In time for spring cleaning and some refurbishing, the Board of Selectmen took the first steps Wednesday to improving Westport's parks by approving an agreement between the town and Silvia F. Erskine & Associates for landscape design and park planning.

The board also approved the Five-Year Capital Forecast, plans for a farmer's market on Sundays starting May 18 and a contract for the digitization of tax records.

Prior to giving its OK to the capital forecast from 2012 to 2013, the first selectman pointed out that $45 million has been taken out of the five-year plan over the past three years.

The park plan evolved during the recent budget process as discussions by the Board of Finance and other town bodies targeted improved Westport parks. Some town officials had more grandiose aspirations at first, but the agreement is viewed as a start.

Director of Parks and Recre­ation Stuart McCarthy said the park planning will be ongoing but there is no contract. "It provides for service on an hourly basis," he said.

In response to a question by Selectman Bob Lasprogato about whether there would be a cap on the amount spent, McCarthy said, "We have $30,000 and will do it via separate purchase orders."

He also explained that

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three interviews were conducted before selecting Erskine over two other firms.

A major objective, according to McCarthy, is to have the town parks identifiable as public park space. "We will have some new planting and will approve a list of items needed in case people want to provide gifts."

First Selectman Gordon Joseloff suggested that McCarthy contact the town's Beautification Committee for insights into making improvements.

Sewer Vacuum Truck

Turning to another infrastructure issue, the board waived its low bid requirement and awarded the purchase of a sewer vacuum truck to Hines Brothers for an Interna­tional 7400 with VacCon System for $244,052.15. The bid amount was $279,052.15 prior to a $35,000 trade in.

"The low bid did not meet the specifics of our request," said Stephen Edwards, the director of Public Works.

A memo distributed prior to the meeting stated, "After review of the bids, it was apparent that the low bid of $238,618.with a VacAll System did not meet the terms of the specification and was therefore judged to be non-responsive. Their bid form was not complete; they did not provide the information on their water pump drive engine nor their vacuum system."

And, at a time in town history in which there is an increasing consciousness on water pollution, the Board of Selectmen approved a grant agreement between the Town of Westport and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to conduct water quality testing of the streams feeding into the Sherwood Mill Pond.

The action also authorizes Joseloff to sign the agreement on behalf of the town.

In presenting a copy of the $28,400 grant agreement, Conser­vation Director Alicia Mozian explained that the first application was filed in December 2006 and that the Conservation Department "has waited until now for the contract."

Asked by Joseloff for the identity of the grant writer, Mozian replied, "Me and Dick Harris of Harbor Watch/River Watch."

It also was pointed out that the award was made by NFWF on the condition that the funds be matched by $38,220 in nonfederal funds raised by the Town of Westport specifically for the project that is targeted for a May start.

Other Actions

The board also approved:

- Use of town-owned property known as Jesup Green by the Japan Society of Fairfield County for the annual Bon Odori Festival from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 26.

- Use of town-owned property known as Jesup Green by the Friends of the Levitt Pavilion on Thursday, July 31, for the Levit Pavilion's annual gala dinner, contingent upon compliance with comments from town departments. In addition, in a related action, the closure of the Riverwalk on Thursday, July, 31, was approved.

- The resolution of the first selectman that he is empowered to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of the town, an application and contract with the state library for an Historical Preservation Grant as recommended by the town clerk.

- A contract with an estimated total of $41,875 between the town and Info Quick Solution, Inc. as it relates to the digitization of tax records for use by the public and officials desiring tax information -- as recommended by George Underhill, the tax collector. In re­sponse to a question about privacy issues, Underhill said the deal comes under freedom of information protocols.

- Acceptance of a $10,000 monetary gift from the Westport's Woman's Club to the Westport Police Department relative to a program to find lost Alzheimer patients, children with autism or other individuals at risk, in accordance with the policy for gifts to the town.

Use of town-owned property known as the upper Imperial Avenue parking lot by the Westport Celebration Committee for a farmers' market to be held weekly on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as an agreement between the Town of Westport and Connecticut Farm Fresh as it relates to the Sunday farmers' market and to authorize First Selectman Gordon Joseloff to sign such an agreement on behalf of the town.

- Change order No. 70810.20 with MJ Daly & Sons, Inc. as it relates to the alterations and expansion project and as recommended by the School Building Committee.

- Approved the use of two parking spaces on Main Street adjacent to 57 Main St. (Douglas Cosmetics), by STAR 99.9 Radio Station from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9.