Opening Note
We are fortunate in Weston that every resident who qualifies to vote may help decide on our fiscal future. In addition to electing representatives who work with the staff at the schools and the town to create the annual budget, YOU the people ultimately decide whether or not to pass it. So the choice to use tax money for schools, paving, books, fire trucks and more rest in our residents hands. So please, take the time to vote on the budget Saturday, April 29th from 12-8 pm at the Town Hall Meeting room. Your vote is your voice.
Budget Overview
On the evening of Thursday, March 30, 2023, the BOF passed adjusted budgets for the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, debt service and adjusted the revenues for the proposed budget for next fiscal year. I am very proud of the budget presented. It struck a balance between funding valued services, investing in needed capital projects (many of which are augmented with outside resources), and establishing a mill rate that keeps Weston an affordable place to live. The Proposed Budget calls for a 0.39% mill rate increase. This would be the second year in a row that we would keep the mill rate relatively flat. It is particularly noteworthy that in a 6.5% inflationary environment our mill rate is being kept in check. Click here: https://vimeo.com/816067071 for the What’s Next in Weston podcast regarding the budget.
Upcoming Budget Events
- Saturday, April 29, 2023, 12pm to 8 pm– Adjourned Budget Referendum at Town Hall
- Monday, May 1, 2023, 6 pm– Board of Finance meets to set mill rate
Message from the Registrars of Voters
The Annual Town Budget Meeting (ATBM) took place on Thursday, April 20 at Weston High School Auditorium. Adjourned budget referendum voting continues on Saturday, April 29 from 12:00-8:00 pm at the Weston Town Hall Meeting Room. You may cast a machine ballot vote at ONE of the referendum sessions. Persons eligible to vote at the adjourned budget referendum must be an elector of the Town of Weston or a citizen of the age of eighteen years or more who, jointly or severally, is liable to the town for taxes assessed against them on an assessment of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) on the last completed Grand List of Weston, or who would be liable if not entitled to an exemption (see webpage for additional requirements). CGS Ch 90 §7-6. Click here to view the Registrars of Voters webpage.
The Town of Weston Welcomes New Members of the Team
Monday, May 1 is a big day! I am so excited to welcome Lee Palmer, Richelle Hodza, and Kara Sabbagh to the Town of Weston.
Interim Town Administrator: W. Lee Palmer, Jr.
Lee is an accomplished leader who has been working in the government sector for more than forty years. For the past six months he has served as the Interim Director of Human Resources for the Town of Mansfield, CT. He has extensive experience in all phases of human resource administration and has "literally written the book" on team management, having authored numerous employee handbooks and manuals including, "A Supervisor’s Guide to Proactive Labor Relations" and "A Supervisor’s Guide to Effective Performance Evaluation." He is a Past President and former Executive Board Member for the Connecticut Public Employer Labor Relations Association and former Chair of the Human Resources Group for the Connecticut Quality Council. Lee has worked as a consultant for the Towns of Darien, Stamford and Hamden, Norwalk Public Schools, and the State of CT, as well as other organizations outside Connecticut. He also has a comprehensive background in general administration, finance and development including budgeting, purchasing, payroll, risk management, asset management including facilities and maintenance, grants administration and information technology. We are grateful that someone of his expertise will serve as the interim Town Administrator until a full-time person is hired. He will be on-site 3 days/week.
New Land Use Director: Richelle Hodza
Richelle comes to us from the Town of Brookfield, CT where she was the Director, Land Use Department, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer, and Deputy Zoning Enforcement Officer. In Brookfield she managed a team of eight employees and 39 commissioners. She developed, revised and administered a variety of land use policies and was on the forefront of issues related to Planning & Zoning, Conservation, Economic Development, Blight, Aquifer Protection, and Zoning Board of Appeals. We are thrilled to have Richelle lead our team of excellent professionals at the Land Use Department. She will be onsite Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
New Children’s and Teen Services Librarian: Kara Sabbagh
Kara comes to us from the New Fairfield Free Public Library where she has worked as Head Children’s Circulation Clerk since 2021. During her tenure, she implemented youth programs for everyone from babies to teens, developed award-winning library displays, and partnered with community organizations such as the local early childhood center and caregiver groups. Weston is so fortunate to have Kara run these important parts of the Library. Her energy and experience will be an important addition to the community.
Message from the Weston Assessor's Office
The 2023 Revaluation is upon us and inspections have been happening since March 2023. The areas of Town being inspected will be posted and updated throughout the entire collection process. Data Collectors will have badges for identification as well as their cars being registered with the Weston Police Department. They will be taking photos as well as requesting an interior inspection be done at the time of their visit. If a virtual inspection is preferred, a data mailer will follow when an inspection is not granted and the virtual option can be arranged at that time. Please click here for more information. Listen to the podcast about the 2023 revaluation here: https://vimeo.com/807322949
Land Mobile Radio Project Moves Forward
A presentation was given to a joint Board of Selectman and Board of Finance Meeting on Wednesday evening. The Board members were informed about the recommended new radio system, the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network, and its associated costs. The CLMRN will allow Weston’s Public Safety personnel to communicate more easily with our surrounding communities, therefore addressing our current lack of interoperability. The complex system will cost $4.5M to purchase and install. This system, also being adopted by Wilton, Westport, Norwalk and Fairfield, will increase the range of our communications exponentially. The Board of Selectmen then at their meeting started the process of moving forward with the Land Mobile Radio Project, which will eventually be decided by the residents at a Special Town Meeting. The Board of Finance will decide to move the project along to a Special Town Meeting (proposed for June 7) on Monday, May 1st. More details can be found on the Town of Weston website here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/communications-center/land-mobile-radio-communications
See here for the What’s Next in Weston podcasts describing the project:
Part 1: https://vimeo.com/798205670
Part 2: https://vimeo.com/802476770
From The Tax Collector
Starting April 7, the Tax Collector’s office will be closed on Fridays.
The Tax Collector is currently accepting applications for the Abatement, Deferment and Freeze programs through May 15, 2023 for the upcoming Grand List year. You must apply every year for all programs. You can request an application from the Tax Collector’s office. Please call 203-222-2696 or email cneblett@westonct.gov
Weston Public Library
Reception to meet the New Children’s & Teens Librarian
The Library will be hosting a reception for Kara so Weston children and their families can meet their new librarian. A date and time will be announced once details have been finalized. In addition to the information above, Kara earned her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Science in Communication degree from Purchase College (SUNY) where she graduated Magna *** Laude. She has a background in videography and ran her own business as a freelance content creator (video, photography, and editing).
Paper Shredding and Computer Recycling on Saturday, May 6
The Friends of the Weston Library will be holding a shred day fundraiser in the Hurlbutt Elementary School parking lot. Standard boxes of paper (10"x12"x15") can be shredded for $10 and Computers can be recycled for $20 each. Dispose of sensitive documents and tech in a safe way!
Politics & Pie: Weston League of Women Voters Brings State Legislators to Town
Meet State Senator Ceci Maher and State Representative Anne Hughes at a special annual event, “Politics and Pie,” sponsored by the Weston League of Women Voters and held at the Weston Public Library (56 Norfield Road; westonpubliclibrary.org) on Sunday, May 7 from 11:30-12:30. This family-friendly gathering offers a unique opportunity for Westonites of all ages to meet and greet their state legislators and to ask them questions. The event will be live on the library lawn (indoors if raining). Also featured will be delicious sweet and savory pies from Weston’s own Christina Mattinson, proprietor of the Old Mill Market & Café (4 Old Mill Road, Redding; Theoldmillmarket.com). FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.lwvwestonct.org
Public Information Meeting - May 9, 2023 at 6pm via Zoom
Weston Center Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Improvements (LOTCIP Project L157-001)
The Town of Weston (the Town) will conduct a Virtual Public Information Meeting regarding the upcoming Weston Center Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Improvements project on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 6:00 PM. The project has been selected to receive state funding from the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program and is identified as Project L157-001.
The purpose of this project is to provide a safe and inviting pedestrian environment in and around the Weston Town Center, which includes Town Schools, Municipal Buildings, the Town Library and other destinations. The project will help to improve pedestrian (especially student) safety in areas with narrow shoulders and no sidewalks and heavy pedestrian traffic. The project will include the following improvements:
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring of 2024. The public informational meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project.
The virtual meeting may be accessed via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87660879337. More Information and the Zoom meeting link can also be found on the Town website: www.westonct.gov.
Individuals not able to access the meeting may also send questions regarding the project via e- mail to Victoria Houle at wickedhoule@gmail.com
For information on all of the pedestrian safety projects click here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/infrastructure-projects/pedestrian-safety-projects
Social Services ARPA Update
The Towns of Weston, Wilton, and Westport have partnered with Positive Directions - The Center for Prevention and Counseling, to tackle the region's growing need for affordable and timely mental health treatment. Together they developed the Counseling Assistance Program (CAP) with the goal of providing a barrier-free process for the three town's residents to gain access to quality mental health treatment. Residents wishing to utilize the CAP program must contact their Town's Human & Social Services Department to determine eligibility and explore available supports. For those deemed eligible, an appointment for an assessment will be scheduled with a Positive Directions clinician. This program is open to ages 12 years and up. For more information about Positive Directions please check out their website at https://www.positivedirections.org/
Weston Social Services 203-222-2663
alisbon@westonct.gov
The Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project Update
This project calls for the construction of approximately 5,500 linear feet of new sidewalk, varying in material type including concrete, bituminous concrete, and stone dust within the Town Center and along School Road. Completion of the project will improve walkability on both the school and municipal campuses, as well as provide students with a safer pathway to and from the Weston Shopping Center. The Town has recently been awarded an additional $484,500 grant to provide a total of $884,200 under the State’s Community Connectivity Program Grant Program to cover 100% of the construction cost. The Town is responsible for designing the project, including all costs associated with design which was $40,000. We have completed the BID process and we are thrilled that this project will be completed this summer/fall. See here for more information about our pedestrian safety projects. https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/infrastructure-projects/pedestrian-safety-projects and here for the most recent podcast on the project: https://vimeo.com/820579482
Drought Conditions
Our Tree Warden Dr. Tom Failla follows NOAA's weekly drought updates and notes that even with recent rains, our area has moved from abnormally dry since early March to moderate drought. Newly and recently planted specimen trees and some of very old, mature ones that are special may benefit from regular watering (30 to 45 minutes from a garden hose soaking the area around the tree once or twice a week). Similar spring dry conditions took place in 2020 in advance of the Aug. 4, 2020 Isais hurricane that took down trees and limbs across our town. To get or check the weekly reports go to: https://www.drought.gov/
Lyons Plain Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project
This project, with an estimated construction cost of $2.6 million, will improve pavement structure along a 3-mile long segment of Lyons Plain Road between the Weston/Westport town line and Davis Hill Road. The pavement rehabilitation proposed includes milling to a depth of 2" followed by a 2" overlay with full-depth reconstruction in select areas. Bituminous concrete lip curbing will be replaced. Driveway aprons will be repaved as needed. Minor drainage improvements along the roadway segment will also be completed. The State awarded the Town a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program Grant in the amount of $2.6 million covering 100% of proposed construction costs. The Town is responsible for designing the project, including all costs associated with design. An information meeting was held on March 6th. Please click here for more information on the project. The anticipated construction start of this project is Summer 2024.
What’s Next in Weston?
The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features a conversation about the new sidewalks coming this summer. The podcast alternates between Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker (called Westport What’s Happening) and Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor as part of a public service program that offers perspectives from each town every Monday. “What’s Next in Weston” features First Selectwoman Sam Nestor and special guests. Every 2 weeks, we will discuss projects, programs and activities in our town in a brief five minute interview. Click here for the Vimeo for the podcast and search for the episodes. https://vimeo.com/820579482
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation's Spring Afterschool programs, Swim lessons and Summer Camp registration is ongoing- WebTrac Splash Many camps and programs are filling quickly! We're excited to have added Field Hockey Camp to our programs as well as Fairfield County's premier Ultimate Frisbee camps for this summer; come and join the fastest growing sport in the country! Our Part Time summer staff link is live on our website as well- we're to hire Summer Camp Counselors, Pool/Pond Monitors & Lifeguards & more! Weston Parks & Recreation
Road Work 2023
We’ve posted publicly the invitation to BID for the 2023 paving improvements. Bidding closes May 15th. After the project is awarded we will post the streets included in this year’s paving and timing. Stay tuned for more information.
Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to Zoom into the virtual BOS meetings, which are always posted on the Town website. Documents, recordings, and minutes are available at: https://www.westonct.gov/government/boards-commissions/elected/board-of-selectmen
Volunteers Needed for Town Boards
The following appointed boards have positions available: Assessment Appeals, Beautification, Board of Ethics, Weston Public Library, Marketing & Communications Advisory Group, Commission on Aging, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, and Veterans Affairs Committee. Elected position openings are 2 open alternate seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Weston Social Services
We are excited to announce our new monthly newsletter! Our goal is to provide our families and youth with resources that help promote physical and mental well-being through programming, events, referrals, and advocacy. Be sure to sign up at the bottom of the page to receive our newsletter each month! Click here for this month's Youth & Family Social Services Newsletter
A Message from Weston Youth Services…With spring recess behind us, let’s think of summer!
We’ve added two new programs to our schedule of weekly camps that run from June 26 through the week of July 24:
So if you’re looking for one or more fabulous and local camps for your child(ren) this summer, we have you covered! For more information, dates, grade eligibility, and to register online, please visit our website at www.westonyouthservices.org. And if you have any questions, please contact Charlene Monn, Program Coordinator, at 203-222-2586 or email cmonn@westonct.gov.
Weston Senior Center
Save the Date!
May 25th
Trip to Little Italy on Arthur Avenue
Bus leaves from Weston Senior Activities Center at 9am
Cost $35
Let’s visit the “old country” and shop the specialty stores which made it famous! Watch Borgatti's cut sheets of fresh pasta. Sample Calandra’s delicious cheeses. Roam the Arthur Avenue Market. Buy freshly baked bread at Madonia. Eat a fresh cannoli from Egidio!
Cardio Drumming is here!!!
Classes Begin May 17th on Wednesdays at 2pm
Click Here To See Cardio Drumming In Action!
Click Here for more information.
