Westport Town Council met on Monday.
There was an update on the Westport water projects. Things are moving along with the wastewater project and they are well under way. They are in the permitting process and are reviewing with the DNR about replanting trees. They are also working with the DNR with the floodways and discussed easements needed for the project. Last year IDEM tested the water for PFAS, testing that they did statewide, and published these results online. While westport is well below the PFAS limit, they did reach out asking about grant money to continue to eliminate any from the water. The grant would be federal money to be used for testing and corrections along the way. There is going to be a conference call for council members for more information on grant money.
The board approved a water adjustment.
The Nipro Annexation Ordinance was approved on the second reading.
Resolution 2023-8 for the Westport Community Board of Directors was presented. The members of the board would be on staggered terms: 2 year members- Connie Davis, Barb Winchester, Melissa Debby and 1 year members Karen Webster and Jennifer Rob. All members would be able to reapply for continued terms. A community member made a comment. The last board ran the community building for 35 years as a self appointed board, made so that one group could not take it over as it was a community organization. They were not against anyone appointed, but morally believe it is wrong to not keep the people who were there from the start. They wanted the board to remember the town did not build the Westport Community Building, the community did. The council believed that these comments were misleading as the town donates money every year and has covered insurance liability since the building was built. Resolution 2023-8 was approved.
Ordinance 2023-5 for the Westport Community Building non reverting fund was approved. This is to collect funds brought in from the Westport Community Building, such as building deposits, to be used for, but not limited to, upkeep, maintenance, and operation costs.
The Water Alliance Apprenticeship agreement was presented to the board. This was for the council to sign as an employer and for the scope of services agreement. This was approved.
The Solar Eclipse was discussed. This is an event that will take place on April 18th and that has a possibility of bringing an extra 20-50 thousand people to Decatur County as it is in a prime zone for full solar eclipse viewing. Westport is going to allow their fire and police department to assist the county as a whole with emergency services to ensure the safety of travelers and locals.
Resolution 2023-9, proposing the increase of town council members, was discussed. In the interest of the town the council is considering raising members from 3 to 5. This will be submitted to the voters of the town as a public question concerning the number of council members and will be on the November 7, 2023 ballot. If voters agree, this will take effect in the 2026 election. This was approved to be added to the ballot.
Ordinance 2023-6 to amend animal control ordinance 2022-4 was approved. This is to amend the redemption costs of the animal shelter to match the county’s fees.
IDEM contacted the town requesting that they clean out lagoons according to their standard. The board tabled this discussion for further information.
There will be a discussion on a speed ordinance for the town at the next meeting. This is to discuss changing the town wide speed limit from 30 mph to 20 mph.
Morgan Schofield
WTRE News
All Rights Reserved