Opening Note
Thank you so much to all of the residents who braved the rain and came out and voted on the budget. With 77% approval of the Town budget, we are gratified that you supported our programs, policies, and people who run the municipality. I also want to thank the Board of Finance who, when they met to set the mill rate, decided that the increase in taxes will be even lower due to the projected increase in collections. The new mill rate is 33.06, only a 0.27% increase from the previous year. This means that tax on a house with a market value of $700,000 will see an increase of only $44 for the year, and a $2 million house will see an increase of $126 for the year. This is second consecutive budget that has passed overwhelmingly and has been well under 0.5% increase. Thanks to the entire Board of Education and Town of Weston staff and leadership who worked so hard to create this budget. The new fiscal year begins July 1, and we look forward to implementing the exciting capital projects slated for funding in the budget.
A Message from School Superintendent Lisa Barbiero & First Selectwoman Sam Nestor
Our students, pre-K to grade 8, have daily recess. Physical education classes are held outside on district fields. One of the benefits of our schools being together on School Road is that middle and intermediate school students are close to the high school track and field. Weston is a small town and people feel comfortable frequenting our campus during the school day. However, in today’s world, we need to balance the safety of our students with the small town feel that this community loves.
There is a growing concern when people walk through district play areas, look through school windows, and while walking their dogs leave the sidewalk and venture into the campus. On occasion adults unleash their dogs to run free on the fields and pavement, and we have observed cars idling along the North House playground while children are playing. I am sure that you can appreciate that both staff and students become anxious when they see unknown people on campus in close proximity to their play areas and classrooms.
I respectfully ask you to honor the new signage and refrain from trespassing on the campus during school hours. I understand that running on School Road and walking on campus sidewalks is enjoyed by our residents. However, it is problematic when the public ventures beyond the road and sidewalk and goes into the campus during school hours. In addition, if you wish to use the tennis courts or track during the day, and a class of students is outside using these facilities, I would ask that you come back when our students are inside or after school. In the spring there are grade level field days that utilize our campus fields. Please be cognizant of this request. It is something that we all can do to decrease anxiety amongst staff and students as well as the parents who expressed these concerns. Thank you for your understanding.
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 April 19. The Board members were informed about the recommended new radio system, the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN), 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 8th. 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 Collectors office will also be closed on Tuesday May 9th.
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
ARPA Update: Wood Hill Road Emergency Access-way
At the May 4 Board of Selectmen meeting, the board unanimously approved that the BOS refer the project to the P&Z for a section 8-24 request for an emergency only access to Wood Hill Road. If approved by the P&Z construction will begin and be completed this summer.
Weston Public Library
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 go 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
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
Bisceglie Scribner Pond
The swimming pond at Bisceglie Scribner Park will be under renovation the week of May 8. Fresh asphalt surfacing will be applied to the entire area and the pond will be color sealed in the next few weeks. This summer the planned opening date is June 24 for swimming. Pond Passes will be available for residents in a few weeks! Passes can be purchased online on the Parks and Recreation website.
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.
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!
With gratitude,
Sam
PS: Check out my previous THH by visiting the following link! https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/advanced-components/list-detail-pages/news-lis
