Westport Island selectmen announced the town received a Safety Enhancement grant from Maine Municipal Association at their meeting Monday evening.

In a letter to Fire Chief Robert Mooney from MMA, it was made clear the grant was to be used for training materials for Fire Fighter I or Fire Fighter II training. The grant is intended to cover two-thirds of the town’s cost up, to but not exceed $930.

When the project is complete, the town must send MMA proof of payment so that reimbursement can be made. The grant must be used within one year from November 6, 2012, according to the letter.

According to a press release from MMA, the Association has been awarding safety grants to member of their Workers’ Compensation fund since 1999. This year the program received 116 applications for this grant period and $124,862 was awarded grants in May and October  each year.

These grants are used to purchase safety equipment or services that assist in reducing the frequency and severity of workplace injuries. Improving workplace safety for municipal employees saves taxpayers money by reducing lost hours at work, cost of insurance claims and overtime expenses for employees who might have to fill in for inured co-workers, according to MMA’s press release.

Permit applications

The selectmen tabled making a decision on hiring Pine Tree Engineering to complete permit applications for the Wright Landing permanent floats, placing 10 yards of stone around the exposed pilings on cribs five and six of the jetty.

Engineer Steve DeWick quoted the town a price of $750 to complete the applications. First Selectmen George Richardson said the applications were very detailed, and would be difficult to do.

Selectman Gerald Bodmer suggested reviewing the applications before making a decision to have DeWick do them. Selectman Ross Norton agreed.

Possible warrant articles for 2013 town meeting

A request was received from Dick Morris for some help with maintenance costs for the road to Clough Point, North End Road.  Additional traffic has put a burden on the road. The selectmen will inform Morris the town cannot put any money on that road unless it is approved by the vote of the townspeople.

However, the selectmen did suggest that Morris contact the Conservation Commission and see if they would help with funds from the Clough Point account.

The only other option would be to put an article on the town warrant for next year’s town meeting.

Another article that is being considered is having a temperature sensory light installed at the historic town hall that would alert the town if the furnace went out. According to Town Hall Committee Chairman Bill Cooney, the installation would cost about $800.

The selectmen said they believe the voters should be asked before spending that much money.

Resignation

The selectmen accepted the resignation of Marsha Gray as the town’s 911 Addressing Officer.

A letter will be sent to Gray, thanking her for her service to the town, and accepting her resignation with regret.