June 20 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

June 20, 2025

Good afternoon,

Yesterday we bid a fond farewell to police chief Richard Doyle. Chief Doyle has had a distinguished career in Easton for 38 years. He has epitomized public service in town and has led a department which I believe has served our town perfectly through among other things, Covid, major storms and new police accountability standards. Personally, I will miss his counsel and support. We wish him the best as he enters retirement.

The Easton Fire District No. 1, Incorporated, will hold its Annual Meeting at 6:30 pm on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the Town Hall Conference Room. Folks always wonder about the fire district. For an explanation please see: https://eastoncourier.news/2020/12/30/op-ed-what-is-easton-fire-district-1/.

Planning and Zoning met this week to hear more public comment and to discuss the yoga studio, Strong on Center. Many good points were made. Chairman John Foley made note of citizens confronting other citizens for their comments. That is inappropriate. The Commission has set up an open and transparent process where residents could make in person public comments or email Planning and Zoning. All of us should have the expectation that even if this is a controversial question before the commission, all debate and consideration should be done with civility.

Recent rain has changed the state’s schedule for work on Sport Hill Rd. Milling work by the state DOT on Sport Hill Road between Old Oak and Westport Road will now begin on Monday, June 23rd. The work will be done at night from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am for approximately five days. Paving will follow on Tuesday, July 1st, again dependent on the weather. Public works will also begin chip sealing some roads in town next week. For details please see: https://www.eastonct.gov/home/news/chip-sealing-of-roads-beginning-tuesday-june-17-2025-weather-permitting.

The weather forecast is for extreme heat next week. We are advising residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact the State, beginning Sunday June 22nd through Wednesday June 25th. It is anticipated that the National Weather Service will issue heat advisories for most for this time period. How to prepare for extreme heat can be found here: https://www.eastonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3071/f/agendas/how_to_prepare_for_extreme_heat.pdf

The Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) will hold a Public comment hearing on June 25, 2025, at 12:30 PM concerning the proposed sale of Aquarion Water Company to the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA). This is the only scheduled opportunity for members of the public to formally provide comments, questions, concerns, or opposition to the transaction. If approved, the sale would convert Aquarion from a privately held, PURA-regulated utility to a quasi-governmental authority governed by an 11-member board and a Representative Policy Board. The transaction could have lasting implications for municipal finances, land use, water rates, and regulatory oversight.

Register here: https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/ENxMXqlaTdOrd6YwbBc2xA
Municipal leaders have identified the following potential impacts for consideration:

• Potential shifts in municipal revenues from the replacement of property tax assessments with Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT)
• Governance composition of the proposed Authority Board, comprising 11 members (6 appointed by the Regional Water Authority and 5 by the Aquarion Water Authority)
• Dual oversight responsibilities assigned to the Authority Board
• Uncertainty regarding future water utility rates and hydrant fees
• Possible disposition of Class III watershed lands
• Loss of regulatory oversight by PURA

Your participation will help ensure that PURA fully understands the diverse range of municipal interests impacted by this significant decision.

Around town:
Concerts on the Hill at Christ Church on Sundays, June 22- July 27. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Music 6:00 – 8:00 pm. $12/adult, $8/senior, kids free. Food trucks at all events. Line up: 6.22 Christine Chanel and the Rosters, 6.29 Hitch & the Giddyup, 7.6 Triple Boch, 7.13 CT Grateful Dead All Stars, 7.20 Birdsey Beers, 7.27 Dan Tressler & Friends. Sponsored by Hi-Ho Energy Services (D’Addario’s) & Tidewater Electronics. More info here.

Park & Rec is hosting Movie Night under the Stars (Disney Pixar Toy Story 4) on Friday, June 27th at 8:20 pm at Aspetuck Park, 369 Black Rock Road. Bounce House and Snack Shack available, weather permitting. Check FB or the P&R website for changes.

Don’t forget, June is Dog Licensing Month! All dogs six months or older residing in Connecticut MUST have a current license. For more information, please visit https://www.eastonct.gov/town-...

Enjoy your weekend and stay cool,

Dave