21:17The most notable issue discussed was the subdivision proposal for Marott Drive, which has raised substantial safety concerns among residents. A concerned citizen, David Dorski, voiced apprehensions about a newly approved intersection with Drift Road, which was initially rejected by the planning board. He highlighted the potential for traffic accidents due to inadequate sight distances and existing warning signs, urging the Select Board to reconsider the decision. It was revealed that the planning board had initially denied the proposal unanimously but reversed their decision under applicant pressure.

While the subdivision approval was already finalized and the appeal period had lapsed, Dorski called for a comprehensive study by licensed civil engineers or a road safety audit by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. In response, the Select Board acknowledged that the current traffic conditions did not meet the threshold for a state-conducted audit. However, they expressed willingness to support the town in commissioning an independent safety audit if necessary.

01:13:30The board discussed forming a safety committee to assess the intersection’s safety and appointing a representative from the Select Board and a fence viewer to address visibility concerns at intersections. Despite skepticism about the necessity and cost-effectiveness of a new study, the board recognized the public’s safety concerns and agreed to place the matter on a future agenda for further discussion.

53:43Another topic of interest was the Offshore Wind Advisory Committee. A letter from the planning board suggested putting the committee on indefinite recess until a Westport-specific project emerged, sparking debate among committee members. The committee had recently decided to shift from monthly to quarterly meetings, with provisions for additional meetings if issues arose, such as the previous year’s blade failure incident. Members emphasized the importance of maintaining the committee to stay prepared for future offshore wind developments, noting it as one of the few such committees in Massachusetts.

01:00:12The meeting also featured updates from the town administrator on the state budget process, with the governor’s proposal receiving approval from the house. The administrator noted a net gain in estimated receipts and assessments, providing reassurance for the upcoming town meeting’s budget estimates.

01:09:22In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Donna Amar from the Board of Health announced three community events. These included a discussion on mental health and substance use, a session addressing loneliness as a silent epidemic, and a workshop on empowering mental health through applied neuroscience. Amar underscored the importance of mental health as a public issue and encouraged community participation.

Additionally, the Select Board addressed a land dispute involving Hicksbridge Landing. This conflict with the Masons had previously blocked access to part of the landing, crucial for various water activities. The board considered reopening communications with the Masons to find a collaborative solution, emphasizing the need for ensuring safety and accessibility without relying on Masonic property.

01:12:06Finally, the board approved posting a vacancy for a transfer station foreman, citing operational efficiency concerns due to recent employee departures. The role had seen multiple turnovers despite a salary increase, reflecting broader challenges in retaining personnel with commercial driver’s licenses.