Opening Note:
This week’s July 4th Fireworks event was epic!  A large crowd had a safe and fun time on school grounds.  Since then, I’ve been thinking a lot about the expertise and excellence demonstrated by those that serve our community.  Quietly and without much fanfare, municipal employees, public safety volunteers and other local officials keep us safe and enhance our quality of life. Their flexibility and adaptability throughout the Covid pandemic has been exemplary.  I am grateful for them and their work.

Questions for Constituent Corner may be emailed to [email protected] and I will either answer you myself or forward you on to the right people!

Tri-Board Meeting of the Boards of Education, Finance & Selectmen
On Thursday, July 14th, 2022 at 6 pm, I will be hosting a Tri-Board Meeting of the Board of Education, Board of Finance, and Board of Selectmen.  At the meeting, the three boards will hear a presentation from Tecton Architects and the Chair of the Facilities Optimization Committee. The presentation is the culmination of two years of work by the Committee.  It contains the Committee’s recommendations.  Next steps will also be discussed.  In addition, members of the three boards will have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments.

Voter Registration Session For Upcoming Primaries
In preparation for the August 9th Democratic and Republican party primaries, the Weston Registrars of Voters will hold a special voter registration session on Tuesday, July 26th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm  at Weston Town Hall.  The Registrars will be available to hear requests by persons previously removed from the rolls to add their names back to the registry list and to register new voters. In order to be eligible to vote in the respective primaries, voters must be registered in the party by the deadlines listed below.  Unaffiliated voters are not eligible to vote in primaries in Connecticut.  If you are already registered to vote and are a member of either the Democratic or Republican party you are eligible to vote in your party primary.  To check your voter registration status on-line, visit https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.  If you are not registered to vote or would like to enroll in a political party and you have a valid CT Driver’s License you can register on-line at https://voterregistration.ct.gov.  The deadline to switch parties and to be eligible to vote in the primary was May 9th.  However, if you are a new voter or not enrolled in a political party you can register or enroll in a party through August 4th either on-line or by mail.  You may register to vote or enroll in a party in person at Weston Town Hall until noon on August 8th.  For questions regarding voter registration, please visit the Registrars of Voters website at https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/registrar-of-voters

From the Town Clerk
Dog License Reminder -  Dog licenses were due by June 30.  All dogs living in Weston six months or older must be licensed annually at the Town Clerk’s office. A current rabies vaccination certificate and spay/neuter confirmation must be presented at the time of licensing. All paperwork is returned to the dog owner. Any blind, deaf or mobility impaired person who is an owner or keeper of a dog trained to guide and assist him shall receive a license and dog tag at no cost.  You can register your dog in person or through the mail. The cost is $8.00 for a spayed or neutered dog and $19.00 if the dog is not. The license is valid from July 1st through June 30th. New residents who move to Weston and had a dog previously licensed in another Connecticut town may transfer the registration for $1.00. A replacement tag for lost tags is .50  You can find the dog license form here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/town-clerk   Remember – a license can help get your lost pet returned to you.

Weston Fine Arts Festival
July 16 and 17, 10:00 – 5:00
Hurlbutt Elementary School Fields
The Weston Fine Arts Festival returns on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 on the fields at Hurlbutt Elementary School.  The rain or shine event runs from 10:00 to 5:00.  Artists and vendors can register for the juried art show, artist booths, outdoor exhibit spaces, and market tables, visit the WestonArts website at: www.westonfineart.artcall.org

News From Planning & Zoning: ADU Regulations
New zoning regulations adopted by P&Z went into effect on June 20, allowing detached apartments to be built on residential properties. There are limits on size and other factors, but the regulations offer options and flexibility, especially for residents who would like a separate unit for family members. The new regulations can be found on the Town website and at the P&Z office in the Town Hall annex. https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8253/637908905579300000

PFAS Remediation Efforts APPROVED
As detailed in our previous announcements, the Town of Weston has detected PFAS in the School/Town Drinking Water System. The PFAS levels detected are within allowable legal limits. However, out of an abundance of caution, the schools and town offices have been using bottled drinking water until a permanent PFAS remediation system could be successfully installed.

Below is a status update:

1.  A prototype remediation system installed in April by the Town’s Certified Operator dramatically reduced PFAS levels to non-detectable levels in the drinking water.
2.  The Town’s Certified Operator submitted a design for a permanent remediation system to the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) for its review and approval.
3.  This week, the CT DPH approved the Certified Operator’s design for a permanent remediation system, and equipment associated with the permanent system was ordered.

The permanent remediation system will be installed and producing water in time for the fall school session. We are so grateful to the CT Department of Public Health for working hand-in-hand with the Town of Weston throughout this process. I would also like to thank our teams at the Weston Public Schools, Superintendent Wolak, Town Administrator Jonathan Luiz, and Aspetuck Health District for their support.

To review previous communications regarding the School/Town Drinking Waters System as well as the recording of the public information meeting with DPH, DEEP, WPS, TOW, and Health District officials please follow this link https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/weston-school-town-drinking-water-system-232

Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds Passes
The June 18th machine ballot vote was the final step in the process of determining how Weston will use its federal ARPA funds. The spending plan that had been proposed by both the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance passed with 72% voter approval.  Thank you to everyone that voted and to those that expressed their opinions and ideas about how the funds should be spend. Special thanks to my advisory team, to the Board of Selectmen and to the Board of Finance for the excellent collaboration, cooperation, and optimism demonstrated throughout the process. We will provide updates in future THH on how the approved projects are coming along. To see the list of approved projects and the associated dollar amounts, visit:  https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8165/637898351754930000

Road repaving:
-Farrell Rd, Tannery Rd South, Trails End and Merry Lane are done.  Repaving will soon occur on:
- Davis Hill Rd from the intersection of Steep Hill Rd to the intersection of Valley Forge Rd. Driveway aprons to be repaired are associated with house numbers 66, 89, 95 and 111. This Road also includes the entrance apron to Martin Rd. We anticipate that this work will begin next week.
- Lords Highway from the intersection of Newtown Turnpike to the intersection of Birch Hill Rd.  Driveway aprons to be repaired area at house numbers 42 and 58.

Cavalry Road Bridge Project Update
The new bridge is open to traffic!  We understand that Westport and Weston residents have concerns about the bridge. Staffs from both Weston and Westport have collated the concerns that were communicated to us in person, via email and by phone.  The list was shared with the project engineer/designer who has already begun to examine each of the issues.  At the advice of the Weston Police Chief and the Westport Police Chief, the Weston Public Works staff has performed stop sign related work near the bridge.  Specifically, they have reset stop signs, repainted white stop bars on the ground, and cut back vegetation near a particular stop sign.  A speed monitoring sign has also been placed near the bridge by Westport Police.

Weston invites the public to attend a virtual meeting on Monday, July 11th at 7:30 pm for the purpose of discussing the concerns that have been raised to date.  The Weston First Selectwoman, Weston Town Administrator, Westport staff, and the project engineer/designer will be in attendance.  The meeting will be held via Zoom.  To join via internet, use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84296566039 To join via phone, dial: +1 646 558 8656.  The Webinar ID is 842 9656 6039.

Bayberry Lane Bridge Replacement Project
The Town of Westport has begun replacing the Bayberry Lane Bridge over the Aspetuck River. The roadway will remain closed through November 30th 2022.  Local traffic has been directed through the designated detour route - Easton Road to Coleytown Road to North Avenue to Lyons Plain Road to White Birch Road, or the reverse, as necessary. Residents adjacent to the bridge have been notified of the road closure and detour. Motorists are advised to drive with additional caution, allow extra travel time, and obey all detour and safety signals.  Please direct questions about the project to Westport Town Engineer Keith Wilberg at 203-341-1128.

Crosswalk News
The State of Connecticut has almost finished an exciting pedestrian safety project on Weston Road.  The State hired the NyConn Corporation to install two Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons - one near the Weston Shopping Center signage and the other directly across the road from that signage.  NyConn says the project will be complete once Eversource turns on the power.

Lachat Town Farm Offutt Education Center
Construction on the new Offutt Education Center at Lachat Town Farm has begun! We are excited how this new space will enhance the programs and services of Weston's own community farm and we are so grateful to all those who have contributed and especially to the Daniel E. Offutt III Charitable Trust.  If you have any questions or concerns that come up during construction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Friends of Lachat President, Carol Baldwin by email at [email protected].

Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to Zoom into the virtual BOS 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    

Covid 19
Covid-19 updates and information are posted regularly on the town website. Please see here https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/emergency-management/covid-19  for more information.

Support for Ukraine
-Big Dreams Children Foundation Inc. is raising funds to support Ukrainian civilians during the war. Consider supporting its mission to address specific needs of Ukrainian people at the right time during this humanitarian catastrophe. Email Weston resident Iryna Akolzina for more information: [email protected]
-Big Dreams website: http://www.bigdreamscf.org/ukraine-humanitarian-aid 
-Link to donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=82BBTYF39YEK4 Please visit the Town of Weston Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/westonct.gov to see the results of the efforts to date.

A Message from EMS - EMS Class Starts 10/6/22
Become a certified EMS and join the Weston EMS. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch at [email protected]. Details on times to come.

Volunteers Needed for Town Boards
The following appointed boards have positions available: Assessment Appeals, Beautification, Conservation Commission, DEI Advisory Committee, Commission for the Arts, Historic District Commission, Marketing & Communications Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation, and the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Social Services
2022 Child Tax Rebate: You may be eligible for a child tax rebate of up to a maximum of $750 ($250 per child up to three children). To be eligible for this rebate you must meet all of the following requirements: 1) You must be a resident of Connecticut; 2) You must have claimed at least one child as a dependent on your 2021 federal income tax return who was 18 years of age or younger; and 3) You must meet certain income thresholds. For more information visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/Credit-Programs/Child-Tax-Rebate/Overview#:~:text=The%20child%20tax%20rebate%2C%20which,child%20up%20to%20three%20children  You must apply between June 1 and July 31, 2022

Parks & Recreation
Bisceglie-Scribner Pond is now open for swimming and recreational fun- passes available online and in-house. Family, individual and senior passes available.

Notice Taxes Due
The first installment of Real Estate and Personal Property and Motor Vehicle Taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2021 is due and payable on July 1, 2022. Failure to pay by August 1, 2022 will result in a late payment with interest of 1-1/2% per month starting with the July 1st due date per State Statute 12-145. Minimum interest charge is $2.00.  If you no longer have the vehicle, you must present proof to the Assessor at [email protected] or (203)222-2606.

You can mail or make payments at the Tax Collector window in Town Hall through August 1, 2022. Alternatively, taxpayers can place their payments in the drop box outside the side entrance to the Town Hall. Other payment options include paying online at www.westonct.gov or pay by phone at 855-844-0237. Service fees will apply.  If you have any questions, please email us or call our office at 203-222-2697.  

Please use the correct stub when making your payment. If you did not receive a tax bill, please contact the Tax Collector. You can also check online for payment amounts at the town website noted above. Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse the taxpayer from tax and delinquent interest (C.G.S.12-130).

Weston Senior Center - The Weston Flea
Saturday, September 10th (Rain date September 11th)
Reserve your spots by calling (203) 222-2608 or email Wendy: [email protected]

Weston Public Library
Don’t miss these kids programs at the Weston Public Library!

Talewise: Pirates Lost at Sea
Monday, July 11 @ 4:30 PM
Grades K and Up, Registration required
Ahoy there, matey! Set sail with us on a thrilling action-packed adventure about a crew of quirky pirates marooned on a desert island. Throughout the story, we’ll explore the incredible science behind clouds, physical and chemical changes, air pressure, and more! Don’t miss your chance to experience this interactive nautical tale — with a refreshing splash of science!

Icons Sticker Books: Build Your Own History Book
Wednesday, July 13 @ 4:00 PM
Ages 5+, Registration required
“Build your own history" using a Sticker Book that contains many of the most important, interesting and inspirational people, places, events and concepts of time! In this session we will be using the Icons Sticker Book and every participant will get their own copy to use and take home!

Mad Science: Sounds Like Science
Wednesday, July 20 @ 4:30 PM
Ages 5-12, Registration required
Join Mad Science of Fairfield County to explore the sounds of science! Kids get tuned into learning with exciting demonstrations and experiments, including the surprisingly loud dinosaur in-a-can, the glowing electric pickle, and a kid-created thunderstorm!

Pet Education with the Connecticut Humane Society
Multiple Dates and Times.
Ages vary by program.
Registration required separately for each session. Learn more about your pets, animal safety and how you can help. More information about each program is available on our website.
7/25 @ 4:00 PM, ages 10-18: Pet Professionals
8/1 @ 10:00 AM, all ages: Paws & Pages Storytime
8/3 @ 4:00 PM, ages 5-12: Safety PAWtrol

Chibi-Manga Cartoon Fun: Amazing Superheroes
Wednesday, July 27 @ 4:00 PM.
Ages 5-12, Registration required
Join Cartoonist Debi Hamuka-Falkenham in creating Amazing Chibi Superheroes. Kids have fun as they work on Chibi and Manga cartoon basics such as drawing faces, expressions, and how to create different action poses with lots of movement and expression. They will also develop their own unique cartoon characters and learn how to develop stories around their creations.