Public input suspended by Lubec board

The Lubec Board of Selectmen has voted to suspend the public comment period normally offered during scheduled meetings, until moderating rules can be developed. The motion, made by Selectman Michael Scrivani during the October 24 meeting and seconded by James Jones Sr., was "to temporarily suspend all public comments until rules of procedure can be enacted." The motion passed by a four to one vote, with Sara McConnell voting against it. "This will not be a suspension of public comment for a long time," said board Chair Maureen Glidden.
This action was prompted by the board's loss of control during the October 10 meeting, following the presentation by resident Bob Judd of a petition asking the board to support a public meeting process to gauge support for the introduction of a chain store within the town. That meeting, described by some as "chaotic," turned into an uproar, including one resident shouting out an epithet that was picked up by the television camera.
Referring to the October 10 meeting, McConnell said, "I think it was the board that let it get out of control," adding, "It is our job to listen." Scrivani replied, "I agree with Sara on the need to listen. This is not a censuring. We are looking for a chance to set up our rules." Scrivani also pointed out that, while the October 10 meeting produced a "lively engagement," it was "not as lively as a shellfish committee meeting." Shellfish committee meetings are not televised.
Town Administrator John Sutherland expressed concerns that, after his viewing of the tape of the October 10 meeting, the town may be at risk of jeopardizing the agreement with Time Warner Cable to control such live‑microphone broadcasting. Sutherland was not present at the October 10 meeting.
In a follow‑up interview, Sutherland confirmed that his review of the tape revealed only the single incident of unacceptable language, but he reiterated his position that the one time was enough to demonstrate the need for proper rules. "I am checking to see what guidelines other towns have enacted," he said.
The Lubec Town Charter and state law do not ensure the right of the public to speak during select board meetings. No timetable was set for the announcement or implementation of the moderation rules.

Heating system for town office
In other business before the board, the need to upgrade the town office heating system was discussed. Pelletco LLC of Orono has provided two proposals to the town: a five‑year agreement and a 10‑year agreement. Pelletco proposes to provide the town with a wood‑pellet heating system with no upfront costs and would bill the town only for the number of BTUs of heat actually utilized. The pros and cons of both proposals were discussed, but no resolution reached. The 10‑year proposal provides a lower per‑BTU cost and a one‑dollar equipment purchase at maturity, but several members of the board stated their discomfort with the long‑term commitment. Board members were asked to be prepared to vote on their preference at the next meeting, as the reliability of the existing oil‑fired unit has become increasingly under question.