Perry selectmen grapple with meeting procedure and conflict

It was relatively quiet during the first hour of the regular Perry selectmen's meeting on May 1, but the quiet quickly dissolved during the latter part of the meeting, which lasted over three hours. Chairman David Turner began the meeting with an announcement that all future selectmen's meetings would follow Maine Municipal Association guidelines, stating, "These meetings will be conducted in an open and professional manner. The meetings will be taped for a permanent record and kept with Janice Scanlon at the town clerk's office." Turner said that although the chairman of the selectmen is not required to accept public input at the bi-monthly meetings, he would "allow public participation as long as it is not repetitive or rude. I will not allow any interruptions and reserve the right to stop all conversation. This will be simple and professional."

Towards the end of the meeting, some liquefied natural gas agenda items surfaced, and the meeting suffered a communications breakdown. At issue, between Selectwoman Jeanne Guisinger and Turner, was a difference of opinion on whether or not the Town of Perry should hire the law firm of Eaton Peabody of Bangor to review a lease incentive agreement between the Perry Improvement Association (PIA) and Quoddy Bay LNG. The incentive proposal was presented to selectmen last year. Turner proposed that the law firm could "confirm the terms, provide advice to the town, and assist us in how to handle direct negotiations in any land engagements, permitting, or additional information we may need." Turner also stated, "All costs would be the responsibility of Quoddy Bay LNG." Guisinger was strongly opposed to the motion made by Turner and accused him of "strong bias in this matter."

Other accusations then erupted. Guisinger faced off with Turner over election campaign practices, selectmen meeting procedures and negotiations with Quoddy Bay LNG. "The PIA document has not been reviewed by the town," said Guisinger. "It has not been accepted by selectmen. It has no legal standing C not by the citizens, anyway." Turner, in reply, stated, "If you will let me finish, the next motion will explain the first." More exchanges and banter between the two selectmen and some members of the audience began, with Guisinger stating, "I don't have to be recognized by you, David, to speak here." Turner said, "You don't think you need to be recognized by the chair?" "No, I don't," replied Guisinger. "You'd better read your meeting manual then. The rules and regulations are all right there," returned Turner.

Turner was interrupted by resident Gary Guisinger, who wanted to make a point. "Gary, I'll give you one more chance not to interrupt," said Turner. "How many more do I get?" Guisinger asked. "One more time, Gary, and I'll call the sheriff's department and have you removed from this meeting and brought down to Machias."

After some settling down, Turner announced that he had resigned from the Perry Improvement Association and was no longer a member. The motion to hire Eaton Peabody law firm was passed 2-1, Turner and Adams in favor, Guisinger opposed. The second motion made by Turner was also related to a contract with Eaton Peabody, "to change the scope of this service, and to try to negotiate a better deal for the town. If they do come [LNG], we can have the best possible deal. If we don't, then we don't get anything." The motion to hire the firm with "a possible 1% incentive or fixed amount to negotiate for a better deal" was passed 2-1. The third motion regarding LNG also passed 2-1, for selectmen to draft a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in support of the proposed storage tank facility in Perry.

Group questions retaining of law firm
The following week, the group Perry Citizens for Responsible Growth wrote a letter to Eaton Peabody with several questions regarding the selectmen's decision to retain the firm and their responsibility in representing the Town of Perry and Quoddy Bay LNG at the same time. One of the members, John Cook, wrote, "Your answers to our questions are of vital interest to the citizens of the Town of Perry. We assume you are aware of the highly contentious nature of the assignment Mr. Turner is attempting to retain you for and that the manner in which you are being retained is also controversial and will be subject to review and possible legal challenge." Six other members signed the letter that was sent to Eric Stumpfel of Eaton Peabody.

Survey shows town not eligible for CDBG funds
Other agenda items discussed at the meeting were a report on the possibility of purchasing a fire proof cabinet for the town office to protect the treasurer's bookkeeping records. The board of selectmen will be looking at two town accounts with local bank representatives and deciding on whether or not to place the funds into CD or trust accounts. The presentations are for informational purposes only, and the board would only make any changes or transfers with public decision.

It was reported that a Maine Department of Transportation official has told selectmen that the town can make its own traffic ordinance regarding any issues on side roads in Perry being used while road construction begins on Route 1. Selectmen are investigating when and where gravel trucks will be traveling during the construction phase of the project.

Jane Cook, chairperson for the municipal building committee, had an income survey report for selectmen. Cook and a group of some Perry residents and selectmen took a survey in January 2006 of 200 households in town. The survey was required in order for Perry to qualify for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The town wanted financial help to develop a plan of improvements for the municipal building, focusing on the fire safety and community portions, which needed repair to meet building codes. The CDBG program required proof of providing benefit to low and moderate income persons (LMI). Based on state income guidelines for Washington County, at least 51% of town residents must be LMI. "Unfortunately, when the survey was done, it was obvious that Perry would not qualify," said Cook. "Of the 154 completed surveys, 98 were above the fiftieth percentile, and 56 were below." Households were chosen randomly by computer. Cook also said, "Volunteers put in long hours conducting door to door interviews. I want to thank all those that volunteered and also the community where we spent some time at kitchen tables talking to people who were cordial and very welcoming." Turner thanked the group, told them it was a "gallant try," and offered support from the town for a second round in the program.

MMA Insurance has notified the board of selectmen that vendors, entertainers, sponsors and conductors of some activities held during Harvest Fair must have a certificate of insurance in order to attend the annual fair. The municipal building also has some mechanical problems that need to be addressed, including the kitchen fire prevention system. Selectmen said that they would be working with the recreation committee to discuss options and the fair regulations. The board also talked about the possibility of park sign posting at Gleason Cove, fuel costs at the municipal building, a resident complaint about a "junkyard" on the Shore Road, and trash disposal zoning ordinances at the Marion Transfer Station.

Clam flat reopened
Clamming restrictions for Lewis Cove have been lifted. Selectmen have announced the reopening of the clam flat which has been closed for a number of years due to red tide. As of this month, 50,000 pounds of clams have already been dug in the area. Perry has a clam ordinance in place, and members of the shellfish committee are Howard Calder, Stephen Calder, Dana Dupee and Dick Adams. Peter Small is the clam warden for Perry; Mark Emery is the deputy clam warden.

Other Perry officials include plumbing inspector J.R. Leighton, with Terry Johnson as alternate; code enforcement officer Tabetha Young; 911 coordinator John Spinney; and emergency preparedness agent Paula Frost. The Town of Perry needs a new health officer.