Westport, CT – First Selectman Jim Marpe has provided testimony to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) for its Public Hearing related to the investigation of Eversource’s preparation and response to Tropical Storm Isaias. Below is the filed testimony. 

The PURA hearing will take place on October 21 – October 23.  Members of the public who wish to participate in the public hearing must register via the Zoom links provided on the Notice of Hearing (see link below).  If members of the public want to weigh in prior to that in writing, they can send that comment in any time by emailing PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov.  Remember to include the docket number 20-08-03 on the subject line.

http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/DOCKCURR.NSF/2b67041f3f12d444852569ff005bcf7c/15cb545eb47e7958852585f800699dd2?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,20-08-03

On behalf of the residents of the Town of Westport, and as its First Selectman, I extend my sincere thanks to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) for holding this hearing.  I want to use this opportunity to strongly recommend the utility companies establish a better disaster response and communications standard than what was experienced during Tropical Storm Isaias. 

Westporters are well aware of the destruction that Tropical Storm Isaias brought to our community.  In its immediate aftermath, 97 percent of Eversource’s Westport customers (households and businesses) were without power.  Trees and debris, often including utility wires, blocked roads and driveways, trapping many residents in their homes and preventing emergency response personnel from responding to potential life-threatening situations.  Traffic signals were not functional, causing hazardous driving conditions for those who could venture out. Businesses and those working from home were unable to communicate due to the loss of power, cellular and WiFi services.   

What was most discouraging, however, was the delay in Eversource’s make-safe process that took days to commence. Westport officials stood ready to respond, but in many instances, were paralyzed in the 48-hour period following the storm, while awaiting Eversource to make our community safe by de-energizing their downed wires. This left residents in those blocked areas stranded and helpless should a medical or life-threatening emergency occur. The most critical part of the town’s storm response is to be able to help those in immediate need or distress.  Such blocked access cannot be an acceptable scenario in America in the year 2020.  We need the utility companies to know that they must organize to make communities safe as quickly as possible following any storm. Any delay to “make safe” leaves our residents extremely vulnerable and helpless.

To compound the issue, many residents were also without cellular service or WiFi.  We could not reach residents through mobile, landlines, email, website or social media communications.  Being unable to physically reach those same individuals left the town in a desperate state.

In Westport, Eversource was mostly non-responsive, non-communicative, and unable to coordinate with the town when it did begin restoration.  I would like to share some examples of Eversource’s lack of coordination and communication with Westport during Storm Isaias.

1. Eversource’s response was delayed and unorganized:

• Per Eversource’s regulations, towns should have been provided a “make safe crew” within 24 hours after the storm, so that wires could be de-energized before any tree work or clean up could begin. Westport was told it would get two crews at 6am on Friday, approximately 60 hours after the storm, but was then told one crew was on its way at 10am that Friday.  The one crew arrived much later.  As a result of Eversource’s inefficiencies in providing a timely “make safe” crew(s), Westport’s Public Works response was unable to address wire-related incidents for three days after the storm. Eversource could not make the community safe by de-energizing their wires first. 

• Westport was only given one make safe crew, which was insufficient with 97% of the town being without power and the massive amount of storm related damage.

• Other Eversource crews were doing restoration work even though make safe was not yet complete.

• Eversource technicians, or their subcontractor crews, were reported idling for many hours at various school parking lots, while they awaited guidance and instructions.

2. Ratepayers overwhelmingly complained of poor Eversource customer service:

• Ratepayers had difficulty reaching an Eversource Customer Service Representative to report and follow-up on outages.  When contact was made, many Representatives refused to initiate work orders because their records indicated that either the power in the respective area had been restored, even when it wasn’t, or that the entire neighborhood was out, thereby negating the need to report the outage.  Ratepayers should have the ability to understand Eversource’s procedures and should expect a reasonable level of customer service – particularly in an emergency situation- so they know when they need to report and follow up on an outage, versus when they do not.

3. The Town was unable to get key information from Eversource: 

• Despite numerous attempts, Westport officials were unable to reach the Eversource Operations Center until the afternoon on the second day after the storm.  Substantive contact between a municipality and Eversource should be made within 24 hours after a storm, and ideally before the storm begins. 

• Eversource outreach to the town was sporadic and often consisted of general briefings, which did not have useful or specific information.

4. There was a lack of coordination between Westport and Eversource:

• Westport emergency response leadership was not told where the restoration crews would be located, so our clean-up crews were unable to follow the crews and coordinate with Eversource.   

• The Westport Emergency Management Director was told late Friday that National Guard troops would be coming at 9am the next day.  Westport did not know what the National Guard would be doing and was not told where the troops were working.  Instead, Westport had to use its Police Department to find the Guard.  As a result, there was no coordination between the Town and the National Guard.

• The normal process for sharing outages with Eversource was changed and our Public Works Department was told to enter this information in an unmanageable spreadsheet.  Westport’s Community Relations Specialist, Tracy Alston was very good with responding to our inquiries, but the information she had internally was limited.  It was clear from Westport’s perspective that Eversource had an internal communications problem and that it was mostly unprepared.

• Even toward the end of the restoration process, Eversource still could not tell Westport specifically where their crews were working.

In the 48-hour aftermath of the storm and tornado, there was no information or specific restoration plans forthcoming from any Eversource representative or official, other than general information.  We could only quote the Eversource website information, which was inaccurate and vague. 

CONCLUSION

In summary, Westport and its residents found Eversource’s performance during Storm Isaias to be unacceptable.  Its inability to quickly respond to life and property threatening “make safe” situations was irresponsible. Its failure to communicate immediately with our emergency response team and our residents introduced additional risk and anxiety into an already difficult and dangerous situation. Additionally, its apparent struggle in communicating effectively on an internal basis has left us wondering about the quality and responsiveness of Eversource in future disaster situations.

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Halloween is a special holiday for many of our children and families.  Due to COVID-19 however, Halloween in Westport will look different from prior years. I am urging residents to be considerate and judicious in how they plan to partake in seasonal activities. It is incumbent upon all of us to insure a safe Halloween and upcoming holiday season.

Please follow the guidelines put forth by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding Halloween this year.

https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Guidance/Connecticut-Halloween-Guidance

Because the annual Halloween Parade and trick-or-treating in Town Hall has typically drawn increased foot traffic and crowding, the town regrets that it will not host the event this year. Instead, the Westport Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Halloween House Decorating Contest to promote family involvement and community spirit during the holiday.  I encourage everyone – young and old alike – to demonstrate their creativity and decorate their homes in the spirit of the season. For more information about the event, visit www.westportrecreation.com.

The Westport DMA, in collaboration with the town, is exploring a family-friendly Halloween event on October 25. More information on this proposal will be available in the coming week.

The CDC considers traditional trick-or-treating to be a high-risk activity and should be avoided. Rather, it recommends alternatives for celebrating the holiday with lower risk activities and small events that allow for reduced exposure and ease of contact tracing. Consider candy hunts, small “trunk or treats” with friends and family, crafts, virtual contests and other outdoor activities where social distance can be achieved. The CDC advises against wearing decorative masks over surgical masks. This year consider a costume that does not require a decorative mask so that a surgical or CDC-approved mask can be worn instead.

The State of Connecticut is entering Phase III of its reopening plan today. Be advised, however, that Phase III continues to cap the number of attendees at all private indoor gatherings at 25. Trick-or-treating and gatherings at locations where Halloween has traditionally prompted increased crowds, either indoors or on town roadways such as Gault Avenue and the Compo Beach area, are strongly discouraged.

If you do decide to participate in trick-or-treating on October 31, we recommend that it is done with increased precautions. Again, follow the CT Halloween Guidance and the recommendations from the CDC. Trick or treaters should be aware that if a home is darkened, it is likely not partaking in Halloween festivities and that decision should be respected. Limit the amount of homes visited. Town officials advise parents to not drop off children in certain neighborhoods. Instead, it is advisable to keep all trick-or-treaters in their own neighborhoods. We also request that residents not arrange for food trucks or other food, drink or entertainment that promotes gathering in neighborhoods.

In addition to Halloween, the CDC site also has guidance for the upcoming holiday season. Please consider reviewing the guidance from the State and the CDC before making plans for your holidays.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

Reopen Strategy for Town Hall

Since March, town departments and staff have developed and utilized effective and efficient strategies that allowed municipal services to be provided to the public under the conditions imposed by COVID. With the continued risk of the virus and its potential for transmission, especially in the colder months, the town will continue to offer remote services as they are currently provided. Staff will continue to focus on phone and email communication to transact town business. 

For business that must be conducted in-person, plans are underway to transition these appointments from the exterior tent to a controlled and sanitized environment within Town Hall. For the foreseeable future, to allow for contact tracing and to protect the health of staff and visitors, Town Hall will be open for in-person business by appointment only. 

These decisions are for the protection of all residents and staff.  Furthermore, if there were to be a transmission in Town Hall, an entire department risks closure. Such a closure would have significant ramifications on the ability to provide necessary services. We are confident that the current procedures in our buildings have been successful because there has been no evidence of transmissions from within town facilities.  The safety and health of both the public and town employees remains paramount.

We call upon members of the public to participate in our virtual public meetings, by watching them live streaming on Optimum Channel 79, Frontier 6020 or the Town’s website (westportct.gov/watch).  Public comment instructions are in each meeting agenda, which are found on the town’s online meeting calendar at westportct.gov/calendar. 

If you have any questions for town staff, please use the staff directory at westportct.gov/directory.  The search feature on the town’s website is the best way to find immediate answers to your questions during non-business hours.  We also welcome feedback on the usefulness of information on our website.

Other reminders

Flu shots are recommended and may be administered by your personal physician or at various area pharmacies.

The Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) remains an invaluable resource for those residents seeking daily information and guidance related to COVID-19, the upcoming flu season, and other health-related issues that affect our community. Visit their site at www.wwhd.org for daily updates and case numbers

Visit the Town of Westport’s COVID page for links to both private and town reopening statuses, as well as resources and information for residents and businesses.  Westportct.gov/covid19

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Westport, CT –  Planning & Zoning Director Mary Young announced today that the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Commission will review a text amendment to the Westport Zoning Regulations at its October 8, 2020 meeting.  The P&Z Commission submitted Text Amendment #785. If adopted, the amendment will delete §4-5, Maximum Multi-Family Dwelling, also known as the “Multi-Family Cap”, which limits the number of multi-family dwellings in Westport to 10% the number of single-family dwellings.

Without deleting the language in §4-5, the only non-single family home development that will be permitted in the future would be the development of affordable units and market-rate unit units permitted in very limited regulations.  All other types of development, including townhomes, apartments and condominiums, will no longer be permitted

Mary Young described, “The elimination of the multifamily cap will permit the Planning & Zoning Commission to continue its work diversifying housing in Westport while retaining the predominantly single family zoning that characterizes Westport. This text amendment does not allow multifamily  development in any single family zones, rather, it authorizes the elected Planning & Zoning Commissioners to continue to evaluate multifamily and townhome proposals in those zones where they are already permitted.”

Pursuant to Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 7B, there will be no physical location for the October 8, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The meeting will be held electronically and live streamed on www.westportct.gov and shown on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020. The Planning and Zoning Commission can receive written comments from the public in advance of the meeting.  Comments in advance of the meeting should be sent to PandZ@westportct.gov. Comments can also be sent during the meeting when the item is under review by the Commission before the public comment session on that agenda item ends. If sending comments during the meeting comments will be read aloud if they (i) are sent to PandZcomments@westportct.gov, (ii) state your full name and address, and (iii) identify the agenda item to which your comment relates.

If you would like to give your comments by participating in real time in the meeting, please send an email by noon on October 8, 2020, to maryyoung@westportct.gov stating your name and address and the agenda item to which your comments will relate, and meeting participation details will be emailed to you to enable you to participate in real time. Meeting materials are available at www.westportct.gov, on the Planning and Zoning Department web page under “P&Z Pending Applications & Recent Approvals” here.

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2020-10-01@ 8:43pm–Report of a car hanging off a ledge on Bayberry Lane. The occupants are not injured but are are trapped in the car. Firefighters working to free them. The car is reported at a 50 degree angle on a 100 foot slope.

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Westport, Conn. – Parks & Recreation Director Jennifer A. Fava reminds residents and visitors that from October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 the following regulations will be in effect for Compo Beach.   

Animal Control Enforcement and Leash Restriction

• Dogs are prohibited from the Pavilion, Playground and Boardwalk.
• All dogs must be leashed in all areas of the park except in the designated off leash area of the beach south of the Pavilion, including South Beach.  Off leash regulations are posted at the entrance to the off leash area.
• You are required by law to pick up your dog’s feces.

Violation of the above regulations subject to a fine of $77.00

Notice:  Long Island Sound Water Warning

The State Dept. of Health is advising shoreline residents that Vibrio vulnificus has been found in the water which can lead to severe infections in which the flesh around an open wound dies.  Anyone with open wounds, cuts, scrapes, have had a recent operation or has a compromised immune system is advised to stay out of the water.  This warning relates to dogs as well.

Ms. Fava said, “We hope everyone will follow these regulations and be respectful of other dogs and beach users.  We appreciate your cooperation.”

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Westport, CT – The Westport Police Department announces that it will be partnering with the
U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
from October 1 through October 15, 2020 for a high-visibility enforcement campaign focused on
the state’s distracted driving laws.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on
your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo,
entertainment or navigation system – anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe
driving.
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5
seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity
you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 2,841 lives in the year 2018 alone. Among those
killed: 1,730 drivers, 605 passengers, 400 pedestrians and 77 bicyclists.  NHTSA leads the national
effort to save lives by preventing this dangerous behavior.
Violating Connecticut’s distracted-driving laws can be costly with fines starting at $150.00 and
increasing to potentially as much as $1,000.00 depending on the operator’s driving history and
the location of the offense.
The Westport Police Department asks that you do your part to keep yourself and others safe and
to please make driving your sole focus when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

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Westport, CT) – With the approaching November elections has also come the traditional posting of political signage expressing support for various candidates. Unfortunately, as has been the case in the past, once again the Westport Police Department has begun to receive complaints related to the disappearance, removal and/or theft of these types of signs. Residents and visitors are advised against taking it upon themselves to remove signs that do not belong to them, from either public or private property.  The enforcement of the town’s rules is the responsibility of the town of Westport, not that of private citizens.  The removal of signs from public or private property by someone not authorized to do so by the town, or by the owner of the sign, may constitute theft.  Entering onto private property to remove signs may also constitute trespassing. Both of these acts can ultimately result in arrest. The following policy has been established by Westport Town Officials in order to provide coordination for the placement of temporary signs by Westport non-profit organizations wishing to advertise one-time-only charitable events. Signs placed on public property advertising a private business or company will be removed.

 

General Guidelines for ALL Temporary Signs

 Town property includes traffic islands and road rights of way.
 The Town may not approve, nor is it responsible for, any signs erected on State of Connecticut property. It is not advisable to place signs on State of Connecticut property (including rights of way and islands along Routes 1, 136, 57, 33, and the Sherwood Island Connector, nor on the exit or entrance ramps of I-95 or the Merritt Parkway) as the State may remove them.
 No sign may be placed on any school property without the prior permission
of the Superintendent’s Office.

 No sign may be placed within the interior of Compo Beach or Longshore
Club Park.
 No sign may be placed on Town Hall property.
 No sign may be placed on trees or utility poles.
 No sign may interfere with traffic visibility.
 Signs on private property require property owner approval. Signs on private property shall not extend beyond the property line or into the Town right-of- way and is suggested they be removed within 2 days after the publicized event or election.

The placement and locations of temporary signs on Town property for the purpose of advertising a charitable event requires review and approval by the Westport Police Chief, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Director of Parks & Recreation, or their designated representatives. Qualifying organizations (i.e. local non-profits) may send a copy of the attached request, including proposed locations, for the placement of temporary signs to: Selectman's Office, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 or selectman@westportct.gov.

The following conditions will apply to charitable events:
 A maximum of 15 signs are allowed for each such event. This includes directional signs.
 The signs may be erected not more than 2 weeks before the event and must be removed within 2 days after the publicized event.
 The size of the sign cannot exceed 2 feet by 3 feet.
 Non-compliance may result in the removal of signs.

Political signs are considered an expression of free speech and are allowed on public property. The General Guidelines noted above apply to temporary signs for political purposes.

Please note that this Press Release pertains to Town of Westport roads, and not State Roads, like Route 1, Route 33, Route 57 and Route 136.

 

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2020-09-18@6:13pm–#Westrport CT– Report of a motorcycle accident on Beachside Road.

 

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#Westport CT–On the evening of Sunday, September 6, 2020, Timothy Holmstrom was taken into
custody for an outstanding court-ordered arrest warrant for failure to appear. Per the warrant,
Holmstrom was charged with 53a-173 Failure to Appear Second Degree. He was ultimately
released on a written promise to appear. He is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior
Court on the morning of Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

 

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#Westport, CT – With the start of the Westport Public School year on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, the Westport Police Department has already begun and will continue to target traffic violators in school zones with a “Back to School” enforcement and education campaign. Our officers will be continuing to observe traffic for distracted drivers and speeding in school zones as well as monitoring bus stops and routes citing those that disregard school bus signals. The Westport Police Department is committed to protecting children from motorists who disregard the law, especially around school zones and bus stops where students congregate. As COVID-19 has significantly altered our schools’ scheduling with staggered student arrival and dismissal times, motorists will now for the first time be sharing the roads throughout the course of the day with school buses making frequent stops, as well as with children who will be walking and/or biking to school. With this in mind, this year more than ever we strongly urge commuters to allow for extra time to reach their destinations in order to proactively prepare for potential traffic delays. Please remain vigilant and alert around school zones, bus stops and school buses. Obey the school bus laws of Connecticut, which include slowing down and preparing to stop for yellow flashing school bus lights and stopping for red flashing school bus lights. A list of suggestions for drivers, students and parents are listed below. Parents are encouraged to discuss these safety tips with their children and with young or inexperienced drivers in their home.

Drivers
 When driving in neighborhoods with school zones or backing into a roadway, watch out for
young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of
getting there safely.
 Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in
neighborhood.
 Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for
traffic.

 Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. Learn the " flashing signal light system"
used by school bus drivers to alert motorists of pending actions:
 Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload
children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
 Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped and
that children are getting on or off. Motorists on both sides of the roadway must stop
their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is
withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

Children
 Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
 When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and
line up away from the street.
 Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping
onto the bus.
 If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of
the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be
sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
 Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with
drawstrings and book bags with straps do not get caught in the handrails or doors.
 Never walk behind the bus.
 Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
 If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the
driver may not be able to see you.
 Follow instructions given by school crossing guards. Do not cross until they have stopped
traffic completely and have advised it is safe to cross.

We all have a responsibility to make sure children are able to travel to and from school safely. With
that goal in mind, let’s once again work together to have a safe back to school season!

 

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