This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/02/2015 08:00 AMThis is in response to the Aug. 26 article “Beach Meeting Brings Heat Indoors.”
Since Middle Beach has been a public beach for all residents of Westbrook for at least 35 years, it was important that a legal notice be printed in the newspaper to provide ample time for the general public to have the opportunity to attend this meeting. Although I clearly stated this fact at the beginning of the Aug. 19 meeting in my opening comments, it did not appear in the article. Also, time was needed to seek legal clarification to potentially close the swimming area as well as a careful review of health code issues. The closing of the swim area was of interest to many individuals and there was also a specific request at the July 9 meeting that residents of Middle Beach be provided sufficient notification.
Prior to the meeting, I disseminated information both to the Middle Beach residents and to the Board of Selectmen as to the rationale for the timing of this Special Meeting that was posted in the Harbor News.
I did not recognize Selectman Chris Ehlert’s request to “call the question” until all of the individuals at the meeting had a chance to speak before a vote was taken. This is the proper protocol for the professional conduct at any meeting.
Hopefully, clarification of these two points will provide perspective on several comments that were referenced in the newspaper article.
First Selectman Noel Bishop
Westbrook