Westbrook council approves police, public works purchases and contract

The Westbrook City Council held a special meeting on September 21, 2026, approving a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the general unit and several purchases and code amendments. The council also heard a resident's request for a fiscal impact analysis of the contract and debated a change to public comment rules on disclosing addresses.

Key points

• The council approved orders 2026-96 through 2026-101 in one vote, covering federal asset forfeiture funds, a replacement police vehicle, a Justice Assistance Grant, police camera replacement, a pump station roof, and a vibratory plate compactor.
• The council voted 5-0 to approve order 2026-102, the 2026 through 2029 collective bargaining agreement with the Westbrook General Unit.
• A resident email asked for a written three-year fiscal impact of the contract; the city attorney responded that the first-year cost of COLA increases and longevity bonuses is $45,573.56, within the existing contingency budget, and that years two and three will be handled in future budgets.
• The council approved order 2026-103 authorizing overnight closures of part of Spring Street and a 24-hour closure of Thomas Drive for utility work tied to a housing project at 984 Spring Street, with discussion about impacts on a nearby daycare.
• The council approved order 2026-104 amending ordinances governing several boards and committees, with land use related changes for the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Review Overlay Zone Committee to return later after Planning Board review.
• The council voted 4-2 to approve order 2026-105, amending council rules so public comment speakers state whether they are a Westbrook resident or business representative rather than disclosing their address; Councilors Chow and McCambridge opposed.
• The council gave first reading approval to order 2026-106 to buy portable traffic signals for $64,891.31, with questions about lifespan and cost savings versus human flaggers.

Next steps

• The Finance Director appointment of Bruno Nacio will come before the council for confirmation on October 5, with Nacio beginning work with the city on September 28.
• Public Services will follow up on the life expectancy of the portable traffic signals and cost estimates for second reading of order 2026-106.
• Land use ordinance amendments for the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Review Overlay Zone Committee will go to the Planning Board before returning to the council.
• The Recreation and Conservation Commission and Public Safety Commission reviews will be taken up at a future Committee of the Whole meeting, likely in October.
• The council entered executive session to discuss an appointment to a body or agency and legal consultation with its attorney.

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