The board’s decision to approve new oyster regulations was driven by concerns over the sustainability of local shellfish populations. Ronald Savaria, the chairman of the Shellfish Advisory Board, presented a detailed proposal to modify current regulations. The changes include the exclusion of oysters from the existing shellfish permit and the introduction of a new $200 license specifically for oyster harvesting. Additionally, the daily harvest limit will be reduced from three Westport baskets to two, with harvesting restricted to boat-based activities only.

Savaria highlighted the growing demand for oysters, citing a dramatic increase in the number of commercial oyster baskets harvested—from approximately 312 baskets in December 2022 to 816 baskets in 2023. This surge has raised concerns about overfishing and the need for conservation measures to ensure sustainable practices. The board unanimously approved the proposed changes after discussing the importance of maintaining healthy oyster populations and the potential risks of overharvesting.

The meeting also addressed a request from Christine Fenley to transfer a shellfish aquaculture license for a 25-acre site at Gooseberry, following the death of the family’s patriarch. The board confirmed that the waiting list for such licenses had been consulted, with no other parties expressing interest in the site, leading to unanimous approval of the transfer.

Additionally, preparations for the upcoming Shellstock event on August 17 were reported, with Chris Leonard encouraging community participation and providing updates on the shellfish department’s activities, including the planting of 1,200 bushels of shellfish. Leonard also reminded boaters of the waterway user fee for boats in Westport waters for over two weeks.

In another discussion, the board considered forming an offshore wind advisory committee. Recent debris from wind turbines washing up on local beaches prompted renewed urgency for the committee’s formation. Board members expressed a mix of support and concern regarding the committee’s structure and objectives, emphasizing the need for balanced representation of community interests.

Public comments highlighted varying perspectives on the committee’s necessity. Some residents argued that existing committees already had vacancies and that the board of selectmen should handle offshore wind discussions directly. Others stressed the importance of a dedicated group to monitor offshore wind activities, citing personal experiences with hazardous debris washing ashore. The board appeared generally in favor of forming the committee.

The discussion on the offshore wind advisory committee included references to models from other communities, such as Nantucket, where local interests are represented to wind developers. The board debated the inclusion of representatives from various town committees and at-large members, with suggestions to limit committee terms to one year to maintain flexibility and prevent potential bias.

Another topic was the future of the historic high school building, with opinions diverging sharply on whether it should be sold for scrap or repurposed for municipal use. The necessity of a project manager to guide the strategic planning for the building was emphasized, with calls for the Select Board to provide a clear directive to the long-term building committee. There were discussions about code compliance, potential renovations, and the feasibility of moving municipal offices to the high school. The board acknowledged the urgency of addressing the building’s deteriorating condition while ensuring that any moves were legally compliant and financially viable.

Infrastructure improvements related to the Route 6 Northwest Port Sewer Water Project were also discussed, with emphasis on community engagement and the need for thorough deliberation before proceeding. Concerns about high amperage and voltage service for a pump station and the sequencing of water and sewer installations were raised, highlighting the complexities of planning and funding such projects.

Additionally, the board approved a contract for a hot mix project with the low bidder, Assa, for $916,000 and reviewed appraisals for pump station easements at 833 and State Road. Concerns from property owners about the proposed locations for pump chambers were noted, with discussions about potential alternative sites and the need for further engineering assessments.

Finally, the board addressed various appointments and resignations, including the promotion of Amy Madas to assistant library director and the appointment of Michael Buard as cemetery foreman. The need for filling other vacant positions, such as a principal clerk and maintenance specialist, was also discussed.