Jan. 24 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

Jan. 24, 2025

Good afternoon,

The date was finalized for the Special Town Meeting during the joint meeting of the Boards of Finance and Selectmen this week. This allows them to consider both a new ordinance and plan for senior tax relief and the appropriation for the EMS building renovation. The Selectmen set the agenda for the Town Meeting and referendum after the Board of Finance approved the appropriation for the EMS building. We will post the new senior tax relief ordinance with the Town Meeting agenda, as well as budgetary numbers for the EMS renovation. The Town Meeting will be held on Monday, February 3rd at 7:00 pm, at Samuel Staples Elementary School. I have asked the political party chairmen to come up with a plan for choosing a moderator ahead of time so that the selected moderator can be prepared. The referendum will be held on Tuesday, February 11th, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Samuel Staples Elementary School. Absentee ballots will be available starting Tuesday, February 4th, at the Town Clerk’s office. Rules for obtaining absentee ballots can be found at https://www.eastonct.gov/town-clerk/pages/absentee-ballot-and-voting-information. The two items deal with important questions; first about the financial needs of our seniors, and second about the public health and safety of all of our residents. I urge everyone to educate themselves on these issues, come to the town meeting, and vote. More information will be forthcoming. I want to thank both the Committee on Senior Tax Relief and the EMS Building Committee for their dedication and hard work. These are complicated issues and we should appreciate their deliberate, thoughtful work.

We held a kickoff meeting for the radio project this week. The infrastructure equipment is being manufactured and shipped in the coming months. When complete, this will be a significant upgrade to our communications, particularly to our Fire Department.

I’m excited to announce that Leslie Brazier has joined us as the new P&Z/ZBA Clerk, and Tom Ceccarelli is our new Custodian.

Last week, I mentioned the award given to Adrienne Burke of Greiser’s by the Women’s Business Development Council. I want to make people aware that the same grant of $2,500-$10,000 is available to any Connecticut women-owned business. Please contact my office for more information.

Our Tax Collector, Krista Kot, would like to remind the taxpayers that second installment real estate taxes, second installment personal property taxes, and supplemental motor vehicle taxes are due no later than Monday, February 3, 2025. Payment can be made in person, by mail (please make sure your envelope is postmarked by February 3, 2025), or online via the link on the Tax Collector’s page at eastonct.gov (vendor fees apply). Please contact the tax office if you cannot find or have questions about your bill(s).

I want to recognize the 25th anniversary of Sport Hill Farm. The farm has provided us with not only great produce but many innovative programs that have enriched our town. See the story in the Courier: https://eastoncourier.news/2025/01/18/sport-hill-farm-celebrates-25-years/. Congratulations to them.

Our Ukrainian sister city fundraising drive has been wildly successful! The town of Easton really came through! We're less than $3K away from hitting our $15,000 initial goal. The generators which we hoped to provide are already being spec'd out for the residents of Sviatohirsk! This is lifesaving for folks with no heat during the winter. A celebration is planned when we reach our goal. Let’s close the final gap. Thank you to our sister city steering committee for their hard work.

Easton Public Library is hosting “Tips for Memory” with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz on Saturday, January 25, at 2:00 pm. Did you know that a recent study from Stanford University suggests that the techniques used by memory athletes can be taught, learned, and create changes in the brain that enhance memory skills? Join us and learn about these tips and techniques from Dr. Wendy Hurwitz, an expert in Mind/Body Medicine and Energy Medicine. Registration is recommended.

Vivian Hardison is hosting a Pre-Valentine’s Day Celebration at the Easton Senior Center on Wednesday, February 12th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Enjoy music, hot chocolate, sparkling cider, and Valentine's treats while discussing this month’s topic “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” All are welcome; however, registration is required at 203-268-1145. Please wear something red! Vivian’s programs have been very well received in the past.

Easton P&R is partnering with Redding P&R to offer our residents these two amazing New York City Bus Trips that leave from the Redding Community Center (RCC).

• NY Rangers vs. Edmonton Oilers Hockey Game at MSG - Sunday, March 16th leaving the RCC at 3:00 pm for a 7:00 pm game. Seats are in section 216. The price for the trip is just $182.
• Hadestown: Enjoy this award-winning Broadway show at a great price with the convenience of a coach bus. The trip is a Wednesday matinee on February 19th leaving the RCC at 9:00 am for a 2:00 pm performance. The trip features orchestra and 1st mezzanine tickets for an unbelievable price of just $119.

Leave the driving and parking to us… Sign up for either trip online at www.townofreddingct.org (Under Trips/Events, "Redding Express Trips"). Questions? Call Redding P&R at (203)-938-2551.

We have already seen the great job our road crews do clearing snow. The Easton Department of Public Works wants to take a moment to remind everyone about some important safety measures and policies to keep our community safe and accessible during snowy weather. First off, it’s crucial to avoid parking your vehicles on the street during snow and ice events. When cars are left in the roadway, it makes it really tough for snowplows to do their job. Please remember that shoveling, plowing, or blowing snow into the street can create dangerous conditions. If you have a contractor helping you, keep an eye on how they’re handling the snow. Also, please make sure your children are safe when the plows are out. If you have items like garbage cans or basketball hoops near the road, they may be damaged so keep them away from the roadside during storms.

As for mailboxes, if they get knocked over by a town vehicle, we’ll replace them quickly, but damage from snow or ice isn’t covered. For more details, check out our policy on the Town’s website https://www.eastonct.gov/highway/pages/snow-removal. If you’re out driving during a winter storm, please slow down and give those hardworking snowplows the space they need to operate safely.

Be safe, keep warm, and have a great weekend.

Dave