Jan. 5 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Jan. 5, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Congratulations to all the newly appointed members of our appointed boards and commissions! The terms for most appointed boards started last Monday and range anywhere from 2 to 5 years. You can see all of the boards and commissions at www.bethel-ct.gov/boards.

The Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG), of which Bethel is a member, was awarded an implementation grant of $3.9 million from the US DOT for safety projects in Western Connecticut. On that list are projects in Bethel including high visibility crosswalk signs for downtown. More to follow, but really an exciting step forward.

From our terrific Town Clerk: We have implemented a program called PropertyCheck to fight back against property fraud. Property fraud happens when someone forges your identity to transfer property into their name. Bethel residents can register for notifications whenever documents are recorded on their property. The service is free at https://recordhub.cottsystems.com.

We are under a Winter Storm Warning and we will have our first snow on Saturday evening through Sunday mid-day. Our Highway Weather Guru predicts around 8.84 inches. Since the storm is dumping most of its snow Saturday night, please be careful if you are clearing snow in the dark. Wear bright or reflective clothing.

In November we recommended that you take a look at your mailbox posts. The town is not responsible for a damaged mailbox caused by snow expelled from the plow as it passes by. A properly installed mailbox should withstand the force of the snow. Should a plow contact a mailbox directly, which is rare, please contact Public Works within 7 days of the storm.

A yearly winter parking ban is effective every November 15th to April 15th. On-street parking is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 am through 6:00 am so that snowplowing, when required, will not be impeded.

The other storm to watch Tuesday evening and will continue overnight and throughout the day Wednesday. Sustained winds are predicted across the state at 30-40 mph. Maximum wind gusts are predicted at 40-50 mph and rainfall up to 1.5 inches. The town and Eversource are monitoring this storm closely since wind gusts are expected to approach hazard levels.

This year's official Bethel Kindness Day is planned for Friday, February 16th, 2024. Please join the Bethel High School Kindness Club in support of the CVH Foundation and our mission of cultivating kindness in the community by purchasing and wearing your "Kindness Heals" t-shirt on this date! T-shirts are available for sale via the following link through Friday, January 12, 2024. www.customink.com/fundraising/bethel-kindness-day-2024

Each year the local political parties hold caucuses to choose new members for the local Town Committees. Even if you do not want to join a committee, this is a great opportunity to meet up with local folks interested in politics and community service. Our Town Committees are vital to Bethel! The Bethel Democrats are meeting on Wednesday, January 10th at 7:30 pm at the Senior Center Café in Town Hall. The Bethel Republicans meet Wednesday January 10th at 7:30 pm in the Town Hall General Purpose Room.

You may receive a mailing that asks offers to send you a copy of your deed for $118.00. The mailing has a disclaimer to let you know it is a private company, so it is legal. With that said, would you pay $118 for something you can get at the Town Hall? Besides, the folks in the Town Clerks office are so great to work with.

A big shoutout for the performance of the BHS girls basketball team this week. While they were narrowly beat by Newtown, they were fantastic. Final Score 35 to 33.

The boys basketball games scheduled for tomorrow, January 6th have been moved up: Fr noon, JV 1:30 pm, and V at 3 pm. Good luck!

A shoutout to the IceCats on their win against New Milford!

To the Highway Crew, I know you are ready to go. Thank you for all you do!

Have a great weekend!

Dan