NEW GLOUCESTER — Town Manager Paul First said in a statement Monday night that the Maine Municipal Association will defend the town against resident Frank Staton Jr.’s lawsuit and the cost will be covered by insurance.

First’s statement, which was issued at the selectmen meeting, said he and the board would have no further comment on the case and will not take questions or comments.

Several people, including animal control officials, selectmen and the town manager, say Staton has made repeated threats and that he has referred to a “kill list” of names of people whom he says have wronged him for more than two years.

Staton, 41, who has not been charged, firmly denies the accusations. He has filed a civil suit, claiming he was slandered and defamed by the allegations. Through a Lewiston attorney, Staton claims that statements made by Libby and others were false and that they were harmful to Staton’s reputation, social standing and profession.

The suit specifically names Libby as the defendant.

On May 30, First received a temporary order for protection from harassment against Staton from Portland District Court. It covers all town employees and selectmen.

On June 30, a Portland District Court judge approved of an agreement by lawyers from both sides that restricts Staton to communicating with town officials and employees only by written word for the next year, or for as long as a protection-from-harassment order signed that day remains in effect.

In other business Monday night, Beverly Cadigan said the New Gloucester Veterans Monument project needs $9,500 for site preparation at Upper Gloucester. There is enough money to pay for the monument.

A dedication ceremony is planned for November.

A recent fundraiser sponsored by the New Gloucester Historical Society and AMVET Post 6 raised $1,847. A golf tournament fundraiser is slated for Sept. 29 at Spring Meadows Golf Course in Gray.

Dennis McCann continues his run to raise money for the project. He plans to run a mile for each of the 1,142 veterans to be named on the monument. So far, he has completed more than 800 miles.

Memorial bricks, at $50 each, can be purchased.

During the audience participation part of the meeting, Stephen Hathorne said he was concerned about the total cost for legal fees paid by the town last year for executive session meetings and lawsuits facing the town.

A tally will be provided, First said.

Hathorne also said a list of 50 people named on the Staton protection order seemed excessive.

He asked if the town was legally bound to protect and represent town employees, boards and volunteers on committees that hold public hearings, including the New Gloucester Water District trustees.

“These people work for the town or volunteer for the town. In their service of duty, they are covered by the town,” First said. They are considered town officials in volunteer capacity, he said.

In another matter, the board agreed that the fairgrounds barn would be demolished for up to $4,400 using the unbudgeted expense account. The building, damaged by fire, was not insured and it’s too costly to renovate.

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