Sept. 6 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Sept. 6, 2024

Dear Bethel,

The Charter Revision Commission met this week. The advisory question on our budget referendums to ask residents if budgets are Too High or Too Low may get a third option of “Just Right” on future ballots. The process for resignations and removals from our appointed boards was debated, as well as where boards and commissions are authorized to meet. And the Public Utilities Commission might grow by a few members. There are many important discussions ahead, so consider attending the next regular meeting: Wednesday, October 9th at 7 pm at the Town Hall in the General Purpose Room. Check out https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-crc for more information. You can also watch this and other recorded meetings at https://www.youtube.com/@Bethel-ctGov.

FEMA, the Small Business Association (SBA), and CT DEMHS officials were in town this week surveying storm damage to businesses and will also be around next week to look at private property damage around town. Although an Emergency Declaration was approved after the storm, the state must meet cost thresholds to receive a major disaster declaration, which will allow FEMA to help. If you had storm damage, please fill out the form here. Once a major disaster declaration is declared, we will be notified how to apply for assistance.

The tennis/pickleball courts at the high school were shut down today for renovations. Our Park and Recreation Commission, Board of Selectmen, and Board of Finance approved the renovation in June. The courts will be ready for play in the spring!

The Bethel Patriotic Association is introducing a Hometown Heroes Banner Program for 2025 to honor local members of the Armed Forces. The 18” x 36” digitally printed double-sided vinyl banners will be placed on town owned lampposts on School Street in front of the Bethel Town Hall. Each banner will honor a specific Bethel service member.

Visit www.bethelhometownheroes.org for info and the application or stop by the First Selectman’s Office in Town Hall or the American Legion Post 100.

P & Z public hearings: On Tuesday, September 10th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D, the Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing for 32 Henry Street. (Special permit to construct a modular building) The commission will also continue public hearings for 22 Stony Hill Rd. (construct new gas station/convenience store) and 165 Grassy Plain St. (an addition to the existing manufacturing warehouse.) Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-public-hearing and https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-zoning.

Municipal Center employees will be observing a moment of silence at 8:46 am on Wednesday, September 11, 2023 on the front lawn of Town Hall. The Bethel Volunteer Fire Department is also hosting a small remembrance ceremony at the Bethel Fire Department on South Street at 6:30 pm. All are welcome at both events.

Don’t forget the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Bethel residents tomorrow, September 7th at Ridgefield High School from 9 am to 1 pm. It is super easy and they remove the items from your car for you. Check out what you can and can’t dispose of at https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste.

The BHS Field Hockey team is having a car wash tomorrow, September 7th from 12-4pm behind the Town Hall. Enter on the CVS side of the building. If you can’t make it, consider a contribution at https://bethel-high-school-all-sports-booster-club.square.site/s/shop

Bethel CT Marching Wildcats have their home show, Quest for the Best, tomorrow, September 7th at Desantis Field! Their show theme this year is “The Road Not Taken.” Come see marching bands from CT and NY kick off the season. Gates open at 6 pm and show starts at 7 pm. Admission is $15, $10 for seniors & students, and kids under 5 free.

The 2024 23rd annual CT United Ride will pass through Bethel on Sunday, September 8th. Riders will enter town from the south on Putnam Park Road (Rt 58) between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. They will travel north on Rt 58, turn right (east) on Dodgingtown Rd. (Rt 302), and will travel to Rt 25 in Newtown. As Connecticut's largest annual 9/11 tribute, we can expect over 3000 motorcycles. Learn more at www.ctunitedride.com.

Join Bethel Football for their home opener vs Bullard Havens Friday, September 13th at 7 pm at Desantis Field.

Interested in learning about the benefits of solar energy? Join Sustainable Bethel on Friday, September 13th and Friday, September 27th at 5:30 pm in the General Purpose room at Town Hall. Whether you're considering solar panels or want to share your experience, your input is valuable. Fill out their questionnaire to express your interest and help tailor the event to your needs at https://rdr.bz/SBCResSolar. Contact Suneetha Malkani at suneetha@radar108.com with questions.

The Wildcats are off to an amazing start this Fall! Congrats to all the winning teams – Girls and Boys soccer for decisive wins over Immaculate, Volleyball over New Fairfield, Field Hockey over Fairfield, and Boys Golf over Weston!

A shoutout to the Highway Crews for all the great work! We may never know if feeding mice Doritos will make them invisible, but we do know when in doubt, run flat out!

Have a great weekend!

Dan