BATH

A man who has led the charge in the public demand for details in the city’s sale of the former Bath Memorial Hospital is guilty, in part, of being “from away,” a fellow resident charged Wednesday night.

Amidst exchanges between City Council loyalist Wayne Cappen and Michael Wischkaemper, however, the council managed to conduct some important business. Councilors voted 6-2 to release “any and all documents” from public meetings or executive sessions regarding the sale of the building to Bob Smith of Phippsburg, in May, for $799,000. They voted unanimously to release all related emails.

Wischkaemper, a retired lawyer, has argued for months that the City Council has not divulged the reason the sale of the property, assessed at $6.5 million, was made so soon after going on the market and why the property never was listed on the Multiple Listings Service. Larry Scott, who says he was stonewalled by city officials when he expressed interest in the building, led a now-abandoned effort at recalling councilors.

Cappen said he has heard enough. He vouched for the integrity of the council, especially Chairman Bernard Wyman and for City Manager Bill Giroux. Then, Cappen took a shot at Wischkaemper.

“A few disgruntled citizens are trying to crucify city officials,” Cappen said. “A few people from away are trying to get them,” he continued, looking back from the podium at Wischkaemper and Scott.

Cappen added that he doesn’t want “one dime” of city money paying a lawyer to investigate the matter.

Wischkaemper, for his part, repeated that he just wants to know what process led to the sale.

“I’m from away,” he said, “and I refuse to apologize for that. I am who I am.”

An angry Wyman then aimed his own comments Wischkaemper’s way. Wyman, who received an email request for information months ago from Wischkaemper, pointed out that he has served the city on the council for 19 years, but might not run again.

“I’ve put my whole heart and soul into this job,” Wyman said. “I’ve never cheated anybody.”

Sean Paulhus and Steve Brackett voted against Vice Chairwoman Mari Eosco’s motion to release the documents.

Prior to the vote, Wischkaemper took the podium for public comment. He suggested that any investigation into the sale of the building be public, and transparent.

Wischkaemper also mentioned a Sept. 3 letter from the Maine Municipal Association, indicating that a city attorney had spoken to the MMA regarding the use of executive session related to the sale of property.

“The MMA has one oar in the water,” he said, “and that makes them less unbiased.”

Wischkaemper also suggested that the public take the lead in any investigation of the matter.

The sale of the building that now houses the MidCoast Center for Higher Education, University College, Providence Service Corp. of Maine and the Mid Coast Medical Group has been the subject of scrutiny since May. Giroux said at the time that the building had only recently become profitable, and that the city had been notified that most of the major tenants would be leaving.

lgrard@timesrecord.com