At-a-glance: Westbrook council approves grants, equipment and vendor list; tennis-court transfer passes with one no vote

The Westbrook City Council on June 15 approved multiple administrative and budget items during a brief series of motions and first readings.

Key votes and actions: a motion to accept a U.S. Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant was moved (Order 2026-67; the grant reimburses 50% of vest costs, $8,455.08 listed in the order); Recreation & Conservation expenditures for Beaver Pond (Order 2026-68) were approved (see separate story). The council authorized first readings for purchases of two zero-turn mowers (Order 2026-70), three replacement one-ton trucks (Order 2026-71) and a single-axle plow truck (Order 2026-72); those items moved forward by voice vote.

Council approved an annual vendor list for FY26–27 (Order 2026-75). Councilors asked staff to provide more context for future vendor-list additions and requested staff explain internal controls to prevent fraudulent invoices. The council also approved an FY27 animal-shelter contract with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland for $27,948 (Order 2026-73).

On tennis court repairs (Order 2026-74), staff described a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement with the school department and a creative reallocation of earlier planned city sweeping services that produced an $9,000 offset; the council passed the measure with one opposed vote after discussion about procurement and invoice totals.

Several items were handled as first readings and will return for final action as required. The council adjourned after scheduling public hearings and confirming votes.