Update 6/14/2024
Good afternoon,
I am happy to report that Easton EMS has signed an agreement with Sacred Heart University to collaborate with the university’s EMT program. That will significantly increase the ranks of volunteers here in Easton, with a direct effect on the services ability to respond to emergency calls. Prior to the pandemic, EMS regularly had students living at their headquarters. This live in program gave students the opportunity for free rent in the building in return for their availability to answer calls. Effectively this provided near 24/7 coverage with a person on site who could respond with an ambulance. While this was disrupted by the pandemic, the Sacred Heart agreement will help reinstate this program. In fact, a new live in student will be starting shortly. This is an excellent proactive step to improve our coverage.
The Concerts on the Hill series begins this Sunday, June 16, at Christ Church at 59 Church road 6 to 8 p.m.. This is a tradition in Easton and a nice evening activity with food and music for the whole family. You can find the entire line up at CONCERTS | Christ Church Easton . The opening concert is a celebration of Juneteenth.
Chip sealing will begin on Monday, June 17 weather provided. The following roads will be chip sealed: Southfield Road, Laurel Drive, Buck Hill Road, Pheasant Lane, Barrows Road, North Park Avenue, Riverside Lane, Tuckahoe Road, Hall Road, Ridgedale Road, Old Sport Hill Road, Hickory Knoll Road, Lobdell Lane, Kellers Farm Road and Adirondack Trail. DPW will make every effort not to cause any major inconvenience; however, during the chip-sealing program residents traveling these roads may expect a 15-minute delay. Please use caution and drive slowly; loose stone will be swept up as soon as possible. Please do not park on the street until the entire process is complete.
Previously I discussed the need to clean materials before they were sent for recycling and the cost to all of us that was added for having to clean food residue from our recyclables. Another issue which has arisen is the cost of separating batteries and plastic bags from the recyclables which are delivered to the plant. These costs are directly attributable to Easton, and so they directly affect the fees we are charged and ultimately our taxes. Please do not include plastic bags or batteries in your recycling. For more information please see: Residential Waste Systems Recycling Service Easton CT | Commercial & Residential Waste, Trash Pickup
Also, starting July 1, we are going to have to raise the cost of dump tickets from $8 to $9. All of our waste is hauled to the dump in Trumbull, so we are somewhat at their mercy when it comes to costs. Easton has always charged individuals for the trash they bring to the dump rather than including it in everybody’s taxes.
Moderator Joe Schwartz, long time Easton resident, State Senator, and BOE member who moderated a number of town meetings in the past has agreed to facilitate a round table discussion on moderating a town meeting in Easton. This will not be a lecture, but rather a discussion about procedural issues, Roberts Rules, and Easton specific issues. It will be held, June 26 at 7 P p.m. in the library community room. Anyone with an interest in becoming a moderator is welcome. I apologize for being unclear with this message last week. There are moderators for every election who oversee the polls on the day of the election and now for early voting. Training to be an election moderator requires attending a state mandated course. Being a moderator for a town meeting is completely different. There is no mandated course to moderate a town meeting. Sorry for the confusion.
On June 8, we unveiled the latest welcome to Easton sign, again designed by our students. Later this year it will be going up on Stepney Rd. near the Monroe town line.
Just a reminder that June is Dog Licensing Month for more information visit https://www.eastonct.gov/town-clerk/pages/dog-licenses
State Senator Tony Hwang, and State Representatives Tony Scott and Anne Hughes, will be hosting and invite you to Easton’s State Legislative Community Update on Wednesday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the Easton Public Library (691 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT). This forum is an opportunity for taxpayers and residents to ask questions about the state legislature’s past session and discuss legislative priorities, achievements, and new laws with their elected representatives. The event is free and open to the public.
Prior to the 2019 election which coincided with the beginning of the 2021 real estate assessment process there was been concern over the valuation of the land under our reservoirs which was felt to be significantly undervalued. This of course adversely affected our tax revenue. After much hard work, particularly by our assessor Rachel Maciulewski, we have reached an agreement with Aquarion. Below you will see the increases in the appraised value of the reservoir properties comparing the 2016, and 2021, assessments.
With a new assessment cycle for 2026, we will continue to reevaluate. These increases in appraised value lead to corresponding increases in our tax revenue.
It was a great personal pleasure to attend the Helen Keller Middle School graduation and present the First Selectman’s award. I look forward to attending the Joel Barlow High School graduation on Monday. Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families. Thank you to our wonderful teachers, administrators, board of education members and all those who work so hard to make our schools outstanding. To our young people, have a great summer.
Join magician Matt Matthews at the Easton Public Library on Friday, June 21 at 3 p.m. for our Summer Reading Adventure Kick-off! He’ll be performing his show “Spellbound!,” a family fun event where storybooks come to life with magic! Learn a magic trick and a chance to join Matt Matthews on stage! Don’t miss this incredible show full of laughter, surprises, and way too many stinky gym socks! Registration is required. Register on our website: Easton Public Library Calendar of Events.
Easton’s Here to Help is looking for more parents and guardians of Easton students to participate in an ongoing survey. This survey touches on substance use, knowledge of products, social media, and other challenges parents and guardians may be facing. Participants can remain anonymous, and by completing this survey it will help EHTH understand what areas need to be addressed to better help our community. The survey can be completed by clicking here. Thank you kindly – Sarah & Dan
Wednesday June 19 town hall will be closed in celebration of Juneteenth.
Happy Father’s Day,
Dave
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