Concern over how money will be spent on town roads led to a lively debate at Westport Island’s annual town meeting on Saturday, June 22.

Articles 31-34 dealt with appropriations for maintenance and the projected repaving of four side roads. “This is not insignificant spending,” said resident Bill Hopkins of planned work on Doggett, Haskell, Board and North End roads for an estimated $465,000. The article recommended by the road committee was Phase 1 of five to upgrade side roads in town.

Debate centered on whether prepwork for the paving should be awarded to road commissioner Garry Cromwell or put out to bid. “There is no competition,” said resident Joe Donohue.

“The paving will go out to bid,” responded Cromwell. The article was approved.

A motion by First Selectman George Richardson to borrow $400,000 on a bank loan was approved and linked to the roads appropriation without amendment. An amendment proposed by road committee member E. Davies Allan to have maintenance paving also go out to bid lost, 22-19.

“In an emergency we need to be able to get it done,” said resident Julie Casson. Road committee chairman Jim Cromwell pointed out that of the $117,945 to appropriate for spot paving, $92,944 was to be carried over from the current year.

Resident Janet Thompson expressed displeasure that the $88,698 appropriated for the Wiscasset Transfer Station would soon not include the recycling of #1 plastic. “This is a disaster. Everything is going to the landfill,” said Thompson. Thompson agreed to work with selectmen to see if an alternative local option is possible.

Residents approved that the Friends of Westport Island History could investigate the feasibility of using the ground floor of the town-owned Wright House for the summer display of non-precious historical artifacts. “This is just to explore the feasibility,” said committee member Jeff Tarbox. Resident Jason Kates questioned how long a term of use would be if the project were to move ahead. Tarbox said the use this summer and in future years had not be determined since the Wright House is still undergoing significant repairs.

Head of the Comprehensive Plan Committee Robert Mooney reported on progress in completing 17 areas the state requires. He said the 500-page draft document would probably not be printed for all residents due to cost.

“We will put it on the website,” said Mooney.

Residents approved $84,344 in officers’ salaries and $44,263 for town office operations without debate.

Moderator Chris Cooper of Alna said he likes to allow free-floating debate while using humor to keep tensions under control. “I hate it when somebody asks to move the question,” he said following the 2.5-hour meeting. 

Clerks reported that 59 residents attended. The Westport Volunteer Fire Department provided refreshments with donations requested.