LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF WESTON 'SPEAK UP 2007' and 'SPEAK UP 2008' page
Our report here;
"Speak Up 2007" reports of others (most recently published first);
Photo story.
NOTE:  Westport NEWS forgot to mention the LWV of Weston, whose program this was.
Weston makes itself heard at Speak Up
Weston FORUM
by JAN HOWARD
Feb 7, 2007

Additional tax relief for senior citizens and veterans, funding and maintenance for the Lachat property, use of school facilities, traffic, global warming, and the time line for a vote on renovation of the high school roof and auditorium — these were some of the issues raised at the 16th annual Speak Up, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Weston on Feb. 3 at Norfield Congregational Church.

Approximately 100 residents attended to discuss local and other issues with the town’s elected and appointed officials and state legislators Senator Judith Freedman (R-28), Senator John McKinney (R-26), and Rep. John Stripp (R-135).

Tax relief for seniors

A forum or roundtable was suggested by resident Harold Mathews to address additional tax relief for senior citizens. Most of the attendees raised their hands when asked by First Selectman Woody Bliss if they would attend such a forum.

Mr. Mathews said his concern was to maintain community diversity by helping seniors remain in town and to prevent those houses from being sold to families with children. According to the 2000 census, he said, there are 700 senior households in Weston.

“We need more tax relief programs to encourage them to stay,” Mr. Mathews said.

Mr. Bliss said the town currently offers tax abatement and deferment programs for residents 65 years of age and over.

Paul Friia, the town’s assessor, said the town should look into what other towns are doing to address tax relief for seniors. It was noted that only eight people take advantage of the tax deferment program while more than 100 receive tax reductions under the tax abatement program.

In addition, resident Norman Henderson raised concerns about the increased cost of living and, as a result, the burden of the town budget on middle class residents.

“Nobody likes to pay taxes,” Mr. Bliss said. While tax reduction programs exist for senior citizens, he added, “there is less opportunity for help for people under 65.”

Mr. Henderson also asked Lynne Pierson, superintendent of schools, if she was aware that some people are leaving town once their children are educated.

Dr. Pierson said one of a community’s greatest challenges is how to maintain generational diversity that offers all ages the benefit to learn from each other.

Resident Roy Spies raised a concern about revaluation and its effect on the veterans tax exemption if assessments continue to go up. Currently, the $4,500 that is reduced from the property’s assessment amounts to a reduction of $102.38 in taxes; for the coming year it will be a $107.10 reduction.

Mr. Bliss said the Board of Selectmen has asked the Veterans Affairs Committee for a recommendation to adjust the veterans benefit that would be included in the 2008-09 fiscal year budget.

High school roof, auditorium

In answer to Joanna Pfund’s question about the date for a vote on the high school roof and auditorium, Mr. Bliss, Joe Fitzpatrick of the Building Committee, and Tom Landry, town administrator, advised the following:

Sealed bids, a call for which was published on Jan. 29, are due back Feb. 26. On March 8, the Board of Selectmen will meet to review and vote on the appropriation; the Board of Finance will meet and vote on the appropriation, which will be followed by a public hearing on March 15. On March 22, a town meeting is scheduled to approve or deny the funding.

Mr. Bliss said Monday that, if approved, construction is scheduled to begin on April 16 and continue over an 18-week period for scheduled completion on Aug. 17. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Feb. 12.

Lachat property

In regard to resident John Richard’s question about money allocated for the Lachat property, Mr. Bliss said $450,000 is in the budget as a placeholder for when there is a plan for the property. “There is no plan at this time,” he said.

Mr. Bliss said that the town’s Lachat Advisory Committee is recommending a simplified plan, which includes renovation of buildings and meeting space in barns.

As to maintenance of the buildings, he acknowledged that the foundation of the house is crumbling but said there was no point in doing any work until a long-range plan is completed.

“Maintenance will get done as soon as we get a recommendation from the joint committee,” he said, which includes members of the town’s advisory committee and the Nature Conservancy.

Use of school facilities

Dr. Pierson said, in reply to Andrew Neilly’s question about use of school facilities by the public, that there is no intent not to allow the use but that the school board is trying to find an orderly way for it to be provided.

Dr. Pierson said the school board’s concern is for maintenance. The board was also reluctant to have anyone other than teachers using classrooms. She said a deposit to cover any damage is requested so taxpayers would not have to pay for any needed replacement, but the deposit is otherwise returnable.

“We are trying to keep the facilities in good shape,” she said, “but they are open for use.”

Global warming

The school, town, and state programs to reduce energy use was raised by Martin Strasmore, chairman of the selectmen-appointed Select Committee on Global Warming.

Mr. Fitzpatrick noted that the school system received a rebate of $215,000 for lighting and energy efficiency. Mr. Bliss said that the town has made a study of its assets, such as furnaces, so it will know where to focus its dollars.

Ms. Pierson said part of energy conservation is re-educating teachers and other staff members to turn lights off and to recycle as well as to report problems, such as air quality and leaks. “There’s more to do,” she said.

Senator McKinney said state results are mixed, noting Connecticut was one of the first states to pass a global warming plan in regard to greenhouse gas emissions. It has eliminated the sales tax on hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles. However, the state failed to pass a bill regarding green buildings, he said.

“Energy conservation is one of the most important things we can do,” Mr. McKinney said. “Government should lead by example.

Police-related issues

Police Chief Anthony Land and other officials fielded several questions about police-related issues, including the traffic pattern at Norfield Road and Route 57 and graffiti.

Chief Land said enforcement of a no-turn-on-red sign at Norfield and Route 57 is based on accidents and that so far there have not been many accidents there.

In regard to speeding and for concern for pedestrian safety, Joan Henderson said the town should use its speed trailer more often. Chief Land said the department’s ability to enforce is limited by its manpower.

The chief said improvement of Route 7 through Wilton should decrease traffic on routes 53 and 57.

In regard to graffiti on traffic signs and private property, Chief Land said leads and tips are checked. He said graffiti references to the class of 2007 may or may not have been made by members of the high school class.

Dr. Pierson said that graffiti, once seen, should be removed immediately. Getting school students to turn in their peers is a constant battle, she said. “When we find people, we impose consequences.”

Mr. Landry said new signs being purchased for those defaced have a surface that makes it easier to remove graffiti.

Social Services Fund

In response to a question from Janet Neilly about a fund-raising letter, Mr. Bliss said the Social Services Fund is not part of the Social Services Department, which is supported financially by the town. The fund, he explained, was created to provide money for people for crises not covered by social services. The social services director distributes money from the fund, he said.

Weston residents Speak Up
By JEREMY SOULLIERE, Hour Staff Writer
February 4, 2007

WESTON — Weston residents got a chance to air their questions and concerns about a variety of town issues Saturday morning at the 16th annual Speak Up at Norfield Congregational Church.

Roughly 25 town and state officials were on hand to field questions at the event — which was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Weston — with the day's discussion topics ranging from the town's elderly tax relief program to its energy consumption.

Harold Matthews, one of the roughly 75 Weston residents who attended the event, said Weston's escalating property taxes are forcing elderly residents with fixed income to move, and the town needs to create a more comprehensive elderly tax relief program to ensure this doesn't continue.

"I'm asking you to introduce a more inclusive senior tax program," he said . "The empty nesters in their 50's and 60's might see the handwriting on the wall."
First Selectman Woody Bliss said the town's present program offers both tax abatement and deferment provisions for eligible residents over age 65, but Matthews contended the program's abatement and deferment limits could be increased and town officials could introduce a senior tax freeze.

Bliss later said town officials would organize a public forum to discuss the town's elderly tax program, along with any Weston tax policy issues.

Residents also raised concerns about the excessive number of speeders on the town's residential roads, the amount of graffiti appearing on town stop signs and residential fences, and the number people using cell phones while driving.

Police Chief Anthony Land said the police department's two patrols are regularly on the lookout for speeders, but the department is limited by its numbers, with one officer presently on leave and serving in Iraq.

"Our ability to enforce is limited by our manpower," he said

Speaking to the amount of graffiti in town, Land said its an area the department is "very concerned about." He said it's something the department is investigating, and officers are hoping someone will come forward with some further information.

Regarding the resident concern about cell phone use while driving, Land said Weston officers do regularly enforce the state's ban on using hand-held cell phones in the driver seat, with two tickets issued in the past week alone.

"We look (to enforce) things that cause accidents," he said.

Resident Sue Brody asked town officials how they would like to see the "abandoned eyesore of a gas station" at 107 Georgetown Rd. (Route 57) used in the future.

Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Don Saltzman, who labeled the property a "hot potato" topic at this point in time, said Weston planning officials cannot discuss the matter because there's presently an application before the commission concerning the use of the property.

"We just can't discuss it at the present time," said Saltzman, who noted the commission is scheduled to discuss the application at its regular meeting on Monday at 7 p.m.

He said after the forum that the applicant is looking to operate a auto repair shop on the site.

Resident Martin Strasmore, chairman of the town's Select Committee on Global Warming, asked the panel of town officials what proactive measures the town is taking to reduce the its energy consumption.

Joe Fitzgerald, chairman of the town's building committee, said the schools have received $215,000 in rebates on energy efficient motors and lights, and the schools have hired a firm to assess the efficiency of the energy distribution at Weston Intermediate School, which will also later assess Weston High School after the planned renovations.

An energy assessment is also underway at Weston's municipal facilities as well, Bliss said.


"SPEAK UP 2007" AND THEY DID...
LWV of Weston counted more than 80 in the audience plus Town Board and Commission members on stage!!!
NEWS OF UPCOMING SPECIAL TOWN MEETING - LEAGUE WANTS TO KNOW, PERHAPS, WHEN IS THE PUBLIC HEARING PRIOR?

Detail of plans for the campus project - Weston High School to have doubled in size (more or less)!

SPEAK UP 2007 STANDING ROOM ONLY (NEEDED MORE CHAIRS FOR THE AUDIENCE!)
 The high school roof (above left - white part is old roof) will cost most of what is left in Question #3 of the 2001 Referendum to replace and the Town will be asked to move those funds (no extra $$) soon at a @ March 15th (?) Special Town Meeting.  Below please find some backgrounders on some of the subjects asked about this year!

Reporters from the Weston FORUM, Norwalk HOUR  (who commented that Speak Up reminded him of his own experience in northern Vermont, didn't catch the importance of high school roof announcement) and Westport NEWS attended.  (Photographers, too--only Channel 12 wasn't present - LWV of Weston had cameras rolling and the DVD will be forthcoming!)

ISSUES RAISED:

The Speak Up 2007 picture story from ACORN ONLINE (and in the FORUM) as well as the Norwalk HOUR (bottom right).



Traffic questions were one of the major features (see story above in FORUM) and Global Warming Committee announced program.