Weston Town Hall Happenings For Feb. 23

Press release from the Town of Weston:

02/23/2024 3:21 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
During the previous week, I had the opportunity to deliver a presentation to my esteemed colleagues on the Board of Selectmen regarding a proposed budget. It is crucial to keep in mind that the final decision on this budget lies in the hands of the residents in our Town. I kindly request that you stay well-informed (all relevant dates and meeting information can be found below) and actively engage in this important process. The next meeting is Monday so I hope you can tune in.

We are Hiring!
The Town of Weston is currently looking for members of our municipal team. Please click here: https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/town-hall/municipal-job-openings for more information.

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

From the Office of the Tax Collector: Applications for Elderly Tax Relief
The Tax Collector is currently accepting applications for the Abatement, Deferment and Freeze programs through May 15, 2024 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 2023. You must not be delinquent on your taxes by the closing date of May 15, 2024. 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 an application: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11934/638442056817970000

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 & BOF meetings, the team approved a plan to collect more data with Beta. 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, but 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. This project is expected to come before P&Z Commission at their March 4th meeting.

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.

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.

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.

• 01/04/2024 - Budget Presentation
• 01/05/2024 - BOE Budget Workshop
• 01/10/2024 - BOE Public Forum #1 with Administration on FY 2024 Budget Request
• 01/11/2024 - BOE Budget Workshop
• 01/18/2024 - BOE Public Forum #2 with Administration on FY 2024 Budget Request
• 01/22/2024 - BOE Budget Workshop
• 01/23/2024 - BOE Special Meeting: Approval and Adoption of Recommended Operating & Capital Budgets

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.

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: GEARING UP FOR SPRING CLEANING?
HRRA is here to remind you of some important tips as you plan to clean out your garage, basement, or attic.

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. 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!

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

Weston Food Scraps Recycling Program Starts March 2nd!

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