Westport Town Council met on November 11, 2024.
The meeting began with the recognition of any veterans in attendance.
The Council approved October 24, 2024, meeting minutes, September meeting minutes, payroll vouchers, and adjustments.
Matt, Commonwealth Engineering provided a monthly update on the wastewater project. The council approved Bryan Gatewood signing the notice to proceed with the project. The project is scheduled to begin on November 13th. The town will receive an update on the project on November 14th.
The council heard from their insurance individual to discuss insurance costs for town employees. If they move forward with the same plan that they currently, have they will incur an 11.25% increase. They have a second option that would only increase their current plan by 8.89%, however this plan comes with a lower deductible, higher out-of-pocket costs and co-pays. The representative suggested that the council take time to talk with employees before deciding. The council tabled this decision until their December meeting.
Jeffrey Moore came to the council to inquire about the Mulberry property that the council had listed for bids. Bryan Gatewood stated that since the bid came in after the closure of the bid process and the amount offered did not reach the minimum bid, they are rejecting the bid. Mr. Moore explained that he submitted the bid on the 59th day with a 60-day bid length. The council stated that they could sell at an auction, re-post for bid, or list with a broker with certain guidelines. The council agreed that they would wait until after the first of the year to re-explore this property if at all. It was stated by two council members that they have received comments that the town shouldn’t sell the property and keep it for the future if needed. Mr. Moore stated, “Westport must think differently. Westport needs development.”
Mr. Moore also inquired about the corner property at poplar and mulberry. The council stated that at this time they are not interested in selling that piece of property. One council member said he would rather enter a long-term lease of the property to Mr. Moore. Mr. Moore explained that this really isn’t an option for his business model. He plans to build duplexes in the area and needs this parcel for parking. There was no decision made on this topic during the meeting.
The council voted to approve the following funding out of the ARP funds. They have appropriated $10,000 towards the Pickleball court. They also approved $9,747.60 for the Westport Police Department for the purchase of the tasers that were presented at the October meeting.
Damon Land, Superintendent of Public Projects, provided an update on the sidewalk project states that they have a few small parts of the project left but are nearing completion. He stated that the lights are in for the Community Building and would be installed as time allows. He states that sealing at the cemetery has been completed.
Luke Lozier, Westport PD came to the board and received approval for the hire of a part-time officer for 20 hours per week, $22 per hour, for a period of 4 months as the police chief is out of work and recovering. The council stated that they have funds in the budget to cover this. Bryan provided an apology for the Westport Police Department by stating that he and Delores met with Decatur County Sheriff’s department to discuss how to get more assistance and some thought that it was something against the Westport PD. Bryan stated that was not his intention at all and that only positive things were discussed during the meeting.
