Jan. 10 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

**News Release Submitted by Easton First Selectman Bindelglass**

Jan. 10, 2025

Good afternoon,

As you know we are looking to fill a vacancy on the Board of Finance and have requested that interested people apply to the board. I was surprised to see that no less than ten people applied! All of them had amazing qualifications and presented themselves very well at the Board of Finance meeting this week. Many were newer to town as well. This is such a credit to our town that so many are willing to volunteer to help out. It was inspiring, and I hope still more will follow suit. The Board of Finance will select who will fill the vacancy on January 21. Openings for boards and commissions can be viewed at https://www.eastonct.gov/about-easton/pages/boards-commissions-and-committees-openings-and-information.

I updated the Board of Finance on the status of funding for EMS coverage. I recently announced authorization for the service to pay EMTs to fill any holes in coverage. For the last quarter of the year, the service covered 97% of the medical calls without any usage of mutual aid from other towns, and 100% since the full implementation. The usage of town funds during this time has been insignificant as almost all of this coverage has been done by our volunteers who have really stepped up.

Also, at the meeting, John Foley of the Building Committee updated a presentation of budget projections he had made several months ago. The low bid for the construction of the building was $2,947,000. The total cost of the project (land acquisition, site work, temporary housing, interior furnishings, etc.) will be approximately $4,200,000. The schedule going forward will be that the Building Committee will meet on January 14 to review the construction bid. We will present a budget and current and future funding for the project at the Board of Selectmen meeting on January 16, and recommend to the Board of Finance that an appropriation request be made at the Town Meeting. The Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen will hold a special joint meeting on January 21, to consider the appropriation and set the agenda for the Town Meeting. The Town Meeting will be scheduled for February 3 and adjourned to a town vote on February 11. Next week, I will be able to provide more detail.

From Schuyler Sherwood, the Deputy Director of Emergency Management: As we witness the awful destruction that is taking place in California, we are reminded of the importance of having emergency preparedness plans. Each household should have a readily accessible emergency kit with food, water, medications, and important documents. You should have at least a 5-day supply of food and water if a significant weather event is expected. Be aware of local weather updates and have a plan for where to go if staying in your home is not the best option. No one ever wants to leave their home, but that may be the best option. It is essential for our elderly citizens, or citizens with special needs such as home oxygen dependency, to have an emergency plan.

Do you know someone who may need help? Do they have your contact information?

In the northeast, ice storms are a very real threat and could result in power outages that last for days. Do you have a plan? There are many great storm planning tools available to us. These can be found at https://www.ready.gov or American Red Cross Click Here. If you need assistance, you can always call the Town of Easton Police non-emergency number at 203-268-4111 or you can dial 211, or https://www.211ct.org/ and you will be connected to the resources you may need.
Be prepared, stay informed, and stay safe. More information can be found at: https://www.eastonct.gov/selectmen/pages/storm-response-and-preparation.

The Easton Public Library is hosting “Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird and Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State” on Saturday, January 11th at 2:00 pm. Join Author Patrick Scalisi and Artist Valerie Ruby-Omen for a talk about their book, Connecticut Cryptids. They'll explain the concepts of "cryptozoology" and "cryptids", followed by a live storytelling session of interest to Easton (yes, there are cryptids lurking near Easton!). There will also be time for questions and a chance to purchase signed books and prints from the creators. High School – Adult Registration is required.

The art reception for Nicole Traver, hosted by the Easton Public Library, previously scheduled for Saturday, January 11th, has been rescheduled to Saturday, February15th due to possible inclement weather.

Trout Unlimited and Aspetuck Land Trust will be collecting your old Christmas trees on Saturday, January 11th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm just past the first bridge (heading north) on Park Avenue in Easton. We will “plant” the Christmas trees along the banks of the Mill River that flows through the Warner Angler Preserve. By anchoring them, we’re building up eroded banks to improve the depth of the river, the flow, and provide a better habitat for the wild brown and native brook trout population. We did this on a relatively short stretch of the Mill River in 2024. The results are promising, and we plan to extend the bank restoration in 2025. There will be a Trout Unlimited sign and volunteers from both Trout Unlimited and the Aspetuck Land Trust who’ll handle the trees for you; you won’t even need to leave your car. Suggested $10 donation will help pay for the anchors.

Save the Date! Starting Tuesday, January 21st, the Easton Senior Center will be having a POCKETBOOK and JEWELRY SPECTACULAR. Visit https://www.eastonct.gov/senior-center/news/1212025-pocket-book-and-jewelry-spectacular for more information.

Have a great weekend,

Dave