The committee’s primary focus was on sorting the disarray in committee assignments. There was widespread confusion about the roles and expiration dates of various committee memberships, particularly with the Ada Transition Plan Committee and the Public Safety Staffing Committee reported as defunct. Discrepancies between the committee rosters and appointment letters were noted, and there was uncertainty regarding the activity and purpose of certain committees, such as the Energy Commission and the Tax Incentive Program Committee. The notion of merging committees like the Tax Incentive Program Committee into the Economic Development Committee was considered, but the meeting concluded with unresolved issues about the status of members and their roles.

A discussion ensued about the potential conflicts of interest for individuals serving on both the finance committee and the school committee, with concerns expressed about the implications for the town of Westport. Although some members felt there was no inherent conflict as they were all serving the town’s interest, others were keen to navigate the perceived conflicts carefully. A resolution to the debate was not reached, and the committee decided to postpone finalizing the committee assignments until their next meeting in September.

The workload of the long-term building committee and the infrastructure oversight committee was another significant concern. The heavy responsibilities of these committees prompted discussions on balancing the assignments and possibly appointing additional members to alleviate the burden. Some committee members showed readiness to assist with the heavy-lifting committees temporarily, while others stressed the importance of dedicated long-term members for each committee.

The financial implications of the Diamond School’s construction project were brought into the spotlight, emphasizing the need for increased committee involvement to mitigate potential financial impacts. Additionally, the committee examined options for the high school building, considering its use for an out-of-school time program and the necessity for a workshop to address logistical details related to its future.

Strategic planning emerged as a key theme, with members calling for direction from the select board and a comprehensive strategy for townwide projects. The lack of strategic planning in municipal government was highlighted, with a push for a focus on long-term solutions over crisis management. Opinions varied on how to address the condition of town buildings, with some expressing emotional attachment to old structures and others advocating for strategic decision-making.

The impending fiscal crisis was a source of concern, with an urgent need for a strategic plan to confront the challenge. The committee discussed the low amount of turn backs in the school department’s budget, highlighting the necessity for effective budget management. The decision to skip the August meeting and reconvene in September was made.