'State of Weston' discussed between department heads, city residents

“I think they walked away with more clarity on things that we’re doing,” City Manager Nate Stansberry said. “As a city, we want to be able to serve the public better. One of those steps was letting them know who to contact or expect when they have an issue.

“Everybody at the city does an excellent job and works very hard. The country has the State of the Union, the state has State of the State and this was essentially the State of Weston in a more laid-back format.”

About 30 people, including city leaders, listened or talked with Police Chief Mike Posey, Fire Chief Jimmy Suttle, Building Code/Zoning Administrator Marty Lewis, Street Commissioner Mike Starett, Sanitary Board Director Dee Evans, Finance Director Joe Solberg and AmeriCorps Program Director Laura Anderson during the two-hour meeting.

Resident David Blake was concerned about police recruitment, but Chief Posey said city leaders have considered adding a deputy reserve program in the community.

Local residents have also seen more of the six-member police force by way of speed signs and door hangers to notify homeowners when their on patrol.

While paid and volunteer firefighters responded to 17 structure fires and many other incidents in 2023, nearly 180 cats were trapped during Animal Control Officer Mariah Goldsmith’s patrols and $163,000 worth of street paving was performed.

Suttle also promoted a new program that will give residents complimentary smoke detectors.

More information about a local survey given virtually in October were also discussed by HubCAP Olivia McConnell.

Nearly 1,020 Lewis County or Weston residents/visitors weighed in on the future of Weston a few months ago via a survey.

“About almost a third of those who answered live directly in the city, but we wanted to get information from everyone,” McConnell said.

The bulk of total responses were from people within the ages of 35-54. Most surveys were also answered by women.

“I think the negative survey results are things that we should take and not let them get us down but think ‘if people think businesses aren’t thriving, what can we do to make them better?’” she said. “We also have 86 people interested in changing that, interested in wanting to expand, move or open a new business in the area. That’s huge.”

The city began involvement in HubCAP in March and will have several sessions as well during the three-year program to help accelerate community-led economic development efforts.

Spring Hull, who grew up in Weston and moved back within the past year, said there has been a dramatic change to the city.

“The biggest difference is there are people wanting to do something,” Hull said. “Between AmeriCorps, the Tree Commission, the different streets ... I’m seeing a huge difference.”

Local resident Betty Brooks thanked city leaders for coordinating the meeting.

“It straightened a lot of things up for me,” she said.

Before McConnell discussed HubCAP data, three door prizes from local restaurants and businesses were awarded.

As long as the weather cooperates, Anderson said about 50 residents are invited to design their own kite at Lewis County Park and enjoy outdoor roller skating in Holt Park this Saturday.