FEMA Workshop
Our Emergency Management Director, our Public Health Director, and I attended a FEMA workshop this week that helps senior officials prepare and respond to disasters. We participated in a table top exercise simulating an aircraft midair the resulting widespread fires. If you want check out some free online courses available from FEMA, find the “Independent Study” link at https://training.fema.gov/emi.aspx
Bethel Police CALEA accreditation
The Bethel Police Department had an onsite visit this week from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Since 2015, accreditation has helped Bethel PD raise standards and improve their delivery of service to our community. Policies, procedures, and the overall culture were noted as “impressive” by the assessor. The final outcome of this CALEA accreditation will be announced in November. We are all behind you and good luck!
When the mill rate came down, why did so many properties have taxes go up?
I had office hours this week and the topic was assessments. The big question: When the mill rate came down, why did so many properties have taxes go up? Usually, our property values have gone up at a rate that is similar for all residential properties and commercial property have also gone up. When the annual budget is determined, the Board of Finance sets the mill rate to meet the budget. Assuming values have gone up, the mill rate comes down. Whatever the budget increase is, 3.89% this year, is spread across properties somewhat evenly.
Since expensive homes and commercial property did not substantially increase in value during the pandemic, yet condos and the “middle class” homes went up drastically, we saw a huge shift in tax burden from big homes and commercial property to smaller homes. Even if there had been a slight reduction in our budget, many residents would have seen similar increases. My next office hour is Wednesday, July 12th at the First Selectman’s office in Town Hall from 6 pm to 7 pm. Please feel free to stop in.
57th Annual John Demille Firecracker 8K Road Race
The 57th Annual John Demille Firecracker 8K Road Race starts at 8 am on July 4th in front of Town Hall. Please park behind Town Hall. The race will proceed east on School Street, left on Wooster St., right on Juniper Rd., right on Wooster St, left on Durant Ave., left/east on Greenwood, right/south on Chestnut Ridge, right on Nashville Rd, right/west on South Street, right/north on Grassy PlainSt., right/east on Greenwood Ave, left/north on Library Pl., continue on Durante Ave, right/south on Wooster, left on Juniper, left on Wooster right/west on School Street to the Finish Line. There are almost 150 runners registered. You can sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Bethel/JohnDemilleFirecracker8KRoadRace
Town Hall will close at 3 pm on Monday, July 3rd.
BOS Public Hearing
The Board of Selectman has a public hearing on July 5th at 7 pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room A to consider the sale of two town owned properties in Francis J Clarke Park. If approved by the Board of Selectmen following the meeting, we will have a special town meeting. The Special Town Meeting originally scheduled on July 6th at 7 pm will be rescheduled.
Don’t forget Food Truck Friday on July 7th from 5pm to 8pm in front of Town Hall. The “Tom Duffy Band” will entertain us while Szabo, Fork in the Road, The Chamo, Notch 8, Brazilian BBQ Boys and Polar Sweets bring on the food. As always, support downtown restaurants with their to go options and PLEASE be kind to downtown businesses and park behind the Town Hall. Thanks again to Newtown Savings for your support of the event!
Speaking of support, we are looking for sponsors for the Summer Concert Series on Sundays in August.
Blue Address Signs
Have you seen the blue address signs around town? Want to make your address more visible to emergency responders? Both our volunteer fire departments have the signs available for purchase for $15.00 online and sometimes make them at our Food Truck Friday’s. You can contact Bethel Volunteer Fire Department at www.bvfdinc.com and the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company at www.stonyhillfiredepartment.com/store
Bethel Craft Summerfest
Don’t miss the Bethel Craft Summerfest on Saturday, July 8th from 10 am to 4 pm in front of Town Hall.
For all hamburger and car enthusiasts, our local icon the Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant is celebrating 75 years on Saturday, July 8th at 6pm. Cool cars, great food, and live music!
Parks and Rec Summer Theater
The Parks and Rec Summer Theater program is in full swing. The 4th – 8th graders have been practicing for Willy Wonka at the high school. Performances at Bethel High School on July 14th at 7pm and July 15th at 2pm and 7pm.
A shoutout to the 8th – 12th graders rehearsing in Town Hall for “Mean Girls.” You sound fantastic! Performances at Bethel High School July 28th at 7 pm, July 29th at 2 pm and 7 pm.
Have a great Independence Day!