The Shellstock event, a significant fundraiser for shellfish propagation in the Westport River, was granted permission to hang a promotional banner two to three weeks before the event. The fundraiser raised approximately $31,000 in 2024 and has been restructured as a 501c3 nonprofit this year. The board unanimously approved the motion, recognizing the importance of the event to the community. Entertainment will be provided by Roomful of Blues, and the event will take place at the fairgrounds on Pine Hill Road, highlighting its role as a major social gathering in Westport.

Another focal point of the meeting was the Barrier Beach Plan update, led by Michael Burrus, the town planner, and Justine Rooney, a coastal scientist and planner. The update addressed the overwash events that occurred at East Beach and other barrier beaches in 2023 and 2024. These events required extensive cleanup efforts, costing approximately $150,000. As part of the response, the planning board applied for and received coastal zone management grants and a municipal vulnerability preparedness grant to plan for future scenarios. The plan aims to manage public use of barrier beaches while maintaining their integrity, aligning activities with Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act regulations. Public feedback was considered, leading to a decision to maintain existing practices regarding overwash material placement. A virtual public meeting was scheduled for May 20 to discuss the updated plan with the community.

The Select Board also addressed several requests related to community activities and infrastructure. A final approval for oyster restoration sites in the Westport River was granted, with collaboration from the Department of Marine Fisheries and the Nature Conservancy to construct oyster reefs. These efforts aim to rejuvenate the declining oyster fishery, with support from the local shellfishing community and residents.

A request for a summer program at Cotamunk Nursery School was approved. The program will utilize the town hall annex and playground, with collaboration from the recreation department to avoid conflicts with existing day camps. The board emphasized the need for a written agreement to ensure smooth operations.

The meeting also included discussions on committee statuses and future plans. The possibility of dissolving or restructuring several committees was considered, including the ADA Transition Plan Committee, the Agricultural and Open Space Preservation Trust Fund Committee, and the Energy Committee. The Offshore Wind Committee was initially considered for dissolution but was ultimately retained in a recharged capacity to address emergency response concerns related to offshore wind incidents.

The board reviewed a 90-day update from the Town Administrator, which highlighted key activities and proposed focus areas, including infrastructure and capital planning, economic development, communication improvements, and organizational development. The report emphasized the need for long-term financial planning and enhancing community engagement through improved communication strategies.

In addition, the board addressed the future of the old high school building, considering its potential for repurposing as a community center or municipal facility. Discussions included the possibility of incorporating affordable housing into the redevelopment project, particularly senior housing, due to concerns about the school system’s capacity to support families.

A report on the recent fire at Mid City Scrap was presented, detailing the response efforts led by Westport police and fire personnel. The fire prompted a large-scale mutual aid response and ongoing environmental reviews by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Air monitoring found no elevated air quality readings in the surrounding community, and additional assessments are being conducted on nearby private drinking water wells.