Weston Town Hall Happenings For Feb. 16

Press release from the Town of Weston:

02/16/2024 2:51 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Karl Kilduff, our new Town Administrator, will be joining us at Town Hall next week. I wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to Lee Palmer, who has been doing a great job as our Interim Town Administrator for the past eight months. I am grateful for Mr. Palmer’s support of our team during this transition, and his expertise in human capital development has been absolutely invaluable in shaping this year's budget and guiding the future of our Municipality. At last night's BOS meeting, we officially recognized Mr. Palmer's contribution to Weston and wished him all the luck in his future endeavors. We are incredibly fortunate to have had Mr. Palmer supporting our town and I am confident that Mr. Kilduff will continue to build upon this strong foundation and bring a whole new wave of energy to the role of Town Administrator. I am thrilled to have Mr. Kilduff on board and can't wait to see what great things we'll accomplish together to enhance the quality of life for all the amazing residents of Weston.

Holiday Closures
Municipal offices will be closed Monday, February 19th.
Transfer station will be closed Sunday, February 18th through Tuesday, February 20th, reopening on Wednesday, February 21st.

Transfer Station News!
Please note the Transfer Station now accepts credit cards.

Road Paving Plan Underway
At the past two BOS meetings, DPW Director, Larry Roberts has been meeting with the members to discuss the state of deterioration and rehabilitation planning for our roads, in collaboration with the engineering firm, Beta Group. We are in the early stages of planning and anticipate more robust conversations with the BOF and the greater community. At the most recent BOS meeting, the team approved a plan to collect more data with Beta Group and that appropriation goes to the Board of Finance for approval. To see the most recent presentation click here: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11698

Solar Array Moves Forward
A plan for a new solar farm at the Transfer Station has moved to the P&Z for a positive 8-24 referral. Greenskies will be building and maintaining the array at no cost to the Town, and will be paying an annual fee based on a lease agreement that will eventually need to be approved by the Town at a Special Town Meeting. Please see this link https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11696/638423864730197304 for more information on the proposed project.

Pickleball Update
The Parks & Rec Commission and Parks & Recreation Department has completed a comprehensive plan for Pickleball Courts at Bisceglie Park. This designated area, spanning approximately 0.20 acres, is situated conveniently near the walking path leading to the pond and adjacent to the parking lot, enclosed by a charming split rail fence. During the 1/18 BOS meeting, the team presented their well-thought-out proposal to the Board of Selectmen, who have subsequently referred the project to the Planning & Zoning Commission for positive 8-24 report. On 2/5 the P&Z Commission issued a positive 8-24 report. The Conservation Commission received the application, parks and recreation commission met with neighbors. We will continue the conversation. The expectation is that we will have three fully operational courts by the upcoming summer season. This project is being funded through the ARPA grant, as well as the Parks & Recreation Enterprise Fund at no cost to Weston taxpayers.

A Message from the School Superintendent
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. The meetings can also be found on the WPS website under Board of Education/Previously Recorded 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.

It’s Budget Season!
The public is highly encouraged to participate in this year’s budget process. Below is the tentative meeting schedule. The Town budget is posted here: westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11824/638435193132830000 and the First Selectwoman’s Presentation is here: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11862/638435892539730000. Watch videos of previous meetings here: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo.

• Monday, February 26, 2024, 6:00 pm– Board of Selectmen votes on and transmits First Selectman’s and Board of Education budgets to Board of Finance. Board also nominates moderator for ATBM.
• Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 6 pm– Board of Finance reviews Board of Education’s budget request.
• Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 6 pm– Board of Finance reviews Board of Selectmen’s budget request.
• Thursday, March 14, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance reviews Board of Education’s budget request and Board of Selectmen’s Budget (if necessary).
• Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance holds public hearing on budget request.
• Thursday, April 4, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance budget deliberation meeting.
• Monday, April 8, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance budget deliberation meeting (if necessary).
• Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 8 pm – Annual Town Budget meeting at the High School Auditorium.
• Saturday, May 4, 2024, 12pm to 8 pm–Annual Town Budget Referendum at the Town Hall.
• Monday, May 6, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance meets to set mill rate.

Human Services/Senior Center Department Reorganization
We are happy to announce that the Weston Senior Center is now under the auspices of the Weston Human Services Department. This transition aims to streamline administrative tasks and provide additional support to the senior residents of the Town, with no alterations to senior center programming or staffing. Under the umbrella of Human Services, the Senior Center now has access to added resources, promoting a unified and collaborative environment for both seniors and all residents. We welcome you to reach out to the Human Services Director, Allison Lisbon, MSW, LCSW, with any questions, comments, or concerns. Her email is alisbon@westonct.gov and her phone number is 203-222-2663.

Meet and Speak with Town Leaders at SPEAK UP Event
March 2 at 10:30-12:00
Weston Public Library
Weston community members of all ages are invited to meet and ask questions of our town leaders during the Weston League of Women Voters 32nd Annual SPEAK UP event on March 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Weston Public Library. This non-partisan, time- and town-honored event gives Weston residents a chance to learn more about our town and the way it works by asking questions and getting answers from our respected leaders from Boards of Selectmen, Education, Finance, Police, Planning and Zoning, Assessment Appeals and others. There will be a moderator and all questions will be asked by in-person attendees via passed microphone. Refreshments and ample seating are available. “SPEAK UP is one of the town’s most important community events in terms of civic engagement,” said Weston LWV Chair, Margaret Wirtenberg. “If you want to have a voice in town policies, it’s important to know who your leadership is and how our local government works.”

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. For more information on the Weston League and our SPEAK UP event, please visit www.lwvwestonct.org or visit us on Facebook.

Weston Food Scrap Recycling Program – New!
Program Kick-off at the Transfer Station - March 2
Weston Department of Public Works, Sustainable Weston and Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) are delighted to announce the launch of Weston’s Food Scraps Recycling Program, following in many of our neighboring town’s footsteps. Food Scraps diversion from the waste stream is a very important step in managing Connecticut’s waste crisis. We have identified a hauler to collect residential food scraps from the transfer station. We have allocated a designated spot for the collection bins next to the redeemables and glass containers at the Transfer Station. Residents will be able to tip their food scraps and organic material in these bins during regular transfer station hours (Tuesday to Saturday 8:00AM to 2:30PM).The bins will be emptied weekly (bi-weekly in the Summer) and hauled to New Milford Farms. New Milford Farms operates a commercial composting facility that is an indoor turned windrow with forced aeration. The food scraps are turned into high-quality compost certified by US Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance Program (USCC STA). Click here for more information

Household Hazardous Waste Dates
Residents have six opportunities to participate in Household Hazardous Waste events in our HRRA region. The first will be on April 6 at Danbury Public Works. Please visit www.HRRA.org for more details.

Message from HRRA
Along with your usual glass, metal and plastic food and beverage containers did you know you could also recycle yogurt containers, whipped cream canisters and shelf-stable cartons like chicken stock? There are many paper, plastic, metal, and glass items you CAN recycle. Be sure to make sure you rinse your items before placing them in your recycling bin. Glass should be recycled separately at a local drop-off. Be aware that there are some commonly placed items in recycling that don’t belong and go in the trash. Items like paper takeout containers, black plastics, shredded paper, and small items are a few examples that cannot be recycled.

For a full list of “What’s In? What’s Out?” in our mixed recycling and to learn why we can’t recycle certain items head to https://hrra.org/recycling/

Weston Parks and Recreation
Our Spring programs are here - they won't begin until after April break but we're holding our registration on February 13th, this Tuesday at 10:01 PM here: WebTrac Splash

Our flyer is attached, it has Parks & Recreation/WOW's after school programs- check them out, spread the word. Many of you are already aware, but I want to promote it further. We're hosting a family ski trip to Mt. Snow on Monday 2/26, the kids are off from school. Save yourself the ride and jump on the bus with us. Flyer is attached, we have a hard deadline of 2/20 for this trip.

Further off reminder: Summer Camp Registration for Parks & Rec/WOW will be 3/4. Flyers are on the website: Parks & Recreation | Weston, CT

Weston Parks & Recreation - WOW! Programs
We're very excited to offer our fabulous WOW! after school programs for children in Grades K-5 this spring! From art and science to legos, baking, theatre, and so much more, there's something for everyone! Programs are scheduled to begin when we return to school after April recess on April 22nd!

Registration is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 13th at 10:01 p.m.

We're also offering our last Sitter Safety session for the school year, which begins on Wednesday, March 6th. Registration is currently underway for this program!

Human Services
Weston Human & Social Services is currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
If you think you may qualify or are having difficulty paying your heating bills please call 203-222-2556 or 203-222-2585 to schedule an appointment.

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.

Youth and Family Services
Please register for the Social 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. Be sure to sign up at the bottom of the page to receive our newsletter each month! Click here for our latest newsletter

Caregivers Support Group With Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW, Director of Human Services
Monthly meetings are held every third Tuesday, 1-2pm at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Caregiver Support Group email list, contact Allison Lisbon at alisbon@westonct.gov

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: Commission for the Arts, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Marketing and Communications Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, Sustainable Weston Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee. The following elected board has a position available: Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

Weston Senior Center
Click this link to view the Senior Center Newsletter: https://westonseniorcenter.info/newsletters.php
Call or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608/lgilmore@westonct.gov

Weston Public Library
The Weston Public Library is proud to announce the unveiling of our newest adult collection: Libros en Espanol! We have a great selection of fiction and nonfiction from classic authors and titles to new bestsellers. Check them out and stay tuned as we will soon unveil an expanded Libros en Espanol collection for youth!

Join us for a full day of crafting, activities, and special guests for Take Your Child to the Library Day on Saturday, February 24th! Join us at the library between 10AM - 4PM. Don't forget to reserve your spots for Casey Carle's Bubblemania... Comedy with a Drip! And Furry, Scaly Friends!"

Then, bring the whole family to celebrate Black History Month at the Library at an interactive and fun “test-your-knowledge” all-ages program where you’ll learn, have fun & “Build Your Own History Book”! Build Your Own History Sticker Book: Black History Month! will take place on Thursday, February 29th at 4:00 PM.

Click this link to see what’s happening at the Library: https://www.westonpubliclibrary.org/

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

Town Hall Snowman, February 13, 2024

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