The two petitions, one calling for a five member board of selectmen and another for a town manager form of government, were accepted by the selectmen to be voted on in March. But not until about 45 minutes of discussion about why the petitions had been presented during the midst of the Charter Commission's efforts. A town charter sets up a town's form of government, much like the U.S. Constitution does for the federal government. Wiscasset has no charter, and it is the commission's job to decide if one is needed.

While several people said it was simply a sure way to get these two matters before the townspeople in the event the Charter Commission decides to make no changes in town government, others said it is premature.

Despite the controversy, Charter Commission chairman Paul Stover urged the rest of the members, who left the selectmen's meeting about 8 p.m. to have their own meeting, to go forward with their work.

"I talked to Richard Flewelling at the Maine Municipal Association, and he advised us to wait and see what the will of the people is, but to continue the work of the commission," Stover said.

Dick Grondin said he thought the commission should press forward with a recommendation on the type of government the town should have, and to do it prior to the March vote.

Peter Rines suggested that if they have taken a vote on the matter by March, "It will just be part of the process."

"Why should we write a report for or against it," questioned George Flanders. "The vote of the people is the most important."

"If we wait until the people vote," said Suzanne Rankin, "we can tailor what we do based on that."

"I agree these petitions muddy the water, but we still have to get on with the work we've got to do," said Rines.

Two-Tiered Wage System

Members voted to end discussion of a two-tiered wage system, adopting a sub-committee's recommendation that this is not something that belongs in a town charter. The two-tiered system would allow new hires to be employed at a lower pay scale, thereby reducing salary costs over time. The town has already started to do this in some cases.

Road Commissioner

A 5 to 4 vote followed on recommending that the position of road commissioner be changed from elected to appointed (in favor, Stover, Grondin, Chuck Applebee, Karl Tarbox, and Rines; opposed, Bob Blagden, Diane Hathorne, Rankin, and Flanders).

Applebee said he would like to see Wiscasset follow in the town of Windsor's footsteps when it comes to changing elected to appointed positions: that is, keeping the person currently holding the position at least during a transition period. Tarbox agreed, saying, it's important for people to realize it is not a "no confidence" vote in the person, but rather a change in how the town does business.

Rines suggested there may be some opportunity to combine some of the positions in town in certain instances.

"During a snowstorm we don't need to have three people at the transfer station watching it snow and three people at the treatment plant watching the water -- we could take some of these people and have them plow."

Town Treasurer

An 8 to 1 vote followed in favor of recommending the town treasurer be appointed rather than elected (Blag-den opposed the motion).

Flanders said, "That's the only spot that would give me the horrors if some guy walked in and had to learn the job overnight."

Tarbox agreed, saying, "We have $15 million in reserves -- this should be based on a popularity contest."

"I agree," said Rankin.

As with the road commissioner, Rines suggested the current treasurer, Jim George be kept on at least for a transition period.

Referring to George's knowledge and expertise,, Rines said, "Here's a guy that's been here for 10 or 15 years, through three different systems."

Public Comment

During the public comment portion of the meeting, one of the petition organizers, Jennifer Carleton, urged the commission members to "let people know what you think" on the two matters voters will act on in March: changing the present three member board of selectmen to a five member board, and/or changing to a town manager form of government.

While Applebee said the charter members "should take a leadership role and get our opinion out," Stover described the petition effort/March vote and the commission's work as two parallel courses.

The commission's next meeting will be January 9 at 7 p.m.