Westbrook City Council unanimously adopts multiple orders, confirms tax collector and approves Bombay Bistro liquor license

The Westbrook City Council on March 16 adopted multiple orders addressing school bond reallocations, capital project funding and public safety equipment purchases, confirmed an interim finance director as Tax Collector and approved a liquor license for a new restaurant.

Mayor David Morse opened the meeting with personnel updates, including the appointment of Laura King as Interim Finance Director; the council subsequently voted 7‑0 to confirm King as Tax Collector. The mayor also noted the promotion of Jennie Franceschi to Assistant City Administrator and recognized longtime community volunteer Judith Reidman.

In a single unanimous motion, the council approved second and final readings of Orders 2026‑25 and 2026‑26 to appropriate and reallocate general obligation bond proceeds and capital project fund balances for school department projects, and Order 2026‑27 authorizing the purchase of public safety radio equipment. Councilor Gary Rairdon moved the consolidated motion; Councilor Victor Chau seconded. No councilor requested separate consideration and no public testimony was recorded on those items.

During the meeting the council also approved a liquor license for Bombay Bistro, 3 Vallee Square, after a brief public hearing that included remarks from James Mazer, the restaurant’s general manager; the motion to approve carried 7‑0. The council heard from the Licensing Administrator and city staff before closing the hearing and voting.

Other single‑reading orders approved unanimously included confirmation of the Tax Collector appointment (Order 2026‑28), amendment to confirm an emergency HVAC expenditure at the Public Services Facility (Order 2026‑29), and an amendment to the FY2025‑2026 vendor lists to assist Finance during the interim period (Order 2026‑30). Council also adopted Order 2026‑31 amending prior authorization for Westbrook City Hall renovation expenditures and Order 2026‑33 establishing a policy for writing off uncollectible ambulance debt; each passed on voice or recorded vote without opposition.

On first readings (carried by show of hands, no opposition), the council approved Order 2026‑34 to accept a donation for Community Center gym floor refurbishment, Order 2026‑35 authorizing Task Order No. 8 with Credere Associates for permitting and design services for Riverwalk North, and Order 2026‑36 for engineering design services related to the Brown Street culvert replacement project. Council discussion on those items included comments from Director of Public Services & Engineering Eric Dudley and several councilors; no votes against the first readings were recorded.

The public comment periods were opened twice; the minutes list speakers Daniel Glover and Haley Bankus during the first period but do not record the content of their remarks. No speakers participated during the second public comment period. Committee chairs provided no updates and there were no requests for executive session. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

Votes at a glance • Orders 2026‑25, 2026‑26, 2026‑27 — second and final readings approved; consolidated motion carried 7‑0. • Bombay Bistro liquor license — approved 7‑0 after public hearing. • Order 2026‑28 (confirm Tax Collector Laura King) — approved 7‑0. • Orders 2026‑29, 2026‑30, 2026‑31, 2026‑33 — approved 7‑0. • Orders 2026‑34, 2026‑35, 2026‑36 — first readings approved by show of hands; none opposed.

The council listed several items remaining in committee, including landlord registration and traffic calming projects; there were no referrals or executive session requests recorded.