The most notable topic at the meeting was the debate over the management of opioid settlement funds, which has become a matter of contention due to the Board’s current staffing limitations. There was a proposal to shift responsibility for managing these funds from the advisory committee to the Board of Health. This move faced opposition from some members who highlighted the strain additional responsibilities would place on the Board’s limited resources. One member voiced, “adding any additional responsibilities to the board of health without any resources or support is a no-go in my opinion,” reflecting a sentiment shared by others concerned about the feasibility of the Board handling more duties without adequate support.

Discussions continued on whether a portion of the settlement funds could be utilized to cover administrative costs, potentially easing the burden on the Board. The board was informed of a significant sum available in the special account for opioid settlement funds, with projections that the total could exceed a million dollars by 2038. There was consideration of hiring a part-time individual to assist with administrative tasks related to these funds, emphasizing the need for clarity from the Select Board before agreeing to any new responsibilities.

Another focal point of the meeting was the community’s concern over new septic system regulations, particularly regarding nitrogen management and the installation of ADUs. Residents expressed apprehension about the economic burden of these regulations and questioned their effectiveness in addressing environmental issues. The Board clarified that the regulations stemmed from a targeted integrated water management plan specifically for Westport, aimed at mitigating nitrogen levels in local waterways.

There was a discussion about the challenges faced by a resident trying to integrate an ADU with an existing septic system. The Board noted that while regulations cannot be individually tailored, variance provisions exist for cases of hardship. The Board emphasized ongoing efforts to educate the public about these changes, including past public information sessions and the development of FAQs to address common queries.

The meeting also touched on procedural updates, including a proposal to refine the definition of ADUs in the context of Title Five regulations. The need for clarity in the requirements for structures requiring occupancy permits was highlighted, prompting further discussions on the implications of these standards for homeowners. The Board considered possible revisions to the testing requirements for septic systems.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting briefly covered upcoming community events. An electronics recycling event, sponsored by the Westport River Watershed Alliance, was announced for September 17th, along with plans for a household hazardous waste collection event in March.