1/26/2024 A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass

Good afternoon,

There has been an increase in sightings of coyotes. They can be dangerous animals so be careful, especially with pets. January through March is the breeding season for coyotes and they are roaming and very aggressive. For more information see: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Nuisance-Wildlife/Living-with-Coyotes.

On Monday, January 29 at 11:00am at EMS headquarters, the lieutenant governor will be joining us for a press conference to recognize the awarding, by the state bonding commission of $396,000 towards infrastructure work at the sight of the EMS headquarters. Some of our legislators will be joining us, along with other community leaders. We all pay sizable state taxes, and Easton rarely gets grants like this bringing funds back into the town, offsetting our expenses. You may remember that we also have received a grant to renovate our tennis courts and fit them for pickle ball as well. We look forward to working with our legislators and the administration in Hartford to continue to find grants from the state. Given that as home owners, in a town with little commercial base (as we all like it) finding alternative sources of revenue is key, rather than always having to rely 100% on our taxes.

That brings us to a friendly reminder that the second installment real estate tax bills as well as supplemental motor vehicle tax bills were due as of January 1, 2024, but are payable without interest until February 1, 2024.

The Nutmeg chapter of Trout Unlimited is working to restore a 2900' wild trout section of the Mill River in Fairfield/Easton CT. The plan is to improve 17 locations by deepening pools, hardening banks, and adding rocks, riffles and woody material. The goal is to restore the trout habitat which has degraded since the river was straightened to make way for the Merritt Parkway in the 1930s. This will better enable the trout to survive low water/warm summers, improve spawning habitat, increase the food supply and better connect upstream and downstream sections of the river. For more information, scroll to the bottom of this page.

At the Board of Selectmen meeting on February 1, Chief Doyle will discuss possible strategies for preventing the harassment of individuals.

Thanks to all who came out last night for our brown bag conversation. We had some fruitful discussions.

Today we had another water main break on Beers Road. The impact was limited, and hopefully by the time you read this, the incident will be resolved. The water will be safe to drink, but if it looks different, let the water run until it clears.

Have a good weekend,

Dave