Sept. 5 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Carter**

Sept. 5, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Charter Revision

The Notice of Proposed Amendments to the Charter that will be on the November 4th ballot was published on September 3rd. A red-lined copy is available for public inspection in the Town Clerk’s office and they have been given instructions to mail a copy if requested as per statute. The proposed changes are also available at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-crc.

Town Ordinance Review

The charter revision is on its way to the voters, so we are turning our attention to updating our town ordinances. Once proposed changes are identified, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) will decide whether to amend ordinances and schedule a public hearing. The BOS will take action on proposed ordinances within 30 days of the hearing. If the BOS votes to enact amendments to ordinances, a notification will be published within 10 days after the vote and the ordinances will become effective on the 31st day after the publication, unless overruled by the residents in a special town referendum. We are prioritizing changes that are necessary due to proposed changes to the charter and updates that will help the town enforce blight rules and regulations. Expect hearings this fall and winter.

Paving Update

We are expecting our contractor will be paving Birnam Wood on Tuesday and starting to pave Sunset Hill on Wednesday. Paving should continue on Sunset Hill into Thursday and Friday. Please remember that weather and changes to the contractor's schedule can affect the schedule.

Slot Machine Revenue

CCM legislative policy committees have begun vetting ideas and priorities for the 2026 legislative session. A big topic every year is relief from state mandates. An issue to keep an eye on is the return of Bethel to the list of towns that receive slot machine revenue from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund. In 1993, CT and the eastern tribes agreed that a percentage of slot machine revenue would be annually shared with the state and municipalities. For the next 16 years each municipality received a share of the fund based on a formula. In 2017, the legislature voted to disregard the formula and created a list of municipalities that would receive distributions that did not include 44 towns, including Bethel. Between 2015 and 2018 Bethel received an average of $50k per year, but a bill in the last session would have had Bethel receiving just under $100k. Stay tuned.

Bethel Women’s Club

Spots are still available for the Bethel Women's Club "Big Night" fundraiser on Tuesday, October 15th from 6 pm to 10 pm at La Zingara Restaurant. They support many local causes, including The Center for Empowerment, veteran housing, local food pantries, Bethel Social Services, and local students with scholarships. There will be a buffet dinner from 6 pm to 8 pm with live music and prizes. Only $55.00/per person! For reservations/tickets call Susan at 203-792-1233.

Brotherhood In Action

For 45 years, Brotherhood in Action of Bethel has delivered food to thousands of Bethel residents and families in need in around the holidays and at the end of the school year. While BIA relies solely on food donations and monetary donations to purchase food, they also appreciate volunteers. BIA begins preparing deliveries two weeks in advance of delivery days, which are Saturdays a week before the holiday. On Saturday, volunteers complete packing early in the morning and volunteers load volunteer drivers, starting at 9 am. Home deliveries are often complete by late morning. Watch the Friday Update and the BIA Facebook page for delivery dates. Students: BIA is a great way to earn community service hours! Learn more or make a monetary contribution, visit https://www.bethelbrotherhoodinaction.org. For questions, email biabethelct@gmail.com.

Mums are back

Bethel Cub Scouts Pack 156 is holding their annual mums fundraiser. You can support their pack by purchasing 8" mums here: https://pack156-2025mums.cheddarup.com. Purchased mums will be delivered to addresses in Bethel on September 21st. For more information, or to pay by cash or check, reach out to cubmaster@bethelpack156.org

Wildcat Cheerleading Car Wash

The BHS Girls Cheerleading program is holding a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, September 6th from 10 am to 3 pm at the Bethel Town Hall in the side parking lot (across from CVS). Proceeds help the team with cheer competition expenses, varsity jackets and tumbling classes. If you can't make it out to have your car wash, please consider a donation to the team HERE!

Last call for Aaron Goldberg Trio

Last call for tickets for the Aaron Goldberg Trio, joined by the legendary John Patitucci and master drummer Lenny White on Saturday, September 13th at the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall on the WCSU westside campus. Proceeds will support this special concert and arts programs that enrich the Bethel community. Visit https://www.bethelartsct.org/arron-goldberg-trio-concert/.

Fall Equinox Drum Circle

Mark your calendar for the Bethel Drum Circle and celebrate the Fall Equinox on Saturday, September 13th from 3 pm to 4:30 pm at the Town Hall under the gazebo or on the lawn, weather permitting. Otherwise, the event will be in the General Purpose Room. Those with or without prior drumming experience and ages are welcome. Some percussion instruments will be available, but feel free to bring your own.

Shoutouts

A shoutout and congrats to George Rohonczy, the new Head Coach for the Bethel High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team! He is looking for ways the team can give back to Bethel. Reach him on Facebook or email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

Congrats to Bethel Field Hockey for the win over Brookfield, Bethel Volleyball for the win over New Fairfield, and boys soccer for the win over Masuk this week! There will be some bragging at the next Western CT Council of Governments meeting!

Good luck to our Marching Wildcats tomorrow at the 2025 Quest for the Best where they will debut their fall show “Dante.” Join them tomorrow at Ralph Desantis Field at Bethel High School. Gates open at 5 pm. Show at 6 pm.

Have a great weekend!

Dan