Westport Island Budget Committee member Dennis Dunbar proposed a purchasing policy for the town to consider adopting at the weekly selectmen meeting December 3.

The 13 page document has six goals:

1. To ensure the prudent and economical use of public moneys through a policy to obtain the lowest prices for goods and services of maximum quality;

2. To stimulate competition for provision of goods and services to the town;

3. To promote the fair and equitable treatment of all suppliers of goods and services to the town;

4. To ensure impartiality to the purchasing process and buying decision;

5. To set forth the duties and responsibilities of the board of selectmen in the procurement of goods and services and to ensure accountability of decision-making;

6. To create public confidence in the integrity and transparency of municipal purchasing.

Dunbar requested a workshop with the selectmen, prior to a future selectmen’s meeting, to discuss the proposed policy. First Selectmen George Richardson indicated they would not be able to meet with the budget committee to discuss the policy until after the holidays since they have only one meeting, Monday, Dec. 10, before the end of the year.

Selectmen meetings canceled

Westport Island Selectmen have canceled their meetings for December 17, December 24 and December 31, due to the holidays. Should an emergency arise, the selectmen will call a special meeting.

New mobile home park ordinance considered

The town planning board has developed a new mobile home park ordinance for the town’s consideration. The proposed ordinance has been sent to the town’s attorney to ensure all requirements for the ordinance are included.

After a review by the town’s attorney, the question of acceptance will be on the warrant for the June town meeting.

Public Comments

Dunbar, who serves as the town webmaster, told the selectmen that Richard DeVries should be commended for his work on the website recently. Apparently DeVries spent several hours working out a problem on the town website that Dunbar was unable to fix. “Accolades to Richard for his help,” Dunbar said.

Dunbar, also a member of the budget committee, said the committee is working on three issues: looking at possible ways of increasing revenues; working in conjunction with the newly appointed Road Committee in projecting cost of road repairs; and looking at making recommendations for the Wright House, on the Ferry Road, as to its revenues and expenses in the short and long term.

“(The budget committee) would like your thoughts on what we can do to help you,” Dunbar told the selectmen.

The selectmen thanked Dunbar for his volunteer services to the town. Dunbar is currently a member of the budget committee, conservation commission and the Wiscasset Withdrawal Committee in addition to being the webmaster for the town website.