of Wells. Thank you to the voters for supporting these projects. 

But, how does a bridge replacement, seawall reconstruction or major culvert replacement get from an identified need to a completed project? The start of a project is data collection. 

Ground surveys are done to document the existing conditions, natural and manmade features, elevations of the ground as it exists today. This is often done after the wetlands have been delineated so the actual wetland locations are picked up in the survey. 

Next, soil borings are done in the area of the project, so the engineers know what types of soils they will be designing around. That can include locating the depth to ledge. All this data serves as the baseline for the engineers to start their design work. At this point discussions are started with the permitting regulatory agencies. This might result in a request for further environmental documentation, like an archeological survey. The engineers look at several feasible options for designs. They usually then develop a preferred alternative that balances all variables such as cost, constructability, minimizes or mitigates environmental impacts, is respectful of the surroundings where the project is to be built.

During this process, it is important that the public be involved. To end up with a successful project that can be celebrated, public involvement is vital. 

Once a preferred alternative has been chosen, and the public has been involved, then final engineering design begins. This is the phase where hydraulic studies are done, details of items like foundation types are designed. Drainage is sized, utility relocations are coordinated and the cuts and fills are balanced. Final plans and applications are sent to the state and federal regulatory authorities for their consideration. That may result in changes to the plans depending on their comments. It could also mean that time of year restrictions are placed on the construction due to things like fish spawning periods. The engineers also prepare plans and specifications to be used by contractors to bid on the construction. Finally, the bids are opened and read publicly. The engineers then examine the bids, the companies, and make sure all the required insurance and bond documents are supplied. They then summarize their recommendation for project award. The Board of Selectmen consider all the information and decide on the award of the contract. Construction can now get underway. Usually the engineers also provide construction oversight and materials testing to assure that the project is built according to the plans and specifications. Any necessary field charges are discussed with representatives of the town.

At the conclusion of this long process, an infrastructure improvement is a reality.  

Introducing the newest Maine specialty license plate!

The Maine Lighthouse Trust plate became available in October of 2021. According to the Trust, the funds generated from the plate’s fee ($20 at first registration and $15 each year upon registration renewal) will be “distributed in the form of grants to statewide lighthouse organizations for the ongoing preservation, restoration and education/awareness of Maine’s historic sentinels.” They estimate the lighthouse plate will raise more than $200,000 per year for Maine’s lighthouse community.

Available at the Wells Town Hall Finance Office and at BMV branch offices throughout the state, this plate is allowed on vehicles with a registered weight of up to 26,000 pounds. Vanities up to six characters, plus a space or a dash, are also allowed on this class of plate.

For more information on the Trust visit mainelighthousetrust.org.

What is a revaluation?

Why is a revaluation needed?

What is market value and who determines my property value?

For more information, please visit our Town of Wells website here.

The Wells Parks & Recreation Department is in our 6^th week of our 8 week program of Summer Day Camp hosting over 180 children going into K through 9^th grade. It’s been a very hot and challenging summer but the kids have been having fun participating in a variety of outdoor activities and attending a couple of field trips as well. The kids have been quite resilient with the extreme temperatures they have experienced thus far. We offered a host of activities and events to keep them cool and engaged. Along with summer camp we are currently offering a tennis program. 

Starting next week we are holding a week long camp through Seacoast United Soccer Camps. Summer is flying by and we are now looking into our Fall program offerings. Soon we will be starting our Soccer Season on August 23^rd and are looking for as many players as we can to make up our in-house league. Please go to our website to register for Fall programs.

The Code Office has been receiving lots of renovation/addition projects and the contractors are leaving the permitting responsibilities to the property owner.

If you are planning a construction project, regardless of whether it is large or small project it is the policy of this office to review permits in the order that they are received. New single-family homes do not take priority and small projects do not get reviewed quicker because the project is smaller.

Here, you find the steps to fill out a permit for convenience. Below, you will also find a blank application that you can submit by hardcopy with payment to the Code Office. It can also be physically mailed to us. We do not accept permits via email currently.

Below, you will also find tips for Hiring a Contractor. If the project is more than $3000.00 it must be in a written contract. There have been reports that property owners have given deposits for materials and never see the contractor again. It is difficult for local authorities to help in these circumstances and without a contract using the judicial system may not be successful either.

If you find a contractor that you may want to hire, we cannot tell you if he/she is good or not or speak on the quality of the work, but if they have permits on file in the Code Office we can tell you if they called for inspections and what the outcome of those inspections were.

The Wells Harbor Concert Series welcomes the Party Starters Band on Saturday August 6^th at 6:00 p.m. This four-member band plays music for all ages- disco, country, soul and rock ‘n roll hits from the 1950’s to today.

This free concert will be at the Hope Hobbs Gazebo at Wells Harbor Community Park, 331 Harbor Road, Wells, beginning at 6pm.

There is plenty of free parking and Admission is free (though contributions are accepted). There is abundant park bench type seating. You can bring your own blanker, folding chair and/ or a picnic and we highly recommend bringing a friend or two to enjoy some great music in a beautiful setting. Come every week for a fun, relaxed evening of wonderful entertainment with lots of good folks in a scenic spot.

For more information, visit our website.