PERU — The Board of Selectmen will decide at their meeting Nov. 12 how the town will vote on a request to allow public comments at every board meeting, members decided Monday night.

The practice was limited to every other meeting after Chairman Tim Holland said meetings had become too disruptive. On Oct. 15 a citizens petition was presented asking that public participating be allowed every time the board was in session.

Selectman Ed Ferland moved to have the board return to its prior practice without a town vote.

Petitioners objected, saying they wanted a referendum vote.

Marie Eastman wondered about the expense of deciding the issue.

Dawna Kavregis asked how one puts a price on freedom of speech.

Holland wanted the board to come up with a competing petition, which was opposed by some petitioners.

Town Clerk Vera Parent was asked get a legal opinion from the Maine Municipal Association on what the board could do.

In other business Monday night, it was reported that animal control officer Sue Milligan is no longer available and Canton’s officer had to be called this past week. Holland asked board secretary Kathy Hussey to call Canton and see if their officer would cover temporarily.

Road commissioner Joe Roach said paving of parts of Valley and East Shore roads are completed and well under budget. He said he was doing some road sealing. Holland asked if it was too cold for that and Roach said it needed to be a little cold.

Powell said he didn’t see workers on the job last Monday and Roach said several had earned personal time.

Powell questioned where Roach was and Roach told Holland he didn’t think the public had to know where he spent his free time. Holland said he agreed and Powell let it pass.