#Westport CT– On November 1, 2019 at approximately 9:30 a.m., Westport Police officers responded to a local Honda dealership on a report of a larceny. The complainant stated that sometime between 8:00 p.m. on October 31 and 8:00 a.m. on November 1 an unknown individual allegedly stole the tires and rims from two separate vehicles. Robert Mebane was developed as a suspect in this crime after he was arrested at the same Honda dealership on December 16, 2019 for, amongst other things, Criminal Attempt at Larceny in the Sixth Degree and Possession of Burglary Tools. Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was sought and granted for Mr. Mebane’s arrest. On the evening of April 8, 2021, Mr. Mebane turned himself in at the Westport Police Department. Per the warrant, he was charged with Larceny in the Third Degree. Mr. Mebane was released after posting a $20,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court on the morning of May 5, 2021.
Westport, CT – First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that, in coordination with the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD), information has been updated for those seeking the COVID-19 vaccine.
At this time, the following are eligible to register for the COVID-19 vaccine utilizing the State Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS):
Individuals included in 1a rollout:
Healthcare Personnel: All paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients of infectious materials.
Long Term Care Facility Residents: Adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.
First Responders at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their response to medical emergencies such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, and Fire.
and
Individuals included in phase 1b:
Individuals 75 and older (proof of age will be required at the clinic)
Only those eligible under Phase 1a or 1b may register for the vaccine. Fill out the form to register with the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS): https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine
Full name, date of birth, zip code, occupation (including “retired”), and email address are required. The information entered will only be used for purposes of scheduling a vaccination and will remain confidential.
Once submitted, a confirmation email from DPH/VAMS will be sent, followed by another email that either approves or denies the registration. If approved, registrants may then register in VAMS and select a vaccination appointment. Make sure to check email Spam/Junk folders for the emails.
For those needing online assistance, do not have access to a device, or do not have an email address to register for the vaccine, please enlist the support of a family member or caregiver. A family member or caregiver will be needed to register, as well as receive the email communications from DPH/VAMS and schedule your appointment.
Please note that every individual must have a unique email to be registered and vaccinated with VAMS. For example, someone using their personal email to register an elderly parent may not be able to register or be vaccinated using that same email. The Westport Department of Human Services has set up a vaccination helpline at 203-341-5037 to assist.
Using VAMS is a Federal requirement at this time, but it is the only way at this time for an individual not in a congregate setting to register for and receive a vaccination in Connecticut. Once registered in VAMS, an appointment to receive the vaccine may be scheduled. This is a State program and Westport residents do not need to be vaccinated in Westport. VAMS may suggest vaccination appointments in nearby communities based on the supply of available vaccinations.
The DPH directs the prioritization and timeline for vaccine rollout. DPH continues to modify protocols and criteria for vaccination. Follow this link for updates on the State’s vaccination phases and eligibility: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination—Phases Please contact your health care provider if you have questions about your health status or the vaccine.
The CT DPH is still in the process of finalizing its definition of Phase 1b eligible residents in Connecticut. We will continue to issue updates as new information is provided by DPH and/or the WWHD.
Additional information on the vaccine is also available on the State’s 2-1-1 line or the links referenced below.
Westport, CT – First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that the Town of Westport will offer the tax relief deferment program for eligible taxpayers for the January installment period. The authority to offer such program is granted by Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 9R, issued on December 16, 2020, which suspends and modifies tax deadlines and collection efforts for tax bills that become due and payable on January 1, 2021. All municipalities in the State of Connecticut must offer a tax relief program.
In April, the Board of Finance recommended and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) approved the administration’s proposed tax relief deferment program. Executive Order 9R allows the municipality to reinstitute that program for the January tax period without any further approvals.
Taxpayers must demonstrate their eligibility to participate in the tax deferment program. Taxpayers who were eligible for the tax deferment program in April or July must apply again to be eligible for the January payment deferral.
Mr. Marpe said, “The tax relief deferment program was offered to Westporters for both the April and the July tax payments. I am pleased to say that this program was a success, helping almost 200 applicants during each tax period. Offering the program again this January will help provide relief to eligible residential and commercial taxpayers who are struggling with the challenges brought on by COVID-19.”
The tax deferment program is essentially an extended grace period on tax payments to assist Westport taxpayers suffering financial hardship due to COVID-19. Eligible taxpayers can utilize the tax deferment program for the January 2021 tax bills on real estate, personal property, motor vehicles and sewer assessments so that payments made any time within three months from each bill’s due date will not incur interest charges or penalties.
Applications for the deferment program must account for one of the following hardships:
Household has suffered a reduction in income of at least 20 percent due to COVID-19.
Business or nonprofit revenue from October 2020 to January 2021 is expected to be reduced by at least 30 percent compared to the same time last year.
For landlords: Income is significantly reduced.
Landlords can also provide proof of commensurate forbearance programs offered to their own tenants to be eligible. For example:
i. Deferment of 25 percent of rent for three months to tenants;
ii. A deferment of rent to be paid over three months; or
iii. Other similar forbearance as determined by the Tax Collector.
Applicants must submit documentation. The application form and additional information can be found at www.westportct.gov/TaxRelief .
Applicants will have until January 28, 2021 to submit their requests without incurring a penalty on their unpaid January 1, 2021 taxes.
Westport taxpayers are advised to use the deferment program only if delaying the tax payment will provide relief. The tax deferment program does not forgive tax payments. If January’s taxes are not paid by the April 1, 2021 deadline, late penalties will apply retroactively at 18% annually or 1.5% per month.
Under the Governor’s executive orders, banks and mortgage services that hold tax payments in escrow must continue to pay the Town when the taxes are due, even if the homeowner is participating in a moratorium on mortgage payments. Irrespective of whether a homeowner meets the hardship requirements, banks and servicers would still be obligated to pay the taxes.
The Tax Deferment Program will be a collaborative effort carried out by the Offices of the Assessor and the Tax Collector. It will also include consultation with the Human Services and the Finance Departments. A dedicated call line, 203-341-1147, and email, TaxRelief@westportCT.gov, have been set up to answer basic questions. If you have further questions, in person appointments are available by contacting the call line.
(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department Local Union #2080 in partnership with the Westport Police Benevolent Association are excited to announce the commencement of the Holiday Toy Drive, an annual event that provides toys to underprivileged children throughout Fairfield County as well as both to Bridgeport and Saint Vincent’s Hospitals. This program has been extremely successful in the past, allowing for thousands of toys to be distributed to children who otherwise would have none. We again ask for your continued support and generosity to help make this year’s drive a success. By donating, you are guaranteed to bring holiday joy to so many deserving children.
Weather permitting, Westport Police Officers will accept new, unopened, and unwrapped toys, as well as cash donations, in the parking lot of ASF Sports & Outdoors, located at 1560 Post Road East, Westport, on the following Saturdays and Sundays: December 5 th , 6 th , 12 th and 13 th between the hours of 9:00AM and 5:00PM. Officers volunteering on site will be wearing personal protective equipment and can accommodate the contactless drop off of donations. While it may look a bit different this year, COVID-19 will not stop us from spreading holiday cheer!
Another significant change to please note is that due to building access restrictions implemented in response to the current pandemic, donations unfortunately cannot be accepted at Westport Police Headquarters or at Westport Town Hall as they have been in the past. Despite this change, new donation locations have been added at several local businesses. Collection boxes will be set up from the present date until December 14, 2020 at the following Westport stores:
ASF Sports & Outdoors 1560 Post Road East www.shopASF.com or (203) 255-4460 Awesome Toys and Gifts 429 Post Road East www.awesometoys.com or (424) 293-7663 The Toy Post 180 Post Road East www.thetoypostct.com or (203) 557-8888 Donations at these locations can be made remotely and/or in person. Please consult these individual businesses for their hours of operation. Any other questions can be directed to Corporal Albert Nowinski via e- mail at ANowinski@WestportCT.gov or (203) 341-6000. We would like to thank in advance all of our continually generous donors. We once again look forward to seeing many of you at ASF Sports & Outdoors. Best wishes to all for a happy, safe and healthy holiday season from the Westport Police Department!
At approximately 6:53pm on Thursday August 13, 2020, officers responded to Ulta Beauty, 1365 Post Road East, on a report of a shoplifting incident. Employees of the store reported that three individuals entered and had begun loading up a hand basket with numerous bottles of cologne and perfume. The three suspects then ran out of the store to a waiting vehicle without paying for the merchandise, fleeing the immediate area prior to officers’ arrival. The total loss due to theft was estimated to be over $6,000.00. Through investigation, that included the review of surveillance footage as well as information sharing with other law enforcement agencies, detectives were able to identify the three suspects in this incident. One of these suspects was identified as Jahliil Parrott. An arrest warrant was sought and granted for Parrott in connection with this investigation.
On Friday November 20, 2020, Parrott was taken into custody at Hartford Superior Court in connection with this active warrant for his arrest. He was then transported to Westport Police Headquarters for processing. Per the warrant, he was charged with 53a-124 Larceny Third Degree and 53a-48(53a-124) Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Third Degree. Bond was court set as a written promise to appear. Parrot is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court on the morning of Friday December 18, 2020.
Westport CT – The Department of Public Works announced today that it is the recipient of a Connecticut Small Towns Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant in the amount of $128,205 to be earmarked for the replacement of the sidewalks on Maple Avenue South. The Town of Westport will fund $21,795 towards this project.
According to Governor Ned Lamont’s November 9, 2020 announcement, more than $11 million in STEAP funding was awarded to 94 small towns across Connecticut for various infrastructure improvement projects. This is the first time since 2016 that the State has awarded STEAP funding.
The grant funds awarded to Westport will be utilized for the replacement and construction of a section of sidewalk on Maple Avenue South from Post Road East (Route 1) to Clapboard Hill Road. The total length is approximately 2,575 linear feet and includes replacement and new “infill” construction where there is currently no sidewalk. The sidewalk that is currently in poor condition will be replaced, making it continuous for the entire length of the segment. It will facilitate safe pedestrian infrastructure along Maple Avenue South as well as facilitate pedestrian access to retail and commercial establishments along the Post Road. The funds will be used primarily for construction.
First Selectman Jim Marpe said, “I am pleased that the State funds will allow the Department of Public Works to begin work on this important infrastructure improvement that facilitates pedestrian access and contributes to the walkability of Westport.”
This press release is made possible by:
Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
(Westport, CT) – The Westport Police Department proudly announces the addition of Dominique Carr to its ranks effective today, Monday, November 9, 2020. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Officer Carr was officially sworn in at police headquarters this morning at a private ceremony attended by First Selectman James Marpe and Police Chief Foti Koskinas as well as friends and family. Officer Carr joins us from the Windsor Police Department, where he has served the town with distinction since November of 2018. Carr is a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and a graduate of Cromwell High School. Carr is also a 2018 graduate of Western Connecticut State University, where he successfully obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice and Law Administration. An avid athlete, Carr played football at the University. Upon completing his studies, he joined the Windsor Police Department, where he has since been assigned to their patrol division. Officer Carr fills a vacancy created by the recent departure of one of our officers. He will have to successfully complete a modified field training and familiarization program where he will be required to learn department policies and procedures before being assigned to our patrol division. Chief Koskinas adds, “Today we are very excited and proud to welcome Officer Carr to our Westport Police Department family. He brings with him an impressive educational background and the valuable experience derived from serving another community, both of which will serve him well as he transitions into his new role.” First Selectman Marpe adds, “Westport is honored for Officer Carr to join our community. I am confident that he will continue the department’s well-established tradition of providing the highest level of service to our residents and visitors.” The Westport Police Department would also like to thank the representatives from the Board of Selectmen, Representative Town Meeting, Board of Education and TEAM Westport who assisted us in the interview and selection process of candidates for this vacancy. Please join us in warmly welcoming Officer Carr to the Westport Police Department and wishing him future success in his new career.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This press release was made possible by:
Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
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.
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.
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
