Important Upcoming Dates

Special Town Meeting - February 8, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

HS Auditorium

Presidential Primary - March 1, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

All precincts - Where do I vote?

Annual Town Caucus - March 7, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. (NEW TIME)

Town Hall Auditorium

Budget Hearing - May 2, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

Town Hall Auditorium

Annual Town Election - May 7, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

All Precincts - Town Hall Auditorium

Annual Town Meeting (first night) - May 9, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to appx. 11:00 p.m.

HS Auditorium & Gym

Annual Town Meeting (2nd night) - May 11, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to appx. 11:00 p.m.

HS Auditorium & Gym

Annual Town Meeting (3rd night, if needed) - May 16, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

HS Auditorium & Gym

Top 5

Everyone is busy. So here is a quick list of topics to know and follow. Look at the “Town Projects” section on the Town’s website for further details on various projects and sign up to receive meeting agenda notifications of the sponsoring committees on the following:
1 - February Special Town Meeting: the Board of Selectmen has called a Special Town Meeting to be held on February 8th (snow date is Feb. 10th) in order to vote upon a newly revised regional agreement for the Minuteman School District, which needs to be approved by all 16 member communities in order to pass. A quorum of 80 is required for Weston's Town Meeting. This Town Meeting consists of three articles, including a vote to withdraw from the district. This meeting is very important and should be conducted quickly. Additional information is available on the website. The Selectmen asks for voter turn out to ensure quorum so as not to jeopardize the important new school building project. Voter registration deadline is January 29th.
2 – The JST/OL Working Group has made its recommendation to the Selectmen on how to reuse the Old Library and the Josiah Smith Tavern. After meeting with each sponsor that expressed interest in reusing the two buildings and discussing in detail the merits of each, the Working Group unanimously recommended the Arts and Innovation Center in the Old Library and the Friends of the JST’s culinary center in the Josiah Smith Tavern with space for local non-profits in the adjoining house. Subscribe to receive agendas for JST/OL Working Group, Community Preservation Committee, and the newly formed Weston Art & Innovation Center Advisory Board for progress.
3 – The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee is currently working on updating the town’s plan. Public involvement is strongly encouraged as the committee outlines priorities and guidelines. Two public visioning sessions have been scheduled to solicit resident feedback: Monday, January 25th from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Community Center and Sunday, February 7th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the Weston Public Library.
4 – The Board of Selectmen 2016 Projects and Priorities - at their January 5th meeting, the Selectmen discussed different projects that each member would like to focus on during the year. A preliminary list was compiled and will be discussed in more detail at an upcoming meeting in February. Follow Selectmen agendas for progress.
5 – A draft Housing Production Plan has been delivered to the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board. Though this document is not yet ready to go to the state, it does provide an analysis and accounting of Weston’s affordable housing realities and opportunities so the Town can begin a discussion on how to increase its housing diversity. Watch for notices of upcoming public hearings that will focus discussions with residents on the HPP.

Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget

The Finance Committee will be starting its weekly meetings at the end of January as it works through the different aspects of the fiscal 2017 operating budget that will come before Annual Town Meeting in May. The recommended budget will be posted online by the first of February. Refer to the Meeting Calendar for Finance Committee and School Committee meeting dates and discussion topics and subscribe to receive agenda notifications.

Annual Town Caucus

Weston's Town Government is supported by many volunteer boards and committees, a number of which are elected by the voters. The Town Caucus is where Weston residents who wish to run for an elected office are nominated to be placed on the Ballot for the Town Election in May. Elected offices are: Moderator, Board of Selectmen, Board of Assessors, School Committee, Recreation Commission, Planning Board, Board of Library Trustees, Board of Health, Commissioners of Trust Funds, and Measurers of Lumber. Visit “Your Government” on the Town's website for more information on the Town Caucus and descriptions of the Elected Board duties. The Caucus is March 7th at Town Hall.

Don’t want to run for election but still want to serve the Town? You’re in luck! There are Volunteer Opportunities currently available. Visit www.weston.org/Volunteer for details.

New Police Station Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House

The new police station is open! The building was completed on time and under budget. Officers are moved in and the new joint dispatch center is up and running! Save the date for a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Saturday, February 27th at 9:00 a.m. with an open house for residents to see the new station. The new station marks the near-completion of updating all Town buildings, with the renovation of the historic Case House remaining.

Election News

The Presidential Primary is March 1^st. Your political party enrollment determines which ballot you receive, unless you are not enrolled in a specific political party, in which case you can choose the ballot you want. If you want to change your party affiliation before the primary, then you must do so before February 10^th. Visit www.weston.org/353/Voting for additional information.

Are you looking for some short-term work? The Town Clerk is in need of Election Workers. Training is provided and mentors are on site. If you are a registered voter of Weston, contact the Town Clerk at 781-786-5010. Election dates are March 1, May 7, Sept. 8 and Nov. 8.

Weston's Snow Policy

The DPW mission during winter snow and ice events is to keep roadways, or parts thereof, sufficiently clear of ice and snow and reasonably safe for public travel within 24 hours of initiating a snow and ice removal operation. Complete details can be found on the DPW web page, including Weston's "No Snow Deposited in the Public Way" by-law and plow damage policies. The DPW also publishes weekly work updates, so residents can follow the activities of the five divisions within the department.

Coyote Activity

Our Animal Control Officer, Richard Murray, would like for residents to be aware of an increase of dogs being taken by coyotes. Please keep your dogs (and cats) safe by keeping them near you. Coyotes are wary of humans, so do not hesitate to scare them. Visit the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for tips to prevent conflicts with the Eastern Coyote.

Recreation Department News

The Recreation Department would like to announce new program offerings, including a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and the Couch-to-5K Running/Walking program. Further details to come soon. Also, we would all like to express our special appreciation to the anonymous donors who created an endowment fund for the September 11th Flag Display. Because of this gift, the annual display will continue for many, many years.

How Does Town Government Work?

If you’re new to New England, or have moved to Weston from a city, you may find Weston’s Town Government a little confusing. The Town’s website breaks it down for you to help you better understand, from what Town Meeting is to what the Board of Selectmen do, and why we have so many committees. It's important to follow what is happening in Town Government and to participate, from committee meetings to Town Meeting, which is why we will continue to make information as accessible as possible.

What Did You Think?

This was the first ever e-newsletter from Town Hall. How did we do? Did you like the content or did we miss the mark? Let us know, either way. Email webmaster@westonmass.org with comments or suggestions.