Conservation Director Alicia Mozian to Retire; “her presence in Westport will be sorely missed.”
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that she has accepted the retirement letter of Conservation Director Alicia Mozian, effective October 1, 2022.
A Town employee since 1986, Alicia began her career as a Planning Aide in the Planning and Zoning Department. Subsequently, Alicia was a Conservation Analyst, Zoning Inspector and Planning Assistant. From 2000 to 2001, she was the Acting Conservation Director, becoming the Conservation Director in June, 2001.
First Selectwoman Tooker said, “The Town of Westport and its residents have been extremely fortunate to be the beneficiaries of Alicia’s expertise and historical knowledge for over 35 years, and her presence in Westport will be sorely missed.”
Ms. Mozian stated, “I am grateful to have served a community that is so engaged and proactive in environmental affairs. Their enthusiasm both challenged and inspired me to do my very best every day to help protect the many natural resources whose care we have been entrusted to protect. I have worked hard to balance the rights of the property owner with the need for environmental protection and I’m proud of my department in achieving this goal. I also want to thank the many volunteers who have supported and continue to support our department’s mission and foster good stewardship practices of not only our wetland and water resources but also the environment in general.”
Ms. Tooker expressed her gratitude to Ms. Mozian, stating, “On behalf of the citizens of Westport, her fellow employees, and her colleagues, I am grateful for Alicia’s longstanding, exemplary and dedicated service. On a personal level, I have always considered her a valuable friend and colleague. I started my service to the Town as a volunteer member of the Conservation Commission and Alicia was the first Town Department Head with whom I interacted. Ever since, through my varied activities in public service, she has been there for me. I am thankful that her positive demeanor, and unprecedented professional knowledge and skill were available to me, and to the many residents in Westport. I wish her all the best as she enters a new and exciting chapter in her life.”
Ms. Tooker continued, “Because of Alicia’s training, professionalism and positive rapport with her direct reports, I am very confident that the Westport Conservation Department will remain in capable hands. To that end, I am pleased to announce that Colin Kelly will be promoted to Director of Conservation upon Alicia’s retirement. Colin has the ability, knowledge, skill and understanding to seamlessly transition and effectively manage the Conservation Department.”
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 73. North wind around 11 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 77. West wind around 6 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Calm wind.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 3; State Positivity Rate Up, Hospitalizations Down
The State Department of Public Health reported 3 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was up to 9.55% while 333 people remain hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,814 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.55% [up from 9.31%]
Westport Fire Department, Southern Connecticut Gas, Westport Public Works End Gas Leak
Press Release
At 10:02 AM, the Westport Fire Department received a call from contractors working at 136 Main Street for an odor of gas in the building. Arriving firefighters found an active gas leak inside the building filling with natural gas.
Along with 136 Main Street, the neighboring buildings on Main Street and Elm Street were evacuated as a precaution. All on-duty firefighters were called to the scene, and hoselines were deployed as a precaution. Southern Connecticut Gas Company responded to the leak and was not initially able to locate the shut-off. Westport Public Works assisted with finding and accessing to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
Once the buildings were metered and deemed safe, all occupants were allowed back into the buildings. Fairfield and Norwalk Fire Departments provided mutual aid station coverage and responded our or behalf to three emergencies in Town.