8/1/2024 Update:  The Town Council Rules stipulate that a minimum of 5 votes is required to suspend rules (not Town Charter).

7/31/24 Update:  In the earlier version of this article, it was stated incorrectly that Ms. Mary Ann Lynch and Ms. Jessica Sullivan favored the $42 million bond proposal.  Ms. Lynch and Ms. Sullivan both stated they support  Option B as recommended by the SBAC.

The three-hour-long Town Council Public Hearing on Monday, July 29, 2024, saw a full house of community members eager to voice their opinions on the Proposed School Building Project Bonds.  Before hearing from the public, the council invited the Town's Bond Counsel, James Saffian, to confirm that two or more bond referendums could be put to the voters at the November election.  Saffian pointed out that the critical element of putting out more than one question "Is to specify how, if both were to pass, the prevailing vote would be selected."  Additionally, Saffian clarified that should a referendum on a specific bond amount pass despite lacking School Board support of the associated project, "We would not be able to issue the approving bond," per state law requirements and tax codes.

During the Public Hearing Town Councilors heard directly from estimated 55 people, mostly all in person. Approximately 83% of comments delivered supported the School Board's $89.9 million Middle Ground proposal.  In addition, one speaker spoke on behalf of 465 more residents who had signed a letter delivered earlier to the Town Council to support the $89.9 million proposal.  

Speakers in support of the School Board proposal represented a wide range of demographics.  This included retired Cape Elizabeth High School Principal Jeffrey Shedd.  Shedd said that although he had voted against the school bond referendum in 2022, he would vote in support of the $89.9 million proposal and against Chair Timothy Reiniger's $42 million proposal.

At the conclusion of the Public Hearing, councilor Timothy Thompson made a motion to resurrect Option B, an earlier proposal put forth last May by the now-retired School Building Advisory Committee, and hold an additional public hearing prior to the council's expected vote on referendum items scheduled for August 12.  Interim Town Manager Mike McGovern reminded the council of Town Council Rules which require that a vote of 5 or more is required to suspend council rules when wishing to take an item not listed on the agenda out of order after 10:00 p.m.  Thompson made a motion to suspend the rules, which was seconded by councilor Susan Gillis.  The vote failed as the 4-3 vote in favor of suspending rules did not meet the 5-vote threshold.