Westbrook meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Westbrook boards approve $109K HVAC design contract, lunch price increase

Westbrook's Board of Education and Board of Selectmen both approved a $109,000 contract with Salamone and Associates for HVAC design services at the high school during meetings on Aug. 11. The Board of Education also voted to raise school lunch prices by 50 cents for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board of Selectmen accepted a $145,636 Sea Grant for coastal resilience planning and scheduled a town meeting for Sept. 8.

Board of Education

The Board of Education met Aug. 11 and took the following actions, all unanimous:

• Approved a $109,000 contract with Salamone and Associates for HVAC design services at the high school.
• Approved a 50-cent lunch price increase for 2026-2027.
• Approved a revision to Policy #5141.21 adding nasal epinephrine as an option for student medications.
• Authorized the finance director to deposit the 2025-26 surplus into the non-lapsing fund.
• Authorized a memorandum of understanding with AFT regarding a 10-month secretary position.

Board of Selectmen

Also on Aug. 11, the Board of Selectmen unanimously:

• Approved the same $109,000 HVAC design contract with Salamone & Associates and authorized the First Selectman to sign it.
• Scheduled a town meeting for Sept. 8, 2026, at 7 p.m.
• Accepted Sea Grant services from Weston & Sampson Engineers for $145,636.
• Referred easement requests for 6 Indian Trail and 79 Grove Beach Road S. to the Planning Commission.
• Approved minutes of the July 23, 2026 meeting.
• Adjusted the Land Use Tech's hours effective Aug. 17, 2026.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the commission unanimously approved a tear-down and rebuild of a single-family residence at 249 Old Kelsey Point Road, including a sanitary system and underground detention system. It also issued a unanimous Cease and Desist Order to Toby Hill Farms for unauthorized clearing and filling in wetlands at Essex Road. The commission approved the July 7, 2026 meeting minutes and payment of bills, including $133.64 to Rose Monroe.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees met Aug. 4 and voted unanimously to support the director's decision to opt out of the state's Laptop ConneCT program, citing eligibility and cost concerns. The board also approved the July minutes, the August financial report, and an updated Photography, Recording and Filming Policy.

Other meetings

Several other meetings were held or scheduled during the past two weeks, with no decisions yet published:

• The Zoning Commission held a virtual special meeting Aug. 5 to consider a modification of an approved special permit for Harbor House Condominiums (application ZC2026-0014). The applicant is Edward M. Cassella of Cloutier & Cassella, LLC.
• The Coastal Resiliency Committee met Aug. 11 to discuss the LIS Resilience Planning Support Program agreement, the Coastal Resiliency Plan, and projects including the Town Dock and Duck Island Breakwater. No votes were listed.
• The Retirement Board met Aug. 11 to consider a Fire Department request to update the pension plan and review the investment portfolio.
• The Ad Hoc School Roof Committee met Aug. 12 to review progress on the Middle School Roof Project and approve bills.
• The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance held a special joint meeting Aug. 13 that included an executive session on a health, safety, or security matter with possible action, followed by the First Selectman's report.

Coming up

The Conservation Commission will hold a regular hybrid meeting Aug. 18. The main item is a discussion of laying out trails at Horse Hill Gorge. The commission will also review minutes from the July 21 meeting and consider a bill from Kathy Savona for $161.80 for June and July meeting minutes.

Westbrook Housing Authority takes only formal action in past two weeks; other boards set agendas

The Westbrook Housing Authority was the only town body to take formal action in the past two weeks, accepting its previous meeting minutes and treasurer's report at a July 27 meeting. Other boards and commissions met to set agendas for upcoming decisions, including a zoning map change, a high school HVAC design contract, and a wetland enforcement order. Most meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published.

Housing Authority

At its July 27 meeting, the Westbrook Housing Authority accepted the minutes from its previous meeting and the treasurer's report. The board also discussed ongoing maintenance issues at Patchogue Place, including paving, boiler room controls, and electricity problems. The board adjourned into executive session at 3:05 p.m. and reconvened to adjourn at 3:42 p.m. No substantive votes were taken during the executive session.

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission met on July 27 to review several items, though no decisions were recorded. The commission discussed a site plan for a four-bedroom dwelling and barn/garage at 1259 Old Clinton Road, a proposed zoning map amendment from Rural Residential to High Density Residential for Meadow Point Road, Trout Lake Drive, Minnow Lane, and Blue Gill Lane, and a pre-application discussion for a storage warehouse at 90 Knothe Road. The commission also considered appointments to the Design Review Committee and interviewed candidates for a Zoning Enforcement Officer position.

Coastal Resiliency Committee

The Coastal Resiliency Implementation Committee held a special meeting on July 28 to receive a status update on the Long Island Sound Resilience Planning Support Program and discuss a site visit with Connecticut Sea Grant. The committee's next meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

School HVAC Building Committee

On July 29, the HVAC Building Committee met to discuss the Request for Proposals for the Westbrook High School HVAC design project. The agenda also included approval of prior minutes and a chairperson's report.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission met on August 4 to hear a cease-and-desist order for unauthorized clearcutting and fill on a property at 249 Old Kelsey Point Road, and to consider a new application to tear down and rebuild a single-family home at the same address, including sanitary and underground detention systems. The commission also reviewed a separate matter on Essex Road involving a cease-and-desist order for clearcutting and fill in wetland and upland review areas.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees met on August 4 for its monthly meeting, reviewing reports and conducting general business. The agenda consisted of procedural items.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. The Coastal Resiliency Committee is scheduled to meet again on August 11, 2026, according to its July 28 agenda.

Westbrook boards weigh wastewater funding, zoning changes, and trail work in busy two-week stretch

The Water Pollution Control Authority discussed potential USDA funding that could cover 75% of the cost for a Town Center Community Wastewater System, with the USDA potentially loaning the remaining costs over 40 years at an interest rate between 2 and 3 percent. The board is gathering engineering and septic deficiency reports to prove eligibility. The WPCA also approved its April 15, 2026, Special Meeting minutes by unanimous vote.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved its May 19, 2026, meeting minutes by a 4-0-0 vote and approved a $62.84 payment to Kathy Savona, also by a 4-0-0 vote. Members scheduled a site visit for July 31 at 10:00 a.m. to mark a new access trail at Horse Hill Gorge, with August 7 at 10:00 a.m. set as a rain date. If the rain date is not used, the commission agreed to meet August 7 at 10:00 a.m. to cut fallen trees.

Water Pollution Control Authority

In addition to the USDA funding discussion, the WPCA approved its April 15, 2026, Special Meeting minutes unanimously. The potential wastewater system funding remains under review pending engineering and septic deficiency reports.

Westbrook Housing Authority

The Housing Authority accepted minutes from its last meeting (motion by Alison/Nancy) and accepted the treasurer's report (motion by Nancy/Alison). Members discussed ongoing maintenance issues including paving, boiler room controls, and electricity problems at Patchogue Place. The board adjourned into executive session at 3:05 p.m. and adjourned the meeting at 3:42 p.m. No substantive votes were taken during executive session.

Board of Selectmen

The July 23 Board of Selectmen agenda listed no recorded decisions, votes, or outcomes. The provided document was an agenda rather than minutes of action.

Agenda-Only Meetings (No Minutes Published Yet)

Several boards met but had not published minutes as of this roundup:

• **Sustainable Westbrook** (July 22): Listed updates on composting, plastic recycling, the Complete Streets policy, ZEV readiness training, and summer event planning.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** (July 22): Scheduled public hearings on Appeal No. 2026-006, requesting variances for demolition of a three-bedroom seasonal cottage and reconstruction at 34 Dolphin Avenue, including coverage, deck, porch, and mechanical platform dimensions; and Appeal No. 2026-007, requesting variances to install an HVAC unit on an exterior wall at 207 Salt Island Road.
• **Zoning Commission** (July 27): Listed a site plan (ZC2026-0012) for a 4-bedroom dwelling and barn/garage at 1259 Old Clinton Road; a proposed zoning map amendment (ZC2026-0011) from Rural Residential to High Density Residential for Meadow Point Road, Trout Lake Drive, Minnow Lane, and Blue Gill Lane; a pre-application discussion for a storage warehouse at 90 Knothe Road; appointment of members to the Design Review Committee; and interview and possible appointment of a Zoning Enforcement Officer.
• **Coastal Resiliency Committee** (July 28): Scheduled a status update on the Long Island Sound Resilience Planning Support Program and a site visit with Connecticut Sea Grant. The next meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026.
• **School HVAC Building Committee** (July 29): Listed discussion of the Westbrook High School HVAC Design RFP, approval of meeting minutes, and a chairperson's report.

Coming Up

• **Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission** — August 4, 2026: Will hear a cease-and-desist order for unauthorized clearcutting and fill on a property at 249 Old Kelsey Point Road and decide on a new application to tear down and rebuild a single-family home at 249 Old Kelsey Point Road, including sanitary and detention systems.
• **Library Board of Trustees** — August 4, 2026: Monthly meeting to review reports and conduct general business. The agenda consists of procedural items.

Westbrook voters approve $800,000 ambulance purchase and project deficit transfers; senior tax freeze extended 10 years

Westbrook voters approved up to $800,000 for an ambulance purchase and services at a July 9 Town Meeting, the largest single appropriation in a busy two-week stretch of municipal decisions. Voters also authorized several transfers to cover capital project deficits and accepted a $5,000 state grant for Town Green lighting.

Town Meeting: appropriations and grant

At the July 9 Town Meeting, voters approved multiple appropriations from the Fund Balance and other accounts by unanimous voice vote:

• Up to $800,000.00 for ambulance purchase and services
• Up to $144,295.00 for the Sidewalk Improvement Capital Project deficit
• Up to $65,831.00 for the Rte. 153 to Rte. 166 Sidewalk Capital Project deficit
• Up to $2,799.00 for the Board of Education Maintenance Shed deficit
• Up to $2,000.00 for the Fleet Replacement Capital Project deficit
• Up to $250.00 for the Plan of Conservation and Development project
• Acceptance of a $5,000 CT Main Street Program grant for Town Green lighting improvements

All items passed by unanimous voice vote, according to the official minutes.

Board of Selectmen: senior tax freeze extended

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on July 14 to extend the Assessor's Freeze Program for seniors for ten years. The board also approved the minutes of the June 25 meeting without opposition and adjourned unanimously. No action was taken on proposed park bench placements.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

On July 7, the commission voted unanimously to accept the tear-down and rebuild application for 249 Old Kelsey Point Road. Members also approved April 6, 2026 meeting minutes and payment of three bills totaling $921.87, all without opposition. The meeting adjourned unanimously at 7:52 p.m.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees approved the July financial report and accepted minutes from April 7 and June 2, all by unanimous vote, at its July 7 meeting. The board decided to delay the transition to a new online calendar until late August. The Library Director provided updates on circulation statistics, summer reading, and pending policy revisions regarding AI and child safety; no decisions on those policies were recorded in the minutes.

Coastal Resiliency Committee

The Coastal Resiliency Committee met July 14, but minutes have not yet been published. The agenda listed discussion of the LIS Resilience Planning Support Program ahead of a July 28 site visit, home elevation grants, mosquito ditch dredging, Old Mail Trail drainage improvements, Town Dock and Duck Island Breakwater project status, and investigations at Coral Sands, Chalker Beach, and Cold Spring Marshes.

Coming up

• **July 21 — Conservation Commission:** Discussion of an access trail for Horse Hill Gorge, organization of tree cutting for fallen trees on multiple trails, and payment of $62.84 to Kathy Savona for May 19, 2026 meeting minutes.
• **July 22 — Water Pollution Control Authority:** Discussion of a possible funding source for the Town Center Community Wastewater System, Riggio Building updates, bills, a health department report, and correspondence.
• **July 22 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearing on Appeal No. 2026-006, requesting variances for demolition of a three-bedroom seasonal cottage and reconstruction at 34 Dolphin Avenue, and Appeal No. 2026-007, requesting variances to install an HVAC unit on an exterior wall at 207 Salt Island Road.

Westbrook weighs $800,000 ambulance takeover; Library Board approves finances

Westbrook's most consequential item this week is a proposal for the town to assume responsibility for ambulance services at a cost of up to $800,000 for ambulances and equipment. The item was on a July 9 Town Meeting agenda; official minutes have not yet been published, so the outcome of the vote is not yet confirmed in the record.

Town Meeting: ambulance services and project deficits

The July 9 Town Meeting agenda included several funding requests:

• Up to $800,000 for ambulances and equipment to assume ambulance services
• $144,295 for the Sidewalk Improvement Capital Project deficit
• $65,831 for the Rte. 153 to Rte. 166 Sidewalk Capital Project deficit
• $5,000 CT Main Street Program grant for Town Green lighting
• $2,799 for the Board of Education Maintenance Shed project deficit

Because minutes are not yet available, it is not possible to report how each item was voted on or whether any were amended or tabled.

Library Board of Trustees

The Westbrook Library Board of Trustees met July 7 and took several unanimous votes, according to official minutes:

• Approved meeting minutes from April 7, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from June 2, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved the July Financial Report (unanimous)
• Decided to delay the transition to a new online calendar until late August

The Library Director provided updates on circulation statistics, summer reading, and pending policy revisions regarding AI and child safety. No further detail on those revisions was included in the minutes summary.

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission met July 7 to review an application for a tear-down and rebuild of a single-family residence, sanitary system, and underground detention at 249 Old Kelsey Point Road (Assessor Map #193, Lot #066). Minutes were not yet published, so any decision on the application is not confirmed in the record.

The agenda also listed bills for approval: Rose Monroe $129.44, Robinson+Cole $720.00 for legal advice, and Hartford Courant $72.38 and $72.43 for legal notices. Other agenda items included approval of regular meeting minutes from April 6, 2026, staff and commission member reports, and a discussion of regulation/application changes. Public comments were limited to 15 minutes.

Coming up

• **Board of Selectmen — July 14, 2026:** Discussion of the Assessor "Freeze" Program, park benches, an update on PR, and board and commission vacancies.
• **Coastal Resiliency Committee — July 14, 2026:** Review of the LIS Resilience Planning Support Program ahead of a July 28 site visit, plus updates on home elevation grants, mosquito ditch dredging, Old Mail Trail drainage improvements, the Town Dock and Duck Island Breakwater Project, and investigations at Coral Sands, Chalker Beach, and Cold Spring Marshes.

Westbrook moves toward town-run ambulance service with $800K appropriation; Town Meeting set for July 9

The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance each unanimously approved appropriating up to $800,000 from the Fund Balance for the purchase of ambulances and equipment, moving Westbrook one step closer to assuming responsibility for ambulance services. The funding now heads to a Town Meeting on July 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. for final action.

Ambulance Services and Mediation

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to authorize the Town Attorney to continue mediation with the Ambulance Association and to appropriate up to $800,000 for ambulances and related costs. The Board of Finance had approved the same $800,000 appropriation unanimously the same evening. Both bodies forwarded the item to the July 9 Town Meeting.

The Board of Selectmen also set that Town Meeting date unanimously.

Capital Project Deficits and Grant Acceptance

The Board of Selectmen approved several end-of-year appropriations to cover capital project deficits, all by unanimous vote:

• $144,295 for the Sidewalk Improvement Capital Project deficit
• $65,831 for the Rte 153-166 sidewalk deficit
• $2,799 for the Board of Education Maintenance Shed deficit

The board unanimously accepted a $5,000 CT Main Street grant for Town Green lighting.

The board unanimously declined to purchase the Higgins property in Westbrook.

Gabriela Spash was appointed to the Sustainable Westbrook Committee by unanimous vote.

Harbor Management Commission Sets Mooring Standards

The Harbor Management Commission approved new minimum anchor and chain requirements for small vessels and added helical mooring anchors as an approved method. Both votes were unanimous.

The commission approved a 75-pound anchor with 3/8" chain as the minimum for vessels 16 feet or less. It also approved helical mooring anchors as an approved anchoring method for beach moorings. Members reviewed the status of dredging projects and mooring permit renewals.

May 26, 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Zoning Commission Takes Up Rezoning, Special Permits

The Zoning Commission's June 22 agenda included public hearings on three special permit applications: an electronic sign for emergency services at 1163 Boston Post Road, a change of use from retail to wellness/fitness at 688 Boston Post Road, and a vendor cart at Dick's Marina for Shoreline Hot Dogs.

The commission was also scheduled to receive a zoning map amendment to rezone Meadow Point Rd, Trout Lake Dr, Minnow Ln, and Blue Gill Ln from Rural Residential to High Density Residential, with a public hearing set for August. A vote was planned on releasing a $30,202 erosion control bond and a $1,500 landscaping bond. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Cancelled Meetings

The Water Pollution Control Authority's June 24 regular meeting was cancelled. The Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing and regular meeting scheduled for June 24 was also cancelled, with no items discussed or decided.

Coming Up

• **July 7 — Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission:** Review of an application for a tear-down and rebuild of a single-family residence, sanitary system, and underground detention at 249 Old Kelsey Point Road (Assessor Map #193, Lot #066). The agenda also includes bills of $720 for legal advice and $72.43 for a legal notice, plus approval of April 6, 2026 minutes. Public comments are limited to 15 minutes.
• **July 7 — Library Board of Trustees:** Routine monthly meeting with reports and committee updates. No public hearings or notable votes listed.
• **July 9 — Town Meeting:** Residents will vote on the $800,000 ambulance services appropriation, $144,295 for the Sidewalk Improvement Capital Project deficit, $65,831 for the Rte. 153 to Rte. 166 sidewalk project deficit, $2,799 for the Board of Education Maintenance Shed project deficit, and acceptance of the $5,000 CT Main Street Program grant for Town Green lighting. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Westbrook boards approve $800,000 ambulance takeover, send to July 9 town meeting

The Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen both voted unanimously last week to appropriate up to $800,000 from the town’s Fund Balance for ambulances and equipment, advancing a plan for Westbrook to assume ambulance services. The proposal now goes to a Town Meeting on July 9, where voters will have the final say.

Ambulance services

On June 25, the Board of Finance unanimously approved the $800,000 appropriation and forwarded it to a Town Meeting. Later the same day, the Board of Selectmen also authorized the expenditure, voted to continue mediation with the Ambulance Association, and set the Town Meeting for July 9 at 7 p.m. The purchases would allow the town to take over ambulance operations directly.

The July 9 Town Meeting agenda also includes several other funding requests: $144,295 to cover a Sidewalk Improvement Capital Project deficit, $65,831 for a Route 153–166 sidewalk project deficit, a $5,000 CT Main Street Program grant for Town Green lighting, and $2,799 for a Board of Education maintenance shed project deficit.

Other board actions

The Harbor Management Commission, meeting June 23, approved new minimum anchor and chain standards for small vessels. A 75-pound anchor with 3/8-inch chain now serves as the minimum for vessels 16 feet or less, and helical mooring anchors have been added as an approved anchoring method for beach moorings. Both measures passed unanimously.

The Board of Selectmen also voted unanimously to decline purchase of the Higgins property, accepted a $5,000 CT Main Street grant for lighting, and appointed Gabriela Spash to the Sustainable Westbrook Committee. The board further appropriated $144,295 for a sidewalk improvement deficit, $65,831 for a Route 153-166 sidewalk deficit, and $2,799 for the Board of Education maintenance shed deficit—all with no dissenting votes.

The Zoning Commission met June 22 to hold public hearings on three special-permit applications: an electronic sign for emergency services at 1163 Boston Post Road, a change of use from retail to wellness and fitness at 688 Boston Post Road, and a vendor cart for Shoreline Hot Dogs at Dick’s Marina. The commission also received a zoning map amendment to rezone Meadow Point Road, Trout Lake Drive, Minnow Lane, and Blue Gill Lane from Rural Residential to High Density Residential; a public hearing on that amendment is scheduled for August. The agenda listed votes to release a $30,202 erosion control bond and a $1,500 landscaping bond, but minutes had not been published as of this report.

The Water Pollution Control Authority’s June 24 meeting and the Zoning Board of Appeals’ June 24 meeting were both canceled.

Coming up

The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission meets July 7 and will consider a tear-down and rebuild of a single-family residence at 249 Old Kelsey Point Road. The commission’s agenda includes bills for legal advice and a legal notice, as well as approval of April meeting minutes.

The Town Meeting is July 9 at 7 p.m. Residents will vote on the $800,000 ambulance services proposal and the smaller appropriations forwarded by the selectmen and finance board.