The meeting began with the approval of the April meeting minutes, payroll vouchers, adjustments, and the monthly bills.
Rachel Runge, Commonwealth Engineering provided an update stating that work continues to progress along. There is a construction update meeting on Thursday May 15, 2025, at 1pm located in the Westport Community Building. Pay application #3 was approved for $2,060,304.20.
Resident Mr. Lee came before the board to voice his concern over individuals parking in the turn around area located on the North end of Westwood Drive. He states that he feels like everyone seems to have the feeling of entitlement including Best Way Disposal delivery drivers. He states that the current no parking sign is not adequate. The council told him that the sign has already been enlarged, and they would look into having it enlarged again to help reduce the parking. Mr. Lee also voiced that the turnaround is not big enough for vehicles- currently the school bus driver uses his driveway with his permission to turn around. He states that Best Way Disposal uses his driveway and also spoke of a semi delivery truck that drove clear into his yard. The council states that they will look into helping find a solution.
The council voted and approved the Traffic Ordinance on its second reading. This ordinance amends ordinance 1987-4. The ordinance specifically limits semi traffic on Range Street between Highway 3 and Main Street. It does include 5 exceptions including school buses, and agricultural equipment.
The council approved an ordinance on its first reading. The ordinance would create staggered terms for Town Council members. Currently all 5 council members are scheduled to be up for re-election on the November 2027 ballot. With this new ordinance it would allow for the top three vote getters to be elected for a 4-year term, and the remaining 2 seats to be elected for a 3-year term. This would eliminate the concern of the possibility of an entire new board being elected at one time. The council and their attorney agreed that they had a few things to edit before the second reading of the ordinance.
Damon Land, Superintendent received approval to move forward with the lowest bid received (Heartland Gutters) to begin the work on the community building. A 21-year-old mower that is currently utilized at the water and sewer departments has begun to show excessive wear and tear and currently needs an engine priced at $3,500. Damon requested that they replace the mower to avoid spending the $3,500 to install an engine into a 21-year-old mower. The council agreed and approved the purchase of a new mower for the cost of $15,839.
S&S House to Home represented by Kelly Sullivan & Julie Schlehuser informed the council that they are in the process of purchasing a home located at 603 E. North Street to “flip” and said that there is a vacant lot next door to the home that they plan to install a manufactured home on. They said that the county told them that their first step would be to get a letter from the Westport Town Council supporting their plans. The council stated that they will need to review their current ordinances and will get back to them on their approval.
Jeffrey Moore, Westport Wesleyan Church received the council’s blessing to have their bounce house in the park every Monday evening from 6pm-730pm during June and July. Jeffrey also stated that the church has received a grant and has purchased a narcan box that will be made available to the public. He also stated that they are having a Narcan training on May 25, 2025, from 5:30p-7:30p.
Gloria, Town Council member stated that she has concerns over semi-trucks using their engine brakes along Highway 3 in town. The council said they would look into this and see if they can make it a no engine brake zone, however several members stated that in the past they were told that they couldn’t.
