3/13/2026 A Message from First Selectman Lent

Greetings from Town Hall!

As always thematically, the main theme of my administration is environmental and land use issues. Let’s save Easton!

WILDLIFE IN EASTON
(Please send me pictures of your wildlife in town to treynolds@eastonct.gov.)

CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

BAD PRELIMINARY NEWS ON THE AQUARION SALE: PURA released their “draft” decision on Friday, March 6^th, based on the remand from the Superior Court. Unfortunately, based on the draft decision, it appears that PURA will likely approve the proposed sale of AQUARION Water Company. The final decision from PURA is expected on March 25, 2026. MetroCOG and our member municipalities will continue to exhaust all possible legal options leading to and after the final decision. Additionally, a potential legislative fix through House Bill 5249 (HB5249) was heard during a public hearing of the Energy and Technology Committee on March 5th. We are waiting for the committee to vote the bill out of committee and send it to the full legislature for consideration. The raised bill would directly address the appellate judge's ruling that PURA could not consider certain aspects of the proposed sale. I will keep you updated.

WATCH OUT FOR BLACK BEARS SAFETY NOTICE: It’s bear season again! As the temperatures rise in Connecticut, black bears are set to re-emerge. Help keep bears from visiting your yard by removing or securing food sources such as bird feeders and pet food, and by keeping grills clean. Bird feeders also attract coyotes. Motion-sensitive lights can also help deter bears from getting too close. Store garbage in a sturdy structure with a locking door, like a garage or shed, until pickup day. Bears dislike strong smells such as ammonia, bleach, vinegar, pine-based cleaners, and spices like cinnamon or pepper. If you see a bear you can let it be and it will move on naturally, or if needed, you can elect to scare it away with loud noises like clapping, banging pots and pans, blowing an air horn, etc.

GOINGS ON AT TOWN HALL

BUDGET SEASON AND PROPERTY TAX CONSIDERATIONS

I want to thank our long-time Board of Finance Chair, Art Laske, and Town Finance Director Christine Calvert for working on the town budget planning for many months.

Our shared goal, of course, is to attempt to cover sharply rising costs without having large and sudden jumps in property taxes.

All of the Board Finance members, such as Ira Kaplan, have been great and helpful at our BOF meetings. I also want to thank new Board of Finance member, Josh Bailey, for presenting financial modeling scenarios where we can plug in values to see outcomes and for presenting a “mill rate” approach to the town budgeting, which I believe is another helpful tool.

One of the most pressing education topics that I have been involved in since the beginning of my administration with Art Laske -- who is spearheading this effort -- is the ongoing issue with school maintenance funding. In a nutshell, over the years, the Board of Education has not always spent budgeted money on building maintenance as planned -- and instead has shifted it to other needs -- which is their right by statute. After much debate, we hope we have found a workaround with a Memorandum of Understanding so that the needed maintenance can get done and our outstanding Town Engineer, Ed Nagy, with his 50 years of experience, can be more involved. Again, I want to first and primarily thank Art Laske, and also thank my advisor, former First Selectman Tom Herrman, former Board of Finance member Andy Kachele, and our attorney Steve Stafstrom for working on this over many months with Art.

Regarding the education budget, I want to emphasize my absolute support for the Easton and Region 9 school systems and the simple reasons why. Easton has two equally important main pillars that form our identity. First, our excellent public schools that maintain a culture of achievement and excellence while also maintaining taxpayer value, and second, our environmentally and watershed-friendly non-commercial zoning. This is the simple formula that has allowed Easton to stay the very unique “Jewel of Fairfield County.” I attended the Easton schools myself, and so did my three children, so I understand how important our school systems are to Easton.

2026 REVALUATION UNDERWAY (Reminder): Easton’s state-mandated 2026 revaluation began in February and run through October 31, 2026, with assistance from Municipal Valuations Services (Munival). Property owners will receive a Data Verification Letter to review and return, and Munival staff will conduct exterior inspections throughout town. For questions, call (203) 292-5500.

REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

1. The Planning & Zoning Public Hearing will be on Tuesday, March 17th, at 7:00 pm, at Staples Elementary School, to discuss the Saddle Ridge 26-lot cluster housing subdivision. There is also a new public hearing on the application for alteration of a scenic road, for Cedar Hill Road from Bibbins to Silver Hill Roads.
2. The next regular Conservation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24, at 7:30 pm in the Library Community Room to deliberate on the Plum Tree Lane high-density 830-G affordable housing development to be located next to the Mill River. No public comment will be taken as the public hearings are now closed.
3. The next Conservation Public Hearing regarding the Saddle Ridge cluster housing development, which proposes 26 cluster house developments, will be held on March 25th or 30^th, at 7:00 pm at SSES. Public comment will be heard.
4. If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please subscribe HERE!
5. As always, thank you for your continued engagement at these hearings and support as we work together for the future of Easton.

PICNIC TABLE A little outdoor upgrade for Town Hall Staff! Even though our budget is tight, we’re finding creative ways to make Town Hall a more comfortable and welcoming place for our employees and visiting residents. We’re excited to share that we’re looking to add a picnic table outside for staff to enjoy their breaks, meals, and a bit of fresh air. If you have a strong, but gently used picnic table, materials to donate, or know a local business that might help, we’d love your support! Every little bit helps us make Town Hall a better place for the people who serve our community every day. Please reach out to treynolds@eastonct.gov. Stay tuned—we hope to have our new outdoor gathering spot ready soon!

PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: If you are interested in volunteering for the Easton Parent Support Group focusing on college admissions, I would love to hear from you. Please contact Tina Reynolds at treynolds@eastonct.gov in the First Selectman's Office. In addition, the Library is hosting the following helpful events:

1. Creating a Compelling College Application this Spring (Gr. 11 & Families) on Tuesday, April 21st, 7:30 pm via Zoom. Registration is required.

SHELTER UPDATE: There is a new pup, “Roscoe,” available for adoption! What a little cutie! Parker and Applejack are still available, too! If interested, please reach out to the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172.

Have a great weekend!

Dan

AROUND TOWN

The Easton Arts Council is presenting The Shapes of Color – Photography & Painting Art Exhibition by Paula McDonagh on exhibit March 2 – April 11 in the Community Room Gallery, Easton Public Library.

The Easton Public Library is hosting “AI 101” on Saturday, March 14th, at 2:00 pm, a beginner-friendly introduction to modern artificial intelligence. Learn the basics of generative and agentic AI, what large language models are, how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini differ, and how to use them effectively and ethically. No prior experience required. Please bring a laptop if you have one. Registration is required.

Craft Crew St. Patrick’s Day Craft (Gr. K-5) on Tuesday, March 17th, 4:30-5:30 PM. Join us at the Library on St. Patrick's Day and make a paper plate Leprechaun! We have all the supplies you'll need to create this fun craft! These programs are designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child(ren).

Crochet with Donna! (Grades 6-8) Thursday, March 19th, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm. Come learn the basics of crochet with Donna, our youth services programming assistant at the Library! There will be 5 slots available, so register now! Registration Required

The Public Library will have a Blood Drive in Memory of Ellen Longbine Waugh, sponsored by the Siren Aide of Easton, on Thursday, March 19th, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Easton Arts Council is hosting Readers Theater, “Stages”, a production inspired by International Women’s Day on Friday, March 20th at 8:00 pm, at the Easton Public Library, 671 Morehouse Road. Stories, Monologues, and Poems reflecting the many stages and events in a woman’s life.

Spring One Book/One Town Community Read Book Discussion w/Wally Lamb on Saturday, March 21st, 2:00 pm. Join us for a virtual visit from NY Times bestselling author Wally Lamb, as we discuss his book The River is Waiting, our spring One Book/One Town Community Read. Registration is required. Sponsored by Friends of the Easton Public Library.

Get Your Tickets Now for the BSA Scouting Troop 25/66 Gourmet Breakfast on Saturday, March 21st, 7:30 am - NOON! This is the largest fundraiser of the year and a wonderful community event! We’re serving up a delicious spread of gourmet breakfast favorites, including pancakes, custom omelets, and ebelskivers (a cross between a pancake and a donut hole). Buy Tickets HERE. If you’re unable to attend, you can use this link to select your favorite Scout to support or make a direct donation to the troop. All funds raised help support Scout programs, activities, and trips throughout the year. Enjoy a great meal, support local Scouts, and help fund our programs and adventures. We hope to see you there! PLEASE NOTE: Boy Scouts will be going door-to-door to sell tickets. The Easton Police Department has been advised. We appreciate your kindness and support!

Feeling Connected in a Disconnected World: How to Help Teens Manage Anxiety and Depression, Build Resilience, and Avoid Burnout on Sunday, March 22nd, 3:00 pm at the Library. Join licensed psychologist Dr. Emily Winter of Sasco River Center for an informative presentation focused on helping caregivers and parents support teens through anxiety, depression, and burnout. Register Here

Behind the Wheel: Alcohol and its Impact on Wednesday, March 25, from 12 pm – 1 pm on Zoom. Join Catalyst CT \ The Hub and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) exploring the real-life impact of alcohol-impaired drunk driving. This session combines education, prevention strategies, and a personal story showing how one choice can change lives forever. Please register HERE

JBHS PTO Community Trivia Night: Join in on a fun-filled night of trivia! Prizes for the top teams! Open to all ages. Thursday, March 26, 7:00 pm at The Redding Roadhouse. Buy tickets HERE

This year's Annual Easter Egg Hunt EGG-Stravaganza will occur on Friday, March 27th (Rain Date TBD). Ages: 0-10. Enjoy searching for Easter eggs at our New Friends Playground at 360 Sport Hill Road. There will be SPECIAL EGGS, Easter Trivia, and a visit with the Easter Bunny! The Hunt starts at 6:15 PM - WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 5:40 PM, THE EASTER BUNNY WILL BE HIDING EGGS! *Ages: 0-3 will hunt on the Tennis Courts, Ages: 4-10 will hunt on the Playground. Fee: FREE - Easton residents only. REGISTRATION REQUIRED www.eastonrec.com. Don't forget your basket! All children will line up, and we will set a "GO" time. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Check our website or Facebook for rain updates.