Select Board - October 19, 2026

The Westport Select Board met on October 19, 2026, with Richard Brewer absent and Town Administrator Chris Vitale attending a conference out of state. The board handled several routine business items, including approving a change of manager for Westport Town Hospitality (doing business as TownePlace Suites) to Jeffrey Panel, reappointing Lewis Bertentes as a full-time police officer, appointing election workers and a Cultural Council member, and accepting donations totaling over $750 for the Commission on Disability, Landing Commission, and Recreation Department. The board also voted unanimously among present members to sign a joint municipal letter with Dartmouth and other area communities opposing state legislative proposals that would override local municipal zoning and planning controls.

The board held an extended discussion regarding the ongoing water crisis at the Town Hall Annex following a catastrophic well failure. Members evaluated temporary water hauling costs of approximately $3,200 every two weeks and potential permanent well replacement costs estimated at $50,000, weighing those against a proposal to relocate staff and tenant operations to the former Westport High School. Board of Health Chair Tanja Ryden and an abutting property owner raised concerns regarding well testing, Title V septic compliance, air quality, building code readiness, and well setbacks. The board requested a comprehensive report from the Town Administrator for their November 2, 2026 meeting. Additionally, representatives from the Buzzards Bay Coalition and Gomez and Sullivan Engineers presented a status update on a $5.67 million federal grant application for the Cold Water Culverts restoration project across Angeline Brook, Snell Creek, Lions Brook, and Kirby Brook to restore sea-run brook trout passages. Following committee updates, the board voted to enter executive session regarding a Westport Police Association grievance.

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