The most pressing topic of the meeting centered on the Westport Police Department’s personnel changes. Police Chief Chris Dunn presented a request regarding the retirement of Sergeant Scott Arrington, effective August 15, 2026. Arrington, who has served the community for 31 years, was concurrently appointed as a reserve police officer the following day. The board unanimously approved both motions, honoring Arrington’s long-standing dedication to Westport.

With Arrington’s retirement, the department opened a full-time position, which was filled by Jacob Days, a current officer from New Bedford. Chief Dunn highlighted Days’ ties to Westport, noting his family’s recent move to the area. The board approved Days’ appointment, contingent on a successful background check, with unanimous support.

Additionally, Field Training Officer Michael Chica was promoted to the rank of sergeant, effective September 27, 2026. Deputy Chief Rebello praised Chica’s leadership and community outreach efforts, emphasizing his contribution to the department. The board approved Chica’s promotion unanimously and confirmed that a new officer would assume his training responsibilities.

The board also considered the appointment of Angelica Amaral as a part-time E911 dispatcher. The necessity of dispatchers was discussed, and her appointment was approved, conditional on background checks and training completion.

In other community-oriented discussions, the board addressed the upcoming National Night Out event. It is scheduled for the following evening at the old high school, featuring participation from various town agencies and a helicopter flyover to bolster community engagement.

Parking fees also came under review, with a proposal to increase certain fines from $25 to $50, effective January 1, 2027. This measure aims to improve compliance with parking regulations without affecting beach parking fines due to statutory limitations. The board ensured public awareness of these changes, noting no public comments during the hearing, and passed the motion unanimously.

Another topic was the expansion of Beach Grove Cemetery, where less than 200 plots remain available. The town has collaborated with PAR Engineering to design the expansion, aiming to add 1,500 plots. Despite an initial appropriation of $200,000, rising costs have left a funding gap of the same amount. The board discussed interim measures, such as pausing advanced plot sales and potentially restricting new purchases to town residents to extend the timeline. Concerns were raised about current cemetery fees being lower than neighboring areas.

The meeting also delved into the Westport Town Hall’s decarbonization project, targeting the replacement of an outdated steam heating and cooling system. The initiative secured significant grant funding and aims to utilize accumulated net metering solar credits to offset electricity costs. Discussions highlighted energy efficiency efforts, including plans to address the HVAC system at Westport Elementary School.

The lack of recent grant approvals from the Green Communities program was a concern, particularly following a denied request for $250,000 to replace the library’s HVAC system. The board proposed a meeting to investigate the reasons behind the funding shortfall and prepare for future applications.

The Select Board further discussed potential nuclear energy advancements, with optimism about state-level policy changes and new technologies like small modular reactors. Concerns about renewable energy reliability and high electricity rates in Massachusetts were also addressed.

The board approved an amendment to the town’s existing Mass DOT Chapter 90 grant contract, extending it to June 30, 2037, to continue receiving project reimbursements. Additionally, an update on the town’s energy management plan was provided, emphasizing the importance of energy expense management.