Westport RTM March Meeting: $3.1 Million Appropriated for Public Works Projects
March 7th, 2023 Agenda & Results
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting met via Zoom for a session beginning at 7:30 and adjourning at just after 9:40 this evening. Over 3 million dollars were appropriated for three different projects for the Department of Public Works, all of which involved the community’s sewer systems - including a new pump station on Riverside Avenue and adding several streets to the existing sewer & water lines.
1. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the recommendation of the RTM Rules Committee, to approve an amendment to Section 22-1 of the Code of Ordinances, establishing new and/or reaffirming voting districts following the 2020 Census as provided in Section C5-2 of the Town Charter. First reading. No vote needed. First reading completed.
2. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the request of the Director of Public Works, to approve an appropriation in the amount of $1,900,000.00 along with bond and note authorization, to the Sewer Reserve Fund Account for the replacement of Pump Station #3 Force Main Sewer Line and Pump Station Upgrades. Unanimously approved by all present RTM members.
3. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the request of the Director of Public Works, to approve an appropriation of $416,000.00 along with bond and note authorization to the Municipal Improvement Fund Account for additional funding for construction to extend the Sanitary Sewer System to Whitney Street, Roseville Road, Fernwood Road, Plumtree Lane, Pamela Place and Ledgemoor Lane. Unanimously approved by all present RTM members.
4. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the request of the Director of Public Works, to approve an appropriation of $790,000.00 along with bond and note authorization to the Municipal Improvement Fund Account for additional funding for construction to extend the Sanitary Sewer System to Evergreen Avenue, Evergreen Parkway, Tamarac Road, Lone Pine Lane, Gorham Avenue, Compo Road North and Brookside Drive.Unanimously approved by all present RTM members.
Morning Weather Report: Cold Day, Seasonal Night for Town Hall Tree Lighting
Today
Sunny, with a high near 42. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. West wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 27. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light after midnight. Town Hall Tree Lighting begins at 5 PM with festivities following.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to near 36 by 10pm, then rising to around 44 during the remainder of the night. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tom Kiely Named Town of Westport Operations Director
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that she has appointed Thomas D. Kiely to the position of Operations Director for the Town of Westport effective immediately.
Mr. Kiely is a graduate of Plymouth State University, Plymouth N.H., where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Management. His professional experience is in law enforcement with the Connecticut State Police, serving 21 years in various roles and supervisory positions including 11 years as a Detective with Major Crimes. During that time, he established positive working relationships with a number of local, state and federal agencies.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Kiely has received numerous honors and leadership accolades, including Outstanding Service Awards issued by the State Police, United States’ Attorney’s Office District of Connecticut Department of Justice Award and multiple Unit Citation Awards in recognition of his outstanding service and performance for exceptional investigative efforts.
Mr. Kiely stated, “My entire professional life has been in public service. I am very excited to begin a new career as the Operations Director of this great community. I look forward to meeting new people, accepting new challenges, and collaborating with the team of town employees, business owners, and residents – confident that I bring a fresh perspective and life experience to this important role in town government.”
First Selectwoman Tooker said, “I welcome Tom in his new role as Operations Director. I know that his experience and skill-set are well suited to this unique position within the Selectwoman’s Office. I am looking forward to a positive working relationship where we are able to accomplish the many goals my administration has set on behalf of all Westporters. I am also excited to introduce him to our community including the residents, business owners, and the employees that make Westport the best place in the region to live, work and play.”
She added, “I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation to Town Audit Manager and Senior Accountant Lynn Scully. Her work throughout the time that she served as the Interim Operations Director was exceptional. Her input, advice and guidance as she deftly managed the multiple jobs that we asked her to perform on behalf of the Town were invaluable, and we owe her a debt of gratitude.”
Senior Center Director Heads for Retirement: “I will always call Westport my home away from home”
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that she has accepted the retirement letter of Susan L. Pfister, Director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA), effective January 1, 2023.
Sue joined the Department of Human Services in 1987. She graduated from Sacred Heart University with a BSW, received her MSW at Fordham University, and dedicated her career to supporting Westport senior citizens. The Senior Center had humble beginnings in Westport, first located at the YMCA and Greens Farms School, Longshore Club Park and then Staples High School. Under Sue’s direction, the current WCSA was constructed at 21 Imperial Avenue in 2004, ahead of schedule and under budget. Sue also oversaw the building’s expansion in 2016. The state-of-the-art facility outshines many such centers and serves hundreds of seniors daily, thanks in large part to Sue’s expertise and administration. Sue’s Café at WCSA is aptly named after her since she helped to establish the daily congregate meal program, complete with its own chef. It has received rave reviews from participants. Throughout her 35-year tenure, Sue's creativity, resourcefulness, and inclusive vision have won her well-earned respect and accolades from colleagues and residents alike.
Ms. Pfister stated, “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to spend my entire career with the Town of Westport. Westport truly values and recognizes the important role seniors play in the community. I send heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the various administrations, boards and commissions, town departments and staff, instructors and volunteers, and most importantly, my staff for supporting me throughout my career. I will always call Westport my home away from home.”
First Selectwoman Tooker said, “Westport residents, and in particular our seniors and their families and caregivers, have been blessed with Sue’s presence. Through her due diligence and oversight, the WCSA has become a crown jewel of Westport, offering comprehensive programs that enhance the lives of seniors and create countless opportunities for seniors and volunteers to enjoy friendships and daily enrichment. Sue always has the best interests of those she cared for at the forefront. Her considerate nature and calm demeanor, coupled with a no-nonsense management style has been an enormous asset to this community.”
Tooker continued, “On a personal level, when my mom and dad moved to town, my dad became enamored of the WCSA and all its many activities. It was Sue and her staff who were sincerely welcoming and hands-on in helping with a difficult life transition for him. I know she is the same with all her beloved seniors. Sue took the lead without fanfare – she just did it – and with a smile on her face. Of course, Sue will be sorely missed as the Director of the WCSA. But I also know that she will continue to be in service to others as she enters a new chapter in her life. We wish her only health and happiness in her retirement.”
According to Human Services Director Elaine Daignault, “Sue has a penchant for quick-thinking, organization, and collaboration, playing a critical role in the Town’s emergency response efforts through countless storms and public health emergencies. She and her team at WCSA offered essential respite and support by feeding, housing, and comforting emergency workers and residents during significant Nor’ Easter storm events like Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Isais, and the COVID19 pandemic.”
“Sue’s energy and dedication are inspirational. Her drive and compassion for others have been a tremendous source of reassurance to me, and those that she has helped along the way,” Daignault continued. “I am very grateful for her camaraderie and friendship, and I wish her a well-deserved retirement where she’ll continue to spread light and hope to others.”