Westport Island E-911 Officer Richard Gray briefed selectmen Monday, Oct. 16 about next steps for an emergency address sign ordinance Fire Chief Robert Mooney requested.

On Sept. 11, Mooney advised selectmen the fire department would contact the planning board concerning new ordinances that address fire safety. These concerned fire ponds in developments and green emergency address signs on all new construction.

On Monday evening, Gray and Ruth Nelson, chairman of the planning board, advised selectmen Mooney had requested an ordinance concerning new construction. In a letter to the planning board, Mooney asked that the ordinance require all new construction to have green reflective signs providing the address so responders can quickly find the locations in emergencies.

Gray reminded selectmen neither he nor the planning board “were in a position to regulate this.” He explained that there were questions to be resolved, including the signs’ location, height and distance from the road and if they would be required for private roads.

Following more discussion, it was agreed that Mooney would need to meet with Road Commissioner Garry Cromwell to create a plan for location and placement of the signs.  The proposed ordinance would then come before the selectmen for approval before being submitted to the planning board for a vote.

Also Monday, selectmen George Richardson and Gerald Bodmer approved a $2,400 contract with CAI Technologies of Littleton, New Hampshire for municipal mapping and training in 2018.

Following review by Maine Municipal Association, selectmen approved a deed to be used for dry hydrants. Selectmen also received a notice from MMA that the new sand and salt shed has been added to the town‘s insured properties. The building, foundation and electrical work are valued at $237,750.

Selectman Ross Norton was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.