Westport Selectmen Approve Marina Contracts, $1M Bridge Grant & Winslow Park Easement

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a series of contracts, appointments and infrastructure actions at its Dec. 10, 2025 meeting, including marina seawall work, a $1 million state bridge grant and a temporary construction easement at Winslow Park.

Winslow Park easement approved

The selectmen approved a temporary construction easement allowing J. Carlson Tree Care to access approximately 150 feet of the walking path at the western corner of Winslow Park. Jeremy Carlson, owner of the company, and Nick Quatrano, Westport’s parks superintendent, presented the request.

The easement will allow tree work on private properties at 12 and 14 Evergreen Ave. Approval is contingent on compliance with the parks superintendent’s recommendations and submission of insurance certificates acceptable to the town attorney.

Tax refunds authorized

Christine Alison, the town tax collector, said the board was asked to approve refunds for one real estate overpayment and 53 motor vehicle overpayments totaling $16,685.88. The board approved the refunds in accordance with state statute.

Foundation appointment revisited and approved

After returning the item to the table from the Nov. 26 meeting, the board approved the appointment of Rick Giunta to the Westport-Weston Foundation Distribution Committee.

Eileen Francis, selectmen’s office manager, said the 1948 trust agreement establishing the foundation requires one distribution committee member to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Giunta’s five-year term will run from Jan. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2031.

Highway discontinuance at High Gate Road

The board approved the discontinuance of a paper road associated with 7 High Gate Road, following a request from the property’s owners.

Attorney Rosamund Koehler, representing the homeowners, presented the application. Assistant Town Attorney Eileen Lavigne outlined legal requirements and said the matter will be forwarded to the Representative Town Meeting for final approval.

An abutting neighbor raised questions about property setbacks and was referred to the Planning and Zoning Department.

Longshore and Compo marina projects move forward

Erik Barbieri, parks and recreation director, presented two Longshore-related items. The board approved a five-year lease through Omnia Partners with Club Car LLC for 52 electric golf carts at Longshore Golf Course.

The board also awarded a $90,800 contract to RACE Coastal Engineering for design, permitting and construction administration related to the rehabilitation of the Longshore Marina bulkhead.

Later in the meeting, Peter Ratkiewich, director of public works, presented an added agenda item approving a $282,000 construction contract with Martello Enterprise LLC of Southbury for the Compo Marina seawall replacement, subject to town attorney review.

$1 million STEAP grant for Cross Highway Bridge

Town Engineer Keith Wilberg presented a resolution authorizing Christie to accept and execute documents related to a $1 million 2025 STEAP grant from the state.

The funding will be used to replace the Cross Highway Bridge over Dead Man Brook.

Post Road East lease update

Lavigne also presented an assignment and assumption of lease for a small portion of town property at 1317 Post Road East, used as access for a car dealership. The lease required updating due to a change in dealership ownership. The board approved the revised lease.

2026 meeting calendar adopted

The selectmen approved the 2026 regular meeting calendar for the Board of Selectmen, Local Traffic Authority and Water Pollution Control Authority, in accordance with state law.