Hampden ‘Bubble’ owner files appeal over back pay

HAMPDEN – The attorney for the Maine Sports Complex is appealing a more than $50,000 judgment issued against the Hampden facility last month in Penobscot County Superior Court.

Attorney Richard Silver of Bangor filed the notice of appeal on April 21 on behalf of Pete Madigan, the owner of the air-inflated complex on Coldbrook Road, known locally as “the Bubble” or “the Dome.”

Last month, Penobscot County Superior Court Justice Andrew Mead found in favor of Gary Walker, the former complex manager who sued Madigan and the complex for back pay and other compensations.

Mead awarded Walker $40,285 in back compensation, including a tripling of his owed wages and $13,374 for severance pay.

Earlier this month, Mead granted Silver’s motion to reduce the severance package by $3,450 after Madigan’s attorney reported that Walker had received a $3,450 payment in November 2002, a month after he was fired. The monthly figure Walker had been paid was less than what Walker said he had been promised and entitled to under a contract he drafted with Madigan.

As part of his March 10 findings, Mead also awarded Walker $13,728 in attorney’s fees, interest and costs.