Weston Town Hall Happenings For May 10

Press release from the Town of Weston:

05/10/2024 4:23 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Mother's Day is right around the corner. It's a day filled with a mix of emotions for many of us, myself included. I am so grateful to spend time with my kiddos and hubby, celebrating this special day. But at the same time, my heart aches for those incredible Moms who are no longer with us - the ones who were not only mothers but also grandmothers, family, and friends. They're truly missed. Let's try to recognize that others might be feeling loss on this day.

To all you amazing Moms out there who are reading this, whether you're surrounded by your little ones, or your grown-up children, even your adorable grandchildren, or even getting a bit of solitude, I want you to know that I appreciate everything you do. You are seen and valued. (Don't worry, Dads, your turn is coming up next month).

STATE of THE TOWN
To watch the First Selectwoman’s State of the Town Video please click HERE

It’s The Home Stretch of Budget Season! ATBM Vote Round 2
Thank you to all citizens who turned out in record numbers for this year’s budget Vote. While the Town and School operating budgets are determined, the Capital Budget was a tie and not approved by a majority of Qualified Voters (section 9.6 of Weston Town Charter) and was sent back to the BOF for review on 5/9/24. During that meeting, 3 out of the 4 cut capital projects were added back into the budget (+$450,000) the BOF also removed projected debt service for an Annex replacement ($291,000), bringing the total net budget decrease to 1.72% ($1,307,994). Watch ALL videos of previous budget meetings here: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo.

Upcoming Road Closures for Repairs
As Spring approaches, much needed bridge and road construction will soon begin. This email outlines the projected timeline for road closures during the construction period. Unforeseen delays may occur and, if they do, I will update everyone as needed. Please note this does not include summer paving which begins in the summer. The following road closures may affect routes normally taken:

• River Road Bridge Replacement (near the intersection of Good Hill Road): Complete Road closure for through traffic began on April 1st and continues through November 2024.
• Davis Hill Road Bridge Preservation (near the intersection of Valley Forge Road): This project is currently in winter shutdown and work resumed April 1st. During construction the roadway will remain open with only intermittent closures. Future updates will be provided in advance of any full day road closures.
• Michaels Way Bridge Replacement (at Newtown Turnpike): The Michael's Way bridge replacement may appear to be off to a slow start but, in fact, the project is underway. Required utility work is being completed prior to the closure of the roadway altogether. Eversource, Southern CT Gas, and Frontier Communications are coordinating the required work in a manner that will not cause any service disruption to the community. Complete closure of the span will occur around mid-May and continue until late Fall. Additional updates will be issued as required. Weston Department of Public Works.
• Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation: Final Design has been submitted to the CT DOT. Pavement and drainage repairs are scheduled to start late Spring 2024 and continue through the summer months. Construction will require intermittent road closures. This project has not yet been awarded and future updates will be provided.
• Georgetown Road Milling and Paving by The Connecticut Department of Transportation: CDOT will be repaving a portion of Route 57 (Georgetown Road) beginning on May 28, 2024. The milling and paving project will extend from the intersection of Route 107 (Redding Road) in Georgetown into Weston and finish at the intersection with Trails End Road. Road crews will operate from 7:00am until 5:00pm each day, there will be no work on Sundays. Georgetown Road will be down to one lane during construction hours. Traffic control will be handled by the Weston Police Department and CDOT personnel. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by June 13, 2024.

A Message from Weston Volunteer EMS
Have you ever thought about joining Weston Volunteer EMS but don’t like the sight of blood? You can still help. Weston VEMS is searching for people with any or all the following skills and experiences:

Fundraising
Marketing
Web Design and Development
Public Relations
Social Networking Platforms
Branding
Development Experience
Non for Profit Experience a plus

We stand together as a core of 100% volunteers. We need people to help with all aspects of our organization. We need you!
“Join us” and contribute your unique skills to our community.
“Join us” and gain a sense of purpose through service.
“Join us” and help us communicate our message of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”
If this is you or someone you know please email us at JoinUs@westonems.com

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.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, Thursday May 16, 2024 AT 7:30 PM Solar Arrays at Transfer Station
A special Town Meeting will be held at the Town Hall Meeting room pursuant to Article 111 of the Town Charter on the proposed lease of Town owned property located at 237 Godfrey Road to Greenskies Clean Energy for the proposed construction of solar arrays at the Town Transfer Station. See HERE information that was available for the public hearing on May 2nd .

The Food Scrap Recycling program at the Transfer Station update
Averaging 650lbs per week, we have over 200 households signed up. 4,500lbs since program inception 2 months ago diverted from Municipal Solid Waste! At this rate, we will easily reduce our Municipal Solid Waste by 13,000lbs per year. The participation in the program has exceeded our expectations and shows the dedication our residents have towards sustainability. For those wishing to sign up for the program, please click here: Food Scrap Recycling Signup **Please note the Transfer Station now accepts credit cards.

School Road Turning Lane Update: Voters Approve Land Sale to Connecticut DOT
At the Special Town Meeting on March 19 voters unanimously approved the sale of 6,600 square feet of town-owned land to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for nearly $85,000. The transfer is needed for the state-funded improvement of the intersection of Route 57 and School Road, where northbound traffic will have a dedicated right turn lane onto School Road and, southbound, the road will be slightly widened to facilitate left turns. The traffic light system will also be upgraded. We are confident that these upgrades will eliminate congestion at the intersection that builds up at the beginning and end of school days.

Road Paving Plan Underway
DPW Director, Larry Roberts is determining the deterioration and rehabilitation planning for our roads, in collaboration with the engineering firm, Beta Group. The BOS & BOF team approved a plan to collect more data with Beta. Data collection is nearly complete. The new plan should be in place by the end of the month and eventual approval via Special Town Meeting for financing will follow.

Pickleball Moves Forward!
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. Parks and Recreation commission has met with neighbors regarding implementing sound mitigation measures. The trees have been cleared and we will soon be starting the bidding process for the construction of the courts! 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.

Route 57 West Fest on Memorial Day Weekend
The WIS and Hurlbutt PTO’s proudly present the inaugural Route 57 West Fest, a vibrant celebration of arts and education taking place over Memorial Day Weekend at the Memorial Day Fair. This first-of-its-kind, two-day arts festival will feature an exciting lineup of local bands, including performances by talented student musicians and "rock star" parents, alongside a diverse array of daytime acts such as dance troupes and cheer squads. Under the mentorship of experienced PTO parents and guided by the expertise of an Emmy Award-winning executive producer, the festival not only promises a showcase of Weston's rich cultural talent but also offers a unique, hands-on learning experience for students involved in its production. Join us for a weekend filled with music, art, and community spirit, celebrating the extraordinary talent within our community.

Lachat Town Farm Spring Garden Market
Choose from a thoughtful selection of native and pollinator friendly perennial plants, annuals, organic veggies and herbs, Mother’s Day gifts and more. Visit the cafe for homemade baked goodies and coffee. Proceeds from this event will benefit current and future Lachat gardening initiatives, including, invasive removal, native plantings, educational programs and our Giving Garden which grows and harvests vegetables and fruit to support the Weston food bank.

Date: Saturday May 11
Time: 10:00: AM - 1:00PM

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

Human Services
Applications are now being taken for the CT Elderly and Disabled Renters' Rebate Program. Please get in touch with Weston Human Services at 203-222-2556 to schedule an appointment. More information and eligibility requirements can be found here: CT Renters' Rebate Program.

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

Bereavement Support Group With Rashida Miller, MSW
Monthly meetings are held every fourth Tuesday, 1-2 pm, at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Bereavement Support Group email list, contact Rashida Miller at rmiller@westonct.gov

FairyTale Farm
(Or What Happened After Happily Ever After)
an immersive adventure theatrical experience
LIVE at Lachat Town Farm , Weston, CT, May 17, 18 &19, 2024
This May, Lachat Town Farm will magically be transformed into Fairytale Farm! Guests will be transported into an enchanted countryside where they’ll meet hilarious characters from their favorite fairytales, all now living beside each other on a magical farm. Join Hansel and Gretel, determined to get in shape after quarantining together for months in The Witch’s Candy House... Hang with Pinocchio, a former child star now trying to find his place in the world as a real boy... Help a “Recently Woke” Beauty with her chores as she starts her new job caring for the goats... Watch Goldie and Baby Bear pitch their newest invention to Shark Tank... No one knows what might happen next or who might pop out of a barn on Fairytale Farm!

Play fun games, listen to thrilling stories and see how fairytale life plays out after happily ever after! The fully immersive theatrical experience is written and designed to be fun for kids ages 5 to 105. Fairytale Farm will run Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 17th, 18th &19th at Lachat Town Farm, 106 Godfrey Rd, W, Weston, CT, 06883. The experience is designed to last between 1-2 hours. Entrance times on Friday May 17th are 5pm & 6:30pm and entrance times Saturday & Sunday May18th & 19th are12pm & 1:30pm. Tickets are $25, available at www.lachattownfarm.org. Food and drink will be available to purchase at the farm.

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, Veterans Affairs Committee. The following elected board has a position available: Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. 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.

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

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

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