CAMDEN — The Camden Select Board has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, June 23. There is no packet, just an agenda that has several items, including a discussion about the interview process for a new Camden Police Chief, and the possible appointment of a municipal employee to, "to perform the duties of the Manager until their return pursuant to Section 3.02 of the Town Charter."

Currently, Town Manager Audra Caler is on a medical leave for a few weeks, according to her June 16 Manager's Report.

The agenda also includes two executive sessions, one concerning a personnel matter, the other, to talk with the town attorney.

Eight police chief applications were submitted when the Camden job opening was posted at the municipal website and that of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, based in Oakland.

The job description stated: "The Town of Camden is seeking a progressive, collaborative, and community-centered law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is a rare opportunity to lead a dedicated department in one of Maine's most distinctive and desirable communities — and to shape the future of public safety in Camden for years to come. The Chief of Police is the department's chief administrator and sworn senior officer, reporting directly to the Town Manager. The Chief is responsible for the full spectrum of police administration: strategic planning, budget and capital management, personnel leadership, labor relations, community policing, emergency management, technology oversight, and active partnership with Town government, regional law enforcement agencies, and the community.

"The Chief serves as a key member of the Town's senior management team and is expected to be a visible, engaged, and trusted presence in Camden's civic life. Camden offers a unique professional environment — small enough to know every officer and every neighborhood, complex enough to demand sophisticated leadership. The successful candidate will bring both the administrative depth to manage a professional department and the personal qualities to earn the trust of a community that takes its relationship with its police department seriously."

Of the eight, five individuals were interviewed in the first round and four were interviewed in the second round (one dropped out), according to Jodi Hanson, Camden Finance Director. 

Those conducting the review and interview process included Rick Bates, retired Rockport Town Manager; Bruce Boucher, retired Rockland Police Chief; Ed Boylan, retired Police Officer/HR Manager and current EMT for Camden Fire Department; and Jodi Richards, Town of Camden Benefits Coordinator/Deputy Finance Director.

Following the police chief interview discussion, the Camden Select Board will hold two executive sessions:

1) to discuss a personnel matter; and

2) consult with legal counsel on legal rights and duties.

The Select Board held an executive session at the June 16 meeting and likewise defined it as a personnel matter.

Prior to the June 9 annual Town Meeting, the Select Board discussed when to schedule the conversation about renewal of the Town Manager's contract, which expires June 30. Board members decided to wait until after June Town Meeting Select Board elections to take up the contract conversation. There has been no further mention of that action.

Whether or not the executive sessions at the June 16 and now the June 23 meeting have anything to do with the Town Manager contract renewal is unknown. Queries to the Town Office have not been answered about this aspect of what is considered, "the people's business."

Other Maine municipalities are forthcoming on their Select Board agendas when it is time to discuss behind closed doors the performance review, evaluation and contract negotiations of and with their town managers/town administrators.

Cumberland, for instance, stated it clearly on its June 10 Select Board agenda: "EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A., § 405(6)(A) re: Town Managers evaluation and § 405(6)(C) re: potential land acquisition."

Last January, in Lincolnville, the Select Board there had on its agenda: "Executive Session: Annual Performance Evaluation of Town Administrator – Title 1 MRSA Section 405(6)(A)."

The Maine Municipal Association, to which Camden belongs, provides suggested language to use when citing the reason for entering executive sessions:

"Executive Session Motion Citations – A Quick Guide

"Maine’s Freedom of Access Act requires that motions to enter executive session: (1) indicate the precise nature of the executive session business and (2) include a citation to one or more sources of statutory or other authority permitting an executive session for that business. 1 M.R.S. § 405(4).

"A motion to enter executive session must be specific enough to enable the public (and the board) to determine that the executive session is lawful, without revealing so much information that the purpose of the executive session is compromised. Boards should try to cite all relevant authorities authorizing an executive session; providing multiple citations will be helpful if one citation inadvertently proves to be inaccurate.

"Sample motion to enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter: 'I move that the board enter executive session pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(A) to discuss the appointment of a new town manager.'"

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657