Greetings and Welcome to Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
A happy new year to you, Weston! For the many accomplishments in 2024, I would like to thank the entire municipal team, volunteers, my colleagues on the Board of Selectman, Weston residents, as well as our state and federal delegation partners. With a shared vision of public service and accessible leadership, Weston has thrived.  2024 focused on infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability, operational discipline, and community well-being.

Here are a few highlights from the past year:

- With millions of dollars from state and federal agencies, we completed two bridges. The third will be finished in the coming days.

- One of the largest paving projects in Weston's history was completed (9.6 miles of road repaved) with nearly three million dollars from the CT DOT and the balance from Bond Anticipation Notes.

- With grant money from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), DPW & Sustainable Weston launched the Food Scrap Recycling Program, diverting over 31,000 pounds of waste from the Municipal Solid Waste stream.

- The long-awaited dog park is currently under construction on the Moore Property, funded by ARPA and private donations.

- Our first electric vehicle was purchased for Weston.

- The Registrar of Voters office successfully implemented early voting for the first time in CT history.

- As part of our community engagement efforts, we started a series twice a month called Town Hall Talks.

- We purchased new emergency equipment, including a new fire truck and emergency communications system.

- A state grant funded the renovation of the police locker room and the creation of a women's locker room.

- A state grant funded the renovation of the Police Records Room.

- P&R Enterprise Fund and ARPA grants helped fund the construction of new pickleball courts at Bisceglie-Scribner Park.

- In late February, we welcomed Karl Kilduff as our new Town Administrator.

- Two new police officers were hired, including the first woman in over two decades.

- Our Senior Center and Human Services Programs, spearheaded by new leadership, Library initiatives for our youngest and lifelong learners, and Parks and Recreation - from seasonal activities to special events - continued to bring the community together.

- Volunteer committees provided a place for us to gather throughout the year, with highlights including Sustainable Weston programs at Lachat and the Green on Green Earth Day Celebration. The Commission on the Arts continues to create new traditions, such as the Holiday Music Festival & Tree Lighting, and the Lachat Town Farm Commission, in partnership with Friends of Lachat, continues to build bridges.

In the coming year, we anticipate completing a solar array at DPW, which will offset the municipal electric grid; completing the turning lane into school road and phase 2 of the sidewalk plan, as well as rehabilitation of 19 additional roads, including Valley Forge Road, maintaining and our facilities, upgrading our water systems, improving customer service with IT support, as well as initiating more community activities including the celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary.

We will also continue to execute efficiently the state and federal grants we received as well as leverage new opportunities as much as possible, adding to the more than $34 million we’ve delivered to date in outside funding, minimizing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

Public Works & Transfer Station Closed Jan 9
The Department of Public Works and Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, January 9.

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

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 timing of the promotion is to be determined. 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:

- If possible, allow ashes and coals to cool for several days in the area where you had the fire. These devices are designed to contain their heat safely.

- When it is time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down.

- Keep the metal container outside your home and away from any combustibles (away from structures, your porch, etc.) until the refuse is hauled away.

- DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container

- DO NOT use a combustible container.

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 have started 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.

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

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: [email protected]

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 13^th at 10:01 PM and in house on Tuesday January 14^th 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 [email protected] for more information.

- Youth and Family Services Please register for the Human Services 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.

- Caregivers Support Group with Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW, Director of Human Services Monthly meetings are held every third Tuesday, 1:30-2:30pm at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Caregiver Support Group email list, contact Allison Lisbon at [email protected]

- Bereavement Support Group with Rashida Miller, MSW Monthly meetings are held every fourth Tuesday, 1:30-2 :30 pm, at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Bereavement Support Group email list, contact Rashida Miller at [email protected]

- Weston Senior Center

-- Click this link to visit the Senior Center website: https://westonseniorcenter.info/

-- Call or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608/ [email protected]

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.

Click Here for more information.