Westport News

Members Present:        Steven J. Ouellette, Chairman
                                  Brian T. Valcourt, Vice Chairman  
                                  Craig J. Dutra
                                  Paul A. Schmid, III
Also present:               Michael Coughlin, Town Administrator
Absent:                       Richard M. Spirlet, Clerk
                
Chairman Ouellette called the Board of Selectmen meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. in the Westport Town Hall, 816 Main Road, Westport, MA with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by all present.

Mr. Ouellette stated this emergency meeting is being called due to the approaching of Hurricane Earl.  Mr. Ouellette stated part of this meeting will be held in Executive Session to discuss security with emergency personnel; after the Executive Session, the Board will resume to Open Session to make announcements and whatever necessary votes are needed.

Also attending the meeting were Mary Ellen Gomes, Council on Aging – Fire Chief Brian Legendre – Police Chief Keith Pelletier – Harold Sisson, Highway Department – Dr. Colley – School Superintendent.

Executive Session – 5:10 PM
Motion made by Mr. Valcourt to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21 to discuss emergency preparedness and emergency preparations.  Second by Mr. Schmid.  The Board voted 4 in favor 1-absent (Spirlet).

Roll Call Vote:  Mr. Valcourt-aye.  Mr. Schmid-aye.  Mr. Dutra-aye.  Mr. Ouellette-aye.

Mr. Ouellette announced the Board would resume to Open Session following the Executive Session.

Open Session – 5:25 PM
Fire Chief Legendre stated that “Earl” is a Category 4 hurricane with winds up to 100 miles per hour.  A storm surge of 4 to 5 ft. is expected.  The Governor has declared a State of Emergency at 3:30 PM.  Chief Legendre, Emergency Management Director, asked that everyone be prepared by putting together an emergency storm kit, water and non-perishable food.  Power outages were expected.  If the electricity fails, please call the power company, not the Police or Fire Departments to report the outage.  If there is an emergency, please call 911 – dispatchers will be on hand to handle all incoming calls.  Again, use the 911 system for emergencies only.  The High School is the designated shelter and it is on standby for anyone who needs it.  The Command Center will be operating throughout the storm.  As for East Beach, Horseneck and Town Beach, they are all closed with no swimming.  The Police and Lifeguards will be on duty to make sure no one has access to the beaches.  Between the hours of 12 and 3 PM, the boat ramps will be used to pull boats out only.  Chief Legendre stated that it would be a good idea to have cash on hand, due to any power failures, the bank ATM machines, which everyone has grown dependent upon will not be operating.  Also, for 24-hour emergency information, a hotline has been set up and messages will be updated as needed.  The number is: 774-264-5155.

Police Chief Pelletier stated again the importance of using the 911-call system for emergencies only and not to report downed power lines or outages.  All routine calls to the Police Department should use 508-636-1122.  There will be additional call takers on hand during the storm.  The Police Department will be the main center for all calls coming in during the storm.  The Police Department will be heavily staffed and the Chief is remaining on duty throughout the storm.  Chief Pelletier stated that road use should be limited after noontime and the public should be aware that there may still be road closures on Saturday.  As for cars found at the beaches, they will be ticketed and towed.  Chief Pelletier again warned residents to not touch any downed lines or wires, call the power companies immediately.  

Harold Sisson, Highway Surveyor stated the Highway Department will also be manned during the storm.  The phone number is 508-636-1020.  Mr. Sisson stated his personal cell phone will be on and he can be reached at 774-836-2031.  All the equipment at the Highway Department is ready to go and the Dispatcher will be on all night for calls of debris in the roads and blocked catch basins, etc.  Mr. Sisson stated that main roads will be responded to first, secondary roads after.

Chief Legendre stated that sandbags are available, it is self-service.  In the case of downed trees, service is available for public ways only.  Chief Legendre suggested to the Board that dismissal of all non-essential personnel for the Town be at noontime on Friday.

Ms. Gomes, COA Director, stated they have called all seniors to make sure they will be all set with food and water until after the storm and only core personnel will be on duty.

Mr. Colley, School Superintendent stated the School Department will be closing at noon and is asking that parents do not come to the school to try to conduct business.

Mr. Coughlin, Town Administrator stated the Town has one full day before the storm hits.  Please be prepared.  Follow the suggestions that were stated here today.  Tie down any item that can become airborne.  Also, please limit the 911 calls to true emergencies and for non-essential calls use the business lines.

Mr. Ouellette asked that all businesses please take down any banners that could become projectiles during the storm.  Also, any political signs and sandwich boards should be taken down until after the storm.  These items will take off with strong winds and possibly cause damage.  

Chief Legendre stated that the storm is about 20 hours out.  Anyone in the Town who is under 23 years of age has never seen a hurricane and this storm is quite large with a westerly track, which is putting Westport right in its path.  Please take all the warnings stated here today and those that will be on the television very seriously.  Pay attention and be prepared.  

Votes
Motion made by Mr. Dutra to close the Town Hall at 12 noon on Friday for all non-essential personnel.  Second by Mr. Valcourt.  The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-absent (Spirlet).

Motion made by Mr. Dutra to declare a State of Emergency as of 3:30 PM.  Second by Mr. Valcourt. The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-absent (Spirlet).

Motion made by Mr. Schmid to authorize Steve Ouellette to handle any operations on Friday on behalf of the Board with the Town Administrator.  Second by Mr. Valcourt. The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-absent (Spirlet).

Motion made by Mr. Dutra to adjourn the Emergency Meeting of the Board of Selectmen at 5:40 PM.  Second by Mr. Valcourt. The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-absent (Spirlet).

Adjournment.

Respectfully submitted,                                               
Diane Pelland, Confidential Clerk
to the Board of Selectmen

APPROVED:  Richard M. Spirlet, Clerk