SANGERVILLE – After an executive session, the Board of Selectmen agreed Thursday to seek legal counsel after two residents filed complaints about the town manager’s alleged mistreatment of a resident of South Korean descent.

In a letter to board Chairman Lance Burgess, SaeHee Martin wrote that Town Manager Dick Drummond had been “very rude” to her and had screamed at her when she taught art for the library at the town hall a couple of months ago.

Martin said she had hoped for an apology from the town manager and when none came, she decided to write to the board chairman. She said this week that several people had witnessed Drummond’s treatment of her and some reportedly had overheard derogatory remarks he made about her.

Burgess, who received both complaints about two weeks ago, had not informed the other board members until he learned the Bangor Daily News had been contacted about the matter on Monday. Burgess said earlier this week that he had planned to present the letters of complaint at the last board meeting but that one selectman had been absent.

Before the board went into executive session Thursday, Selectman Charlie Cleaves took exception to Burgess’ delay in relaying the information. He said Burgess came and advised him about the letters Monday evening and the BDN published a story the next day.

The town manager, who on Thursday, still had not seen Martin’s letter or the other letter from an unnamed resident who also was critical of Drummond’s treatment of Martin, said Maine law allowed him the prerogative of discussing the matter in open session and to face his accusers.

“I can prevent you from going into executive session,” Drummond said but added that he wouldn’t since Burgess was so adamant the discussion be held in executive session. Burgess said he had personally solicited advice from an attorney regarding the matter and the attorney strongly recommended an executive session.

Martin, who was in attendance Thursday, told selectmen she was willing to discuss the matter with them, but she was not invited into the executive session. She told selectmen she, too, had solicited legal counsel. Martin, who volunteers her time for the library, was supported at the meeting by several trustees, none of whom spoke about the matter.

Selectmen went into executive session for about an hour before coming out to vote on hiring an attorney. They also voted to hold a special board meeting after that attorney is hired to discuss the complaints further.

Diana Bowley may be reached at dianabdn@verizon.net or 876-4579.