4/17/2026 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, LAND USE, WATERSHED, & ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

KEEP EASTON GREEN AND CLEAN!! Long-time residents know it is that time of year when our long-standing Easton Garden Club, founded in 1938, invites you to roll up your sleeves and join them for their incredibly helpful " Keep Easton Green and Clean” day on Saturday, April 18^th. This town-wide effort is a great way to show pride in both our local community and to help the environment. Residents, Scout Troops, families, and anyone who values Easton’s pristine environment are encouraged to take part. Stop by the Easton Library vestibule between April 8 and 18 to pick up trash/recycling bags, choose a roadside to clean of trash, and help keep Easton beautiful! Collected bags can be dropped off behind the Library on April 18th between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Join your neighbors - every bag of trash cleaned up from our roads makes a difference! Thank you, Easton Garden Club. Please support this great organization https://www.eastongardenclubofct.org/about

EARTH DAY - APRIL 22: Earth Day is a great reminder that even small actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s planting a tree, picking up litter, reducing waste, or simply spending time enjoying the natural beauty around us, every effort helps keep our community thriving. See: https://www.earthday.org/

PUBLIC SAFETY
Please remember to “slow down in town” and not speed.

NO OPEN BURN: There will be no open burning allowed in Easton until Saturday, April 18^th at the earliest. The spring conditions are very dry, and the Fire Risk is Very High. Thank you for your understanding. Schuyler Sherwood, Fire Marshal/ Emergency Management Director

REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

1. The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, April 27^th, at 7:00 pm at SSES. The budget will be voted on May 5 by machine vote. This budget represents a 5.28% percent increase in spending. Thank you to our long-time Board of Finance Chair Art Laske and our Board of Finance members for leading this process, including managing to reduce the initial budget proposals substantially in an equitable fashion.
2. The next Conservation meeting regarding the proposed Saddle Ridge 26 cluster housing development will be held on Tuesday, April 28th, at 7:00 pm at SSES.
3. There will be a Valley Road Bridge public information session on Thursday, April 30^th, at 7:00 pm in the Library Community Room. Click HERE for the rehabilitation study report link.
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.

OTHER NEWS:
Please email your friends to sign up for the First Selectman's newsletter HERE.

SENIOR CENTER SILENT AUCTION - April 14 through May 5, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm! Browse a unique and ever-changing collection of vintage finds, antiques, and decorative treasures. Whether you’re a collector, a bargain hunter, or just looking for a special piece, you can place a bid starting at just $7.00. Every bid supports a great cause, with proceeds helping to fund classes, activities, and new programs at the Senior Center. Stop by, take a look, and join in the fun—you might just find your next favorite treasure while giving back to the community.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: Thanks to the Department of Public Works and Police Chief Foti, the town picked up for free roughly $20,000 in value of furniture for the town hall from the Bridgewater hedge fund in Westport. I thanked everyone again, and we enjoyed a lunch together on Tuesday. I was also able to see the second dump/plow truck that Steve Haller is rebuilding, saving the town roughly $300,000. These are good examples of doing “more with less” and saving money. Thanks, guys!

AMERICA 250: The Historical Society of Easton (HSE) is actively participating in America 250 celebrations, collaborating with local partners to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Highlights include a joint "Three Towns Bus Tour" with Fairfield and Weston on May 30, 2026, exploring regional history.

LIBRARY MEETING ROOMS: The Library is committed to providing open access to community spaces. In keeping with this mission, meeting rooms are available for use by individuals and organizations on an equitable basis. Please note that while groups may reserve and use these spaces, their activities and viewpoints are not endorsed or sponsored by the Library.

EASTON HILL CLIMB REVIVAL RETURNS – MAY 23

The Staples Academy is proud to once again sponsor the second annual Easton Hill Climb Revival on Saturday, May 23, 2026. This exciting community event, hosted by the Fairfield County HCCA/AACA Car Club in partnership with the Town of Easton and several regional car clubs, recreates the historic Sport Hill races that helped shape early auto racing. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Easton Public Library (691 Morehouse Road) and features a demonstration hill climb and vintage car show. Demonstration runs are scheduled for approximately 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. Vehicles from 1932 and earlier will participate in the hill climb, while vintage cars from 1933–1965 will be on display with priority show parking. Admission is free and open to the public. Parking is first-come, first-served beginning at 9:00 a.m., with overflow parking available behind Town Hall. Accessible parking will also be available, and the library will be open for public use. This event celebrates Easton’s unique place in automotive history, honoring the early hill climbs that predate some of the nation’s most famous races. Don’t miss this fun and family-friendly day!

SENIOR TAX RELIEF PROGRAM: Click HERE for information. Deadline May 15, 2026.

REQUIRED 2026 REVALUATION UNDERWAY: Homeowners are asked to review, complete, and return the mailers at their earliest convenience. If anyone has received a damaged Data Verification Letter, they should contact Municipal Valuation Services directly at (203) 292-5500 to request a replacement.

PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK is an opportunity to recognize and thank the dedicated professionals who serve as the first point of contact in emergencies. Every day, these individuals provide calm, compassionate, and highly skilled support, guiding callers through critical situations and helping coordinate life-saving responses across our communities. Though their work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt statewide—from local neighborhoods to busy roadways and during severe weather events. Their professionalism, resilience, and commitment ensure that first responders can act quickly and effectively when it matters most. We are grateful for their service and proud to recognize their vital role in keeping our communities safe.

This is an update from the CCM conference that I attended on Monday about new proposed bills.

CCM's State Capitol Reportis designed to keep members informed about important legislative issues and actions taken by CCM staff on behalf of towns and cities, as well as suggested actions you may take to protect the interests of your municipality.

Actions in the Chambers

House Chamber

HB 5289, AAC The Publication of Legal Notices, passed the House of Representatives on April 9 with overwhelming bipartisan support (see vote HERE) and has been transmitted to the Senate, where it is awaiting action.

HB 5289 would remove the current mandate requiring municipalities to publish legal notices in newspapers, allowing towns and cities to post them on their municipal websites instead. The passage of HB 5289 would save towns and cities thousands in annual expenses and align local practices with those of the State and Judicial branches, which are already permitted to post required notices online. CCM urges all municipal CEOs to contact their Senators, requesting that the bill be called for a vote and expressing their support for this mandate relief proposal.

Senate Chamber

SB 397 - Senate Democrats are prioritizing this bill that is intended to enhance legal accountability for federal law enforcement, which includes creating a state-level cause of action mirroring federal civil rights law. While we remained neutral on the overall bill, we successfully advocated for the removal of the word "entity" from Section 1 to ensure municipalities are not exposed to new legal liabilities.

The amendment reflecting this change has been filed, and the bill is expected to move forward later today.

Actions in Committees

Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee

The Committee favorably voted on SB 477, AA Establishing a Homestead Property Tax Exemption, which would impose a new unfunded mandate on towns and cities and require every municipality to exempt $50,000 of assessed value from all qualifying primary residences (single-family dwellings, condominiums, and units in common interest communities). Per the Office of Fiscal Analysis, this will reduce municipal grand lists beginning in FY 28, with no state reimbursement. A single qualifying property at a typical 30-mill rate generates approximately $1,500 in lost revenue annually. Scaled across hundreds or thousands of homes, the impact on local budgets is severe. Municipalities will have no choice but to raise mill rates on commercial, industrial, rental, and non-qualifying residential properties, or cut essential services.

Current law (C.G.S. 12-81oo) gives municipalities the optional flexibility to provide a 5%-35% exemption tailored to local property values, demographics, and fiscal capacity. Only one town (New Milford) has exercised this option. SB 447 repeals that local option entirely and replaces it with a rigid, one-size-fits-all $50,000 mandate. This strips towns and cities of the ability to decide whether, and to what degree, such relief is affordable or necessary in their community.

Appropriations Committee

SB 410 - Firefighter Cancer Benefits: This bill would expand benefits for firefighters and their families through the Firefighter Cancer Relief Account. CCM raised concerns about adding new benefits to the fund and its solvency, especially since the fund will not begin collecting a five-cent surcharge on each cell phone bill until July 1.

HB 5507: This bill makes several changes to the law on "as-of-right" ADUs, applying it to every municipality, even if they previously opted out or exercised zoning powers under a special act. This proposal circumvents local zoning authority and undermines the compromise reached in Public Act 21-29. CCM opposes this bill.

The committee held HB 5279, effectively killing the bill. This bill would have added "witnessing a serious physical injury" as a qualifying event under the current post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) statute. This change was considered overly vague and broad, likely creating confusion and frustration among workers and employers, which could result in higher insurance premiums and additional administrative burdens.

Sustainable CT Legislative Gathering

Sustainable CT will host a special "Day at the Capitol" - a reception for Connecticut legislators on April 16 at 1 p.m. in the Hall of Flags. The reception will be showcasing successful sustainability initiatives. Legislators will have the opportunity to learn firsthand of the innovative, community-driven projects happening in their districts. The event is open to the public and is free.

CCM/Capitol News

NEW: Dozens of CT Towns Could Benefit from Restoration of $150M In Casino Funds. Click here to read the story.

UKRAINE: Please join us at the Easton Public Library for “Words from the Front,” a staged reading that bears witness to the war in Ukraine through the actual voices of Americans, Russians, and Ukrainians in correspondence. Sunday, April 19, at 2:30 pm.

SHELTER UPDATE: There is a new pup, “Snoopy,” 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.

Please contact me for any reason if I can help.

Thanks!
Dan Lent
First Selectman

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Stop into the Library to pick up your Passport to CT Libraries, April 1-30, and get it stamped. Then, try to visit as many CT libraries as possible. Visit at least five libraries and be entered into a raffle to win a Visa gift card!

Senior Center Silent Auction APRIL 14 - MAY 5 (9 am- 3 pm)!! Something for Everyone – a unique collection of vintage, antique, and decorative treasures! Bids starting as low as $7.00. All proceeds help fund classes and new programs. Easton Senior Center – 650 Morehouse Road.

Spring Ephemerals Wildflower Walk at Trout Brook Valley. Join Anthony Zemba of Fitzgerald and Halliday, Inc., for a wildflower walk at Trout Brook Valley Preserve on Saturday, April 18th, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Anthony, a Certified Ecologist, will be searching for “spring ephemerals” – a group of wildflowers that only bloom early in the growing season before the overhead canopy of trees and shrubs leaf out. In addition to wildflower identification, Anthony will talk about the ecological role that these curious plants play in forest ecology. Register HERE

Please join us at the Easton Public Library for “Words from the Front,” a staged reading that bears witness to the war in Ukraine through the actual voices of Americans, Russians, and Ukrainians in correspondence. Sunday, April 19, at 2:30 pm.

The Library is hosting the following helpful event: Creating a Compelling College Application this Spring (Gr. 11 & Families) on Tuesday, April 21st, 7:30 pm via Zoom. Registration is required.

Earth Day Biodegradable Potted Plants (Grades 6-8) will be held at the Easton Library on Wednesday, April 22nd, at 3:30 pm. Join us on Earth Day, along with the JBHS Eco Club and the Easton Garden Club, to make your own earth-friendly planter, plant some seeds, and bring it home to watch it grow! Registration Required

The Library is hosting SCORE Workshop: Start Your Business Here – An Action Series to Take Your Idea to Business Launch on Wednesday, April 22, 6:00-8:30 pm, Session 5 of 5 - Funding Sources and Entrepreneur Panel. Click HERE for details and registration.

Enjoy an evening of live jazz with the Old School Jazz All Stars on Thursday, April 23rd at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30) at the Congregational Church of Easton. Featuring Chris Coogan, Tim DeHuff, Tyger MacNeal, John Mobilio, and the Saugatuck Horns, this intimate concert promises classic jazz and swing in a welcoming setting. Hosted by the Staples Academy Foundation and the Historical Society of Easton, tickets are $20, with proceeds supporting restoration of the historic 1795 Staples Academy building.

Come join us for coffee and donuts on DEA National RX TakeBack day, Saturday, April 25^th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please turn in unneeded medication for safe disposal at the Library parking lot. Taking all medication – NO NEEDLES. Don’t worry if you can’t make it; there is a 24/7 drop box in the Police Lobby.

Join us at the Library on Saturday, April 25^th, at 1:00 pm for a financial wellness program presented by Carol Edwards-Prescott, Registered Financial Representative with Primerica/PFS Investments. This program is designed to educate families on the core principles of money, specifically how to protect income, eliminate debt, build savings, and plan for long-term financial security. Registration is recommended.

Join us at the Library on Sunday, April 26^th, at 4:00 pm for a lively and entertaining game of Scrabble. Bring a game board if you have one. For questions, contact the program facilitator Carl Twickler: 203-268-7126, carl.twickler@gmail.com. Registration is recommended.

A Taste of Ukraine – Ukrainian Cultural Exchange at the Masonic Lodge, 200 Center Road, on Sunday, April 26, from 4-6:00 pm. Limited to 50 seats. All money goes directly to the cause. A presentation will be made by Mark Yurkiw about the crisis in Ukraine. A suggested donation of $30/person may be made at the event. Please make a reservation.

In celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, the Easton Cemetery Committee will host Rhode Island Historian Laureate Keith Stokes for a talk titled “Creative Survival: African Heritage Enslavement & Freedom in Early New England.” The event will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Helen Keller Middle School Cafetorium, 360 Sport Hill Road, Easton. A nationally recognized historian and public speaker, Mr. Stokes has appeared on programs including PBS, C-SPAN, and TED Talk. A $15 suggested donation is appreciated. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Annual Easton Kids Fishing Derby at Aspetuck Park, 369 Black Rock Road, on Sunday, May 3^rd from 8:00 am to 10:30 am! Bring your family, chairs, snacks, and your fishing poles. We will provide the live worms. The pond is stocked with 125 trout, brooks, and rainbows, with 10 tagged for the derby! Ages 15 or under – rain or shine.

15^TH ANNUAL EASTON MEMORIAL DAY MILE RACE will be held on Monday, May 25th, 2026!

1. Walk or run in the Memorial Day Mile before the Parade! Go HERE to enter $25.00
2. Be a Sponsor! $200 to support the Senior Center and add your LOGO on the Race Shirt!
3. Be a Friend of the Senior Center Memorial Milers - $25-$50 to offset race costs (timers, awards, snacks, etc.)
4. Volunteer for the race committee or for 1 hour on race day, May 25^th, 8:00 – 9:00 am.
5. RACE INFO: Sign-in begins at 7:30 am, race starts at 8:30 am. Easton Fire House, 1 Center Road, Easton, CT. Net proceeds to benefit Easton Senior Center. Race starts in front of the Easton Fire House @ 8:30 am. Finishes at the same spot to accommodate Parade goers. **RAIN or SHINE ** Post Race Water and Food. Award Ceremony & Prizes at the end of the race. Commemorative shirt guaranteed to all pre-registered participants. Entry Fee: $25.00 - Race day: $30.00 Registration ends May 24, 2026, at 8:00 pm EDT. Sign Up

ENJOY THE WESTPORT LEVITT PAVILION CONCERTS THIS SUMMER!

THE DISCO BISCUITS NIGHT ONE: FRIDAY, JUNE 12 | Doors: 5:30 PM | Show: 6:30 PM, NIGHT TWO: SATURDAY, JUNE 13 | Doors: 5:30 PM | Show: 6:30 PM. Member Pre-Sale begins Wednesday, March 25, at 10 AM ET. Get your 2026 Membership now: Enjoy pre-sale access and exclusive member discounts to this and upcoming shows! Already a member? Log in here. Public on Sale: Friday, March 27 at 10 AM ET. 2-DAY PASSES

• FRIDAY, JUNE 12 + SATURDAY, JUNE 13 LAWN Section GA: Ticket holders in this section will be able to enjoy the bar located on the terrace. Advance GA 2-DAY PASS: $100 / LP Member Advance GA 2-DAY PASS $100 (FF waived on Member passes) DAY OF SHOW: $110.