The Westport Town Council met on September 9, 2024 at 6:30 pm. The meeting began with the approval of the August 12, 2024 meeting minutes, one funeral deed, and payroll.
Matt provided a Commonwealth update. He began with the Sewer project by stating that his office is currently reviewing the show drawings that were provided by the contractor. He stated that the current plan is to provide formal notice to the contractor to proceed in November. Matt asked and was approved to schedule monthly check in meetings with the contractor and Town Council.
Matt spoke about new requirements from the Federal and State regulators to begin testing for PFAS. He stated that Westport was proactive and searched out and recently applied for funding that would offset the costs associated from the testing. He believes that Westport will receive this grant.
The next item on the agenda was bid opening for the property located at 209 East Mulberry Street. However, no bids were received. The council is going to take some time to decide how they would like to proceed.
Bryan Gatewood, Town Council President opened the 2025 Budget Public Hearing at 6:41pm. A quick review was provided:
- No Community Crossing Project is being proposed in 2025. This reduced the budget from 2024 approximately 1 million dollar budget to the proposed 2025 budget being $743,000.
- With no concrete plans for Economic Development this line item was reduced
- The cost of litigation is not looking to be the same as 2024. Therefore the line item has been reduced.
- It was stated that overall there isn’t too much that has changed.
The Public Hearing was closed at 6:43pm. The Council approved the 1st reading and stated that the 2nd reading will occur at their October meeting.
The second reading for Ordinance 2024-5 was approved.
The second reading for reclassifying ARP funding that will allow for an extension of the grant funding was approved.
Jeff Moore came to the Town Council to seek their favorable approval to rezone 601 E Main Street from A1 to A2 so that they could go to the Decatur County Area Planning Department to request approval. This location will be the new Westport Wesleyan Church. The Town Council did state that the property has access to water and sewer. Also that the Town Council is okay with the property having a driveway that goes to Main Street. The Town Council did approve the request and will submit a letter to Decatur County Area Planning in favor.
A road closure was approved for October 12, 2024 from 8am-7pm for the Westport Fall Festival.
Dumpster Days is coming up on October 3, 2024 where dumpsters will be available in the town for your clean-up.
The town also reminded everyone that Electronic Waste Day is coming up on October 5, 2024.
The Town Council voted that Trick or Treat hours are scheduled for October 31, 2024 5p-8p.
The Superintendent of Public Works stated that work on the sidewalks have begun. He stated that the Engineers overlooked a couple of sections of the sidewalks that needed to be replaced. Those sections are located in front of Pizzalicious and the Post Office. He did receive a quote from the contractors that are already doing the work and that quote was for $21,618.45 in additional costs. The council voted to use ARP funds to cover this amount. Bryan Gatewood did say that he plans to speak with the Engineers to see about possibly requesting a reduction in their costs.
Quotes for the seal coating at the cemetery were received:
Company 1- $21,869, Company 2-$13,500, 3-Did not show. Company 2 was approved utilizing already budgeted funding.
Quotes for the seal coating of the Westport Police Department were received:
Company 1-$2,400, Company 2- $1,200, 3-Did not show. Company 2 was approved utilizing already budgeting funding.
A reminder for all families and visitors to the Westport Cemetery. They have begun removing items that are not supposed to be there. They asked that if you have items out there that you should pick those up. If you do not then they will remove and dispose of those not allowed items.
Russell, Town Council Member stated the Pickleball Court(s) Estimates that were received:
| Company | 1 Court | 2 Courts |
| All Star | $41,967.47 | $76,763.36 |
| Globe Asphalt | $47,500 | $74,200 |
| O’Mara | $78,000 | $114,300 |
The Town Council voted to not take action on these estimates at this time and take them under review.
Sam Jones, Resident stood to ask the Town Council members why city personnel are not held to the same rules that all citizens are. He went on to state that there was a large brush burn pile within city limits after dark and he made a report and was told that it was not against the town ordinance. Even though after reading the ordinance he pointed out that it specifically states that these types of burns cannot be after dark. He stated that the fire was higher than 20 feet at one time. He told the council that he does have a video and pictures of the fire.
Following Mr. Jones’s statement Bryan Gatewood, Town Council President stated, “What he neglects to tell you is that he was cited for his dogs running loose and causing trouble for his neighbors. This complaint seems to be tit for tat.” Bryan went on to say that he was not previously aware that this was done after dark. Mr. Jones’s wife Katelyn stood to speak and stated that she is a retired firefighter and it was her that wanted this called in because she was worried about the town and the safety of others.
Bryan reminded everyone that if you have a large pile of brush that you wish to burn you can call the non-emergency number for dispatch and let them know that you are performing a controlled burn. Bryan did finish by saying that maybe they should take a look at the Burning Ordinance.
Mike Gasper stood to thank the Town for allowing the road closure for the Kiwanis BBQ and Car Show. He said that they are going to be painting the exterior of the concession stand and the inside during the Day of Caring.
The meeting was adjourned.
