BETHANY, CT — The Bethany Board of Selectmen unanimously appointed two new Parks and Recreation Commission members Sept. 16 while reviewing proposed changes that could reduce the town's waste-disposal costs and generate additional recycling revenue.
The board also discussed a proposed group-purchasing program for residential solar and battery systems, a possible town noise ordinance and two fire-safety proposals. No action was taken on those measures.
Selectwoman Amy Rushlow moved to appoint Justin Lopes and Thomas Norton to the Parks and Recreation Commission in separate votes. Selectman Salvatore Amadeo seconded both motions, and each passed 3-0, with First Selectwoman Carol Goldberg, Rushlow and Amadeo voting in favor.
Lopes has lived in Bethany for more than 10 years and works as a behavior analyst with preschool-age children, according to the draft minutes.
Solid Waste and Recycling Committee Chairman Eric Frieden and committee member Keith Weindling reported that Bethany's recycling volume has increased approximately 10 to 13 percent over the past four years while visits to the Recycling Center have declined about 25 percent.
They said the switch to 96-gallon trash bins has produced a slight decrease in municipal solid waste. Although residents appear to be making fewer trips to the Recycling Center, they are bringing larger quantities of recyclable material, according to the committee.
The committee also outlined revenue and savings from several recycling programs. A change in the town's metal-recycling arrangement has generated approximately $4,300 in revenue as well as savings on hauling costs, while the town has received additional revenue from textiles, tires, appliances and electronics.
Frieden discussed potential fees for additional trash bins and bulky waste and changes to the town's USA Hauling contract. According to the committee, a proposed bulky-waste pricing structure would have saved Bethany approximately $3,500 during the first six months of 2026.
The selectmen agreed to follow up with USA Hauling about implementing the new pricing structure. They also requested additional financial information on the costs and potential savings associated with other proposed changes.
The committee raised the possibility of creating a "swap shop" at the Recycling Center where reusable items could be made available rather than discarded. Selectmen discussed potential staffing, monitoring and other costs but took no action.
Frieden also presented a proposed Connecticut Green Bank and Solar United Neighbors "Switch Together" program that would give Bethany residents access to group pricing for solar panels and battery systems.
The proposal anticipates savings of approximately 15 to 25 percent through group purchasing and would include vendor vetting, marketing and customer support, according to the presentation summarized in the minutes.
Bethany's participation would include allowing its logo to be used, promoting the program through town communication channels, reviewing communications and preparing staff to answer questions from residents.
The program is expected to begin in February 2027 and run through most of the year.
Selectmen raised questions about potential town liability, use of Bethany's logo and the process for vetting vendors. Frieden agreed to seek additional information from the Connecticut Green Bank. The board could resume the discussion Oct. 7.
The board also considered appointing Bethany business owner Dennis Croteau as an alternate member of the Economic Development Commission.
Goldberg said Croteau's experience operating two businesses in Bethany could provide insight into opening and running businesses in town.
Rushlow moved to appoint Croteau and Goldberg seconded. Goldberg and Rushlow voted in favor, while Amadeo opposed the appointment.
Amadeo said Economic Development Commission Chairman Steve Winter had not yet had an opportunity to speak with Croteau in depth and requested that the appointment be postponed. Amadeo then moved to table the appointment, but the motion received no second.
The selectmen discussed whether Bethany should adopt a noise ordinance after two residents raised concerns about noise from a neighboring property.
Goldberg reviewed information from the town attorney about the process, which the minutes say would involve drafting an ordinance, public notice and comment, Board of Selectmen review and approval at a town meeting.
The board was told that the zoning enforcement officer had previously taken a decibel reading at the property and found that the noise did not exceed applicable state limits at the time of the inspection.
Selectmen discussed potential enforcement difficulties, including the absence of a municipal police department. They agreed to examine noise ordinances from neighboring communities, including Prospect and Woodbridge. Goldberg will gather examples for future review.
The board also discussed two proposed requirements requested by Fire Marshal Stephen Sousa.
One would require businesses to install Knox Boxes, which would give the Fire Department access to building keys during emergencies. The other would require multi-unit buildings to display unit numbers above doors in lettering at least 4 inches high to help emergency responders identify units.
Selectmen raised questions about who would pay for and maintain Knox Boxes, how requirements would apply to businesses in multi-unit buildings and whether home-based businesses would be included. They also discussed enforcement and potential liability.
No action was taken. Goldberg said she would discuss the questions with Sousa and consult the town attorney about the proposals and possible alternatives.
The board also unanimously approved tax refunds and its Aug. 19 meeting minutes. It adjourned at 7:55 p.m. by unanimous vote.
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