• Thursday beginning at 6pm -
  
• First 3 items Joint followed by Executive Session...and then one more, with #5 deferred to special meeting next week sometime - TBA
  
• Item #4 was the water system at both Ravenwood and the Town-School wells $133,700 - both approved unanimously each.  New consultant had been selected.  Short term and long term repair-replacement recommended by Building Committee
  
• Then Selectmen announced Lachat agreement with neighbors...61 people on the call - effectively a public hearing - finished by 7:45pm...8-24 at P&Z October 27 special meeting.
  
• Interviews (DEI, prosecuter/attorney, Sustainability, accountant plus);  appointments.
  
• Special Town Meeting approved 3-0 to be scheduled for Saturday November 6 at WHS Stadium 1pm-3pm - LIVE.
  
• Ordinance PH renewal:  We were the only member of the public left - and testified in favor of an unlimited permission for P&Z to contract with consultant review when needed, paid for now by applicant - for P&Z to hire their own expert and not have to pay him or her).
  
• Minutes approved.
  
•  Meeting ended @9:35pm.

     

• Public Hearing October 7, 7:30pm on Pesticides used by Eversource and
• Renewal of Land Use fees brought about during hearings - Ordinance - PH Oct. 7 instead  of Sept.  18 at 7:30pm.
• Appointment to Board of Education 
• Emergency Services at right (EMS, Fire Department, Police, Town dispatch), combining on new radio systems - hiring consultant to select best choice.

 
BOARD OF SELECTMEN 7:30pm tonight August 5, 2021

• Appointments made
• Iinterview of DTC appointment to Board of Selectmen,
  
• Fromson-Strassler fully remote public hearing on sale to ALT set for August 19, 2021 at 7:30pm (after which decision  to proceed to an adjourned special town meeting to machine ballot).
• Report on road resurfacing; 
  
• Economic survey $300 for license for Survey Monkey approved. 
  
• Proclamation on Pollinator Pathway read and approved,
  
• Dog Park estimates and revision postponed, 
  
• Food trucks on Town land to go out to bid soon. 
  

ONLY A "Double-feature" - no cartoons.  In the end only two (2) meetings Wednesday July 28th - Selectmen at 2pm over, Finance at 6pm over by 7:17pm;
Selectmen unanimous - $240k for additional roads to be paved;   Acting First Selectman elected, First Selectman resigns (effective 10am August 2, 2021).
Finance Board approved road repaving 4-1 - guess who voted "no" on road repaving.

Economic Vitality cancelled their 8pm.  As did Board of Ethics.


Adjourn.

At the Board of Selectmen July 15, 2021, 7:30-9:40pm.

Major Boards and Commissions open seats filled (pictured Finance [D])

So everything was on the table.  By “everything” I mean the full range of actions they oversee.

• Interviews and appointments to our volunteer governmental bodies  come first.  
• Then filling positions of staff vacancies. 
  
• Next up was the necessary things government must do.  Such as establishing a date for a public hearing on a Police Civilian Review Board final draft, after summer vacation.
• And re-starting the Town Green project (not planned to cost the taxpayers any money to construct). 
  
• Followed by grants received
  
• And regional support studies by our Regional Planning agency WestCOG.
• The best was left for last.  The Economic Vitality Committee will be using the skills of the Survey and Research Committee professionals to query those who work at “home” in local businesses. 

The last major item was some good news.  The Selectmen heard from the Finance Director.  End of year financial reporting showed tax collections up and a 20.4% fund balance projected!

oard of Selectmen July 1, 2021

1. Town Attorney to prepare Civilian Review Board Ordinance language for eventual Public Hearing.  Not on Zoom, we expect.
   
2. Valley Forge Day road-closing approved (motion by 3rd Selectman (l).
   
3. Dog Park To go ahead - if relocation gets OK from Conservation after map redone (Special Appropriation of $5k ok'd).  And price is reasonable.
4. New building permit system for modernizing records online ok'd.
   

BOARD OF SELECTMEN TONIGHT AT 7:30pm: 

• How to use Federal $$ for COVID - rules to be discussed on CCM webinar next month - Town Administrator takes charge...
  
• Remote meetings mandate to end July 20 (?)
• Town Hall reopening contingent upon union, Library - and upgrades to air quality, etc.;  tax payment to continue remote or outdoors, plus use of vault one person at a time, by appointment maybe?
• Record storage $5k approved for Town use - many steps to go before the consulting work and DPW finish testing water table level inside and outside structure (DPW  exterior test pits).   Thanks CC Chairperson Ted!
  
• FOOD TRUCKS - can they be used on Town property?  Who  gets the final word (WWEHD) - EVC originally proposed this - can they help here?
• Minutes (2 sets) approved.  Adjourned after exec session on land acquisition, no action, over.
  

JOINT SPECIAL MEETING, Selectmen, Finance


Were you paying attention Tuesday Oct. 27th?  The LWV of Weston Observer Corps was!!!

ACTION

1.Done
2.Done
3.Dispatcher
4.Board of Ethics resignation - done
5.Resignation ZBA - done
6.Resignation Lachat - art

7.Interview for Board of Ethics - what does the Board of Ethics do and how might it expand its role into more than what it does now?  Does this mean imposi.

8.Interview Commission for the Arts - overqualified JMO

9.Interview Diversity Committee candidate above left high school junior - we had to leave the meeting here. 

10.Lachat replacement barn

11.Donation accepted (?)
12.Small Town Economic Assistance grant - just an application but I'd bet we'll get it!

Previously had been schedule for this evening but..."new" dates

13.August 6th Public Hearing 6:15pm LOTCIP
14.August 6th 6:45 Public Hearing construction start/stop
15.August 6th Special Town Meeting at 7pm Davis Hill Road Bridge conveyance of parcels

16.Minutes - we assume approved.
18.Affordable Housing Grant update - we believe it was reported at a different meeting that we were successful getting this "carrot"
19.Adjourn

• Steve - most contentious year, unknowns.  What capital spending could be postponed or reduced?  Certain items couldn't be postponed.  Today we have no estimate for reopening schools and town.  Where is the money going to come from? 
  
• Majority says "Don't spend anything until operating costs going forward." 
  
• From Facilities Optimization Committee - we don't know what the enrollment will be.  Third grade larger than anticipated.  Kindergarten too.
• Allan is bullish on Weston. Two sources of economic shortfall  - in tax collection and increasing education budget increase.  Tax anticipation notes.
• Stephan moves to defer $500k capital expense, Chris seconds just to get it on the table...BUT Samantha says you gotta do the roads.  Selectmen v. Finance priorities.  ("Woof" from the audience) 1-2, motion fails.
  

• On July 16th - LOTCIP Public Hearing -starting at 6:15pm
• NOT YET - Start/stop time construction Public Hearing - 6:45pm.  Subdivision regs times to be followed universally?  Police to issue violation.  Chief just got back - noise levels not in this - put it off to check with Chief.
• On July 16th - Davis Hill Road bridge conveyance Special Town Meeting 7pm - Assessor says estimate OK.  $2900 purchase price.
  

• Delay - liquidity problem perhaps. 

• Capital Budget - don't cut Senior Center Ramp; culvert on Timbermill.  Hart Lane drainage - ice buildup, school projects.  Gotta do them.  Bd of Ed's too.  Road resurfacing a $550k item -put of if $56k spent for crack sealing.  What of extra $350k added in?

• Tax anticipation notes.  We should proceed but we should hold off on $490k 'til July 2021 - Selectmen could, and might well ask Finance to come in 2 weeks for deeper reasoning.

• Town Hall is a mess.
• Lynn (Aquatics), Laura (Social Service), Karen Bennet (maybe Library) readying PPP, plexiglass, signs, hand sanitizer.  
• Can't tell when it (Town Hall) will be ready for its close up (my phrase). 
  
• Town Hall coming along - 1950's building shows surprises - going smoothly - extend closures.  Thru July 5th.  Make it 17th. 
  
• Policies and procedures for use.  Cleaning.  Temperature checks before starting work day. 
  
• By appointment?  Contact tracing. 
  
• Assessor 100% remote.
  
• Town Clerk has been open for service (answering questions) thru a window.
  

• Joint bidding and trash management. 
  
• Public Hearing "Solid Waste."  Nick Bamonte, town att'y describes update and consolidation.  20 to 11pp.  Allows for adjusting to market forces.  Cardboard prices, if they rise, we can separate cardboard. 
  
• June 18? PH on Ordinance - question- can they help with Emerald Ash Borer?
  
• PH to be a member of HRRA 7pm June 18, 2020.  CITY CARTING to be replaced by HRRA for recycling. 
  
• Authority to join once ordinance passes to First Selectman - alternate Town Administrator.

• July 1, 2020 Tom Failla new Tree Warden.
• Lachat appts made. 
  
• Sgt. Joe Miceli to Pre-Disaster Mitigation  reappointed. 
  
• Lynne Barelle, Town Historian, reappointed.
  
• Bldg Comm -  Dave C., John Rodgers,  Edmund.  Reappointed.
  

• Proclamation to EMS.

• Lyette resigned from Beautification;

• Allen Swerdlowe, Michele Knapp resignations.  Thanks to Jonathan from Allen.

• Survey/Research committee - lots of work to come!  Moved in a month ago.  Appointed.

• Economic Vitality - Carolyn;  Stephan, Samantha unan. 

• Economic Vitality - Charlie;  Samantha, Stephan unan.

• Lachat reappointments.  Stephan, Samantha unan.

• Senior Center:  No complaints.  Exercise via Zoom.  VIRTUAL SENIOR CENTER. Curbside lunches every week free.  Peter's food.  Weston Arts will do music. Grocery deliveries.  Will do medical appointments when allowed.  Redeployed I-Pad?

• Library:  Adapted to digital world.  100% digital.  Curbside delivery.  First phase of reopening - reinventing how we do our library.

• Discussion to hire Brian Humes to over see design & construction/clerk of the works.  Full steam ahead.  Couple of months proposal.  Then to community to approve.  Samantha, Stephan unan  Funds $7500

• Supplementals, notes, bonds can have in person. 
  
• Budget not part of that.  In person Town Meetings not allowed.
  
• Some work needed to have electronic Town Meeting.
  
• Municipal waste ordinance public hearing?  Can electronic meeting be adequate? 
  
• Vernon budget model - "drive by ratified"
• Exec. Order "JJ" - land use and building permits, among other things:  https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-7JJ.pdf?la=en

Present

• Summer camps. 
  
• Fireworks not safe because of COVID-19. 
  
• Guidance from Board of Education - potential for use of school facilities.
• May 15th recommendation on camps.  Different kinds of camps.  Kids miss interaction.
  
• MOTION:  July 4th fireworks cancelled.
  

• Depends on schools too.
• Virtual programs

• Fields - Weston one of the last to close down. 
  
• Reports on:  Local hospitals.  ICU beds. 
  
• Opening the track next.  Checking flow. 
  
• Then turf fields. No team sports. 
  

• Samantha (and Stephan in part) want more signs (to put it bluntly) telling people what they should NOT do.  Trash cans for masks and gloves - fields signs at the head of School Road -  "Weston residents only."
• Chris:  Enforcement should not be bluffing.  (HE IS SO RIGHT ON THIS - moi);
  
• Stephan:  Summing up - should you open up the track only - or multiple places at once?  THERE IS A PLAN:  Track Monday, Friday fields, following week Morehouse.  Self regulating.  Track is good test case.
  

April 16, 2020, 7:30pm Board of Selectmen "Special" meeting (not a "Special" just special in the sense that it was virtual).
Via Zoom;  14 people plus the 4 above on the line.  Virtual pledge of allegiance.

• Tax Collector reports on deferral - grace period. (After discussion, Selectmen seemed to favor this).
  
• Or low-interest collection % during grace period. (After discussion, too many questions from all involved). 
  
• Questions discussed - main points we picked out:
• Escrow?  Nope.  How many could be eligible and details of how this could be determined revealed even more questions.
  
• What's the math?  Can we afford to do this?  $13 million cash for 90 days...then what?  Who knows? 
  
• Options?  Inviting complications.  How to make this practicable?  No back up to be sure?  Honor system?  "Sign and attest" that the applicants were telling the truth. 
  
• Get tax bills out as fast as possible.  Stephan moves, Samantha seconds for deferral - unan.

5.  First Selectman's report - COVID-19 42 cases.  Town Fields OK, folks picking up after dogs.  News:  2 officers recovering.  AMAZING GOOD NEWS:  Unsolicited - Sidewalk Project ADA plus signage to be done by DOT.  Rte 57 X-walk - sounded like CT will foot the bill as well.

6.  Add to Agenda Kirby Brindsal to Lachat Town Farm Commission.  Motion S

NEWS:  Former Weston FORUM editor, awesome journalist, is now Wilton Bulletin assistant editor...
When you read the full story you may note that Wilton appears to be doing a do-over:

• Because the Board of Finance is wondering about the ability of folks to pay property taxes?
• Or because, if you read the article, it appears employee health insurance has not been transferred to the State Plan yet.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

• The agenda included Tax Relief program rewrite review, update on Transfer Station/recycling proposal, report on Connecticut Tourism Board and...
• Shown above, "Town Green" from Beautification Committee - seeking endorsement from the Selectmen (they received it).
• Construction after their fundraising is complete. 
  

As noted above, we found out everything from Selectmen:

• Various appointed entities are hard at work trying to figure out roads, 3R's (reduce, reuse, recycle), and garbage.  .
• We note the presence of the Hearst newspapers as well as our own Weston-Today;
• Westport NEWS report:  https://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Weston-selectmen-approve-13-million-town-budget-15066468.php#photo-19053798

• New member of the Veterans Affairs Committee (photo above); 
  
• New member to Building Committee (not in attendance but having been previously interviewed by Building Committee to select preferred professional expertise).
• Dispatcher submits resignation.
  

SIDEWALK DESIGN CONTRACT approved giving First Selectman authority to move this ahead according to budget.

Library Children's Room grant approved.

PUBLIC HEARING ON SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE:  Feb. 20. 2020 at 7pm.  Update of old ordinance.

Paramedic contract Wilton - Weston with Norwalk Hospital approved, 2 1/2 percent increase.

Approved WestCOG application for regional grant funds.  See our 2020 Short Session page here.

Minutes of previous meeting approved.

SPECIAL Board of Selectmen, January 9, 2020 at 7pm

Board of Selectmen in Town Hall at 7:30pm (until 8:40pm) - first meeting of 2020

• Interviews/appointments (including last 2) for Facility Optimization Committee, that entity to prepare RFP for study of Town/School cooperative efforts.
• Tons of appointments and re-appointments (see agenda above). 
• Note made that Selectmen were now "paperless" - all three having "tablets" including meeting agenda and backup material.
  

So big? 
Discussions ensued about projects mentioned below - still leaving Weston with 14% in reserve.
PUBLIC SAFETY - EMS

Date for Special Town Meeting set for Monday February 3rd (snow date Feb. 10th), although we caution that no vote was taken...

"Call" to have perhaps three (3) items - to be determined by Board of Finance: 

• #1 - Public Safety Facility/EMS Headquarters and  including @$75,000 for fixing Dispatch area;
  
• #2 - Telecommunications equipment upgrade for Police and Fire Department/EMS and other Town departments as needed.
• #3 - If necessary as determined by the Board of Finance, building a bridge with Town picking up 20% (in three parts over three years) we thought we heard...
  

• If and when there will be a Tax Sale (in March 2020, as we have since discovered).
• Who got appointed to which Board, Commission/Committee...
• When the Public Safety Facility-EMS Headquarters will be at the Historic District Commission (the Town Administrator told me Jan. 8, 2020 at 8pm - he had come from the Selectmen back to the Finance Board...)
• When is the Special Town Meeting to approve the above project?  PLUS the Radio-Telecommunications project? (Decision on the equipment selected Jan. 2, 2020 Board of Selectmen, 2 to 3 weeks later, Special Town Meeting @Jan. 20).
  

Board of Selectmen Thursday December 19, 2019, agenda. 
 

There were interviews galore for various offices - some reappointments, some new entities: 

- Discussion/decision to reappoint Mark Harper as Animal Control Officer.  Did they?
 
- Interview of candidates for the Building Committee: Kristin Rinaldi and Edmond Warchick.

- Discussion/decision to reappoint Amy Jansen to the Library Board - did they?

- Discussion/decision "to make appointments" to the Library Board???  What kind of "decision" was this?  Related to Children's section grant?
 
- Interview of candidates for the Public Works Advisory Committee: Don Saltzman, Susan Moch and John Troxell - second set of interviews

- Interview of candidates for the Facility Optimization Committee Interviews: Sarah Hutchison and Rick Bertasi - second set of interviews

- Discussion/decision to appoint Debbie Rehr as an alternate on the Board of Assessment Appeals - did they?
 
- Interview of Kerem Dinlenc for the Economic Vitality Committee - we answer our own question:  When did the formation of this committee get started?  Answer, a while ago.  Charge?

• 3 member appointed entity "to highlight the importance of economic vitality to our overall quality of life"
• this entity to show support for small and home based business...
• Economic sustainability;
• Promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Weston.
  

- Interview of candidates for the Marketing and Communications Committee: Ilene Richardson and Leslie Riback.  This group keeps terrific minutes recently!!!
 
- Interview of candidates for the Board of Education vacancy: Tom Roughan and Amy Jenner - second set of interviews
 
- Discussion/decision to appoint Bill Lomas to the Bike and Pedestrian Committee - did they and does this relate to sidewalks in the central part of town?

- Interview of Corey Wrin for the Survey Research Committee Interview - see below.

We stepped into the Selectmen's meeting 8:45pm (after major activity at Board of Finance appeared to be over) amid the interview for Survey & Research position... And we wonder if Survey Research Committee to be doing more in 2020 to delve into how to keep taxes down (just joking)?  

Discussion/decision to submit an application for a certificate of appropriateness to the Historic District Commission for the proposed Fire/EMS/Dispatch/Town Hall project and two benches on
the library grounds.  Set for January 8, 2020 - reported at Board of Finance by Town Administrator.

Discussion/decision to authorize a real estate tax sale  - YES there will be another TAX SALE, reliable source.

• Reappointments made;
  
• Not all applicants listed on agenda showed up - there will be more interviews and then decisions in 2 weeks, at next Selectmen's meeting.
• And one of these new Committees might like to read some of what we've observed on previous "Global Facilities" effort here.  Includes link to that previous entities' final report.
  
• More work needed before final text of Ordinance limiting home repair/construction ready for public hearing (with fines, etc)...
• Pilot Hill land value will disappear from Grand List is the down side - but you can never go wrong possessing land (JMO) - they're not making it any more (around here)!
  

  

• $11 million of existing debt to be refinanced earning 2% in savings to the town - both Boards approve in separate votes;
  
• Road repaving starting with Cannondale Road milling - maybe even tomorrow!  Work will proceed in order as above.  Both Boards approve extra $90,000 if needed - with one "no" on Board of Finance.
  
• Resignation accepted.
  
• L.E.D. LIGHTING - example - this is to save money in the long run.
  

• M A R K E T I N G   A N D    C O M M U N I C A T I O N   C O M M I T T E E :   T H E    L O G O - I T A L I C ?
  

• The Board of Selectmen meeting dates for 2020 established.
• Minutes of previous meeting approved.
• Executive Session with no action to be taken - more strategy.
  

• The September 19 Regular Meeting took 65 minutes:
• They accepted resignations, made appointments,
  
• interviewed 2 candidates for Commission on Children & Youth.
• Voted to hold a 2nd annual Tax Sale (February 2020) on non-vacant properties in arrears for 3 years (minimum $50,000).*
• Voted to move ahead with repair of Michael's Way structure under Federal Bridge repair program. 
• Discussed ways to create 501C3 for general gifts to government which can be made specific to projects.  No decision.
• Issued tax refunds.
• Approved minutes of previous meeting.
  

• SPECIAL APPROPRIATION:  Road paving program approved - doubling the dollar amount that was spent last year.  Playing catch up.
• HEADS UP:  Application for competitive grant to be submitted - dirty diesel conversion funding (from Volkswagen mass settlement).
• End of year financial report, approval of minutes.

• Just when we thought they might have run out of creative ideas...charge to Sustainability Committee  to explore new ideas regarding opportunities to recycle new items!
• New M.O.U. to be signed for use of South House space for Senior Center plus parking spaces.
• Special Appropriation of $5k to improve Ravenwood Water communication of status of system with Town Hall.
  
• Appointments to Historic District Commission, Sustainability Committee;  resignation, H.D.C.
  

• Appointments made, resignations accepted;
• Hunting item show above (by bow, in trees, aiming downward) annual hunt on Town-owned property September 16, 2019 to January 31, 2020  Locations:
• Lachat upper field,
  
• Bisceglie across the river,
  
• Transfer Station,
  
• Moore Property,
  
• Fromson-Strassler.
• Reports on road paving - School Road being done now;  other roads to be done in September and October, weather permitting.
  
• Hurlbutt South House project update:
  

School will be opened, on time, asbestos remediated - very little of it in the first place to be causing a problem. 
Work will continue to complete the project at Hurlbutt South House after school hours (3pm) on the boiler repairs - to be completed before October 15;
Workers to be in Senior Center in the mornings.  Since this job can be done room by room, adjustments will be made daily - gym to be done first.

• Vacancy on Board of Education filled;
  
• Union grievance withdrawn by thoughtful and always caring DPW staff member (if grievance pursued [docked 2 days pay] complaint from member of the  public would be public record, could not be kept from press);
• Board of Selectmen meets to discuss Lachat  plans for other compatible use for its facilities (and to help rebuild the maintenance fund) - no decision until next meeting to allow full review with neighbors.
• Speaking of income, review of use of Senior Center rooms for private religious education agreement - emphasis on it being only one day at as time to be sure Senior Center has priority.
  
• Sidewalks (l):  Committee formed (First Selectman and Town Administrator non-voting members) - to plan for "roll out" of first phase (RED). for next summer construction (lots to do to make best use of $400k grant);
• Soccer Club informal discussion about reviewing the way Replacement Turf is funded - if it is a "user fee" it might be arranged on a sliding scale;  or plain pay-as-you-go as in how field lights are financed in some places?
• Road repaving plans changed - need for "global review" first by BETA GROUP (the project determining how to keep track of road conditions and plan for future work).
• Appointment made to Arts Commission (and second applicant has been put in line for a nice and useful job - T.B.A.)
  
• 2nd Selectman gives First Selectman's report - progress on Library addition and maintenance fund to support in discussion.
  

• July 11th Public Hearing (7:30pm, Town Hall) on broadband "cabinets" for 2 locations.
• We asked: "How big?"  What are the proportions?  Ans. 51" by 42" by 19"
  
• And "Is this the total number needed in Weston?"  I think so...
  
• Are Altice's "cabinets" able to withstand snow plows?  He said they would be set back 50' - but another member of the audience said it didn't look like 50' in shoulder of road...
  

• Director of Public Works Lou Martirano explained technical details of what was proposed ("$200,000 per mile average nationally[?]"). 
  
• Agenda for Regular Selectmen's meeting posted - 2 members on speakerphone.
  
• First Selectman Chris Spaulding read letters from the Field Club - no action taken on funding request.
  

1. Then a vote named Donna Anastasia Town Clerk under new Charter rule if approved. 
2. And presentation of "Town Green" project.  Vote to send the proposal, which the Selectmen support, to P&Z for 8-24.  POWER POINT:  http://www.westonct.gov/media/file/WestonTownGreen2019-06-06.pdf
3. Cavalry Road Bridge sent to P&Z and Conservation (Inland Wetlands Commission) with a June 20 Public Hearing for a Flood Zone Permit - we didn't catch the location.  Will this be on the agenda for the 24th instead?
   
4. Eversource appeared with experts who had not been present May 9th;
   
5. Public Hearing June 20th at 7:30pm, Town Hall Meeting Room on Altice request for we think 2 more locations for infrastructure for better internet service...we had been out of the room and missed this - considering that Finance Board is meeting in this location, will this item also appear on the P&Z Special meeting June 24th?
   
6. Weston Field Club. NOTE:  All or at least most of the items on previous agendas (see previous agendas on this page) about "real estate" executive sessions may have involved hearing informally from various boards involved in this potential purchase. 
   
• Each Selectman basically apologized for the seemingly secret negotiation. 
  
• Selectmen explained the request for a $75,000 Special Appropriation and voted 3-0 to approved this item to do a full environmental review of the 28.8 acre parcel. 
  
• The Town is not committed to purchase until Special Town Meeting in the future votes to approve it.
7. Selectmen approves $5000 request for Special Appropriation to back up a grant for "transportation" and we note that we have no idea what this is all about.  Welook forward t reading the Draft Selectmen's minutes for June 6th and updating this report at that time.
8. Minutes approve from previous meeting.   Adjourn (9:32pm)
   

• Resignation accepted and then,
  
• Appointment made (Children & Youth),
  
• Tax refunds,
  
• Minutes approved,
• Executive Session (union contract, legal strategy, real estate); 
  
• Came out of Executive Session, then voted approval of contract.
  
• Set date Special Town Meeting (for discussion) June 6, then machine vote June 13, 12 noon to 8pm, Town Hall.

1. Schools request and receive approval from Selectmen to reimburse them for emergency repairs to Zenon Plant and septic overflow and other repairs.  Finance Board to take it up tonight.
   
2. Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, May 23 at 7:30pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room - new Transfer Station fees and times.
3. Friends of Lachat request to have the Town share in the cost of repair to much used driveway.  Selectmen approve $21k request - which will go to Board of Finance later this evening.
4. Eversource shows up in force to explain why they didn't follow up notifying the Town of Weston regarding their change in plan - pictured, project managers at front table.
5. Tourism representative to regional program appoints, minutes approved.
   

Board of Finance/Board of Selectmen executive session held.  We note Parks&Rec director included in first part.  "Real Property" the reason given for executive session - could it be Revson Field issue?

1. Add two items (by motion and vote) to April 4th Regular Selectmen's Meeting agenda.  Remember the mass Public Hearing with Ordinances as well as Code changes?
2. Expect push back on Citations (2), as well, JMO.  If and when this process ever gets underway.  Talk about the public not being aware of what's happening...
   

      

• New website designers chosen (discussion of new features to be included).
  
• Discussion of process of selection - not just price!  (We attended this event - but only the beginning - for Town staff q&a);
  

• Special Town Meeting May 9th at  7:30pm, Town Hall Meeting Room,
  
• Machine vote May 18th 12 noon to 8pm, THMR

• To be erased via paying one-time fine of $43,667
  
• And having CT Audubon (included in the fine amount?) construct another wetland in the sub-watershed that includes school campus.

• Uses FACEBOOK for communication.
  
• "SWOT" analysis above - "strengths" 
  
• And "community outreach" effort [r].

First Selectman and Finance Board Chair. were very serious about this...

Tri-Board as long as Dr. Zhivago (almost)...


Public spoke afterward (l):

  
INCLUDING QUESTION ON NEW BILL...

• Super-fast meeting.  Pictures tell the tale. 
  
• Besides approving minutes the Selectmen approved a second virtual net metering agreement. 

• First Selectman's Budget (3.3% increase) reviewed by the Board of Selectmen;
  
• Approved with proviso that more work needed on dump sticker fee.
• Five year bill for M.E.R.S. - $177,000 per year - mandated from above.

FIVE - TEN PERCENT OF WESTON'S TREES AT RISK
Tree Warden's budget discussed - informational because Emerald Ash Borer collapse discussed.  

• Appointments made, resignation accepted.
  
• Minutes approved. 
  
• Property Tax Refunds done.
  
• Long discussion of coyotes that we were asked not to public photos of...locations of attacks, types of interceptors, etc. shown.
  

 

L.E.E.D.?  Yes.  Recognizes the need to respect original design - complementing it.

   

• First Selectmen, non-voting chair.,
• 3 members of the Library Board (one will be Vice-Chair.),
  
• 2 members of the Building Committee,
  
• one member of Board of Finance,
  
• one at-large member,
  
• Committee meets during the day - a lot.

• Had been any thought given to the septic system/well now in use in the Town/Library area as well as neighboring facilities? 
  
• Specifically, the location of the septic fields.
• Considering additional impervious surface and extra bathrooms...
• We note on another subject, minimal extra parking to be provided by redesigning the parking lot.  No new impervious surfaces created there!
  

• "No"vote based upon objection to poor drafting - i.e. "sewage treatment plants and public water supply" in a Weston ordinance???
  
• State Rep Hughes in the audience. 
  
• Senator Haskell sits on Environment and it sent a CONCEPT to be drafted on fracking: 
  
• Actually one has been submitted by others, too:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5244&which_year=2019
  
• The one speaker who had questions did not get them answered before the PH was closed and a vote was taken.
  

• Sidewalk Grant ready to be inked! 
  
• Plus we got approval from WestCOG for School Road/Route 57 intersection and extra lane INCLUDING $250k traffic light funding.
• Police get grant for devices to permit immediate reporting of incidents

      

Special Board of Selectmen includes Public Hearing on December 13, 2018 in Weston Library.  Lasts 90 minutes.  The application not yet filed with CT Siting Council.
Library staff hired, Then Public Hearing on revisions to power poles in Northwest Weston held.  We submitted testimony.  Neighbors from both sides of Route 57 testified plus Town Administrator also spoke.  Answers to technical question at one point came from...Town TV!

    

1. Samantha Nestor appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Selectmen - vote to make her Acting First Selectman ("2nd");
   
2. Ruby Hedge appointed to the Board of Education (Nestor resignation);
3. Jeff Farr appointed to the Board of Finance  (Jerry Sargent resignation);
4. Greg Murphy appointed to Board of Finance (Bob Ferguson resignation);
5. Brian Humes' (pictured above) presentation/power point:  History since 2013 of Firehouse and Police Department/communications center now minor upgrade approved to go to P&Z for 8-24 in January 2019;
6. Selectmen vote 3-0 to send $2,275,140 project to P&Z for 8-24 approval.
   
7. LEGAL NOTICE ITEMS APPROVED FOR THE THIRD TIME:  Stormwater regs, 2 Code amendments/fines and plastic checkout bag ban - to be published in the Norwalk HOUR.
8. Four (4) grant applications - matching funds needed - encumbering @$285k - to go to Finance Board tonight at 7:30pm.

• The Weston Town Charter says that the CT State Statutes prevail in this case, which is my opinion, of course. See below.
  
• Town Charter specifies that any appointments made in instances such as this demand replacement by a member of the Party of the previous office holder.
  
• However, as was done in Easton (which does not have a Charter) just this year, with 20 signatures any elector may call for a special election to fill a vacancy. 
  
• The election in this case (see above) must take place no later than 150 days following the filing of approved petition.

   

Our sympathies to the family of Selectman Gordon.

THE FIRST HISTORIC DISTRICT...FOR NOW;  C.G.S. REFERENCE
Above, the area for the Public Safety Complex 2018 proposal.  More on Selectmen here and Finance here.

• Eversource representative got a grilling from the three Selectmen, one on speakerphone. 
  
• We note that the Board of Selectmen asked questions of their own as well as asking submitted questions based upon a full internet search.
• NOTE:  When this website was revised in 2015, our reporting on the 345kv project as well as other related matters from previous decades was taken off-line.  But we have it for reference..
  

•     Public Hearings combined with Board of Selectmen agenda - each PH closed after public input complete;  Board of Selectmen discussion, vote.
•     Bonds refinanced - special attorney for bonding - saving $400k plus.
•     The room was overflowing with school kids including a W.H.S. video crew.
•     A few people from Newtown & Stamford present, allowed to speak.
•     All 4 items passed but not all were unanimous...MS4 and Plastic Bags 2-1 vote.
•     Interviews for WWHD.
•     Selectmen approve bow hunting as described from Special Meeting last week - question of "hold harmless" and need for written procedures (by the Selectmen)  to be addressed.
•     Tax refunds, 3 sets of minutes approved.
  

• Approving up to $5000 for design for extended sidewalk planning in order tp get grant. 
  
• CTDOT mandate approved ("take it or leave it").  Relates to bridges.
  
• Bow-hunting - 5 sites selected, dates - thru the end of January.  Time for beginning and overall approval set for Oct. 4th meeting.
  

    

BAMBI ATTENDED SPECIAL BOARD OF SELECTMEN AT 11am
Board of Selectmen met to set bow hunting sites on Town property - no vote taken until Oct. 4 Selectmen's meeting.  Bambi will pass the news along to others.

2018 locations:  Transfer Station, Fromson-Strassler, Lachat rear field (after Lachat Town Farm is finished with events for the year), Moore property, Bisceglie (only the west side over the river)

• NEW Fracking Waste Ordinance (CCM version) - (2-1).
  
• NEW "No plastic bags in retail establishments allowed" Ordinance
  
• NEW Municipal separate storm sewer system Ordinance (2-1)
  
• Chapter 39 of Town Code
• Chapter 145 of Town Code

• Conservation is a creature of State Regulations/DEEP
• P&Z is serious business and gets sued a lot.  So they want control of activities to keep down legal costs.
  
• What is the Board of Education responsible for implementing in the "sustainability" area?  Ans. -  Their campus plus tertiary  treatment plant are ripe for needing more protection.
  

• FRACKING ORDINANCE  Town Attorney recommendation questioned.  Sept. 6, 2018 at 6pm PUBLIC HEARING vote 2-1 in favor (on the original proposal hours earlier PH was August 2nd). 
• STORM WATER/SEWER2015:  More on MS4.  No action.
  
• No action on "hearing officer" proposal - we will be facing Westport-style (a Town with a different form of government and much more than twice as may people) agitation?  Iron fist of Enforcement.  How would you like to be the volunteer? In Weston you don't argue, you sue the Town and everyone else.  Who the heck wants to confront a resident who may be accused of violating some part of the Town Code (and what exactly would that be - and how do P&Z violations differ from those of Conservation, Selectmen ordinances)?  Idiocy.  And who would want to get sued?  What good is it to make a double layer of enforcement if you depend on execution of ordinances by people turning in their neighbors?  Not to be repeating myself, but you think people won't hire lawyers?  "Blight" hearing officer...do we define "blight?"
  
• Enforcing of violations. more lawyers.
  
• PLASTIC BAG ordinance.  PUBLIC HEARING also Sept. 6th at 6pm.
• DO NOT CREATE ORDINANCE as Legislature empowered town to do. "Community organization" specified to receive donations appears to not a an I.R.S. accepted work around to new Federal Tax Law.

• Agenda item added - addition to main firehouse for sleeping quarters for EMS.

• Special Town Meeting set for Thursday July 19, 2018 at 6:45pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room.

• Approval of Juvenile Review Board services, 12 cases for $15,000 for one year for City of Norwalk services.  Board of Finance approval needed we think.
  

• Resignations accepted, appointment made.  Tax refunds approved.  Executive Session - no decision made.

• Animal Control report (#1added to agenda - went first).
• Receipt of retirement news.
  
• Commission on the Arts reports.  Awesome!  Looking forward to the "Movie Under The Stars" September 1st (we heard what it would be, but will not disclose the title).
• Lachat Homestead-related Special Town Meeting coming in July; 
• As this was a Regular Meeting, items are permitted to be added to the agenda.  And two were: 
  
• Little League June 26 &  28 games at Bisceglie lighted fields to be until max. 10:15pm (#2 item added).
• Vote to go into executive session including Town Administrator ("real estate"), no action to be taken.
  

• Later in the meeting reappointments were made to the Insurance Advisory Committee. 
  
• This was an interesting discussion of the possibility of through regional contacts and use of the larger pool at state-wide level,
  
• Insurance costs might be brought down?
  

1. Mile of Safety begun under Dr. Keating (who had just come to Weston from Ridgefield...);
2. Police Station #1 in central part of town in the municipal complex, next door to Hurlbutt Elementary School;
3. Regional Crime lab close to other buildings on "Mile of Safety" - officers on duty from many towns there.
   

 

EXCELLENT PRESENTATIONS

• And finally an update on 8-24 for Lachat lease arrangement with Friends of Lachat to run homestead. 
  
• Nature Conservancy still reviewing the lease.  
  
• When they finish a Special Board of Selectmen meeting needed to approve and set date for Special Town Meeting...

• Architects Jacunski and Humes to design and supervise SILK TOWN in construction for $230,000 plus.  Budget is $300,000.
  
• Depending on what the conditions metal studs are in, an add on of $55,000 for replacements might be needed.
• Both other Selectmen were on speakerphone.
  

 

    

• Appointments made, interviews held, various job descriptions adopted.
• Cavalry (Road) Bridge (and shared bridges) policy.
• Second Referendum date (if needed) with "too high, too low" DATE:  May 17th, 12 - 8pm, Town Hall Meeting Room
• Sustainable CT Certification Program proposed by Sustainability Committee - approved.

• Minutes approved.

First Selectman plugs various good things to happen - like Household Hazardous Waste Day April 28th, 8:30am to 12:30pm.  Green Up Day.

P.S.  I wonder if the intent of naming a second date for a "too high too low" vote is intended to have the first date cancelled? I say that because this is the way the Town website phrases the scheduled first date:


Wasn't there a public notice of this already, not to mention voting by those who attended the aborted ATBM???

• Strong on Land Use (not mentioned here, but Westport, also his firm's town, has had 8-30g issues).
• There will be a transition plan with present Town Attorney regarding who finishes off which cases...

1. Board of Education bats .500 - a "yes" on the Special Ed overrun - which I heard as "$1.7" but actually was "$1.1 million" - I specifically asked those who should know after 4-19-18 meeting; 
2. First Selectman brings up the fact that the Selectmen now have only $84.000* left to use for supplemental appropriations before July 1**.
3. Then no voting on #2 request because they would have had to say NO for the record...for the $15,000 request for IT to save them from using their own funds (which might be compromised).  Second Selectman on speaker phone.

• Appointment to Building Committee. 
  
• Accepts reluctantly resignation from Sustainability Committee. 
  
• Some things on agenda put off, looks like - but always nice to know what may be coming!
  

Saving the best for last - CT HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD
And get ready for an 8-24 to P&Z on the subject of having a farmer live in the apartment in the Lachat Homestead, which would be possible if the Friends of Lachat get a sub-lease of the Homestead from the Town.  Full details will be worked out since 3rd Selectman will have to pass his version by the Town Attorney and Friends of Lachat as well as Lachat Town Farm Commission.  And the deadline is PLANTING SEASON

• NOT close Bisceglie Pond - this year.
• To proceed with investigation only of ways to save money for the Town - reducing the week-day availability of the Transfer Station by collapsing hours.
• Cut the additional children's librarian - did not do this.
• Cut $10,000 out of Capital Budget for Town Plan consultant.
• Adjust Police Department request total to @$31,000 less.

SO
SO WHAT ARE THE TAX IMPLICATIONS?
What we picked up as an overarching policy was to not depend on $$ from outside sources.  Also, a willingness to possibly defray the effects of additional capital expenditures.
Town Hall/Fire Department roof replacements and related maintenance $$ for buildings mentioned as well as reduction in General Fund balance.

HOW WILL THIS PROPOSED BUDGET AFFECT DEPARTMENT BUDGETS AND FUTURE PLANS?  SEE RED STAR FOR WHERE THE SPECIAL ED INCREASE WAS SUBSUMED INTO THE SCHOOL BUDGET.
What we heard was that with deadlines approaching, the details of how the plan for transparency will wait 'til next fiscal year.  We are not surprised, as long ago it became clear to us, as a PhD in bureaucracy [we are joking here - what we are talking about is organizational behavior in the public sector, learned about while studying for a Ph D in planning, that "government time" is always "times two" (if not more).

   
BOARD EXPLAINS TO TOWN DEPARTMENTS WHY NOT ALL REQUESTS WERE GRANTED...

Second Selectmen had had questions, Third Selectman commented in person, participating live.  First Selectman reported on his plan for next budget process (FY'20).

How many departmental requests raised questions?  "FTE" is budget speak for full time employee with benefits.  See photos and captions below.

        

• talented volunteers interviewed for Commission on Children & Youth,
  
• Westport beach sticker hike in price
• lots of tax refunds,
  
• fracking ordinance sent to Town Attorney for review.  We received a copy but will not upload it as it is a draft.. 
  
• Executive Session on possible sale of Town-owned land.

• Twenty-five (25) items on agenda. - meeting ran for about 2 hours.
  
• More than three-dozen people interviewed.  For boards and commissions and panels.  At least one contested entity.  Unaffiliated voters appointed to, we think, at least two positions.  And newer residents come forward.
  
• Plus other actions, such as selling old firetruck to VT fire department for $18,000.
• Gift of $2000 for use by police accepted.
• Social Services contract employee continued - to, we think we heard it, go to next  Finance Board meeting for OK
  
• Not to mention the ever popular tax refunds (all car leases) done.
• Animal Control Officer reappointment came early - WOOF
• Committee membership approved for Legal Review panel (specific names to be added).
  

               

• School Bus garage location, ,
• DOG PARK
• What's next in Hartford?
  
• How about those proposed federal Tax Code changes?
  
• Onion Barn and ice cream come again in the 21st Century?
  

 

1. Dates for 2018 meetings set (1st and 3rd Thursdays except for holiday changes);  Budget Process Schedule published.
2. Second Selectman elected, nominated by Third Selectman..
   
3. Appointments made.  Will everyone show up even if these are reappointments?  No, but everyone was reappointed.
4. Five items got action:

• Building Committee Chair. (above with W.I.S.,r.) presentation on W.I.S. "knee wall" matter*  Any prices quoted for repair yet?  No, but they'll have to get $$ soon to be ready for Board of Finance Special Meeting eventually;  must be before Thanksgiving or there won't be time to do the work over the summer 2018.
  
• "M.O.U." for Senior Center - will things go along smoothly for Senior Center?  Apparently, yes.
  
• Special Appropriation for Energy consultant that must go to Board of Finance for approval.  Is this to be a replacement for Board of Education study/activity? Special Board of Finance Meeting Tues.at 1pm, 11-21-17
  
• Property Tax Refunds to be a rotating Selectman
• December meeting to re-establish Town Attorney RFP and process for selection - Dennis Tracy to be Chair.

• According to the 1981 Tax Map, "F-S" as we shall call the property on Upper Parish Drive, included both subdivided 2 acre lots as well as 2 parcels in open space or "use" category "6."
• We count nine (9) properties and 68 acres (2 parcels, 49 and 19 acres) of un-subdivided property.
• The tax assessor's card shows that the map was filed (after original subdivision approved we assume) in May of 1967.  This seems to be a really, really long dead-end road...
  
• Fromson-Strassler history includes early 2000's Conservation Commission approval for subdivided lots (8 instead of 18) on Upper Parish.  Why this change in number of lots?
  
• Ans.:  Zoning Regulations changed since 1967 to require 1.6 acres of dry land per building lot.
• Feb 14, 2002 Weston FORUM had public notice: 
  "Notice is hereby given that the Weston Conservation Commission held a special meeting at Weston Town Hall on February 4, 2002, and a motion was made to DENY the application of Howard Fromson and David Strassler for a permit for the following regulated activities in or near wetlands and/or watercourses:  development of 18 lots, construction of roadway, and installation of a suppression tank and storm water grit separator on approximately 83 acres of land located at the southern end of Upper Parish Drive abutting the Wilton town line."