The meeting placed focus on a $500,000 proposal submitted by the Westport Community Schools for essential upgrades to air conditioning and electrical systems at the elementary school. This request was prioritized by Michelle Rapos, the business manager, and Fran Rory, the superintendent, who highlighted the need for these enhancements to support year-round use of the facilities. The existing lack of adequate cooling systems currently limits the building’s utility, particularly during warmer months when various programs are in operation. The speakers expressed optimism for securing additional funding through grants, citing past support from the town energy consultant and Senator Rogers.

The committee did not make any decisions on the funding requests during this session, as the focus was on collecting detailed information for future deliberations. Questions were raised about why the elementary school was prioritized over other facilities, with the superintendent clarifying that while most requests focused on the elementary school, other projects like district-wide safety cameras and a dump truck for maintenance were also part of the agenda. The safety cameras, intended to enhance security across the school district, were discussed in detail, with an emphasis on addressing blind spots during community events and increased facility usage.

In addition to school-related improvements, the committee also examined technology needs, including requests for new workstations at the police department and servers for town operations. A total of $75,000 was proposed for updating police department workstations, which were nine years old and partially upgraded in the past. The committee also deliberated on a $150,000 request for replacement servers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining reliable technology for the town’s operations. Additionally, a $20,000 proposal for data backup systems was presented to ensure the security of town data, with the current systems being outdated and out of warranty.

Infrastructure needs extended beyond schools and technology, with a portion of the discussion dedicated to the town’s fiber optic network. Requests were made for completing remaining fiber loops and designing necessary hardware connections. While municipal buildings currently benefit from fiber connectivity, the committee debated the necessity and timing of expanding this infrastructure to residential areas, given limited external funding options and the financial challenges involved.

The committee also addressed practical needs for town operations, such as a $157,000 proposal for a new dump truck for the highway department. This vehicle, equipped with a plow and safety lighting, would replace an older truck requiring a commercial driver’s license to operate, thereby expanding the potential pool of drivers. Another infrastructure concern involved a $40,000 request for a standby generator at the highway department, intended to ensure the uninterrupted power supply during emergencies.