Select Board approves payroll, accounts payable, property contract and small abatements

The Westport Island Select Board approved payroll warrants and an accounts-payable warrant, accepted a town property-maintenance contract and signed several small tax abatements at its Dec. 29 meeting.

Select Board Chair moved to approve payroll warrant number 54 for $4,352.92 and payroll warrant number 55 for $291.13; both motions were seconded and approved by voice vote. The board also moved to accept accounts-payable warrant number 56 for $39,274.39; that motion was seconded and approved.

The board accepted a property-maintenance contract with Randy R. Russell, doing business as Triple R Services, to cover upkeep for town properties including the town office, town hall, the ‘right landing,’ the flagpole and a digital sign site. "He's local, he's conscientious," one board member said in support of hiring Russell; the motion to accept the contract was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board approved three small abatements: two related to incorrect tree-growth valuation for Jeff Tarbox (one for $14.93, the other for $133.90) and a $34 abatement tied to a solar exemption application for Patrick and Dory Murvier. Each abatement was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

No roll-call tallies or individual mover/second names were recorded in the transcript; actions were approved by unanimous voice consent during the meeting. The board noted an upcoming grant deadline (Feb. 17) for a proposal on the old town hall but took no further action on that item during this session.

The Select Board adjourned after brief announcements and holiday greetings.