Sabattus Select Board denies two April 6 public works grievances and removes Vice Chair Noel

The Sabattus Select Board voted to deny two grievances filed April 6 by public works employees and to remove Vice Chair Noel from that leadership post at a meeting held after an executive session.

A Select Board member moved that the board have the chair send a letter explaining why the board denied the first grievance; the motion was seconded and the board approved it. The transcript records one member saying they should abstain but does not include a roll-call tally or the names of the motion-maker and seconder.

A second motion followed asking that the board deny the second grievance received April 6 “based on lack of evidence and explanation at the meeting or representation at the meeting,” a Select Board member said. That motion was seconded and approved by the board; the transcript again does not record a detailed tally.

Later in the meeting a Select Board member moved that “Noel is removed from the vice chair position.” The motion was seconded and approved. During discussion, a board member said, “I do not agree with it, but I will accept it appropriately,” and urged that complaints be supported by solid proof. The same speaker asked the town manager to stand behind board members when they raise concerns and said, “there's been a lot of head-butting lately and a lot of harassment. And it's not acceptable,” describing strained relations between board members and staff.

Board members debated whether to select an alternate vice chair that night or to add the vacancy to the next meeting’s agenda; the transcript records the question but does not show a resolution on immediate replacement. The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

The transcript does not identify the individual who moved or seconded each motion, nor does it provide vote tallies. The record shows the motions passed, but does not include further procedural details about appeals or next steps for the grievances or vice-chair vacancy.