Weston Town Hall Happenings For Feb. 28, 2025

Press release from the Town of Weston:

02/28/2025 4:30 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
This weekend commemorates the inaugural year of our Food Scraps Recycling Program (further details on participating is below). It is with great enthusiasm that I observe the active participation of numerous residents in this initiative and is remarkable to witness the collective efforts of the community towards fostering a positive environmental impact. The Food Scraps Recycling Program not only focuses on waste reduction but also on the production of nutrient-rich compost. As we close out our first year of the food scraps collection program we have taken in 39,330lbs. of compostable material! Weston residents have done an amazing job in diverting almost 20 tons from our Municipal Solid Waste stream. This kind of action is critical towards statewide efforts to avoid exporting solid waste to other areas of the country. Currently, Connecticut exports 30% of all solid waste generated. The goal is to reduce that number to zero.

By redirecting food scraps away from the waste stream, we can significantly diminish the volume of waste destined for landfills, thereby promoting the well-being of our environment. I want to thank Nicci Weise and the Team at Sustainable Weston, DPW director Larry Roberts and his Team at the Transfer Station, and especially Jennifer Heaton-Jones from the HRRA who has made this project possible. And let us continue to collaborate in our pursuit of a more sustainable future.

Weston Awarded State Grant for Traffic Control: Weston has applied for and was recently awarded a state grant for “high risk rural roads” to help control high risk driving behaviors on rural roads in Connecticut. Weston was awarded $43,370 at no cost to the Town, to conduct enhanced traffic enforcement on local roads and to purchase speed enforcement devices. Citizens should expect to see enhanced presence of Weston officers on our roads conducting enforcement activities during the grant period from March 1st through May 30th. Please be aware that there is increased pedestrian traffic during the upcoming spring months and obey posted speed limits and other traffic signage around town. Please help us to keep our roads safe in Weston.

It's Budget Season!
Town Budget Meeting Calendar
The public is highly encouraged to participate in this year’s budget process. Below is the tentative meeting schedule. The Town budget is posted on the Town website

Past Meetings can be viewed on our Vimeo channel: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo

• Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 – First Selectwoman Presents Town Budget request to Board of Selectmen
• Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Board of Selectmen reviews Board of Education’s budget request.
• Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Board of Selectmen reviews First Selectwoman’s budget request.

Town Hall Talks
As an enhancement of the weekly Town Hall Happenings newsletter, please join First Selectwoman Sam Nestor for "Town Hall Talks," on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The months of March and April will be dedicated to addressing your questions regarding the Town budget. Come with your questions!

Town Hall talks schedule:
2nd Tuesday of the Month - 1pm at the Town Hall
4th Tuesday of the Month - 6pm at the Town Hall
RSVP required. The next session is on 3/11 at 1pm: executiveassistant@westonct.gov

Weston Public Schools Budget Information
The Weston Public School proposed operating and capital budgets, along with supplemental documentation can be found on the district website under Board of Education/Budget. Below is a list of WPS budget meetings that have already taken place. Please see the letter with detailed information from the School Superintendent Lisa Barbiero HERE as well as the dates below regarding the Weston Public School Budget.

Below are previous meetings which can also be found on the WPS website under Board of Education/Previously Recorded Meetings.

School Security Update Families will have the opportunity to meet the new Director of Safety and Security Mr. James Wiltsie in March. There will be two Meet the Director programs. The first will be Thursday, March 13 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Weston Middle School in the Library Learning Common. The second will be on Wednesday, March 26 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the WIS cafeteria, during the HES/WIS PTO meeting. You do not have to be a member of the PTO to join this meeting. We encourage you to attend one of these meetings.

Weston Dog Park I am pleased to report that the Dog Park construction has seen much progress over the Winter months. Despite having to shut down work for five weeks due to snow and cold weather, the dog park is nearing completion. The driveway, parking area and pathway back to the park have been installed. Select tree removal and dog run fence are complete. Park benches, trash receptacles and signage are being delivered next week. With the better weather, Weston Public Works crews have started work again on the road drainage system. Final roadway material placement and grading will follow. We are looking towards an early Spring opening of the park.

This project utilizes 7% of the entire Moore Property -- land that was purchased by the Town more than two decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use. The dog park construction, design, and first few years of maintenance are funded with grants (ARPA, access way and parking & Greyledge plantings), gifts from private individuals through the Weston Dog Park 501c3, as well as a contribution in memory of Brian Gordon, our former second Selectman who passed away in 2018.

STEAP Grant Update: DPW Roof Replacement/Solar Array The roof on the Department of Public Works is currently being replaced. The 30-year-old roof will be replaced to make way for the addition of a new 100kWh solar array. The solar panels will offset the energy costs of the Public Works building and Town Hall complex. This project is funded by a Small-Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant of nearly $500,000 with a 20% percentage match by Town of Weston. The roofing portion of the project will be completed by March 7 and the Solar array will go out to competitive bid in mid-March.

Valley Forge Road Rehabilitation Project This project is proposed to address heavily deteriorated pavement conditions along Valley Forge Road between Kellogg Hill Road and Bradley Hill Road. The project was presented to the Conservation Commission on February 27 and committee members will walk the length of the construction on March 1. The project, with an estimated construction cost of $5.3 million, will involve full-depth reconstruction of a 1.25-mile-long segment of Valley Forge Road between Kellogg Hill Road and Bradley Road. Minor widening will be required in some areas to accommodate 10' travel lanes with 2’ shoulders in each direction. Approximately 2,200 linear feet of retaining walls will help hold back the existing steep slope along the easterly side of the road. Approximately 2,750 LF of steel cable guide rail will be replaced and approximately 150 LF of new guide rail will be placed to improve safety. Driveway aprons will be repaved to match the new pavement elevation as part of this work. The project also includes storm drainage improvements including improvements to culverts, replacement of catch basins and drainage pipes, and cleaning of the system.. Several drainage easements are proposed adjacent to existing end walls to provide ongoing maintenance. The Town has received WestCOG endorsement for funding through the State’s Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program for 100% of construction costs. The Town is responsible for designing the project, including all costs associated with design. Please note this is a state funded project and timelines and milestones are coordinated with the CT DOT. This winter we had a Public Information Meeting https://vimeo.com/1040804703 The projected start time of this project is Fall 2025 (estimate).

Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation Construction work was awarded to Grasso Construction of Stamford, Connecticut and began in November 2024. Work completed to date includes, full depth roadway reconstruction in both the areas of the Lyons Plain Rd Fire Station and near the intersection of Davis Hill Rd, Kellogg Hill Rd, and Valley Forge Rd. Minor storm drainage improvements and installation of new underdrains to improve roadway drainage have also been completed. Remaining work includes installation of guiderail, milling and paving of the roadway from the Weston/Westport town line, installation of curbing, line striping, and roadside restoration.

Work is currently shut down for the winter although the Contractor may be performing guiderail replacement before Spring if weather permits. Roadway milling and paving is anticipated to take place in April 2025. The construction of this project is paid for with a $2.7 million grant from the State of Connecticut. Please note this is a state funded project and timelines and milestones are coordinated with the CT DOT.

Join The Food Scraps Recycling Program
If you have not yet signed up for the Food Scraps Recycling Program and would like do so, click here: https://hrra.org/organics-food-scraps-weston/ As with mixed, glass, mattress or redeemable recycling, there is NO FEE to use the Food Scraps Recycling program for Weston residents. Residents simply collect their food scraps in a designated counter collection bin or bucket and then tip their container into the Curbside Compost bins located next to the red mattress recycling container at the Transfer Station.

School/Town Water Supply Update On Wednesday, March 4 a new backup emergency generator will be installed at the pump and filtration station on School Road. This project will replace the 25 year old generator with a new one. This pump station supplies water to all Board of Education facilities, Public Library, Firehouse, Town Hall, Senior Center, Department of Public Works and Bus Garage. This new generator will ensure uninterrupted service during times of power outages. The $47,000 project was funded by a special appropriation approved by the Board of Selectman and Board of Finance.

Emergency Alerts Please make sure that you and your family are registered to receive emergency alerts from the Weston Office of Emergency Management. Registration can be done online by visiting https://www.westonct.gov/our-community/community-alert-system-and-e-notifications. The Weston Public safety team will continue to expertly guide us through storms by sending out texts, emails and automated phone calls via our Everbridge system. With all the new residents in town, please make sure to mention Everbridge to your new friends, acquaintances and neighbors. Please also see this link, which provides details on how to prepare for weather events: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/5929/637650804379770000

Hurlbutt Elementary - Kindergarten Registration
Hurlbutt Elementary School is already preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. This includes registering the incoming class of 2038. If your child will be five years old on or before September 1, 2025, they are eligible to begin kindergarten in the fall. Please complete the online registration from the Weston Public Schools website.
To complete your registration, we will need the following:
Completed online registration
Proof of Residency:
Warranty Deed or Signed/dated lease AND
Utility Bill (telephone, gas or electric)
Copy of your child's birth certificate
Updated CT Health Assessment form, through the 5-year old checkup
You can upload the required documents at the end of the online registration before you submit the form. Without all of these, your child’s registration cannot be processed.
It may seem early in the year to register. However, Hurlbutt needs to begin the kindergarten registration process now in order to secure staffing needs and to plan for the incoming class. Should you have any questions, please call (203) 221-6300, the Hurlbutt Elementary School office and speak to our registrar, Nicole DiPierro.

Elderly Tax Relief Applications for Abatement, Deferment, and Freeze ProgramsThe Tax Collector is currently accepting applications for the Abatement, Deferment and Freeze programs through May 15, 2025 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 2697 or email cneblett@westonct.gov or jmorse@westonct.gov. You will be required to attach a copy of your completed 1040 and all back up material showing all income sources including your 1099s with your application. You also need to provide documentation about your net worth. Examples are: any mortgage or loans on your home and any checking, savings and retirement accounts. After completing your application, you can mail or bring it to: Tax Collector’s Office, 56 Norfield Road Weston, CT 06883. You may put your application in the drop box located on the library side entrance to the Town Hall. You can also email your application. Please be sure you have included copies of all supporting documents. You can call us anytime with questions. To qualify, you must be age 65 by the end of December 2024. You must not be delinquent on your taxes by the closing date of May 15, 2025. Income cannot exceed $49,000 for Abatement; $125,000 for Deferment and $100,000 for Freeze. Net worth cannot exceed $1,000,000 for Abatement. There is no net worth ceiling for Deferment or Freeze programs. Benefit will apply to only the first $400,000 of your assessment for Abatement and Deferment and for the first $800,000 of assessment for the Freeze. Click here for the Application Form for Elderly Tax Assistance for Abatement, Deferment, or Freeze

Weston Human Services
Would you like to be added to the Reassurance Program?
The Reassurance Program is a list of Weston residents who would like to be called by an employee of the Weston Social Services Dept in times of Town emergencies or inclement weather. We encourage those who live alone, don't drive, or have medical needs to register as this list is also shared with Emergency Responders in times of Town emergencies. Please email Rashida Miller, MSW at rmiller@westonct.gov for more information.

Sunday Soundscapes at Weston Library Presents "All That Jazz" March 16
“All That Jazz!” introduces two new voices from the New York jazz scene – guitarist Matthew Rotker-Lynn and vocalist Ariana Stefanidis. TheIr renditions of jazz classics, bossa nova hits and original compositions are sure to warm up your spring!

"Seared" by Theresa Rebeck Coming to Lachat Farm in Weston This March Lachat Town Farm is excited to present "Seared," a witty comedy by acclaimed playwright Theresa Rebeck, running over three weekends in March. Directed by Marleine Hofmann, the show will be performed in "Brian’s Kitchen," a space designed to mimic a Brooklyn restaurant kitchen. Originally produced off-Broadway in 2019, "Seared" explores the challenges of balancing artistry and commercial demands in a high-pressure culinary environment. The cast features local Equity actors Jasen Salvatore and Ricky Davis Jr., alongside New York City-based talents Melani Carrié and Brian Yeun. Diana Muller produces the show, known for her work with Play With Your Food. Culinary expert and Food Network champion Ashley Holt will enhance the production's authenticity by ensuring the actors are equipped with cooking skills.

Show Dates: March 7 – 23, 2025

Showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm: March 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, Sundays at 3 pm: March 9, 16 & 23 @Lachat Town Farm, 106 Godfrey Rd. W, Weston, CT; Ticket Price:** $45-$55, available at [lachattownfarm.org](http://lachattownfarm.org). Opening weekend includes a champagne reception.

Board of Selectmen Meetings Please feel free to attend BOS meetings where you can watch in person at the Town Hall Meeting Room or you can stream into the 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: Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Board of Appeals, Building Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Children & Youth Commission, Veterans Affairs Committee. The Town of Weston Board of Selectmen will conduct interviews of candidates for appointed boards, commissions and committees in private, unless the candidate requests that the interview occur in public. Through the CT Freedom of Information Act, the state legislature expressly allows the Town Board of Selectmen to hold non-public executive sessions to discuss “the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee." C.G.S. § 1-200 (6)(a). Like Weston, several nearby municipalities have also implemented similar policies to protect residents interested in volunteering their service from the abuse of modern technology such as artificial intelligence, social media, and personal identity theft. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

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-list

Photos: DPW Roof Before and After Photos

This press release was produced by the Town of Weston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.