O B S E R V E R   C O R P S    R E P O R T S :
Board of Selectmen "monitoring" consists of recording actions and appointments (needed for revisions to on-line "Know Your Town") as well as reporting each season on actions, dates/times of meetings in  Budget Process.


Historic District Commission says "no" to request by Selectmen (4-0) for "certificate of appropriateness" of asphalt shingle.   Is this one issue that Town Meeting can do anything about?  Selectmen and Board of Finance then approve bid which will be in support of this project on Special Town Meeting now set for June 11 (Wednesday) at 7:30pm, location T.B.A..  What items will be included in the Call?  Auditorium renovation project, O.P.E.B. funds to be transferred.  What else?  New majority on Board of Finance has philosophic difference with Board of Selectmen about how large the surplus should be, so they are "spending down."

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Annual Town Budget Meeting (A.T.B.M.) on April  21, 2008 - a Monday, at 8pm, Weston High School auditorium - no cuts.


Selectmen O.P.E.B. and Trust Fund put off, Senior Tax Freeze approved;  Board of Finance Public Hearing and "deliberation" over with no changes; Selectmen have long meeting April 24 covering many topics and it looks as if there will be a special town meeting before school is out to "spend down" part of the surplus.  A fine report from "Kids in Crisis" staff, some engineering, a little grantsmanship...

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Board of Selectmen, Regular Meeting, 4th Thursday,.Feb. 28, 2008 at 7:30pm.  Agenda includes Aquarion discussion of use of old cemetery...Select Committee on Legal Review:  Thurday Feb. 28 they looked busy in the Commission Room, (photo above of the same room, but a previous Board of Education meeting) Thursday, March 13 they were again going at  it, hearing from a member of the Board of Selectmen;  Board and Commission Chairs. were being grilled (P&Z had finished and the Police Commission was on deck the evening of the 13th). when the League Observer passed by on the way to the Board of Finance - which made a decision about the surplus, approved O.P.E.B. Trust Fund (to be heard at the Board of Selectmen in a Public Hearing March 20 at 7pm.  Board of Selectmen, April 3, 7pm for TAX FREEZE Public Hearing (in the Town Hall Meeting Room).

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Special Board of Selectmen (2) and Regular Board of Selectmen Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 5, 6 and 7 reviewed First Selectman's Budget FY2009 - new Lyons Plain Firehouse, Kaestle Boos recommendations most significant.  Board of Education budget forwarded to Board of Finance with recommendation that the Board of Finance cut $200k (2-1 vote).-  No action taken on First Selectman's budget or Capital Budget.   S P E A K    U P   2 0 0 8  Sturday, Feb. 9 at 10:30am at Norfield...Special Board of Selectmen, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 9:30am Town Hall Commission Room - approval of First Selectman's budget (then it is referred to as the "Board of Selectmen's Budget"). NOT SO FAST...more discussion Special Board of Selectmen, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008 at 2pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room.

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Special Board of Selectmen's Meeting Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 at 10:30am for two sitting Selectmen to discuss a response to Weston FORUM editorial.  THEY NEED A POSTED MEETING TO DISCUSS A JOINT RESPONSE TO FORUM EDITORIAL...BECAUSE AS A QUORUM, ONE DEMOCRAT (WEINSTEIN)AND ONE REPUBLICAN (BLISS) ON A THREE MEMBER BOARD, THIS CANNOT QUALIFY AS A" CAUCUS"--WHICH DOES NOT FALL UNDER PUBLIC MEETING RESTRICTIONS.

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Special Board of Selectmen, Friday at 4pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room re:  dismissing Director of Communications Center - continued to Monday, January 28, 2008 at 7:30pm, Town Hall Meeting Room.  Continued to Monday, Jan. 28 at 7:30pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room, where after one hour the proceedings ended with a unanimous vote upon the First Selectman's motion to dismiss the Director of the Communications Center. 

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THURSDAY, FINAL ACCOUNTING OF SCHOOLS-FIELDS PROJECT

THURSDAY, January 17, 2008 at 7pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room - NOTICE of  Special Town Meeting for reallocation of funds.  Read detailed call here.
Thursday, at 7:30pm, Regular Board of Selectmen--interviews for Select Committee for Legal Review, among other items (several on Cartbridge).   Special Board of Selectmen's Meeting Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 at 11am in the Town Hall Meeting Room to act upon Select Committee for Legal Review "mission statement" possible revisions, determine size of Select Committee, then pick members out of the 17 who applied/not completed - adjourned for another day.

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PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED

NOTICE:  Board of Selectmen unanimously approved changes to the Veterans' Exemption on Jan. 17.  Closed after less than one hour on Jan. 10, members of the Board of Finance in the audience; no broadcast on Town TV.  Full house - First Selectman on speakerphone - changes to Tax Relief for the Elderly and to the many-years not updated Veterans' Tax Exemption.

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NOTE: this photo above from a January storm early in 2007.
Board of Finance meeting snowed out, held instead, Dec. 17 in the Town Hall Meeting Room.   Board of Selectmen met Dec. 20, 2007 - re-appointments (two-dozen), discussion re: date and time of 2-part Public Hearing--January 10, 2008 at 7pm in Town Hall Meeting Room, first, Veterans' Committee, then Commission on Aging re: changes in present programs plus new one;  Cemetery Committee recommends Lachat for Town cemetery;  Global Warming and discussion/decision regarding creation of a Select Committee for legal review created to serve until June 2008 (Town Attorney to check wording of revised "mission statement") for later action by Selectmen in January (Selectman Major recused himself).

Oath of Office Ceremony Nov. 15 at 7PM in the Town Hall Meeting Room.
Selectperson Weinstein asks that Selectman Major recuse himself from the rehiring of the Town Attorneys, then requests that the decision be put off for the next meeting...a sign of things to come?  Above is the old plan, and under "any other business" Selectman Major announces that progress is being made on the resolution of the Juliana Lachat Preserve redsign issues--it may be getting more modest!

LAST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN (GROUP ELECTED FIRST IN 2001) AT RIGHT - "Let them eat cake" is NOT what retiring Selectman Richard Miller said!

Joint Public Hearing by P&Z and Conservation on Cartbridge replacement began Monday, October 22 at 7pm in the Town Hall Meeting Rom.  To continue on November 6, same venue.  Two ring circus at Town Hall, as both the Special Board of Finance meeting and the Joint Public Hearing of P&Z and Conservation Commissions take place beginning at 7pm.  Final Selectmen's Meeting of 2005-2007 term bring a REALLY good cake and a fond farewell to Richard Miller (not running for re-election).

WestonArts reports on seat campaign progress to date at Board of Selectmen on October 18, 2007;  discussion of stop signs, FAA air traffic plans, makes appointments to Board of Ethics and Commission for the Arts, approves minutes. 

Special Board of Selectmen October 9 at 2:30p.m. for Revson (on to Bd of Finance Oct. 11); and Oct. 4 at 6pm - agenda included appointment to fill P&Z vacancy, appointment to Police Commission, Historic District Commission; Cartbridge design choice and schedule for bridge-in-floodplain before Joint P&Z/Conservation; Revson.

Sept. 20 agenda featured prominently Lachat items plus Interfaith Housing special appropriation...Board of Selectmen notes;  Building Committee member Steve Ezzes first appearance at the August 22, 2007 meeting.  Not present September 5.

Special Board of Selectmen June 28 appoints to Police Commission, accepts resignation from Cemetery Committee, receives gifts and conducts Executive Session.  Board of Selectmen votes unanimously to rescind approval of nominee to Police Commission at July 12, 2007 meeting, moves ahead with Cartbridge repair (photo from FORUM)!  League Steering Committee gets ready for Fall Classic--better known as Election Day (Nov. 6)!  Board of Selectmen agenda August 16, 2007 includes, among other items, the Wells Hill Bridge in Easton - big turnout from both towns and First Selectman of Easton--upshot is that bridge resign is back to the drawing boards;  neighbors register concerns for traffic;  high school roof may be candidate for photovoltaic array (Building Committee proposal).

Board of Finance June 14, 2007 pays the last bills for Police Chief dismissal; votes 3-0-1 abstention to approve special appropriation for a $117,000 "Building Review" study.  Board of Selectmen, June 7, 2007 AGENDA;  Boards of Selectmen and Finance acted upon outgoing Police Chief agreement.  Special Town Meeting April 5, 2007, 7:15pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room on easements to get to Tower at the Transfer Station - followed by regular Board of Selectmens meeting at 7:30pm.  Board of Finance, April 12, 2007 8pm in Town Hall Meeting Room to set mill rate as part of regularly scheduled meeting.  Board of Selectmen, May 17, 2007, 7:30pm in Town Hall Meeting Room, to receive public comment on Valley Forge Bridge (not Cartbridge).  Agenda includes discussion of Interim Police Chief salary.

ATBM Wednesday,  April 4, 2007 at 8pm at Weston High School Auditorium draws fewer than 80 qualified voters. - the Town Meeting, which by Charter cannot increase the total of the budget, will decide on, among  many items separately on the Town side.  NOTE:  Special Board of Selectmen's Meeting Monday, March 26, 2007 covered two topics - in public, an explanation to the television viewers that the Board of Selectmen never wanted a $550,000 cut to the School Budget (as the Board of Finance made on a 4-3 votes Wednesday, March 21 "deliberations" session) and secondly, that the F.O.I. Commission gave the Selectmen the correct wording that would make an Executive Session to discuss the Police Commission/Chief matter NOT a violation of CT open meeting rules. 

Board of Finance Public Hearing Monday, March 19, 2007 at 8pm over by 8:30 (started 5 minutes late) on the FY'08 Budget (link to Town of Weston presentation early in the process) at the Weston Middle School Cafeteria..."Deliberation" meeting March 21 saw Board of Finance make a $550,000 cut to School Budget.  Special Town Meeting March 22 votes "YES" to roof-auditorium repair using funds from Question#3 of Referendum.

LWV of Weston's 16th annual "Speak Up 2007" Feb. 3 a success - record turn out (FORUM reported @100 in the audience, 25-30 on stage[HOUR]): read about it here. 
There will be a Special Town Meeting coming up Thursday, March 22 at Weston High School cafeteria - but there was a PUBLIC HEARING on March 8 at 7:30pm in Town Hall for questions about the upcoming Town Meeting subjects - moving funds from Question Three of th 2001 Referendum, to pay for old section of the high school roof, and use of surplus (@$1,000,000) to fund repair to W.H.S. Auditorium.  At this Public Hearing it was reported that bids had come in considerably lower than expected, and so no money from the general fund will be required to be expended.

Board of Selectmen discusses proposed Police Commission Traffic  Control Ordinance and tells the Police Commission to work on this more - "is an Ordinance really needed?" seems to be the consensus.  Board of Education "workshop" on budget FY07-08 begins on Town TV from Weston Library...budget process described and FY08 schedule here.
Board of Selectmen January 18, Feb. 1 - please note that the Monitor did the monitoring via television (thank you Town TV Channel 79) -  non-League reports here.

Board of Selectmen meets Thursday, November 16, 2006 and discusses, among other things, hiring a Land Use Director and reviews Valley Forge Bridge designs.  If it doesn't rain, the Lachat Advisory Committee walked the Juliana Lachat Preserve on Godfrey Road West at 10am Saturday, November 18, 2006  (rain day Sunday, November 19);  they will be accompanied by the Board of Selectmen...recommendations here;  December 7, 2006: discussion/decision to put in for $45,000 salary for part-time First Selectman, a raise from $27,500 2-0 vote in favor with First Selectman abstaining, Mr. Miller, having recommended $55,000.   Special Board of Selectmen (7:30pm, Meeting Rom) and then at 8pm, December 14 in the Commission Room, the Board of Finance. 

Board of Selectmen, Oct. 19, 2006 award to WVFD - thanks for helping Lacombe, LA! 

Special Board of Selectmen's Meeting at 5:30pm Thursday, August 17, 2006 set Thursday, September 7, 2006 at 7pm for "Public Hearing" on Martin Road-Hemlock Ridge emergency access;  also considered "Lachat Advisory Committee" status; sets Special Town Meetings Thursday, September 21st (beginning at 7pm) to approve new cell tower and name change for Commission for the Elderly - in Town Hall Commission Room.  Lachat Advisory Committee first "Public Hearing" September 12, Tuesday, in Weston Library at 7:30pm...second one Monday, September 25 same time and location.  Brief public meeting at 7pm prior to both in the same location.

Board of Selectmen, July 6, 2006 agenda includes Lachat discussion.  Board of Finance agenda Thursday, July 13, 2006, 8pm Town Hall Meeting Room includes special appropriation "$95,000 for Lachat."  Discussion/decision on Lachat Advisory Committee at July 20, 2006 meeting of the Board of Selectmen.  Regular Board of Selectmen, Thursday, August 3, 2006, 7:30pm, Town Hall Commission Room-2 executive sessions!  Democratic Party Primary results:  Lamont 52%, tight race between Mayors.  Weston goes for Lamont and Malloy...according to FORUM website.

           
           
How many Presidents, former Presidents, Vice Presidents and Board Members of the LWV of Weston attended Congressman Shays' meeting on May 7th?  A total of at least                     five!  How many Democratic Town Committee Members?  "Speak Up" regulars?  Were there more RTC or DTC members present?  The FORUM editor came as did Channel 12
and Farrell Campaign videographer;  Board of Selectmen May 18 to accept gift for fireworks.  LWV meeting  June 14, 2006 in Weston Library asked:  "Lachat: what now?" and a
panel discussion  including the Executive Director of Devil's Den, a neighbor, former Ad Hoc Committee member, a member of the Board of Selectmen and run by Town                                 Moderator came to no conclusion about Lachat;  at subsequent Board of Selectmen's meeting on June 15 the member who attended and was a member of the LWV panel reported to the full Board of Selectmen, urging rapid response...Board of Selectmen OK expenses already charged (not whole amount) at Special Meeting June 26.         

The buck stopped here...ATBM April 19, 2006 in the new cafeteria of Weston High School.  "Call" link (the published notice).   Non-LWV report here.  Lighting the varsity soccer field item before Selectmen May 4, 2006.


Link to non-LWV report which includes some documentation from Selectmen and Board of Education:
Board of Selectmen approve First Selectman's Budget, Capital Budget, Debt Service and Review Education Budget Thursday, February 2, 2006.  Board of Finance reviewed all of the above, completed by Wednesday, February 15, 2006.  NEXT budget process step...Board of Finance PUBLIC HEARING April 4 (and if necessary, 5th;  Board of Finance meets April 6th for cuts prior to ATBM April 19, 2006...).  Cut $220,000 from School Budget.

Conservation Commission eventually releases "C&D" on this property - PREVIOUSLY...special meeting Dec. 21, 2005 at 7:30pm, Town Hall Meeting Room (beginning with Executive Session) dealth with this matter.  For more information, go to the Conservation Commission records of the special meeting noted above.

        
Emergency Planning discussed at LWV forum;  E-911 Meeting: at Town Hall  Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 1pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room.  November 17, 2005 Board of Selectmen included discussion with Planning and Zoning Commission of "8-24" reviews as compared to full application for Town of Weston projects:  history of how it came to pass that the Town of Weston was exempt from its own Zoning Regs.  P&Z wants Town to give up the exemption;  appointments made.  Tower at landfill - at Board of Selectmen Dec. 1 - to set Town Meeting for Dec. 15, 2005 - Special Town Meeting OK's second cell-tower.
Board of Selectmen January 19, 2006 did reappointments, acceptrf gift, approved increase for Warm Up Fund.

Board of Selectmen, September 15, 2005 - consideration of Katrina relief - Select Committee formed;  October 1, 2005 LWV of Weston sponsor's "open microphone" session (at Weston Library) entitled "What's Next For Weston" - back on the fence issue and the tree Town Meeting (Special Town Meeting).  Board of Selectmen, October 20, 2005 - police contract and Executive Session on McGinnis v. Town of Weston...more of the same November 3, 2005.  Discussion of moving some departments to the "Kinderland" building - Town Offices related to land use and engineering, perhaps...no significant public discussion held on this yet.

June 16, 2005 Regular Board of Selectmen established new Human Services organization, accepts resignation, made some appointments and reappointments; July 7, 2005 Regular Board of Selectmen meeting agenda;  Regular Board of Selectmen, July 21, 2005  DPH Morehouse agreement approved after executive session, additional funds for Police Commission to hire attorney in order to attempt to reach an agreement for a new contract (the first in 15 years!) Chief's Contract.   Board of Selectmen August 18, 2005, Town Hall Meeting Room - Public Hearing open and shut - no decisiontaken on the matter of Aquifer Protection Agency designation.  Broadwater presentation by Save the Sound - Board of Selectmen passes declaration opposing Broadwater.  Board of Selectmen appointments, policy Board selection for Aquifer Protection, Conservation fees and AFSCME negotiation strategy Sept. 1.

Click HERE and see list of status of proposals before F.E.R.C.  Click on money to get the story on ATBM!!!
April 7, 2005 Regular Board of Selectmen - LNG in Long Island Sound (not Casco Bay) notes.ATBM April 13 takes 45 minutes to approve $54 million+.  Board of Selectmen approves new Insurance agent for employeebenefit brokerage service at April 21, 2005 meeting.  May 5, 2005 meeting discusses July4th, well monitoring at Morehouse Farm Park.  Find out what happened at a big Board of Selectmen meeting May 19, 2005.

November 8, 2004 Special Board of Selectmen:  "Deer Management Committee"appointed. Board of Selectmen, Nov. 18, 2004:  many reappointments made, driveway variance, discussion of Lachat Education-Conservation project contract - Hemlock Ridge neighbors' dispute still being negotiated so no action taken by Selectmen;  see notes from Board of Selectmen Dec. 16, 2004 for more.  Special Town Meeting, Thursday, January 20, 2005, 7:30pm, Town Hall Meeting Room - call.  "Speak Up 2005" report...  Capital Budget, FY2005-2006 OK'd (2-1 vote on turf replacement fund) at March 23, 2005 Special Meeting.

August 19, 2004 Board of Selectmen - "dog days of summer" - "play ball" at new fields spells leash law treatment for Weston canines.  Bridge discussions and establishment of deer committee continue  October 7, 2004...along with other items, October 20 meeting, Board of Selectmen accepted gift of 27 trees without restrictions, as recommended by the School Building Committee Oct. 19.  VOTE TODAY, Nov. 2, 2004, 6am-8pm, W.M.S. - for CT Presidential, Senate and Congress 4th District, plus CT State Senate #26 & #28 plus CT House #135 - turnout close to best (highest %) and we were #1 in speed of sending in accurate numbers! - RESULTS IN 4th Congressional District.

May 12, 2004 School Building Committee:  update on construction.  Board of Selectmen Public Hearing May 27, 2004, 7:30-7:45pm, Town Hall Meeting Room on Tax Relief for the Elderly.  Cap established in this proposal of @$600,000 for abatement-deferral program.  Selectmen's Meeting immediately following the Public Hearing - notes.  Board of Selectmen OK changes to Tax Relief in split vote, June 3. Special Town Meeting set for June 17th at 8pm, Weston Library (reconvened at W.M.S. Cafeteria--crowd too large to fit in air-conditioned Weston Library Community Room [100 seated]) on Nature Center, buffer easement at Revson Field:  RESULTS were YES to nature center and a big NO to easement. July 1, 2004 Board of Selectmen:  First Night, resignations, insurance and 3rd firehouse--and policy for dogs in Town parks & property on agenda and discussed.  NOTE:  member of Westport RTM present to report on First Night, but added that their special committee on dogs and Town parks was interesting and might be glad to share experiences. AUGUST 4, 2004 Special Board of Selectmen viewed on the next day - see report here.

Board of Selectmen March 4, 2004, discuss a new way to perhaps earn revenue...and perhaps not!  Tax Collector reports on this new opportunity to add penalty to late car tax bills, other matters.  Speakerphone attendance discussed.  Special Board of Selectmen  Monday, March 29 at 6:30pm; March 30 Board of Finance PUBLIC HEARING on the FY2005 budget - 8pm, W.M.S. Cafeteria..."Deliberation" meant a $300,000 cut in Board of Education budget 2004-2005, return of funding for another police officer and cut of funding for Nature Conservancy/Town of Weston environmental education center at Lachat.  ATBM report...

February 7, 2004 Speak Up on time, on message, most civil.  School Vacation Feb. 16-20 (town emptied out for the week, no meetings):
"Speak Up 2004" - the 13th annual event - had many questions asked, many excellent answers given.  Thirty officials and 65 citizens present on threatening weather-forecast day.  Above, left, Chair. of Board of Education gives history of how, why and when school population forecasts shrank;  right, Chair. of Board of Finance Len Peterson expresses concern for the "under $100,00 per year income families" in Weston (34% according to U.S. Census 2000) as bond issue and furnishing new school all hit in next years.  He pointed out that local taxes take up to 10% of this group's annual income.  March 1. 2004 at P&Z: on Town TV officials explain how the map above right fits into the "8-24" process - 8-24 ONLY ABOUT PUTTING ON RECORD EASEMENTS PROTECTING THE TOWN OWNED WETLANDS (requiring a Special Town Meeting and thus the 8-24 report), not technical engineering detail.  According to FORUM report, P&Z put this matter "to bed" but quoted the Army Corps as saying something to the effect that "you never know" in Weston!

IN ADVANCE OF "SPEAK UP 2004" and unfolding of the FY05 budget...
Week of Jan. 12-16:  Board of Education conducted budget "workshops" on Town TV (from the Library).  Increase,after Board of Education cut Superintendent's proposal,  according to latest report in FORUM, is way under the original @6.9% for FY2005.  Now increase is under 5.9%.  Click on map of School Campus/Fields to get to the leading, if not the largest, item...no buildings can be given C.O.'s until treatment plant is up and running!  And no construction until all "I's" are dotted and ""T's" are crossed as regards...ARMY CORPS:
Special Town Meeting on snow date, January 29, 2004
Speaking of the Army Corps (Lewis and Clark logo), Special Town Meeting, it is reported, with no discussion (only standing count vote for secret ballot or not--'no' won, by 4 votes on this procedural matter) voted in favor, 70-56, of approval of granting easements (for protection of wetlands).  Click on frieze-like Army Corps presentation (above see crowd at August 13, 2003 Town Hall event) to get some background...

Week of Dec. 1-5, 2003;  at right, Town TV Channel shows Saturday, Dec. 20 Architectural Competition, Phase 2 (meeting 5 architectural firms--next step selecting only three--who will compete all January 2004 for design for a Middle School Performing Arts Center) - more photos HERE:
Architectural Competitions, described by consultant, Dec. 2 (for WMS Auditorium);  Juliana Lachat Preserve - masterplanning for Gateway(from previous meeting), Selectmen review plans and model, Dec. 4.  At the right, Town TV Channel broadcasts live the Dec. 20 all-day event PLUS Special Board of Selectmen 8:30am Sunday re-vote on appointment of Maria Kalivas to replace Barbara Ford on the Board of Education.  Vote is now 3-0.

Oath of Office ceremony November 10th:  The Board of Selectmen 2003-2005 is the same group as previously elected in 2001-2003.  Their first priority is completing the school construction project - perhaps on time and on budget.  Left to right:  Selectman Richard Miller, First Selectman Woody Bliss and Selectman Glenn Major.  Bids should be opened this week for school construction projects.

Board of Selectmen October 16th at 5pm and Woodland Coalition training session, 7pm;  Select Committee on Heady House.

Public Meetings, week of Oct 12-17; thru October 25:  Special Board of Selectmen (Mission Statement approved for Cemetery Committee); Woodland Coalition training session -   Co-Chair Robert Forrester chats prior to meeting; State Rep. Toni Boucher of Wilton addresses full house (along with Rep. Bob Duff of Norwalk, not shown).  Barbara Bernstein painting of autumn in Weston--"Wild West-on" is the Commission for the Arts exhibit currently on display in the Community Room.  Heady House Select Committee (3 members, terminates by February 2004) met Saturday AM before Board of Education debate.

Week of October 6-10, 2003:  School Building Committee;  Kiwanis Club address from Superintendent of Schools.

Building Committee:  Chair. signs O&G contract, bidding schedule discussion;  Superintendent of Schools reports at Kiwanis on what education system is doing (in addition to go-ahead on construction projects)...

NEWS ABOUT S.F.U. OK to go out to bid, water testing (quality) at school wells...Morehouse,

BOARD OF SELECTMEN, OCT. 2:
WWHD Director Judy Nelson states that wells tested in Morehouse Farm Park area no different from other areas around Weston.
Left to right, Judy Nelson, WWHD Director; John Conte (Town Engineer); Richard Miller, Selectman; Woody Bliss, First Selectman; and Glenn Major, Selectman.

Special Board of Selectmen's Meeting September 23, 2003...on Channel 79.

Special Board of Selectmen, September 23, 2003:  "Waiver " on Selectmen's Driveway Ordinance requested;  proposed changes to the Driveway Ordinance approved by Board of Selectmen to go to Public Hearing (date T.B.A.);  First Selectman briefs Board on progress to date on all four segments of the mammoth 345kV east-west lines - SO FAR, it looks as if the best, preferred route east-west does not touch Weston (on map above);  how many Westonites were watching the Special Board of Selectmen's Meeting at home in the comfort of their living room? (They certainly weren't watching in person!)

Week of September 15-20 - meetings observed...

Board of Education, Sept. 15 (6:30pm Executive Session, 7:30 Public Session): an Executive Session seems to begin every Board of Education Meeting (l) - this one in the Commission Room at Town Hall;  Superintendent Pierson addresses the Board;  introduction of new Facilities Manager;  members listen intently...while at the School Building Committee/Building Committee, September 17 three members who are architects go over final drawings prior to sending out of bid packages;  Observer Corps attends Kiwanis meeting Sept. 20 where Congressman Shays reports on Iraq and answers questions.

Tree Warden Public Hearing Monday, September 22, 2003 at 1pm in the Weston Town Hall Meeting Room...click HERE for more.

From the first week or so of September 2003...
SEPT. 4 meeting shown live on Channel 79 (Jason video guy); Commission for Children and Youth Chair. introduces student members at September 4 meeting - appointees for 2003-2004 questioned by Board of Selectmen;  Driveway Ordinance proposed changes discussed with Town Engineer;  "Ballot Lottery" conducted by Registrars of Voters observed by Weston LWV VOTER SERVICE CO-CHAIR.

August 21, 2003 on Soccer, First Night 2004, and more.

Board of Selectmen August 21, 2003 Regular Meeting:  discussed lighting pole installation for new
soccer/lacrosse field, approved request for First Night funds - to go to Board of Finance - and hired
new Tax Assessor ("Know Your Town" link).  Link to further developments on lighting poles at right.

SPECIAL BOARD OF SELECTMEN, August 13, 2003, 6:30pm: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visit to Weston for informational purposes...

OBSERVER CORPS REPORT:  The Power Point presentation by U.S. Army Corps (L) to frieze-like photo of collection of Westonites from neighborhoods affected by projects (seated in front of the West Point Doors/Laura Garden Frazier sculpture) plus interested citizens and Board of Education members (Center);  video team from Town Channel after big broadcast (THANKS GUYS!) showed it to entire community (R).

O N   T H E   R E C O R D :

S T A T E M E N T    O F    T H E     W E S T O N    L W V
To the Weston Charter Revision Commission
PUBLIC HEARING in Weston Town Hall Meeting Room, July 31, 2003, 7:30pm
 

Good evening.  I am Kathy Failla, President of the Weston League of Women Voters and I have been asked by my board to make the following statement at this Public Hearing.

First, the League of Women Voters would like to thank all the members of the Charter Revision Commission for volunteering their time and expertise.

Our Board believes that the Charter should be instrumental in encouraging an open governmental system that is representative, accountable and responsive.
Our Town Meeting form of government is the purest form of democracy – one person, one vote.  At the Annual Town Budget Meeting, legislative power over the town’s proposed budget is invested in each and every qualified voter who attends and votes. This process is essential to making sure that our system of government works for all.

To that end, we support the proposed change to Section 2.2: which would extend the Annual Town Budget Meeting by one hour.  This change will enable citizens to more fully participate in the budget approval process.

With regard to the change proposed for Section 2.7, we agree that the number of required signatures petitioning should be increased. However, we disagree on the formula being proposed. The present Charter was drafted in the late 1970’s, when the U.S. Census showed a population for Weston of 7,417.  The most recent U.S. Census, taken in 2000, recorded 10,037 Westonites. Given this jump in population, an increase in the number of signatures petitioning is justified.

However, we are concerned with the proposed use of a percentage because it may have the effect of producing a moving target, which could make it difficult for citizens seeking to file petitions. Therefore, the League asks the commission to consider retaining the use of a set number, but increasing the figure. In the opinion of the League of Women Voters of Weston, some set number, perhaps 150 qualified Weston voters petitioning, would be the correct change for Section 2.7.

Thank you for your consideration.

To the Editor:

The League of Women Voters of Weston is a non-partisan political organization whose mission it is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in their government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.  The league's men and women believe that informed citizens are key to effective government in a democracy.

One of the services we perform is the attendance of town meetings by the Observer Corps.  Past President Lucy Bowden attended Charter Revision Committee meeting last week.  Former First Selectwoman Helen Speck, a league members who was active in Weston until her recent move, sent a letter to the commission, which was included in the record.  At the Charter Revision Committee's public hearing on May 29, Past President Helen De Keijzer presented testimony in behalf of the league.  Before the committee concludes its work, we would like to share a few of the main points and to urge citizens to attend the committee's next meeting, on Thursday, June 26, 8pm.

The committee has been asked to focus on Town Charter section 2.7, which addresses an essential need for citizens to call into question and review important town decisions.  A clear mechanism for such citizen review is a crucial feature of our town charter.  Town legislators, i.e., eligible voters, must continue to have the power to ask that a town meeting be convened.  Too high a signature requirement may discourage voters from exercising their right to petition town government and could make the petition process ineffective.

To promote democracy and good governance, it is essential for the Charter Revision Commission to establish an appropriate balance between the right of citizens to call for a review of town government decisions and the town's need to check potential abuse of such a provision. Safeguarding an appropriate and effective balance of power is of the utmost importance.

To encourage voter participations at Weston's Annual Town Budget Meetings, we recommended consideration of charter revisions that would foster regular use of a means of private voting as well as more flexibility for voter participation.  Our local league position urges:

• Regular use of "secret ballot" by paper ballot, machine or the Internet (if permitted by the state in the future)
• Providing an additional opportunity to vote, such as on the Saturday following the Town Meeting.  Such a provision is used in Wilton.
• Finally, the current charter requires that the Town Budget Meeting begin at 8:30pm.  An earlier start time would encourage increased voter participation.

The committee will meet next on Thursday, June 26, at 8pm.  We encourage citizens to attend.

KATHLEEN FAILLA
Weston League of Women Voters
President
June 23

As you know the town is going through a revision of the Town Charter. The League is forming an Observer Corps to attend the meetings and report back to the board and membership. We want to stay up to date on their progress and recommendations so that we will be prepared to assist the voters in the fall understand any changes the commission recommends.

If you can spare a Thursday evening to attend and take notes, please contact  me or President Kathy Failla.  She will be glad to explain what you can do as an observer.

The next meeting is June 26 at 8PM. the meetings are usually held at Town Hall.  Hope you can help by volunteering an evening at one of these very interesting meetings.

Thanks, Lucy Bowden, Voter Service 

PUBLIC HEARING July 31, 2003, 7:30pm, Town Hall Meeting Room
RESCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2003, 7:30PM, TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM...sparsely attended, but televised on Channel 79.
Few attended this Public Hearing.  Weston LWV President Kathy Failla read the Board's statement, three other comments made.

AGENDA for Meeting of June 19, 2003, Commission Room, 7:30pm
1.  Approval of minutes/done
2.  Discussion of four-year term with Former First Selectmen/all who spoke (Hal Shupack, Dick Bochinski, Tom Aquilla, Devon Pfeifer) revere Town Meeting as it is;  almost all think salary should be raised fractionally (i.e. cost of living increase) but remain part-time job;  Tax Collector should have 4 year term;  time of ATBM could be made earlier;
3.  Proposal of Chairman to limit scope of Commission work/will debate this next week.
4.  Next meeting:

-Committee suggestion for agenda/time is short, ideas about role of Commission differ.
-Set date of Saturday, June 21, 2003, 9am/not possible--next meeting next week, Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 8pm start time--Agenda to include current office holders on Board of Selectmen.