Westbrook public meetings in 2022

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance approved its own operating budget for the next fiscal year and authorized a purchase for police accreditation software. The board also approved year-end budget transfers and the Treasurer's report.

• Approved FY23-24 Board of Finance Operating Budget of $48,025 (unanimous)
• Approved appropriation not to exceed $4,700 for Power DMS Police Accreditation Software (unanimous)
• Approved Year End Transfers totaling $7,611.66 (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes as amended
• Accepted Director of Finance report (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission decided to request that a small parcel of land at Fairview Road and Fishing Brook Road be donated to the Westbrook Land Conservation Trust instead of the town. The board also approved two small payments for clerical services and signage.

• Approved $125.55 payment to Recording Clerk K. King (3-0-0)
• Approved $28.05 payment to Amazon for 'Keep On Trails' signs (3-0-0)
• Approved 11/15/22 meeting minutes (3-0-0)
• Approved motion to write to Board of Selectmen recommending land at Fairview Road and Fishing Brook Road be donated to Westbrook Land Conservation Trust (3-0-0)

Zoning Commission

The Commission approved a text amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 6.D regarding accessory apartments. Three other applications were approved for a new home, a greenhouse, and commercial improvements. A request for a cannabis retailer was tabled.

• Approved text amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 6.D for accessory apartments (Unanimous)
• Approved coastal site plan for new residential home at 60 Chapman Beach Road (Unanimous)
• Approved special permit for greenhouse at 2 Rintoul Pond Road with conditions (Unanimous)
• Approved special permit for commercial improvements at 192/196 Boston Post Road with stipulations (Unanimous)
• Tabled decision on special permit for cannabis retailer at 755 Boston Post Road (Unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen established an Ad Hoc Community Center Committee and approved $4,700 for police accreditation software and training. The board also accepted a .6-acre land donation and appointed members to the EDC and Climate Resilience Committee.

• Appointed Ron Botelho to the Climate Resilience Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved charge and appointed five members to the Ad Hoc Community Center Committee (Unanimous)
• Approved $4,700 for PowerDMS software and training for Police Accreditation (Unanimous)
• Accepted donation of .6-acre parcel from Toby Hill & Associates (Unanimous)
• Appointed Anthony Uzzo to EDC (Unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Vincent Neri, Jr. from TCRC (Unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Chris Bazinet from Zoning Commission alt (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 11/8/22 and 11/9/22 meetings (Unanimous)

Board of Education

The Board elected Kim Walker as Chair, Zachary Hayden as Vice Chair, and Christine Kuehlewind as Secretary. Members approved the 2023-24 district calendar, several updated district policies, and new curriculum for multiple grade levels and subjects.

• Elected Kim Walker as Chair
• Elected Zachary Hayden as Vice Chair
• Elected Christine Kuehlewind as Board Secretary
• Approved 2023-24 District Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved updated policies regarding school organizations, fundraisers, facility use, meal charging, and Title IX (unanimous)
• Approved curriculum for Alg. I Gr. 9, Social Studies Gr. 5 & 7, Math Gr. 5, 6, 7, Trigonometry, Kindergarten Math, Grade 1 Math, Anatomy and Physiology, and STEM/CTE and RAS II (unanimous)
• Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to live stream regular BOE meetings

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will meet to approve minutes, hear reports from the Fire Chief and Fire Marshal, and discuss finance updates including capital budget requests and the next fiscal year budget. New business includes department election results and the upcoming WFD Banquet. Action items include approval of bills and setting the next meeting date.

• Capital budget requests
• Next fiscal year budget review
• Department election results
• Upcoming WFD Banquet
• Approval of bills

The Board approved the election of Chief Cusson, Deputy Chief Matt Canova, and Assistant Chief Cliff Spencer. The Board also approved the meeting minutes from September 22, 2022.

• Approved election of Chief Cusson, Deputy Chief Matt Canova, and Assistant Chief Cliff Spencer (All approved)
• Approved meeting minutes from 9/22/22 (All approved)

Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees elected a slate of officers for 2023 and reappointed Michelle Centore as Library Director. The board also approved the 2023 meeting schedule and maintained its existing committee structure.

• Approved 2023 Slate of Officers: MaryJo Noonan (Chair), Katharine Holbrook Richard (Vice Chair), Kathleen Cietanno (Treasurer), Lynda Tragakes (Recording Secretary), and Amy Heilmann (Corresponding Secretary) (all in favor)
• Approved continuing current committee structure where all Trustees sit on Building, Finance, and Policy committees (all in favor)
• Reappointed Michelle Centore as Library Director (all in favor)
• Approved 2023 Meeting Schedule (all in favor)

Library Board of Trustees

The Board approved the final version of the Code of Conduct Policy for use and website posting. The Board also accepted the November meeting minutes and financial report. Member Kit Bishop resigned from the Board effective December 13, 2022.

• Approved Code of Conduct Policy (all in favor)
• Accepted November 1, 2022 Monthly Meeting Minutes (all in favor, one abstention)
• Accepted November Financial Report (all in favor)
• Accepted resignation of Board member Kit Bishop

Police Advisory Board / Traffic Authority

The Board authorized the installation of pavement markings at I-95 on and off ramps to reduce wrong-way driving. Members also requested new speed limit signs on Menunketesuck Road and denied a request to paint 'stop' markings on Seaside Avenue.

• Approved installation of pavement markings at I-95 on and off ramps (Unanimous)
• Requested DPW add 2 new speed limit signs on Menunketesuck Road (Unanimous)
• Denied request to paint 'stop' on pavement on Seaside Avenue (Unanimous)
• Approved payments of $25.50 and $102.00 to Secretary Kelemen (Unanimous)
• Approved September 12, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Board of Education

The subcommittee approved the November 3, 2022, meeting minutes. Members reviewed seven specific math and social studies curricula and discussed a potential robotics partnership with Oxford Academy.

• Approved November 3, 2022 minutes (unanimous)

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority unanimously adopted the Town Sewer Ordinance as proposed at a previous public hearing. The board also approved providing the Board of Selectmen with a scope of work and various options for a conceptual design of a community sewer system in the Town Center area.

• Approved October 26, 2022 Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted Town Sewer Ordinance as proposed at Public Hearing (unanimous)
• Approved providing Board of Selectmen with scope of work and options for Downtown Sewer System (unanimous)

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 5, 2022 meeting. Regarding an application for 37 Economy Drive, the Commission allowed the installation of a propane tank prior to permit issuance. The applicant was urged to provide a grading plan to address basement stormwater drainage.

• Approved minutes of the 7/5/22 meeting (Unanimous)
• Allowed propane tank installation at 37 Economy Drive prior to permit issuance

Board of Education

The Board of Education unanimously approved a plan for Superintendent Martineau to offer retirement incentives to the WEA. The board also reviewed a proposal to move 5th grade students to the Daisy Ingraham School campus, though no decision was made on that item.

• Approved plan to offer retirement incentives to the WEA (unanimous)
• Tabled decision on moving 5th grade to Daisy Ingraham School campus

Westbrook Housing Authority

The Westbrook Housing Authority is meeting to discuss and decide on routine business including approval of minutes, a treasurer's report, management comments, and tenant concerns. Old business includes a Small Cities Grant and a proposed base rent increase effective May 1, 2023. New business covers snow removal. The agenda is largely procedural with one notable financial item.

• Base Rent Increase effective May 1, 2023
• Small Cities Grant discussion
• Snow Removal discussion

The Housing Authority approved the October 24, 2022, meeting minutes and the Treasurer's Report. The board discussed upcoming Small Cities Grant renovations and a base rent increase scheduled for May.

• Approved minutes of 10/24/22 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer's Report (unanimous)

Zoning Commission

The Commission approved a modification for a mixed-use site at 176 Boston Post Road and a zoning text amendment for an application requirements checklist. A public hearing for a proposed cannabis retailer was continued to a later date following significant public opposition. An emergency access drive at 48 Pettipaug Road was also approved.

• Approved modification to Special Permit for 176 Boston Post Road (Unanimous)
• Approved Zoning Text Amendment for Appendix A-I Application Requirements Checklist (Unanimous)
• Approved site plan modification for emergency access drive at 48 Pettipaug Road (Unanimous)
• Continued public hearing for cannabis retailer at 755 Boston Post Road to Dec 19, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Received Special Permit application for greenhouse at 2 Rintoul Pond Road (Unanimous)
• Received Coastal Site Plan application for 60 Chapman Beach Road (Unanimous)
• Received Special Permit application for 192 Boston Post Road (Unanimous)
• Approved October 24, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission approved several small equipment and service payments and authorized grant applications for educational signage. Members discussed parking concerns for Toby Hill VIII and forest health issues at Toby Hill VII. The board also nominated Randy Bell as Chair.

• Authorized letter of support for Westbrook to become a Sustainable CT Community (3-0-0)
• Authorized grant application to Westbrook Foundation for Mulvey Riverfront Walk signs (~$3,656.06) (3-0-0)
• Nominated R. Bell as Chair of the Conservation Commission (3-0-0)
• Approved payment to Solitude Lake Management for Lake Laconia treatment ($1,170.58) (3-0-0)
• Approved payment to Amazon for foam board multi-pack ($112.27) (3-0-0)
• Approved payment to Amazon for a leaf blower ($50.93) (3-0-0)
• Approved Recording Clerk Kathy King's time sheet ($88.62) (3-0-0)
• Approved 10/18/22 Administrative Session minutes (3-0-0)

Board of Education

The Board of Education authorized the Superintendent to apply for a State HVAC Grant. Members also approved several updated school policies and the minutes from two October meetings.

• Authorized application for State HVAC Grant (unanimous)
• Approved policies on suspected abuse/neglect, physical exercise and discipline, FAFS completion rates, and advanced course enrollment (unanimous)
• Approved October 18, 2022, 6:30 p.m. meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 18, 2022, 7:00 p.m. meeting minutes (unanimous)

Police Advisory Board / Traffic Authority

The regular meeting of the Police Advisory Board/Traffic Authority scheduled for November 14, 2022 has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be held on December 12, 2022.

• Meeting cancelled

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen met for a special session to discuss personnel matters. They decided that the Director of Park & Rec may be paid the current standard rate for refereeing games if no other referee can be found.

• Approved payment of current standard rate to Director of Park & Rec for refereeing games if no other referee is found (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board appointed members and approved the charge for a new Climate Resilience Committee. They also allocated $4,101.11 from an opioid settlement to the Health Department and a high school awareness event. Various board appointments and a new Transfer Station attendant were approved.

• Appointed seven members and approved the charge for the Climate Resilience Committee (Unanimous)
• Allocated $1,200 from Opioid Settlement for May 19, 2023 High School Awareness Day speaker (Unanimous)
• Allocated $2,901.11 from Opioid Settlement to the Health Department (Unanimous)
• Appointed Bob Marquis as Transfer Station attendant at $22.45 per hour (Unanimous)
• Appointed Mike Panella (full member) and Karl Gelotte (alternate) to Harbor Commission (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Jim Crawford, Darlene Briggs, and Lisbeth Waldron to the EDC for 3-year terms (Unanimous)
• Appointed Mark Richard to the WPCA (Unanimous)
• Approved Athletic Boosters request for a beach bonfire on 2/26/22 (Unanimous)

Board of Education

The Policy subcommittee reviewed several policies to be presented to the full Board of Education for first readings. The committee also conducted a partial review of the 2000 series policies, marking some as reviewed and others for further research.

• Approved October 20, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Policy 3515 (Use of Facility) for first reading by full board
• Recommended Meal Charging Policy for first reading by full board
• Recommended Policy 5145 (Title IX) for first reading to replace Policies 5145.5 and 5145.44
• Marked Policy 2000.1 as reviewed
• Marked Policies 2131.1 and 2130 as reviewed
• Identified Policy 2100 as redundant and requiring further research

Board of Education

The subcommittee approved the minutes from April 7, 2022. Angelo Saba presented reviews for Kindergarten Math, Grade 1 Math, Anatomy and Physiology, STEM/CTE, and RAS II curricula.

• Approved April 7, 2022 minutes (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Board accepted the October 2022 meeting minutes and the October financial report. Members discussed a draft Rules of Conduct Policy and succession planning for board leadership roles.

• Approved October 4, 2022 Monthly Meeting Minutes
• Approved October Financial Report
• Decided to hold off on distributing $19,000 appropriation from Vanguard account

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen approved several foundation grants and a Small Cities Grant for Town Meeting action. They awarded a copier/printer services contract to UBEO (A&A) and authorized a Rural Road Grant application. Several police officer re-appointments were also approved.

• Accepted Revised Small Cities Grant for Worthington Manor upgrades and forwarded to Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Awarded copier/printer services contract to UBEO (A&A) contingent on attorney review (unanimous)
• Accepted $9,406.94 Westbrook Foundation grant for Dog Park amenities and forwarded to Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted $10,735.00 Westbrook Foundation grant for Small-Pox Cemetery preservation and forwarded to Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted $1,787.50 Westbrook Foundation grant for Town Forest bridge and signage and forwarded to Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted $20,000 Westbrook Foundation grant for heat/energy assistance and forwarded to Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Approved $26,392 in ARPA funds for Jetty project(s) and forwarded to Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Authorized submission of a $5,000 Rural Road Grant application (unanimous)

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Authority agreed to proceed to the conceptual design step for a community wastewater system downtown to support business expansion. The project will utilize ARPA funds and be overseen by the WPCA before being passed to the Board of Selectmen. A public hearing for the sewer ordinance is scheduled for November 30.

• Approved September 27, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to move to conceptual design step for downtown wastewater system
• Approved payment of $506.35 to Nathan Jacobson for lab tests and engineering
• Approved payment of $37.33 to W.B. Mason for pump out labels
• Agreed to hold one meeting on December 7 instead of two December meetings

Westbrook Housing Authority

The Westbrook Housing Authority unanimously approved a $272,364 budget for 2022, which includes a base rent increase effective May 1, 2023. Rents will rise from $390 to $440 per month and from $742 to $792 per month, with heat and hot water included. A meeting with tenants is planned for December to discuss the rent structure.

• Approved $272,364 budget for 2022 (unanimous)
• Set base rent increase: $390 to $440/month and $742 to $792/month, effective May 1, 2023

Zoning Commission

The Westbrook Zoning Commission unanimously received applications for an adult-use cannabis retailer at 755 Boston Post Road and a special permit modification at 176 Boston Post Road, scheduling public hearings for November 21, 2022. The commission also continued public hearings on two zoning text amendments (application checklist and accessory apartments) to the same date. No final decisions were made on any applications; all substantive items were either received or continued.

• Received application ZC2022-0017 for adult-use cannabis retailer at 755 Boston Post Road, set public hearing for Nov 21 (unanimous)
• Received application ZC2022-0018 for special permit modification at 176 Boston Post Road, set public hearing for Nov 21 (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing on zoning text amendment ZC2022-0011 (application checklist) to Nov 21 (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing on zoning text amendment ZC2022-0015 (accessory apartments) to Nov 21 (unanimous)
• Appointed Mike Engels to Coastal Resiliency Committee (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 26, 2022 (unanimous)

Board of Education

The Westbrook Board of Education Policy Subcommittee met on October 20, 2022, and discussed several policy actions. They voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the September 22 meeting. The committee recommended adopting Shipman Policy 3515 with added language on student-adult supervision ratios and rental fees, and recommended rescinding policies 1230, 3280, 3281, and 1324, both for first reading at the November BOE meeting. They also tabled the Online/Remote Learning Policy pending further legislation.

• Approved minutes of September 22, 2022 Policy subcommittee meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended rescinding policies 1230, 3280, 3281, and 1324 (first reading in November)
• Recommended adopting Shipman Policy 3515 with added language on supervision ratios and rental fees (first reading in November)
• Tabled Online/Remote Learning Policy until legislation is finalized

Westbrook Housing Authority

The Authority will discuss a base rent increase effective May 1, 2023. The meeting also includes updates on the Small Cities Grant and scheduling for upcoming budget meetings.

• Base Rent Increase scheduled for May 1, 2023
• Small Cities Grant discussion
• Scheduling of Budget Preparation Meeting
• Scheduling of Special Budget Meeting

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will discuss current and future fiscal year budgets and capital budget requests. The meeting includes reports from the Fire Chief and Fire Marshall, as well as a review of a proposed fee schedule for the Fire Marshall.

• Proposed Fire Marshall fee schedule
• Current and next fiscal year budget updates
• Capital Budget requests
• Review of vehicle use policy in BOFC Rules & Regulations
• Approval of bills

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals is meeting to review motor vehicle appeals. The board will also vote on the approval of minutes from May 2022 and the approval of bills.

• Motor vehicle appeals
• Approval of May 14, 2022 and May 17, 2022 minutes
• Approval of bills

Police Advisory Board / Traffic Authority

The board will review minutes from May, June, and July meetings. Discussion includes parking issues on Brookside Avenue West and Broadway South, as well as speed limit and no parking signs on Old Mail Trail, Menunketesuck Rd, and Pequot Rd.

• Parking issues on Brookside Avenue West by the Armory
• Speed limit and no parking signs for Old Mail Trail, Menunketesuck Rd, and Pequot Rd
• Request for approval of CT Cycling Advancement Program for 9/17/22
• Parking issues on Broadway South

POCD Implementation Committee

The Westbrook Planning Commission's POCD Implementation Committee is meeting to conduct prioritization exercises. The group will focus on evaluating specific policies and action steps.

• Prioritization exercise for policies
• Prioritization exercise for action steps
• Review of June 6, 2022 meeting minutes

Police Advisory Board / Traffic Authority

The board will review the upcoming Vista Tour de Shore cycling fundraiser. Members will also discuss speeding concerns on Route 145 and parking issues on Broadway South and Riverview Road.

• Vista Tour de Shore cycling fund raiser (10/9/22)
• Speeding issues on Route 145
• Parking issues on Broadway South
• Parking issues on Riverview Road

Police Advisory Board / Traffic Authority

The Police Advisory Board and Traffic Authority are meeting to review a cycling fundraiser and a request for a traffic sign. The body will also approve minutes and bills.

• Approval of The Vista Tour de Shore cycling fund raiser on 10/9/22
• Request for a "Stop" sign near 51 River Road

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority is conducting a virtual regular meeting. The agenda includes updates to the Town’s Sewer Ordinance and a job posting for an Environmental Health Technician.

• Seating of new member Athena Uzzo
• Town’s Sewer Ordinance Update
• Retaining legal counsel regarding requirements to use Town Property
• Job posting for an Environmental Health Technician

Westbrook Housing Authority

The Westbrook Housing Authority is holding a special meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes a status report and possible action regarding the Small Cities Grant.

• Status report and possible action on Small Cities Grant

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board will review current and future fiscal year budgets and capital budget requests. Discussion includes a vehicle use policy update regarding a $500 threshold and reports from the Fire Chief and Fire Marshall.

• Review of vehicle use policy with a $500 threshold
• Fiscal year budget and capital budget updates
• Fire Chief report on engine DEF sensors
• Election of Chairman and Secretary
• Approval of bills

Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals is meeting in March 2022 to hear appeals regarding Personal Property or Real Estate on the 2020 Grand List Assessment. Meetings are held by appointment only and may occur via Zoom.

• Hearings for 2020 Grand List Assessment appeals

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Authority will review invoices, budget status, and the job posting for an Environmental Health Technician. Discussion items include a report on the Riggio System, a Wren Park study, and a 2004 DEP letter.

• Job posting for an Environmental Health Technician
• Report on Riggio System
• Wren Park Study
• Review of Town’s Sewer Ordinance Status

Police Advisory Board / Traffic Authority

The board will meet to elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman and review several traffic and safety requests. Discussions include speed limit changes, signage, and noise barriers. The body will also consider a request for the Memorial Day Parade on May 30, 2022.

• Request for passing lane at Route 153/McVeagh Road Intersection
• Request for 'Caution' sign at Seaside Avenue/Route 1/Wesley Avenue
• Request for noise barriers on I-95 by Farm Hill
• Request for speed limit change and crosswalk at Boston Post Road/Linden Avenue North
• Request for approval of Memorial Day Parade on 5/30/22

Police Advisory Board / Traffic Authority

The board will review several traffic-related items including a request for a passing lane at Route 153/McVeagh Road. Discussion includes transit issues on Route 1 and requests for new signage and noise barriers.

• Request to the State for a passing lane at Route 153/McVeagh Road intersection
• Discussion of 9 Town Transit bus idling on Route 1
• Request for a 'Caution' sign at Seaside Avenue/Route 1/Wesley Avenue
• Request for noise barriers on I-95 by Farm Hill

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners will discuss current and future fiscal year budgets and capital budget requests. The meeting includes reports from the Fire Chief and Fire Marshall regarding service statistics, inspections, and equipment.

• Approval of bills
• Current and next fiscal year budget updates
• Capital Budget requests
• BOFC Rules & Regulations
• Fire Chief and Fire Marshall reports

Police Advisory Board / Traffic Authority

The Police Advisory Board and Traffic Authority will meet to review minutes and approve bills. The board will discuss a request for a caution sign at the intersection of Seaside Avenue, Route 1, and Wesley Avenue.

• Request for caution sign at Seaside Avenue/Route 1/Wesley Avenue