Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment And Community Affairs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clinton Ritchie honored with Boston Post Cane as residents press the board on records, vehicle policy and livestock
Summary
At the March 2 meeting the Selectboard presented the Boston Post Cane to Clinton Ritchie. Resident Gerald Erbes raised multiple grievances about recall eligibility, budget transparency, vehicle policies and website clarity; the town manager and clerk provided statutory explanations and said requested information would be provided or emailed.
The Sullivan Select Board presented the Boston Post Cane and a certificate to longtime resident Clinton Ritchie at its March 2 meeting. Norman Bamford made the presentation; Ritchie said it was "quite an honor" to receive the recognition.
The meeting also featured an extended public-comment block in which audience member Gerald Erbes read a multi-point list of grievances. Erbes alleged moral misconduct by a Selectboard member and asked for Budget Committee minutes, questioned why the town budgeted $30,000 for insurance coverage, requested receipts for Fire/EMS vehicle work, and sought the vehicle-use policy for Fire and EMS chiefs. Town Clerk Yvette Grindle explained the nomination process for Selectboard candidates when Erbes asked about filings, and Town Manager Ray Weintraub said requested records and policies would be provided or emailed as appropriate. When Erbes asked to meet the local Maine DOT supervisor, the town provided contact information via email.
On the recall allegation, Selectman Michael Hosking read a portion of Title 30‑A to Mr. Erbes and told him on the record that his stated reason for recall is not permitted under that statute; Erbes did not accept Hosking's reading. Several other items Herbes raised were recorded for follow-up: the Town Manager directed staff to provide the requested policy documents and indicated that Budget Committee minutes are posted on the town website.
During public comment Sharon Barron raised animal-control concerns and said she had not heard back from the animal-control officer about livestock remaining in an enclosure. Gregory Ring noted that alleged tree cutting along her property line is a forestry enforcement matter. Barron also asked about a Route 1 property she believed was condemned; the Town Manager said there is no record of condemnation and agreed to contact the property owner about removing buildings.
Audience member Donald Snoke commented on the changing role of the Budget Committee, noting that new software (Trio) makes budget preparation easier and urging the committee to focus on long-term capital needs such as a new fire station rather than routine line-item work.
The board recorded these public comments and directed follow-up: the manager will email policies requested by Erbes and will contact the MDOT supervisor and the Route 1 property owner as appropriate. Several items raised in public comment were described by the board as personnel or record requests and will be handled through administrative follow-up rather than on the public record.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
