Westport’s Representative Town Meeting is discussing a pair of proposals that may come up for a vote soon.
A ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam was put forward by RTM member Andrew Colabella and colleagues on the Environment Committee.
The purpose is to “prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene and single use plastic food service containers, plastic straws, plastic stirrers and plastic cups, and require food service businesses to transition from disposable plastic food service ware to compostable and recyclable alternatives.”
The proposal notes: “Single use plastics, whether made of recyclable material or not, and expanded polystrene pose a threat to Westport’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems. By prohibiting these items, Westport seeks to protect the environment, eliminate a major source of waste and protect the public health, safety and welfare of Westport and its citizens.”
The RTM Ordinance Committee meets this Monday (April 1) to determine whether the language of the proposal is ready to go before the full RTM for a vote at its monthly meeting the following day (Tuesday, April 2, Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.).
Meanwhile, a recreational marijuana ban ordinance has been proposed by RTM members Greg Kraut and Jimmy Izzo.
They are revising the language based on feedback from the Ordinance Committee, and hope to have it ready for a vote at the special RTM meeting called for April 23 (to vote on funding for turf athletic fields).
The ordinance would prohibit recreational marijuana businesses from locating in Westport — if Connecticut legalizes it.
The checklist provided to the Ordinance Committee says, “We need this ordinance to prevent Westport from selling non-medical (recreational marijuana). It gives the town the supplemental insurance that is needs to have should recreational marijuana get legalized. The first locations for recreational will be the existing medical marijuana facilities.”