Westport Island has plans for the re-introduction of a First Responders group following the volunteering of two new paramedics for the town’s all volunteer fire department.
Fire Chief Bob Mooney made the announcement before selectmen at their Monday noon regular weekly meeting. Mooney said EMS qualifications would be met with the new members and he has been talking with two additional people who are interested in being trained as EMS volunteers as well.
The two new resident members, Chris Fabian and Angela Calvo, both serve as fulltime paramedics for the Portland City Fire Dept. Fabian’s preference is for fire service while Calvo’s preference is for EMA service, but their membership would make it possible for the town to start off with a base level First Responders service to the community.
“I don’t see us being licensed at the paramedic level,” Mooney said.
In order to accomplish the goal of forming the First Responders, the department will need a defibrillator/heart monitor to perform the services required.
Mooney also said Fabian has agreed to serve as Mooney’s assistant.
In other matters, Mooney advised the board concerning detailed reporting necessary to obtain state/federal funding for storm damage. He suggested having town truck drivers keeping a log of when and how much salt and sand they pick up and distribute during every storm, in case funds are applicable.
Mooney expressed his concerns this week as Westport Island’s EMA director, in light of his impending departure from the position. Mooney previously submitted his resignation from the position, effective at the end of the March.
Mooney said the department plans a bean supper on May 2 as a fundraiser and also plans to schedule a summer picnic hoping to have a pig roast instead of the usual barbecued chicken.
The board also re-appointed Chris Webber as a planning board member, since his term is expiring.
In other action, the board approved a $300,000 tax anticipation note.
Selectmen will be making appointments to the ad hoc groundwater committee next week, Selectmen Chairman George Richardson said.
The board acknowledged receipt of a farm application from Mario DiPietro and decided to submit it to the town’s certified assessor for review. DiPietro failed to have his application approved last year because it was incomplete, Richardson said.
Dennis Dunbar, conservation committee member, said no excessive amount of salt contamination has been found alongside the main road. The island’s aquifer runs parallel to the road, according to selectmen.
Dunbar said there has been discussion about a new ordinance restricting storage of large amounts of chemicals on the island.
Richardson said he would be making an announcement soon as to which Saturday in June the annual town meeting will be held.
