NEW GLOUCESTER — After a two-hour executive session on Monday, selectmen renewed Town Manager Sumner Field III’s contract for three years by a 3-to-2 vote.

Voting in favor to renew the contract were Steve Libby, Linda McCann and Mark Leighton. Selectmen Josh McHenry and Mark Leighton opposed the contract based on a termination without cause agreement.

The board set Field’s salary at $68,614, a 1.5 percent increase over his current salary.

The three-year contract requires the board review Field’s performance in January and June annually.

The contract requires a written 90-day notice of resignation, but if the board terminates the contract before three years without cause, the town must pay Field’s remaining salary and health benefits throughout the remaining contract period.

Board Chairman Steve Libby said, “The board needs to show confidence in the manager. We want consistency and not a revolving door like other towns.”

The board began to work at reviewing the current application process dealing with appointments made to various boards and committees.

Currently 14 committees perform review and advisory tasks.

Vacancies are posted on the town’s website to advertise openings.

No interview procedure is required for candidates, especially when there are fewer posts than candidates vying for a slot.

And, the form required to be filled often lacks information from the applicant.

Town Manager Field was directed to send packets of the application process and committee mission statements to current term holders for their input to the board before another workshop is held.

The board will hold another workshop on the topic on Sept. 26.

Then, discussion will center on the actual appointment including concerns about multiple family members serving on the same boards and committees over long periods of time.

Selectman Josh McHenry said, “The number-one issue is experience versus fresh blood.”

And, he said appointments of multiple family members on the same boards and business disclosure of conflicts need to be considered.

“We need to be clear what’s open, and do we change our advertising method. And, finally, should we have a more formalized interview procedure?” McHenry said.

And, Selectman Mark Stevens said a concise method of making appointments requires a clear standardized procedure.

Several people serve on multiple committees along with relatives now.