Meeting Monday, Sept. 8, the Westport Island Board of Selectmen quickly approved the application for a Safety Enhancement grant through the Maine Municipal Association. The grant would be used to purchase new refillable air bottles for the town’s fire department.

According to Fire Chief Robert Mooney, some of the bottles used by the fire department are older and cannot be reused. Replacement air bottles will cost $750 for each new bottle. If the grant is approved, funds for the equipment will be provided based on a two-for-one split between Westport Island and MMA, with the town funding two thirds of the cost.

Maine Municipal Association’s Safety Enhancement Grant Program receives its funding from the Association’s Workers Compensation Fund. The program was created to provide financial incentives to municipal entities so that safety equipment may be purchased and injuries reduced as a result.

Ruth Nelson, chairman of the planning board, appeared before the selectmen to discuss a requested change to previous conditions placed on the common dock located within the Dugan Subdivision on Haskell Road. The board of selectmen had previously determined that the subdivision’s existing float could be extended by 22 feet, but would serve as a common dock. No additional piers, ramps or floats were permitted.

Current owners of property within the subdivision are requesting that the previous approved conditions be rescinded, which would allow other docks and floats to be placed in the area. A public hearing concerning the proposed changes was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7:15 p.m. at the Town Office.

Selectmen determined that legal advice would be needed concerning rescinding their prior decision and a vote on the matter was postponed.