The FBI is calling it a "routine law enforcement action," but the Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District directors call it an "ongoing investigation."

During the April 10 meeting, the Boothbay Register asked directors to explain holding a secret March 26 meeting to discuss a possible emergency action. During the meeting, directors voted to place station manager Steve Lewis on non-paid administrative leave. The same day, FBI Boston arrived at the transfer station.

Director Julia Latter said she called for the emergency meeting and that the board's bylaws allowed holding a special session without public notification. The Boothbay Register asked where the special meeting provision was located in the bylaws. Latter didn't immediately find the provision before directors directed the reporter to contact their lawyer Linda Yarmosh of Boothbay Harbor. Yarmosh was contacted but has not replied.

The reporter asked directors why Steve Lewis wasn't allowed into the executive session. Latter corrected the reporter. "There was no executive session," she said. Since there was no executive sessiion, the board wasn't required to notify Steve Lewis. 

Since the special meeting was open to the public and no executive session was held, the Boothbay Register asked to see the minutes of the March 26 special emergency meeting. Jody Lewis directed the reporter to contact Yarmosh. 

"We can't talk about it due to the FBI investigation," Jody Lewis said. "Once it ends, we'd be glad to talk about it. Believe me, I wish we could be more talkative but we can't."

On March 31, Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District received an appeal from Steve Lewis' attorney Richard Elliott regarding his client's unpaid administrative leave. The Boothbay Register asked directors if a hearing date was scheduled. The board recommended contacting Steve Lewis or his lawyer. 

Directors began the meeting with a 30-minute executive session with Yarmosh. The next directors' meeting is at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 8 in the station's business office.