A significant portion of the meeting focused on the allocation of opioid settlement funds. The Board of Health announced that Westport would receive $35,000 annually, with over a million dollars projected by 2038, intended for community needs related to addiction issues. The formation of an advisory committee to manage these funds was discussed, emphasizing responsible usage and community involvement. The committee aims to include community members, with the principal of the middle and high school and a clinician already expressing willingness to serve. A member of the select board with experience in the United Way was also suggested as a potential addition.

Plans for public focus groups were mentioned. The Board stressed the importance of using the funds effectively to address addiction-related issues within the community.

In addition to the opioid settlement fund, the Board highlighted a concerning rise in rabies cases. Ten positive tests for rabies have been reported this year, surpassing previous years’ records. The community was urged to exercise caution when encountering aggressive or distressed animals and to contact Animal Control if necessary.

The meeting also included a review of the new Middle High School’s as-built plan. While the plan was deemed sufficient, disclaimers were necessary due to limitations posed by the backfilled system, which prevented complete confirmation of locations and elevations. The Board of Health does not guarantee satisfactory operation of the subsurface disposal system based on the reviewed plans.

Regarding mosquito-borne illnesses, the Board discussed Westport’s status in the moderate zone for Triple E and West Nile Virus. Rhode Island’s transition to a high-risk status prompted the Board to encourage heightened awareness within the community.

The Board also reviewed director-approved plans for new residential constructions, including a four-bedroom home on Main Road, a three-bedroom repair requiring a deed restriction, and a six-bedroom upgrade. All proposals had undergone Conservation Commission review without issues and were unanimously endorsed by the Board.

Another topic was the acquisition of COVID and flu vaccines. The revolving account for vaccine purchases had decreased to approximately $4,000, raising concerns about the ability to procure additional doses. The possibility of obtaining 40 to 50 doses of COVID vaccine was mentioned, with reimbursements expected to cover costs, albeit potentially depleting the revolving account entirely. The Board aimed to monitor the situation over the coming month to determine if additional orders would be necessary.

The Board also considered future public health initiatives, including hosting a COVID vaccine clinic, spurred by inquiries from a local apothecary. Discussions included the potential need for an article at the May town meeting regarding hazardous waste collection and the geographic challenges of participation from surrounding towns.

A variance hearing was held for a property on Elmwood Avenue, represented by Matt Arendo on behalf of Greg Nicholas. The property, a three-bedroom home on an 8,750 square foot lot with an existing cesspool in hydraulic failure, proposed the installation of a Quick4 standard LP septic field. Concerns about well protection were raised, particularly the proximity of the cesspool to the well. The existing well had been tested and showed safe drinking water quality, contributing to the rationale for requesting waivers on setback distances and maximum feasible compliance. The nitrate reading from the well was reported at 3.9, below the threshold of 5.

The Board ultimately approved the variance with conditions, including a three-bedroom deed restriction and three years of water testing for the well. The absence of one member was noted during the unanimous vote.

The meeting concluded with discussions on scheduling conflicts, resulting in the decision to skip the October 14 meeting due to Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day and reschedule for October 28. The importance of covering all agenda items while allowing for additional public input in subsequent sessions was emphasized.