June 28 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

June 28, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Bethel Water Department Customers: Maintenance on our system has been delayed until July 15th, when we will need to dramatically reduce water use for the week. For the remainder of the summer, the Water Department requests customers limit watering lawns to 2 days per week and avoid watering between 9 am and 6 pm. Please do not water when it is raining. We are looking at replacing our outdated town water ordinance, so stay tuned for more information.

The Legislature held a special session this week. In October the way car taxes are calculated will change from using a book value to using a percentage of the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), based on a 20 year depreciation schedule. In addition, some commercial vehicles will be taxed on a personal property declaration. The bill also allows municipalities to lower the mill rate on cars, effectively allowing towns to get rid of the car tax and shift car taxes to real property. There is a lot to unpack from this legislation, so stay tuned for more info this fall.

The legislature also approved a path for the sale of Aquarion Water, which serves Stony Hill residents, by creating the Aquarion Water Authority. The water authority will have a policy board which will include appointed representatives from each town in the district, including Bethel, and have broad powers granted by its own charter to operate and set rates. If final approval is given to create the authority and sell Aquarion, the Public Utilities regulatory Authority (PURA) not regulate the authority or rates. Instead, Department of Public Health and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will have oversight of operations.

Question 3 of 5: Last March a small group of citizens from across the community gathered for a workshop with the goal to help Town leadership to define our priorities. The group explored 5 questions. The third question was “What should Bethel’s top priorities be?” Participants identified 6 areas: Smart growth, infrastructure, diversity, affordable housing for seniors, town appeal, and safety. Items at the top of the list were reviewing zoning and guidelines to curb overgrowth, preserve open space, parking downtown, supporting small business, sidewalks and crosswalks, and affordable senior housing. What do you thing Bethel’s top priorities should be? Email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. Stay tuned next week for question 4.

Our Highway Dept completed repairs to the storm water drainage system on Vail Rd and Ridge Rd. Paving is scheduled for the week of July 8th through July 12th. If you live within the project area, expect a letter next week with details on the paving schedule. Please drive carefully for the safety of our Highway Crew!

The sidewalk repairs on Durant and Wooster are now scheduled to start Monday, July 8th.

Don’t miss the Bethel Artisan's Outdoor Market tomorrow, June 29th from 10 am to 4 pm at 268 Greenwood Ave. This is a great opportunity to come out and support businesses on the west end of Greenwood Ave., including the hosts, Time to Be Candles and Gifts and Global Treats.

The 58th Annual John Demille Firecracker 8k Road Race sponsored by Bethel Park & Rec kicks off at 8 am on Thursday, July 4th at 8 am in front of the Town Hall! School Street will be closed during the race. Lookout for runners and walkers on Wooster, Juniper, Durant, Greenwood, Chestnut, Nashville, South Street, and Grassy Plain. Learn more and register at https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/CT/Bethel/JohnDemilleFirecracker8KRoadRace.

Our next Food Truck Friday is Friday, July 5th, from 5 pm to 8 pm. The Artisan Food Trailer, Weenie Lynn’s, Brazilian BBQ Boys, Punchy’s Island Grill, Szabo’s Seafood, Jesse’s Ice Cream Truck, will be filling our bellies and On the Road Again will provide the music! Of course, our local restaurants have to-go options. Please use the parking lot behind the Town Hall. Thank you again to Newtown Savings Bank and ELC Energy Solutions for supporting the event!

Don’t miss the PD Car show on Sunday, July 7th on the Town Hall lawn from 4pm to 8 pm. Cars, music, and great food! Donations support the Bethel Police Benevolent Association.

The Bethel Chamber of Commerce Summer Shop & Stroll is back! Enjoy a day of shopping, music, and activities downtown on Saturday July 20th from 11 am to 4 pm. If you would like to participate as a vendor, visit https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/shop-stroll.

Check out events in Bethel on our Community Calendar at https://events.bethel-ct.gov/

Shoutout to the Bethel Garden Club! You make Bethel so beautiful!

To the cast and crew for “Footloose The Musical.” You sound amazing and we can’t wait to se the show on July 19th and 20th!

Shoutout to the Bethel Park & Rec Summer Camp – thanks for the energy you bring to town hall!

Town Hall is closed on July 4th and open on July 5th with limited staff. Happy Independence Day!

Have a great weekend!

Dan