Sept. 13 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Sept. 13, 2024

Dear Bethel,

FEMA was back in Bethel this week assessing damage from the storm and verifying information provided by the Town of Bethel and residents. Our Governor has requested a Major Disaster Declaration, but it still may take a few weeks to be approved. If a federal Major Disaster is declared by the President, FEMA's Individual Assistance programs may be made available through an online process and at least one Assistance Center opened in the state. Stay tuned.

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Policy Committees have begun looking at legislative priorities for the next legislative session. Among the top priorities for Bethel is reimbursement for special education costs and local control of our affordable housing development. Last session the state shorted Bethel over $500k in expected special education reimbursement. The State House passed a HB 5390 that would have required Bethel allow development downtown without public hearings, variances, or special permits in order to be prioritized for state funding for town projects. Thankfully, the Senate did not call the bill, but we expect it will be brought back next session.

Bethel Public Schools has embarked on a study to look at our school enrollment projections and study the capacity and utilization of our school facilities. We are looking to understand our present and future education needs in relation to our facilities. Bids from firms to conduct the study that will guide our Board of Education were received. The project is estimated to be complete in December.

We asked Eversource to come in this week and discuss their upcoming tree removal project in the transmission right of way through Bethel. Anything that can grow over 15 feet tall within the right-of-way, which is up to 100 feet from the outermost conductor or the easement edge, whichever is closer, will be removed. Affected property owners should have received at least one letter. The project starts in the next two weeks and continues until spring. Work usually takes place between 7 am and 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, but an occasional Sunday is possible. We have asked Eversource to be considerate and not clear-cut, even on properties they own. Look up Transmission Vegetation Management Connecticut Projects online to learn more.

From the Public Utilities Department: Please do not flush dental floss, flushable wipes, or bags of dog waste. We have sewage grinders in the system, but items other than toilet paper can interfere with our system.

Are you a local business or organization who wants an opportunity to support Bethel Sports? Bethel All Sports Booster Club is looking for advertising sponsors to help us upgrade the scoreboards at Hunt Field, Kisling Field, and DeSantis Field. Local sports associations have raised enough to get half way, but we still need help! Email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

The next Office Hours is Thursday, September 19th at the First Selectman office at Town Hall from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. If the timing doesn’t work and you have something on your mind, please set up a call or appointment at 203-794-8540 or firstselecxtman@bethel-ct.gov.

The Bethel Run Club starts Thursday, September 19th! The coach for this program is certified by the Road Runners Club of America and will guide participants from walking to running with a goal of completing the Bethel Turkey Trot! Register at the “Programs” link at https://bethelct.myrec.com/

Happily Furever After Rescue is hosting the 3rd Annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, September 21st from 11 am to 4 pm at Bennett Memorial Park. Visit https://www.happilyfureverafter.org/barkinthepark2024

Join Bethel BMX for the 2024 Connecticut BMX Championship on Sunday, September 22nd at 12:00pm. (Ceremony starts at 11:45 am) The preliminary race is Saturday, September 21st at 12:00 pm. If you haven’t seen a live BMX Race, stop by the track behind the Mitchell Park baseball fields.

Mark your calendars for a Veterans Day event on Sunday, November 10th. The day will kick off with a charity 5k race sponsored by Folds of Honor, followed by a “Veterans Village” on the Town Hall Lawn. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military and first responders. Multiple sponsorship levels are also available. Learn more at www.foh.org/VeteransDay5k

At 7 pm tonight it will be clear and 71 degrees. What better night for the Wildcat Football Home Opener! Good luck Wildcats!

Congrats to Bethel High School Athletic Program for selection as a 2023-2024 CIAC "Michaels Jewelers Achievement Cup" Exemplary Program recipient, a distinction given to programs that uphold the values of sportsmanship. The award will be presented on October 7, 2024 at the CIAC Sportsmanship Conference. Way to go!

Congrats to our Wildcat Athletes of the Week, Madison Tamburri and Dennis McNamara! Madison’s defense skills helped the field hockey team to a 3 - 0 start to the season and Dennis shot a 41 and a 44 to help the golf team beat Joel Barlow and Weston!

A shoutout to Caraluzzi’s on celebrating 75 years in Business! To the Caraluzzi family and all employees, congratulations and thank you for all you do for our community! Check out the Caraluzzi story in The Bethel Grapevine https://www.bethelgrapevine.com/

Have a great weekend!

Dan