Weston Town Hall Happenings For Jan. 10

Press release from the Town of Weston:

01/10/2025 4:04 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
The Opening Note for this week highlights the importance of teamwork. I have been truly impressed by the exceptional work of the Emergency Management Team, public school staff, municipal staff, DPW, Police, Volunteer Fire Department, and Volunteer EMS in managing recent weather events, town budget compilation, and day-to-day operations. Their dedication ensures the seamless delivery of town services. We are fortunate to have such a talented team of professionals committed to our town. There is a clear willingness to collaborate and adapt to meet our needs. I am grateful for their hard work, as well as the commitment of volunteers and citizens who contribute daily. Thank you for your support and positive attitude. It has truly made a significant impact.

Message from the Land Use Director
PZC Public Hearing for the Proposed Text Amendments to the Village District Regulations scheduled for Monday, January 6 has been postponed until February 3rd

Its Budget Season!
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 with links to the meetings.

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.

Here is a list of the remaining WPS budget meetings. Links to meeting details can be found on the WPS district calendar. In addition, Board of Education meeting details can also be found on the Town of Weston Community Events Calendar.

• 01/15/2025 - BOE Public Forum #1 with Administration on FY 2025 Budget Request
• 01/16/2025 - BOE Budget Workshop #2
• 01/21/2025 – BOE Regular Meeting
• 01/23/2025 - BOE Special Meeting: Public Forum #2
• 01/27/2025 - BOE Special Meeting: Budget Workshop #3
• 01/28/2025 – BOE Special Meeting: Approval & Adoption of FY’26 Recommended Operating & Capital Budgets
• 01/30/2025 – BOE Special Meeting: Approval & Adoption of FY’26 Recommended Operating & Capital Budgets (if necessary)

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 will be posted for review before February 6th.

Board of Finance -- Public Comment Meetings Related to Debt Management and Fund Balance (Debt Capacity date in February to come)
Wed, Jan 15th @ 6:00 PM Weston Middle School Library; Public Comment: Proposed BOF Debt Management and Fund Balance BOF Policies

Michael's Way Bridge
Michael's Way Bridge remains closed with a projected completion date of Wednesday, January 15.

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. Come with your questions and we will be there with updates on Town activities.

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 1/14 at 1pm: executiveassistant@westonct.gov

Ukraine Sister City Update
I am delighted to inform you that Mayor Vorobyov in Siversk has graciously informed us that he was recently honored with this medal by General Syrskyi on behalf of President Zelenskyy. Because of Mayor Vorobiev’s heroic efforts, there are virtually no children left in Siversk. He brought close to 1000 children to safe refuge. The award reads:

"On behalf of the Ukrainian Main Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksiy Vorobyov is awarded 'For Assistance to the Armed Forces'. Glory to Ukraine! (Glory to the heroes!)" Signed: General Oleksandr Syrskyi Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

This past year the sister city committee paid for and repaired supply vans, sent Siversk children to social and emotional wellness programs, and provided holiday treats for the kids displaced.

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical at Lachat on January 11 at 5:30pm
Join us! Coming to Lachat Farm tomorrow Saturday January 11: The Weston Commission for the Arts, in association with Lachat, proudly presents Broadway Night at the Farm, Bonnie & Clyde The Musical! Admission is free and The Lachat Speakeasy (cash bar) will begin serving at 5:30pm where you can also meet with and have photo ops with Bonnie and Clyde. Following this exclusive showing of the film there will be a Q and A with the playwright Ivan Menchell. Ivan has written several works for Broadway as well as a number of feature film scripts. He makes his home here in Weston, CT. As this is a free admission event tickets are going quickly so reserve your seats now @lachattownfarm.org and please note the Speakeasy will remain open throughout the evening.

Message from Weston Police Chief, Edwin Henion
In late December, the Police Commission conducted interviews for the next Captain of the Weston PD. The commission interviewed two very qualified individuals for that position. After a vigorous process, the commission identified Sgt. Joe Miceli to be appointed the next Captain of the Weston PD. Please join me in welcoming Joe to his next career challenge. The town had a celebration on 1/8 honoring him and Detective Mogollan. I am proud that we have such internal talent to fill these important positions. I will be announcing the next process to fill future Sergeant positions in the near future.

Message from the Fire Marshal
Each year, fire and rescue crews around the country respond to fires that are caused by improper disposal of hot coals or ashes from fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, grills, or mobile fireplaces designed for use on decks or patios. The fact is, coals and ashes from fires can remain hot enough to start a fire for many days after you think the fire is out. The exact amount of time for complete extinguishment and cooling depends on many factors such as how hot the fire was, what was burning, how much unburned fuel remains, etc. To be safe, simply treat all ashes and coals as hot, even when you think they have had time enough to cool. To properly dispose of ashes or coals we recommend the following:

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. This project, with an estimated construction cost of more than $5 million, will involve full depth reconstruction of a 1.25-mile long segment of Valley Forge Road between Kellogg Hill Road and Bradley Hill Road. Minor widening will be required in areas to accommodate 10' travel lanes with 2’ shoulders in each direction. Approximately 1,200 linear feet of modular block, or similar, retaining walls are proposed within some sections of minor widening to hold back the existing steep slope along the easterly side of the road. Approximately 1,100 LF of steel cable guide rail will be replaced with new guide rail 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 replacement of catch basins, drainage pipe and existing culverts. Bituminous concrete lip curbing will be replaced in select areas. 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 past week we had a Public Information Meeting https://vimeo.com/1040804703 The projected start time of this project is Fall 2025 (estimate).

Weston Dog Park Status Update
I am pleased to report that we continue to build the parking area and access way to the dog park and the Moore Property following the guidance of the Tree Warden on the removal of trees. Dead, living, and potentially dangerous trees have been removed in accordance with the Tree Warden’s Notice of Final decision on January 13, 2023. 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. We will keep you informed on the park’s progress.

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

Radon Test Kits Available for Weston Residents
The Aspetuck Health District has free radon test kits for residents, while supplies last. Residents can pick up one radon test kit per address at the Aspetuck Health District, 180 Bayberry Lane, Westport, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Residents are asked to follow the instructions when conducting the radon test and to submit results to Air Chek Inc. Results will be shared with homeowners as well as the Health District. Radon is an invisible and odorless gas that can enter homes through cracks in the basement floor or from well water. Prolonged exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Only one in five homes has a radon problem. But the only way to know if your home is free of radon is to test it. Radon levels vary throughout Connecticut. Because you cannot see, taste, or smell radon, the only way to determine if you have a radon problem in your home is to test for it. Testing involves placing a small device in your home for at least 72 hours and then sending the device to a laboratory for results. If levels of radon are high (4 pCi/L or higher), the Connecticut DPH strongly recommends that homeowners enlist a radon mitigation professional to help lower the levels. However, radon exposure at any level poses some health risk, and according to the CT DPH, homeowners may want to consider reducing radon levels if they are greater than 2 pCi/L. Radon mitigation professionals are trained to reduce radon in homes using ventilation and depressurization systems and other techniques. As with many home repairs, the cost of radon mitigation varies. The CT DPH estimates that the service may cost $1200 to $1500. A list of radon professionals is available on the CT DPH website (http://www.ct.gov/dph/radon). Testing kits can also be purchased at the American Lung Association website at http://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/indoor/indoor-airpollutants/radon.html or by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA or 1-860-289-5401 to order a testing kit. Radon test kits can also be purchased at local hardware stores. For more information about radon and radon testing, visit Radon | CDC.

Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation and WOW has just released their Winter Session 2 catalog here - we're excited to show off new programs, Pokémon Legos (HES), Pottery (WIS/WMS), French (WIS), STEM (WIS) and even a fashion design class!

All of this kicks off with registration online on Monday January 13th at 10:01 PM and in house on Tuesday January 14th at 9 AM (if space remains) at 47 Norfield Road.

Weston Parks and Recreation would like to remind residents that the new pickleball courts at Bisceglie-Scribner park will remain open (weather permitting) for the winter, but the parking lot/courts will not be shoveled and the park will be closed after snow. Residents should not attempt to shovel the courts on their own- this will damage the brand new surface. Help us spread the word and keep our courts beautiful!

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.

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, 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

First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor delivers the Oath of Office to Detective Mogollan and Captain Miceli
photo credit Weston Today

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