By Janet Stoica

[email protected]

Webster’s Town Hall Renovation RFP (Request for Proposal) has received no responses as of January 17, 2025, the last date for submissions. Apparently, Mr. Chris Robert chose not to make a submission. Mr. Robert had expressed an intense interest in the renovation with the objective of bringing a greater level of upscale entertainment to the local area. Future plans are unknown at this time.

The town’s second Business Outreach Breakfast was held on Tuesday, January 21, and according to Town Administrator Rick LaFond, it went very well. “We had about eight business/property owners as well as town officials on our Economic Development Committee and State Rep. McKenna’s staff,” said LaFond. “We decided to meet quarterly going forward. It’s becoming a very effective opportunity to discuss on-going projects in Webster, answer questions, and provide feedback.”

Regarding Dr. and Ms. Sharma’s, Thompson, Connecticut Housing Project for 16 single family units and eight duplex units using a sole access road through Webster’s Brian Avenue, the two jersey barriers that Webster placed at the end of the dead end street remain. LaFond has received and responded to complaints by the Thompson, Connecticut owner Sharma seeking removal. He has also communicated with the Thompson Selectmen who also inquired about the barriers. 

“I have assured both Ms. Sharma and the Thompson Selectmen that Webster public safety officials have been to the site on multiple occasions – even with apparatus, to ensure that there is adequate safety access to the Sharmas’ driveway (in Thompson), LaFond said. “Our appeal of Thompson Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval of the special permit for 16 single family units and eight duplex units is based on the same grounds as our appeal to the original approval (improper notice, public safety, and infrastructure impact on Webster) remains pending in Connecticut Superior Court.  I would also like to thank our Director of Economic Development, Ann Morgan, for her diligence and expertise.”

The Selectmen’s Meeting Room was tested and analyzed by DD Acoustical Specialists regarding its sound conditions to diagnose and recommend improvements of its audio broadcasts. It was determined that the room has three times the reverberation than recommended for audio broadcasting. Installation of ceiling and wall baffling is the recommended solution with an estimated cost of approximately $30,000. Sufficient funds are available in the Cable Access Account should the Cable Advisory Board’s decision be to move forward along with consultation by IT Director Greg Robert. 

LaFond also stated that “Lieutenant Gordon Wentworth is officially Webster’s new Deputy Police Chief effective February 2, 2025. He will be introduced at the February 10 Board of Selectmen meeting in his new capacity and be sworn into his new position. I am very, very pleased by the succession planning within the Police Department.”