Sharon Cook

The City Council meeting addressed multiple administrative and operational items. Key topics included the confirmation of an emergency expenditure for repairs to the Davan Indoor Pool motor, authorization for the acceptance of a donation and purchase of supply hoses for the Fire Department, and approval of a five-year rental agreement for a medication storage system. Additionally, the Council authorized Recreation and Conservation Commission funds for the Westbrook Trail Blazes snowmobile club to support equipment purchases, discussed the amendment of the annual vendor list to include Northern Light Wellbeing, and adopted a moratorium ordinance on data centers. The meeting also included a public hearing and consideration of a liquor license application for Happy Wheels Skate Center.

The City Council meeting included updates on the Arbor Week proclamation, a land acknowledgement statement, and the student representative update. Key legislative actions involved amendments to the Code of Ordinances regarding fowl and poultry, authorizing the purchase of a replacement community center bus, and approving the municipal and school budgets for fiscal year 2026-2027. Additionally, the Council addressed various award of bids for paving and infrastructure improvements, sewer assessment software procurement, public safety building lighting upgrades, and shared cost agreements for road improvements. New business covered mass gathering permits for concert series, settlement agreements, and the initiation of a public safety building feasibility study.

The council discussed various orders including the acceptance of a donation for the Confined Space Rescue Program, the purchase of a Stryker power stretcher, the issuance of bonds for school renovations, and amendments to the land use ordinance regarding child care facilities. New business items addressed the purchase of a community center bus, the proposed FY 2026-2027 municipal and school budgets, school budget warrants, the wastewater division budget, and several paving and infrastructure improvement projects. Additionally, an executive session was scheduled to discuss legal matters.

The City Council meeting addressed various municipal orders, including the refurbishment of the Community Center gym floor, permitting and design services for the Riverwalk North project, and engineering design for the Brown Street culvert replacement. New business items included setting hours for voter registration and polls for the upcoming primary and referendum election, reappointment of members to the Westbrook Environmental Improvement Corporation, and amendments to the Code of Ordinances regarding the keeping of fowl and poultry, specifically prohibiting roosters in residential zones. Additionally, the Council reviewed the Mayor's budget address, issued proclamations for the Armenian Genocide Commemoration and the Westbrook-Gorham Rotary 100th anniversary, and referred the FY 2026-2027 budget to the Finance Committee.

The City Council meeting agenda included discussions on appropriations and reallocations of General Obligation Bond proceeds and capital project fund balances for School Department projects such as restroom renovations and security system upgrades. Key business items involved the authorization of public safety radio equipment, business license approvals, and various administrative orders, including appointments of tax collectors and amendments to city ordinances regarding finances and grant programs. Additionally, the council reviewed proposed grants for community center projects, permitting services for infrastructure, and policies on debt write-offs.