Weston Today photos
Voters in a July 9 Special Town Meeting authorized the Town to issue up to $6 million in bond anticipation notes for a two-year surge in repairs to Weston roads.
After 35 minutes of discussion, 103 residents decided the matter on a voice vote, unanimous except for one hand raised when the nays were called.
Following the requisite reading of the rules by moderator Susan Moch, Public Works Director Larry Roberts summarized the paving plan, which involves major work on 18 distressed public roads this year and 19 more in 2025.
Town officials can now solicit and receive bids for this year’s priorities, award a contract, and get the work done this summer and fall.
Mr. Roberts said Public Works crews are already preparing roads for milling and paving, mostly by installing new catch basins set at the height each road will have after paving.
Public Works Director Larry Roberts
Town Administrator Karl Kilduff, Finance Director Rick Darling, and Board of Finance chair Michael Imber answered questions about the bond notes, which will be issued in two tranches. Based on current estimates, notes for $3.6 million issued this year will be refinanced in 2025 with an additional $2.4 million. The total is expected to become part of a 20-year bond package in 2026.
The authorization caps the total at $6 million and limits work to the 37 roads (listed below) specified in the meeting resolution. If actual costs come in lower, less debt would be incurred.
Mr. Roberts and First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor answered questions about how, going forward, roads will be maintained to break the cycle of steady degradation followed by expensive rehabilitation. The plan, already discussed among the selectmen and with the Board of Finance, is to budget somewhere around $800,000 annually for preventive maintenance.
That amount is roughly the average the Town has spent each of the last several years on road repair, but little or none of it has gone to preventive maintenance. The objective of the new plan, first developed nearly five years ago, is to bring Weston roads up to an acceptable standard and keep them there.
“This vote supports the entire community,” said Ms. Nestor. “I can’t contain my excitement for the folks in Weston who will have better, safer roads.”
“It’s been a long time coming and a massive group effort,” she said. “I’m so thankful to see the community rallying behind these projects that enhance everyone’s well-being. Huge shoutout to Larry Roberts, Tony Pesco, Jeff Farr, Rick Darling, and Karl Kilduff for their hard work.”
Ms. Nestor, Mr. Kilduff, Mr. Darling
2024 priorities
2025 priorities
June 20, 2024: Special Town Meeting Set for Paving Bonds
June 5, 2024: Road Paving Back in Focus
January 22, 2024: On the Table: A Major Push to Fix the Roads