Westbrook moves toward town-run ambulance service with $800K appropriation; Town Meeting set for July 9
The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance each unanimously approved appropriating up to $800,000 from the Fund Balance for the purchase of ambulances and equipment, moving Westbrook one step closer to assuming responsibility for ambulance services. The funding now heads to a Town Meeting on July 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. for final action.
Ambulance Services and Mediation
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to authorize the Town Attorney to continue mediation with the Ambulance Association and to appropriate up to $800,000 for ambulances and related costs. The Board of Finance had approved the same $800,000 appropriation unanimously the same evening. Both bodies forwarded the item to the July 9 Town Meeting.
The Board of Selectmen also set that Town Meeting date unanimously.
Capital Project Deficits and Grant Acceptance
The Board of Selectmen approved several end-of-year appropriations to cover capital project deficits, all by unanimous vote:
- $144,295 for the Sidewalk Improvement Capital Project deficit
- $65,831 for the Rte 153-166 sidewalk deficit
- $2,799 for the Board of Education Maintenance Shed deficit
The board unanimously accepted a $5,000 CT Main Street grant for Town Green lighting.
The board unanimously declined to purchase the Higgins property in Westbrook.
Gabriela Spash was appointed to the Sustainable Westbrook Committee by unanimous vote.
Harbor Management Commission Sets Mooring Standards
The Harbor Management Commission approved new minimum anchor and chain requirements for small vessels and added helical mooring anchors as an approved method. Both votes were unanimous.
The commission approved a 75-pound anchor with 3/8" chain as the minimum for vessels 16 feet or less. It also approved helical mooring anchors as an approved anchoring method for beach moorings. Members reviewed the status of dredging projects and mooring permit renewals.
May 26, 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
Zoning Commission Takes Up Rezoning, Special Permits
The Zoning Commission's June 22 agenda included public hearings on three special permit applications: an electronic sign for emergency services at 1163 Boston Post Road, a change of use from retail to wellness/fitness at 688 Boston Post Road, and a vendor cart at Dick's Marina for Shoreline Hot Dogs.
The commission was also scheduled to receive a zoning map amendment to rezone Meadow Point Rd, Trout Lake Dr, Minnow Ln, and Blue Gill Ln from Rural Residential to High Density Residential, with a public hearing set for August. A vote was planned on releasing a $30,202 erosion control bond and a $1,500 landscaping bond. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.
Cancelled Meetings
The Water Pollution Control Authority's June 24 regular meeting was cancelled. The Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing and regular meeting scheduled for June 24 was also cancelled, with no items discussed or decided.
Coming Up
- **July 7 — Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission:** Review of an application for a tear-down and rebuild of a single-family residence, sanitary system, and underground detention at 249 Old Kelsey Point Road (Assessor Map #193, Lot #066). The agenda also includes bills of $720 for legal advice and $72.43 for a legal notice, plus approval of April 6, 2026 minutes. Public comments are limited to 15 minutes.
- **July 7 — Library Board of Trustees:** Routine monthly meeting with reports and committee updates. No public hearings or notable votes listed.
- **July 9 — Town Meeting:** Residents will vote on the $800,000 ambulance services appropriation, $144,295 for the Sidewalk Improvement Capital Project deficit, $65,831 for the Rte. 153 to Rte. 166 sidewalk project deficit, $2,799 for the Board of Education Maintenance Shed project deficit, and acceptance of the $5,000 CT Main Street Program grant for Town Green lighting. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Westbrook boards approve $800,000 ambulance takeover, send to July 9 town meeting
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.