A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to clarifying the role and responsibilities of the Offshore Wind Advisory Committee. The select board established this committee to provide guidance specifically on the potential impacts of offshore wind projects on the town. While a temporary recommendation had been made to the select board due to timing constraints, there remained a pressing need for a formal appointment. The chair emphasized that the advisory committee’s role was to inform the select board about possible impacts rather than advocate for or against the wind projects. Additionally, questions were raised about the committee’s composition, particularly regarding representation from the Watershed organization, which led to further inquiries and discussions.

The discussions revealed a strong likelihood that offshore wind projects could affect Westport, making the advisory committee’s establishment all the more urgent. The committee members expressed the necessity for transparency and community involvement in discussions about offshore wind, advocating for in-person meetings to encourage public participation, as opposed to the current virtual format. Despite the inability to vote due to the lack of a quorum, there was consensus among members on the importance of the advisory committee and the need for the climate resilience committee to have representation on it.

In addition to the offshore wind discussions, the meeting spotlighted educational initiatives led by a member focused on engaging youth in climate resilience efforts. Students participated in various hands-on learning stations, exploring topics like dune ecosystems and the greenhouse gas effect. The program culminated in a field trip, during which students generated ideas related to climate resilience, which were shared with the committee.

The educational initiative extended to include potential collaborations with middle and high schools. The committee members expressed admiration for the students’ enthusiasm and creativity, with suggestions for leveraging the ideas generated by students for future initiatives and funding opportunities.

Another discussion point was the development of a draft report by a committee member, aimed at assessing climate risks and resilience strategies for Westport. The report proposed a structured framework for understanding the impacts of climate change on various assets, including people, agriculture, and infrastructure. The committee deliberated on methodologies for risk assessment and strategies for enhancing community resilience, recognizing the need to prioritize risks effectively to allocate resources efficiently. The ongoing collaboration among committee members was acknowledged as they worked to refine the report and ensure it met the town’s needs.