Meeting Minutes

 End Of Summer Meeting Highlights And Actions 

Date: August 24, 2025 Attendees: Quorum present  

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I. Opening and Welcome 

• Meeting called to order noting quorum. 

• Chair offered opening remarks, emphasizing the successful and well-attended summer, especially appreciating the Social Committee and the new chair, Bonnie. 

• Reminded community regarding construction moratorium:   - No construction between Memorial Day and Labor Day (correcting original mention of only July 4th–Labor Day) - Urged all to be respectful of seasonal residents’ need for peace. 

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II. Main Topics Discussed 

A. Town Happenings 

1. Community Center Proposals 

• Public hearing on potential new community center held;   - Architect presented three options: $15M, $25M, and $30M - General consensus: projects beautifully designed but unaffordable; will likely not proceed at current scope. 

• Location: Ren Park (behind library on Daisy Road) 

2. Speed Bumps and Traffic Safety 

• Issue: Speeding in beach associations; four associations petitioning for speed bumps: - Chapman Beach - Grove Beach - West Beach - Middle Beach 

• Fire Department opposition: Concerned about emergency access. 

• Ongoing correspondence with fire department to clarify preference for temporary (not permanent) speed bumps. 

• Other alternatives discussed: - Unmanned police cars deployed periodically - Movable gates - Traffic cameras (could generate revenue) 

• Action: A delegate is researching speed bump-related options. 

3. Stop and No Parking Signs 

• Town will begin adjusting stop signs to required height (7 feet bottom-of-sign to ground), correcting those too high/too low (some at 9 feet). 

• No new information on no parking signs; to be checked in previous communications. 

4. Outlet Mall Redevelopment 

• DEP filing completed and paid. 

• Now in consideration phase; community split between supporting increased tax base and those preferring small-town character. 

5. Downtown Septic Proposal 

• Original plan: 51 properties, total cost $13M–$15M, would require tax hike/bonding. 

• Alternative being explored: Limit to worst area (Westbrook Place), cost $2M, to be presented to public. 

6. School Building Roofs 

• Approach shifted to phased replacement as needed, paid by capital fund, avoiding large-scale bonding. 

7. Transfer Station Scale Building 

• Within weeks: New weighing system for transfer station users (residents/commercial). 

• Rate: Approx $0.10/lb for demolition/masonry waste to reduce abuse (esp. by out-of-town contractors). 

• Residential landscaping waste (e.g., grass clippings) not subject to charges. 

8. School Landscaping 

• Now handled by a third-party contractor for cost savings. 

9. Golf Cart Use 

• Reminded: Illegal on public roads in Connecticut, despite increased usage observed over the summer. 

10. Policing and Sidewalks 

• Two new police officers hired. 

• Sidewalk projects: - Bellstone to Riverview: Construction starts in fall. - Chapman to Sabre Glen: Design phase. - Goodspeed to Old Forge: Engineering starting; $1.9M grant received. - Old sidewalk repairs: West Pond Rd and Economy Dr. 

11. Singing Bridge Repairs 

• Scheduled after Labor Day 2026: - Redecing, painting, rust removal, potential road/lane closures, ramp changes. - In collaboration with DOT. 

12. Westbrook Ambulance 

• Financial issues; details omitted, but ongoing efforts to rectify costs/payments. 

13. Coastal Resiliency Committee 

• Recently formed, first meeting held; committee considering hiring a consultant. Report expected in spring 2026. 

• John Riggio highlighted as key knowledgeable member. 

14. Displaced Persons (Homelessness) 

• Police will remove individuals from ball fields so games can continue. 

• Social services offered and seeking solutions. 

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B. Council of Beaches 

1. Food Drive Leadership Needed 

• Tony stepping down after many years.  

• Request: Volunteers sought to organize next July’s drive; Tony willing to mentor new leader. 

2. Holiday Events 

• Potential Council of Beaches float for Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade. 

3. YMCA Garden Partnership 

• Council co-sponsors the YMCA Garden. 

• Milestone: 1,000 pounds of produce delivered to Westbrook Food Pantry this year. 

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C. Financial Report 

1. General Status 

• Audit of books completed by Christine Hartman – no issues. 

• Transition: Jim continues as treasurer; Lori Petrucco now tax collector. 

2. Memorial Donations 

• $75 donation to food bank for past member; $25 for recent passing (Bud Kane). 

• Proposal and motion passed to increase donations for deceased members from $25 to $100 (see Action Items). 

3. Budget Overview (2024-2025 Fiscal Year) 

• Budgeted: $32,364 

• Spent: $17,460 

• Remaining: ~$15,000 

• Last year finished under budget; similar expectations for this year. 

4. Income & Assets 

• All taxes paid except one property ($447 outstanding; owner contacted). 

• Projected income will increase as CD matures in October. 

• Current holdings: - Liquid checking: $22,700 - Money market: $44,632 - CD matures October - T-bill matures July 2026 - Misc. cash: $1,400 - Total net worth: $111,000 (up $7,000 from last year). 

5. Investments 

• Managed via Schwab; focus is on capital preservation, currently receiving interest rates in 4.7–5.1% range. 

• CD rollover planned in October. 

6. Insurance 

• Paid $5,500, one of largest annual expenses; currently stable. 

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D. Committee Reports 

1. Social Committee (Bonnie) 

• Outstanding year recognized, with special thanks to Bonnie for creative, dedicated leadership. 

• Events funded within budget; special note of $745 donation/profit from Tumblr sales and tie dye event. 

2. Beach Committee (Steve) 

• End-of-Season: All chairs/kayaks/equipment must be removed from beach by October 31; leftover items will be yard-saled for the association. 

• Fence: Successfully reduced trespassing and maintained order. 

• Flagpole: Materials purchased for re-rigging; repairs scheduled immediately after the meeting. 

• Book Nook: To be taken down for winter by Jeff at end of October. 

3. Beautification Committee 

• Not present (Joanne out with COVID); noted increase in weeds. 

• Plan to organize a volunteer work day for cleanup. 

• Specific request: Triangle near sign needs pruning to improve sign visibility; a call to Docks crew suggested. 

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E. Old and New Business 

1. Crosswalk and Path Issues 

• Location: Specific path where children cross, obscured by high plants. 

• Action: Committee will paint crosswalk lines and update signage (no bikes/scooters). 

• Resident concerns: Overgrown path between Trolley and Lilac impedes beach access, especially for those with visual impairments; Steve Smith will trim bushes and walk with resident for evaluation. 

• ADA suggestion: Explore whether an ADA accommodation could allow improvements (currently stone/gravel not allowed due to wetland restrictions). Volunteer to research ADA-based request. 

2. Memorial Donation Amounts 

• Motion to raise consistent donation for deceased members from $25 to $100 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY after brief discussion. 

3. Book Nook and Flagpole 

• Reminder: Book nook removal by end of October. 

• Immediate repair scheduled for flagpole today. 

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III. Action Items 

1. Construction Restrictions: Continued reminders—no construction Memorial Day to Labor Day; reinforce via email/newsletter. 

2. Speed Bumps: Assigned delegate will continue working with fire department and town on temporary solutions. 

3. Stop Signs: Monitor progress of stop sign height corrections throughout town. 

4. Outlet Mall: Track public input and consideration process as redevelopment moves to next phase. 

5. Sidewalk Projects: Monitor progress, especially as fall and grant-funded phases begin. 

6. Beautification: - Organize weed cleanup/workday (coordinate with Joanne). - Prune triangle area for improved sign visibility (coordinate with Docks crew). 

7. Access Path: - Steve Smith to clear overgrowth near Trolley/Lilac. - Investigate ADA accommodation feasibility for path improvement. 

8. Memorial Donations: Update protocol for future association memorial donations to $100. 

9. Book Nook: Arrange for October removal and safe storage. 

10. Flagpole: Complete repairs ASAP (materials on hand). 

11. Crosswalk: Paint and sign area near problematic crossing; reinforce no bikes/scooters rule. 

12. Food Drive: Solicit volunteers to take over leadership, with Tony’s guidance, for July 2026. 

13. CD Investments: Treasurer to review rates upon October CD maturity; seek best available rate for new investment. 

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IV. Follow-up / Next Meeting 

• Coastal Resiliency Committee: Second meeting to be scheduled in a couple weeks; larger report expected spring 2026. 

• Workday for Beautification: To be scheduled soon; communicate via email. 

• ADA Path Improvement: Volunteer to consult town and report back. 

• Next regular meeting: Not specified; expected in spring or as separately scheduled. 

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V. Closing 

• Meeting adjourned by 11:30am; unanimous agreement. 

• General consensus: Committees running smoothly, no major issues outstanding. 

• Thanks extended to all committee members for their dedicated service. 

• Encouragement to enjoy the rest of the summer/fall.