One of the key focal points was the discussion and approval of a roadway improvement project request application which utilized chapter 90 funding and Opa funding for enhancements to Main Road, Hotel Hill, and Drift Road. This project, unanimously agreed upon by the board, reflects a strong commitment to bolstering the town’s infrastructure. The town will see renovations and upgrades to essential thoroughfares, improving safety and accessibility for residents.

The Town Administrator’s report brought to light the necessity for additional engineering assistance due to sand presence in the new well at Town Hall. This issue underlines the ongoing challenges in maintaining and upgrading the town’s utilities, with the board recognizing the need for expert intervention to ensure a sustainable water supply for municipal operations.

Meanwhile, the board endorsed the advancement of the town’s sewer project, tackling the essential task of acquiring easements for future pump stations at 35 and State Road. The Infrastructure Oversight Committee emphasized the importance of these easements to address the area’s sewer needs. The project is expected to predominantly benefit commercial properties and will be funded by earmarks from federal representatives, supplemented by potential federal grants and loans. Nevertheless, the discussion revealed concerns among some board members about the financial implications for taxpayers, prompting calls for greater clarity and transparency regarding the project’s funding.

In parallel, the board approved appraisals for two key properties.

Employee compensation also took center stage as the board tackled the results of a classification and compensation study for town employees, conducted in collaboration with the Personnel Board and gov HR. The comprehensive study, which included a job evaluation process, a compensation survey, and the development of a classification and compensation plan, aims to ensure internal equity and establish competitive pay ranges for town employees. The study’s findings proposed 14 recommended grades and four pay bands, each with a specific range spread and gradation, positioning Westport’s employee compensation at the 50th percentile of comparable community data.

The compensation plan’s introduction sparked dialogue on the town’s competitive position in the market and the need for dedicated HR staff to manage the classification and compensation system. The absence of a quorum prevented a formal meeting of the Personnel Board, but the draft report’s presentation offered a chance for the board to request modifications before further review. The board acknowledged the urgency of addressing salary disparities and ensuring fair pay, recognizing positions such as the assistant animal control officer and the transfer station driver as currently underpaid compared to industry standards.

The board also approved the appointment of Bonnie Streble as the Library director, following her 17 years of service as the assistant director and child librarian. Additionally, an employment agreement with Susan Braun as Treasurer Collector was ratified.

The meeting saw the approval of several one-day liquor licenses for events at the Holy Ghost and the Bakers Beach Snack Bar’s common victualler license renewal. Moreover, the Heron Center obtained an entertainment license for a summer solstice Music Festival, and Bayside Restaurant was permitted to expand with outdoor seating and alcoholic beverage service.

The Select Board’s attention to the town’s operational efficiency was further exemplified by the approval of department transfers to cover expenses such as unanticipated police building costs, new cruisers, E911 mandate systems, and public records law compliance. Additionally, the board granted a 3% cost of living raise for non-union and non-employment agreement positions.

In other development matters, the review and appointment of FY2 committee and position appointments led to a discussion on the composition of the Economic Development Task Force and Infrastructure Oversight Committee. The board decided to delay these appointments to gather more information, considering the significant overlap in membership between the two committees.

Finally, the meeting concluded with plans for upcoming community events, including the release of the town’s first refusal option to purchase a property on Kelsey’s Way and the approval of banners to promote local fundraisers. The board also provided comments on a proposed motorcycle restoration shop and deliberated on the planning board’s application.