Feb. 2 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter**

Feb. 2, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Eversource was in town this week to discuss the upcoming project on South Street between Grassy Plain St. and Blackman Ave. taking place over the next month. Eversource will be upgrading the polls and installing an additional poll with a “recloser.” A recloser senses fault currents, similar to a circuit breaker at home. Unlike a circuit breaker, the recloser can sense if the fault has been removed and reset itself. The result will be fewer power outages for our residents on the east side of town. Expect days with one lane of traffic on South Street over the next few weeks.

Eversource will also be trimming trees in Bethel that may inhibit electric service. If you receive something hanging on your doorknob at home, please read the front AND back. Eversource needs your permission to trim trees, so look for the form to fill out on the backside of the doorknob hanging. If they don't get permission, they can't trim the trees.

The addition to the 2023-2024 Parks and Recreation budget of $319,000 was approved at the special town meeting. Thanks to all who turned out!

From the Tax Assessor: February 1st begins the annual application period to the Board of Assessment Appeals which ends on February 20th, 2024. If you question your property assessment, the application form is available at the Assessor’s office in Town hall, or online. Look for the “Assessor” under the “Departments” tab on the town website. Click on “downloadable forms.”

February 1st also begins the application period for some local property tax relief programs for the residents over 65, disabled residents, and veterans. Visit the Assessor’s office or https://bethel-ct.gov/tax-relief for eligibility information.

Department heads are presenting their budgets at joint meetings of the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance at 7 pm on February 6th, 8th, and 13th at Town Hall in meeting room A. The Board of Education will present their budget at the meeting on February 13th. If you would like to send comments to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance, email them to: budget@bethel-ct.gov.

Last year a new law established early voting in Connecticut. The law requires 14 days of early voting for general elections, 7 days of early voting for most primaries, and 4 days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries excluding holidays and Easter this year. Bethel is required to have at least one early voting location, which will be the Town Hall in Meeting Room A for the presidential primary on April 2nd. Next week the Board of Selectmen will set a date for a special town meeting to discuss the need for additional locations which will likely take place on Tuesday, February 13th at 6 pm in meeting room A at Town Hall. Stay tuned.
Don’t forget “A Journey” on Sunday, February 4th at 4pm at Greenwood Features in Bethel, brought to us by Bethel Arts and Greenwood Features. “A Journey” is a moving one-woman performance of song and dance performed by Kimberly Wilson in celebration of Black History Month. Additional sponsors are the Bethel Grapevine and Connecticut Office of the Arts. Check out www.greenwoodfeatures.com.

The Lady Wildcats take on Weston on Monday, February 5th at 6 pm in the Bethel High School gym. It is Senior night, so come out and cheer them on. You may not have kids in school, but nothing beats a good basketball game. Besides, you are a Wildcat too!

Cleaning out your closet? The Formal Dress Exchange is back! Donations are appreciated, but the event is open to anyone needing formal attire, regardless of an ability to donate. Formal dresses, fancy tops, dress pants, short dresses, tuxedos, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. Drop off donations on Wednesday, February 7th between 10 am and 8 pm at St. Thomas’ Church. The event takes place on Saturday, February 10th from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, February 11th from 11 am to 4 pm. Contact Dawn at dawnfaw@aol.com or 203-770-3525 with questions.

The next Office Hours is Wednesday, February 7th from 7:30 am to 8:30 am at Town Hall in the First Selectman office. Feel free to stop in or make an appointment.

DAWS has four players in the 2024 Puppy Bowl! Apollo, Courage, Lainie, and Hope are in it to win it! Whether you are Team Ruff or Team Fluff, you can sponsor our Bethel favorites and watch them on Sunday, February 11th at 2 pm on Animal Planet. Learn more at https://daws.org/dawspuppybowl/

Bethel Restaurant 2024 week is February 26th to March 3rd and is sponsored by Bethel Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Economic Development. There will be more to follow, but encourage your favorite Bethel restaurants to sign up by February 13th!

Good luck to the Bethel High School Cheer Team at the South West Conference Cheer Championship at 6 pm this evening at Newtown HS. We are rooting for you!

A shoutout to the Bethel Brick Club! That’s some serous school spirit!

A big shoutout to Ester Ribeiro, BHS Senior and the Athlete of the Week, for her performance on the BHS Wrestling Team this week!

Really great news from the Highway Department. With little fanfare, Betheltawney Bob emerged from the Highway Garage this morning and did not see his shadow. We are all exited here at Town Hall for an early spring!

Have a great weekend!

Dan