2/23/24 A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass
Good afternoon,
I am gratified to see a continuing surge of letters in favor of exempting watershed towns like Easton from the 8-30g legislation regarding affordable housing. I think we all realize the critical importance of protecting our watershed. Given this tremendous show of support we can hopefully look forward to our state senator Tony Hwang moving his “bill concept” forward into meaningful legislation this term.
Last night Selectman D’Addario convened the first meeting of the Task Force for the Protection of the Town Volunteers and Officials. We will finish filling vacancies on the taskforce and look forward to their work.
The Board of Finance begins its budget review process on March 5, and meets March 6,7,12 and 13, to review the individual budgets. The initial presentation of the budget will then take place on March 25.
The March 7, Board of Selectmen meeting will begin at 6:00 PM in order to allow the selectmen to attend the Board of Finance budget meeting and Board of Education presentation that same evening. Our main focus will be the fact that the Board of Education is seeing a short fall in funds due to a significant increase in special education costs. (I would refer you to the ER 9 website for more info). There will need to be an appropriation of additional funds for them to cover their expenses. In Easton, such an appropriation requires the approval of a town meeting. We will be discussing arrangements for that meeting. More information will be forthcoming
Happy 100th birthday to Arlene Wilson!
February is black history month. Please come view the, “Black History, Identity, & James Baldwin Centennial exhibition” at the Easton Library through March 16. This show celebrates Black History with an Underground Railroad Quilt made by local and national quilters, posters from James Baldwin Review, Columbia University student sketches, Black Men Reading paintings by Larry Morse, student artwork by Joel Barlow High School students & Discovery Magnet School Bridgeport. Please join us on March 2, 5:00-8:00 PM for a reception and the James Baldwin Spoken OutLoud performance. Curated by Easton residents Sheila Weaver and Karen Thorsen, this Easton Arts Council event will be co-hosted by the Easton Public Library, the Easton Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce (EDIT) and The James Baldwin Project.
Just a reminder, Easton K-9 Officer TJ is in the running for a grant of up to $5,000. TJ is a 7-year-old German Shepherd, handled by Officer Tamra French. He is trained and certified in building searches; apprehension and handler protection; tracking; narcotics detection and evidence recovery. In addition to their regular patrol work, TJ and Officer French frequently conduct demonstrations for the local schools, Girl and Boy Scout troops, Senior Center and they attend many public events. The Easton PD's K-9 program is funded solely through donations. Funds
from the grant would help pay for TJ's food, veterinary care and training. To cast a vote for TJ online go to: https://k9.hometownfoundation.org/submission/view/103.
Save the date for the Annual Boy Scout Gourmet Breakfast, March 23rd at Easton Community Center from 7:30am to noon. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by emailing Troop66Breakfast@gmail.com.
Have a good weekend,
Dave