The meeting began with the approval of the November meeting minutes, 1 cemetery deed, payroll vouchers.
The council said that currently the 2025 agreements for Westport Fire Department, Mainstreet organization, and Westport Kiwanis Club are pending review by the organizations and then they will be submitted to the council’s attorney. Bryan Gatewood presented a check to The Westport Kiwanis Club and Westport Fire Department for their 2024 distribution.
The council approved the 2025 agreement for the Westport Town Marshall Joe Talkington, and Westport Deputy Town Marshall. The council approved the 2025 agreement with the town’s attorney. The rates all remain the same as 2024. The council voted for Russell Wilson to be the council’s SIRPC representative. The council approved the 2nd reading of Wage Ordinance 2024-7. The council received the Clerk Treasurer’s signed Nepotism Policy.
Rachel provided the council with the Commonwealth update. She said that the contractors have not broken ground yet. They are planning to mobilize on January 2, 2025, depending on the weather. The contractor has begun purchasing supplies needed to complete the project.
The Westport Christian Church came to the council to provide an update on the building that they received approval to build earlier this year. The first phase has been completed, with current plans to begin the second phase in the next few weeks. The representative said that with the new building they should be able to serve 150-200 families per week vs currently serving 75-80 families per week. The representative thanked the council and the town employees for any work that they did to assist them in the build.
The town council is in search of a resident to serve as their representative on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Currently Joyce Brindley serves as their representative and her term expires on December 31, 2024. She does not wish to continue after that point. Bryan Gatewood said, “To allow us time to search for a replacement Joyce has agreed to stay on the board for January and February.” The board re-appointed Joyce to stay as their BZA member during January and February while they search for a citizen that is interested in being their representative. Bryan urged anyone interested to reach out to one of the Westport Town Council members.
Damon Land, Superintendent of Public Projects stated that the sidewalk and paving projects are coming to an end. Due to the Engineer making a mistake on the height of the side in front of the sidewalk they are installing handrails to remain in compliance with ADA compliance. Damon said as soon as the handrails come in, they will get those installed. He reminded everyone that once construction on the lift station the Dump will be closed on Wednesdays with normal hours being open on Saturdays.
A citizen came to the council to request a water bill adjustment. She explained that due to a leak happening in the middle of billing cycles they were coming for approval to have the water bill adjusted. The council voted to approve the adjustment.
The council is awaiting a third quote for Pickleball Courts.
The meeting was adjourned by all council members wishing the public a Merry Christmas.
