According to information at Westport Island's selectmen's meeting Monday evening, July 30, a town sign has been vandalized, mail has been stolen from residents' mailboxes and someone has been putting their trash in the town's dumpster.

Also discussed was a letter from Maine Municipal Association's executive director Stephen Gove informing the town of a change to MMA’s dues formula.

In his letter to the board, Gove explained the change would be phased in to avoid any undue financial burden on town budgets. This would be accomplished through credits. The dues for Westport Island were $2,354. Its dues under the new formula are $1,689. The credit back to the town is $665.

In another letter, MMA notified the town a “Local Advocacy Toolkit,” is being provided to "help municipal officials develop working relationships” with members of the legislature. MMA said it is seeking to restore the "state/municipal partnership.”

The toolkit includes an analysis on how and where tax dollars are spent, contact information for all candidates, and tips for towns to host an event for local candidates.

Also Monday, selectmen agreed to thank Code Enforcement Officer Gary Richardson for his volunteer work repairing the damage vandals recently did to the Westport Island sign.

Selectmen also discussed recent thefts of mail from residents’ mailboxes. It is believed thieves are seeking prescription medications.

Town officials have been notified someone is placing their trash in the town’s dumpster. It was agreed a sign will be placed at the dumpster saying, “For town office use only.” 

Midcoast Maine Community Action reminded the town by letter that the Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) can provide “nutrition education, breastfeeding support, food benefits and helpful resources to eligible families.” A poster about the program was provided for the town to display in its office.

A letter from resident Bailey Bartlett asked to use two sheds at the Ferry Landing property in exchange for pruning shrubs and trees at the town hall and offices and for treating other trees on town property for brown tail moth.

Bartlett said she would maintain and repair the sheds and assume financial responsibility for them. She wishes to house tools and other materials in them.

In exchange for the sheds' use, Bartlett offered to continue the pruning and other horticultural services for the town hall and town office.

Selectmen agreed to suggest Bartlett contact Richard De Vries, chair of the Wright Landing committee and Donna Curry, chair of the horticulture committee, to discuss her proposal.