The request from the Fire Chief highlighted the competitive nature of the grant and the potential budgetary impacts for the town. The Fire Chief explained that the goal of the grant was to improve fire department staffing levels, which would enhance safety and emergency response capabilities within the community. The board’s approval to pursue the grant was a step towards securing additional resources for the town’s emergency services.

Another notable discussion involved the Westport River Watershed Alliance’s request for the select board to co-sponsor an information session about the Route 6 water sewer project and a related ballot question. The session, scheduled for April 6th, aims to inform the public about the project’s details. The board agreed to co-sponsor the event, recognizing the importance of community engagement and awareness regarding the infrastructure project.

The meeting also addressed health insurance updates in compliance with the Affordable Care Act, which would be effective for the fiscal year 2025. The board approved a lower cost plan with higher deductibles to keep the town’s offerings within ACA guidelines. Although there was concern about the higher deductibles’ impact on employees, the plan’s potential benefits, such as the option of a health savings account, were also discussed. The board decided to seek input from unions on the proposed changes.

In addition to health insurance deliberations, the issue of tax increases was broached. The initially projected increase of 9-10% was reduced to 5.7% after some reserves were utilized. The board also discussed the upcoming excise taxes due on April 11th and real estate taxes due on May 1st.

An interesting point of debate arose concerning the creation of an infrastructure department, with one board member suggesting an RFP to hire a consultant to establish the department. Others called for the infrastructure oversight committee to investigate the matter further. The town’s readiness for such a department was questioned, and the board decided to seek more information before proceeding.

Projects and grants were a recurring theme, with the board discussing various initiatives, such as the Town Administrator’s updates on a roundabout design hearing, a stream crossing grant, and a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. The Vineyard Northeast wind project’s cabling and related concerns about the connection to Horseneck Beach were also briefly mentioned. Additionally, the Rural Development Fund grant for Route Six sewer and sewer services in Westport were topics of discussion, with the potential need for a public hearing on the discharge elimination system permit.

The board approved several requests, including the appointment of new members to the Council on Aging and the Board of Registrars, and the resignations from the Board of Assessors. A petition for a class two dealer license was granted, and a request from Le France Hospitality Corporation for a manager change on their wine and malt license was approved without controversy.

Public infrastructure was further addressed with the approval of a warrant for the annual Town election, set for April 9th, 2024, and the authorization of the Town Clerk’s request. Discussions on the Westport River Watershed Alliance’s spring and summer activities also took place, highlighting the availability of scholarships for eligible children.

The approval of Constable Jeremy Hardy’s bond was granted amid discussions emphasizing the necessity of professionalism and proper attire in the role. Additionally, Dharma Voyage received authorization to purchase four passes for out-of-town rowers, with the board expressing concerns over potential parking issues at the landing.

In public comments, a resident praised the efforts of a representative who attended a meeting in Washington D.C. to discuss infrastructure, although the board clarified that it had not sent a delegation.

Finally, the board announced an executive session to discuss legal matters, specifically the case of the town of Westport versus Robert Brona and James Sabra Trustees of the ANC nominee trust.