PHIPPSBURG

The Board of Selectmen and Planning Board will meet Wednesday to finalize findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding a permit granted to owner Bruce Poliquin for changes in use and time of operation at Popham Beach Club.

After a six-hour meeting on Dec. 8, 2011, Phippsburg selectmen and the Planning Board granted Poliquin a conditional permit change that will allow him to switch the summertime beach club from members-only to one that can host catered functions yearround, the Bangor Daily News reported.

Poliquin, of Georgetown, who is the state treasurer, said he sought the new permit to improve cash flow at the club, which since being built four years ago has managed to sell only eight memberships.

But during hours of testimony, nearly all of the 35 residents who spoke argued that the new use would disturb the area’s tranquility, reduce nearby property values, create hazards related to increased traffic and exacerbate an already overtaxed parking situation in the Popham area.

Since the Dec. 8 meeting, state Rep. Mark Dion, D-Portland, asked Maine’s attorney general to determine whether Poliquin’s efforts on behalf of the beach club violate a constitutional provision that precludes the state treasurer from engaging in commerce while in office.

The joint meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Phippsburg Town Hall, 1042 Main Road.