The board’s primary focus was a public hearing for Packu Inc., which applied for an on-premise section 12 all-alcoholic beverage license for its establishment located on Main Road. Chad Yates, attorney for Packu, and Brenda Figuro, the innkeeper, presented the case. Yates emphasized that although a liquor license had previously been granted on July 30, 2018, the license had lapsed due to COVID-19 and changes in staff at Town Hall. He reassured the board that “nothing’s changed” with the inn, which has been a commercial business for over a century and remains a beloved part of the community. The establishment has passed all health and safety inspections and has a capacity of 44 guests.

Concerns were raised about the inn’s septic system, originally designed for nine bedrooms, and its ability to handle the proposed additional seating of 79 for the lounge area. Yates clarified that the inn had been approved for 44 guests per inspection and that they were not seeking to increase occupancy but to maintain the business as it had historically operated. Further inquiries centered around the intended hours of operation, proposed as Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM to 8 PM.

The status of the liquor license, which lapsed around the end of 2020, was a point of contention. Yates explained that he had submitted the necessary paperwork and payment to Town Hall, assuming that the license renewal was being processed. However, a board member highlighted that it had been four years without a valid license, stressing the need for clarity regarding the timeline and operational implications of the lapse. Despite this, Yates insisted that there would be no increase in seating, merely a restoration of the previously granted license.

The board received numerous letters of support for the license application from residents in Westport and Little Compton, Rhode Island, with only one letter of opposition noted. Public comments were invited, with Dorothy Paul, an abutter and retired attorney, speaking in favor of the license, emphasizing the community benefit of having a gathering place in Westport Point, especially during quieter winter months. Beverly Shook and John Bullard echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of preserving the community’s character and the historic use of the establishment.

Concerns about the Board of Health’s position regarding the septic system capacity and zoning compliance were addressed. A motion to approve the liquor license contingent on obtaining necessary approvals from the Board of Health and Zoning Board of Appeals prompted a discussion about the appropriateness of imposing such contingencies. Ultimately, the board voted against the motion with contingencies, instead approving a new motion to grant the license with an amendment for 44 seats, which passed unanimously.

Additionally, the board addressed the creation of an offshore wind committee and its proposed charter. After thorough discussion, the committee was established to advise the select board on offshore wind development and its impacts on Westport. The committee’s responsibilities include evaluating project proposals, assessing environmental impacts, and recommending benefits to the community. The board emphasized the need for clear objectives and community representation on the committee, leading to the approval of the committee’s formation.

Another topic was the Massachusetts opioid abatement terms and strategies. A Board of Health representative and a health professional highlighted the necessity of utilizing opioid settlement funds for prevention, harm reduction, and recovery efforts. Westport has received over $300,000 in opioid settlement funds and could receive approximately $1 million from 2022 to 2038. Proposed areas of focus for these funds include enhancing mental health services in schools, engaging with the fire department for safe stations, and collaborating with non-profits. The establishment of an advisory committee to aid in decision-making regarding the funds was proposed, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and feedback from individuals with lived experiences.

In other matters, the board approved the appointment of several individuals to various positions, including police officers and an assistant planner, highlighting ongoing staffing challenges in the town’s departments. The discussion also touched upon the water and sewer project, particularly focusing on the contract signing for water on Route Six and the complications arising from blow-off meters and MassDOT restrictions.