Poland – After weeks of contentious debate, the results of last month’s special town meeting were finally and quietly made official this week.
The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday ratified two unrelated issues approved by voters on Jan. 6.
Selectmen Glenn Peterson, David Corcoran and Steve Robinson carried Tuesday’s action. Selectmen Bud Jordan abstained and Selectwoman Wendy Sanborn opposed.
Board members resolved the matter Tuesday without any discussion; nor did anyone from the public comment.
The town now can go forward with a contract for $13,000 with Community Dynamics Corp. of Auburn for an economic development study. Selectman Bud Jordan’s approximately 80 acres now falls under the village zone, which requires two-acre parcels, without challenge.
The potential to challenge citizen approval of Jordan’s rezoning request arose when Jordan voted in favor of the special town meeting warrant in December.
Because of his personal interest in one of the town meeting articles, Jordan should have abstained from voting on the entire warrant.
However, he had made public his ownership and intent for the property.
The board did not become aware of the conflict of interest problem until after the special town meeting.
Tuesday’s action corrected the original mistake by way of an official resolution acknowledging and disclosing the conflict of interest. With that out of the way, the citizen votes of last month’s special town meeting became binding.
The matter had dragged on for three consecutive meetings as selectmen wrangled with legal issues. The first two meetings provoked heated words between board members.
Board Chairman Peterson insisted that residents have every legal opportunity to challenge the rezoning request. The town received no challenges as of Tuesday’s meeting, Town Manager Richard Chick said.
Peterson, who had blocked ratification the two previous meetings, voted in the majority Tuesday.
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