Holiday Greetings 2023

Holiday Greetings for 2023

Hello Wilton,

 Much is happening at Town Hall as we head into the holidays, with lots of good cheer spread around. The Toys for Tots drive, led by our Police and Firefighters, was another huge success this year, with the donation boxes filled beyond capacity. Neighbors brought cards and gift baskets to the Police Station and Firehouse to thank our emergency crews for all that they did to keep us safe. 

Capital Projects

The broken 5th column has been replaced and painted at the front entrance of Town Hall and a new flagpole has been erected. 

Wreaths Across America

The Wilton Boy Scouts conducted a very special ceremony, Wreaths Across America, where they laid beautiful wreaths at the Town’s War Memorial and at the graves of veterans buried in Hillside Cemetery.  

Department of Public Works

A well-deserved appreciation luncheon was held for Pat Cavalieri, Supervisor in the Department of Public Works, who retired after thirty-six years of dedicated service to our town. 

Wilton is known as a place that runs well. Many who live in Wilton and benefit from the DPW’s hard work may not be aware of what this department does to make life in our town possible. 

Our roads are consistently recognized for their safe passage, even during the worst weather, because of the effort and know-how of employees like Pat. Our students and our workers arrive at their schools and their workplaces safely because of clear roadways. All of us in Wilton salute you, Pat Cavalieri! Enjoy every moment of this next chapter with your feet-up.

In other news, we have made great progress on several projects of import to life in Wilton:

A New Police Station

A highly anticipated kick-off meeting of our new Police Station was held recently, allowing brick and mortar construction to begin in two phases. Phase I entails making enough progress on the new building so that our police can take up occupancy around April 2025. In Phase II, the existing station will be demolished, to be replaced by a much-needed car park, by September 2025. 

Breweries

At the Board of Selectmen meeting on December 19th, a motion was passed that would allow a change to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8, Article 1, “Sale of Alcoholic Liquor,” to be taken to a town vote on January 9, 2024. As a reminder, this proposed change in ordinance would allow breweries to operate in town. These new establishments would permit beer to be made and served on-site, as well as sold for off-premises consumption. Breweries would be required to operate during the same hours that now govern restaurants and package stores in Wilton.  

Several members of the public spoke in favor of the breweries, citing how they foster community and tourism, support local farmers by using local ingredients in their brews, offer employment opportunities, and bring variety and interest to Wilton. The Board voted unanimously to move the question forward to a town vote. On January 9, at 7pm, there will be a special town meeting where registered voters, Wilton residents only, will be able to cast their ballot for or against this change. The Registrar will check everyone in. At least fifty eligible voters must be present for the vote to be passed. Without at least fifty, the issue will be deemed null and void. Therefore, if this issue is important to you, be sure to come and vote on the 9th and bring your eligible Wilton friends and neighbors with you. 

Signage

At this same meeting, the Economic Development Commission presented the findings of their Sign Regulation Improvements study. The Commission surveyed business owners and residents and over 90 and 240 responded respectively.  It was a revelation to learn how much benefit there is to larger, more uniform signage, with many noting the excellent signs for the businesses on the corner of Route 7 and Sharp Hill Road. As a safety issue, clearer signs, with a consistent font, help drivers see where they’re going. Businesses, especially smaller businesses set back from the road, benefit greatly from the same level of visibility to attract customers. It was recognized that flexibility needs to be given to some larger businesses that depend on specific colors and branding in their signs. Overall, though, it was deemed that Wilton needs better consistency in the quality and size of their signs. This will make Wilton more attractive, will help visitors find their way, and will do so much to promote our local businesses. The findings will be shared with the Planning and Zoning Commission for their consideration. 

Council on Ethics

Moving on to news from other town boards, the Council on Ethics received a complaint that was filed anonymously, had not been notarized and failed to adhere to other protocols. Therefore, it could not be considered. Here are the steps in lodging a formal complaint. The Town of Wilton Charter, Part I: Administrative and Special Laws states:

(a) A complaint may be made by any individual or board. It shall be made in a writing signed under oath before a notary and shall state the name and address of the complainant, the identity of the official or employee and, if applicable, the relative or business involved in the complaint, the conduct that allegedly violates the code, and a summary of the relevant facts.

(b) A complaint must be filed within two years after the matter in question has allegedly occurred.

(c) The complaint shall be filed with the Council in a sealed envelope addressed to the Council and marked "confidential." It shall be delivered to the Town Clerk either by hand or by certified mail, return receipt requested. The complaint shall be deemed to have been filed on the date of its receipt by the Town Clerk and shall be treated by the Town Clerk as a confidential document.

Distinguished Visitors Come to Town Hall

Both our State Senator Ceci Maher, and Congressman Jim Himes, visited Town Hall to discuss Wilton’s needs and its future. I am grateful for their time and interest. I was able to show them, firsthand, how necessary our capital projects are with a tour of some of our buildings. We are lucky to have such meaningful relationships at the Statehouse and in Congress. 

Early Voting 

We also accepted a small grant from the Connecticut Secretary of State that will help offset some, but not all, the added costs of the State mandated early voting access, which will begin twenty-one days before election day.

Antisemitism has no place in Wilton!

Finally, I’d like to address a serious topic of concern to everyone in our community. The war in Gaza is causing our Jewish friends and neighbors to feel particularly vulnerable during this holiday season. Since the horrendous attack on Israel on October 7, acts of anti-Semitism in Wilton have been growing at an alarming rate. Our message in response to this ugliness is clear and unqualified: We stand united in support of our fellow Jewish citizens. Wilton is a family, and when one member of our family is attacked, we all suffer. Aggression has a spiral effect that cannot be controlled, and yet the outcome is predictable – everyone loses. Discriminatory behavior against any group or individual will not be tolerated in our Wilton.

Holiday Wishes

In this beautiful season of joy and giving I am reminded of the best gift of all, the gift of friends and family both near and far. Those close in heart are never but a thought away. 

Wilton, I will be thinking of you and wishing you good  health and every happiness as we enjoy the holidays with our loved ones. There is much to look forward to in the new year and I cannot wait to get started.

Toni Boucher, First Selectman