RAYMOND – The Raymond Board of Selectmen on Tuesday green-lighted the next step in a proposal that could save Raymond Beach and bring additional business to the area.

“I think this is a unique idea for the town,” said Selectman Michael Reynolds. “I applaud you for your creativity.”

The proposal was brought to the town by resident Jeff Pomeroy and includes kayak rentals and a floating food shack with what Pomeroy calls “a float-thru window.” The restaurant would be located at the end of floating dock separate from the Raymond Boat Launch, which is owned by the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

“Imagine getting hot dogs, hamburgers, lobster rolls, and clams right from your boat,” said Pomeroy. “I think people will be excited about it, and it will bring a lot of business to Raymond.”

Pomeroy’s proposal includes picnic tables on the beach, a 30-foot dock leading from the beach out into the lake, and a food shack at the end of the dock where beachgoers can walk up and place orders and boats can pull up for dock service. Boaters would also be able to call ahead and have their food waiting when they arrive.

Pomeroy’s original idea was to have a food shack directly on the beach, but after speaking with the Department of Environmental Protection he learned the shack would have to be in the parking lot or on the water.

“The idea for the building to be on the dock really came out of necessity,” said Pomeroy. “But when I spoke to the DEP about that they seemed really excited about it.”

Pomeroy, a Raymond resident for nearly two decades, grew up spending summers at his grandparent’s home on Sebago Lake and had always thought of owning a business in the area. When he heard the town was looking for proposals to run Raymond Beach, Pomeroy knew his time had come.

“For me, Sebago Lake is the jewel of Maine,” said Pomeroy. “When Don (Willard) told me about the request for proposals, I knew it was the right opportunity.”

Last year, town officials closed Raymond Beach after E.coli contamination, thought to be caused by dirty diapers, was discovered by the Portland Water District. Prior to the E.coli problem, Raymond Public Works regularly found rotten trash, soiled diapers and hypodermic needles littered across the beach. Without having the proper funding or manpower for maintenance, the town was forced to close the beach.

Not wanting to repeat the situation for summer 2011 the Board of Selectmen put out a request for proposals to have a private entity run a business on the beach. Although several people inquired about the opportunity Pomeroy was the only one to submit a full proposal to the board, a proposal that impressed every member of the board as well as other town officials.

“We all think this is a good idea,” said Board Chairman Joseph Bruno.

Town Manager Don Willard agreed.

“I would agree with Mike’s (Reynolds) assessment,” said Willard. “It was a very creative and unique idea.”

The board voted unanimously on allowing Pomeroy to create a final proposal and apply for the necessary town and state permits. If all goes well and the final proposal is accepted by the board, Pomeroy could be in business by Memorial Day.

“That’s the goal,” said Pomeroy. “I think this is really going to be great.”