7/10/2026 A Message from First Selectman Lent

Greetings from Town Hall!

The main theme of my administration is environmental and land use issues. Let's save Easton!

WILDLIFE IN EASTON! (Please send image contributions to treynolds@eastonct.gov.)

CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

HELP U.S. PROTECT EASTON'S NATURAL BEAUTY: Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a thorny shrub with a dense twiggy form, growing to five feet. Tolerant of a broad range of soil, moisture and light conditions. Seeds dispersed by birds. Barberry leaf litter changes the chemistry of the soil, displacing many native herbaceous and woody plants. Provides optimum tick habitat. DO NOT BUY or PLANT. Control: Pull or dig young plants, making sure to get the roots. Repeated cutting of large plants. Weed wrench ® is effective for uprooting.

PLUM TREE LANE UPDATE: The application has been modified and will be re-opened. The modification removes 5 Plum Tree Lane from the application, and requests to build 19 units on 2.8 acres at 15 Plum Tree Lane. The Planning and Zoning Commission has scheduled a Public Hearing for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Easton Senior Center. New Site Plan

EMS UPDATE: The Town has retained a new environmental consulting firm, EKI, to develop an updated plan for testing and remediating the contaminated soil at the EMS site. Learn more about EKI Environment and Water HERE. Documents related to the EMS site contamination are available on the Town website HERE.

PUBLIC SAFETY:

Please remember to "Slow Down in Our Town" and help keep our roads safe by avoiding speeding.

SCAM TEXT ALERT: Be on the lookout for spam texts about unpaid tolls, package deliveries, or account problems. These messages are often scams designed to steal your personal or financial information.

1. Don't click links or reply.
2. Delete the message, block the sender, and report it as junk if your phone offers that option.

Scammers rely on urgency to trick people into acting quickly. When in doubt, contact the company or agency directly using a trusted phone number or website—not the information in the text.

E-BIKE SAFETY

It has come to our attention that there has been an increase in e-bike usage now that the school year has ended. We have responded to numerous incidents of juveniles driving erratically through the roadway. Our primary concern is the safety of these juveniles, and our goal is to ensure parents are aware of what they’re purchasing for their children while also making sure they are safe and legal. We cannot tackle this problem alone and are asking for cooperation and help from parents on this matter. E-Bike Safety Tips:

1. Wear a properly fitted helmet
2. Follow all traffic laws and signals
3. Ride at a safe speed for conditions
4. Use lights and reflectors when visibility is low
5. Stay alert and avoid distractions while riding
6. Yield to pedestrians and share paths respectfully
7. Check your brakes, tires, and battery before each ride
8. Signal your turns and be predictable around others

Remember: E-bikes can travel faster than traditional bicycles, so extra awareness helps keep everyone safe.

Stay safe and have a fun summer!

OTHER NEWS:
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READING OF DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: On July 8, I had the privilege of reading the Declaration of Independence on the steps of Easton Town Hall as part of Connecticut's America 250 commemoration. Communities across Connecticut joined together in this statewide observance to reflect on the ideals that shaped our nation and continue to guide us today. It was an honor to share this historic document with residents and celebrate the freedoms and responsibilities we cherish as Americans. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this meaningful event a special part of Easton's participation in America's upcoming 250th anniversary.

GOOD REMINDERS:

EASTON HAS A NEW NEWSPAPER!

The Easton Observer's third issue just came out today. If you're not a subscriber yet, you can subscribe at www.eastonobserver.org or purchase a copy at many of our local farms around town. Please consider subscribing and supporting local journalism so the Observer can reach their operating goal and our town can continue to have a newspaper.

TRANSFER STATION TICKET INCREASE: Due to increased costs in garbage removal, as of July 1st, we will need to increase the cost of the Transfer Station tickets sold at Town Hall from $9 to $10 to cover our costs.

LAKE COMPOUNCE TICKETS: Easton Park & Rec is offering discounted “Any Day Tickets” to Lake Compounce. Any Day tickets are $34.00, save $21.00! Tickets can be picked up at our office located at 652 Morehouse Road, Easton. Please call to reserve your tickets first at 203-268-7200.

2026 REVALUATION INSPECTIONS UNDERWAY: Property inspections for Easton's 2026 Real Estate Revaluation are now underway throughout town, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays. Municipal Valuation Services (Munival) representatives may be seen walking properties, taking exterior photos, measuring buildings, and, when scheduled, conducting interior inspections. All inspectors carry Town and Munival identification, wear company-logo attire, and use vehicles displaying Munival magnets registered with the Easton Police Department. If you have questions or would like to verify that an inspector is authorized to be working in your neighborhood, contact Munival at 203-292-5500. For more information, visit the Revaluation page on the Town website. Given the significant increase in property taxes this year, this may also be a good opportunity to remind residents how property taxes are determined. Here’s the link to the Property Taxes Explained page.

BOOK COLLECTION: Friends of the Easton Public Library are starting the Book Collection on Monday, July 13^th. Please bring your donations to the library during normal library hours. The last day we can accept donations will be Monday, September 21st. We gratefully accept books, CDs, DVDs, records, games, and puzzles as long as they are in good condition for inclusion in our annual book sale. The book sale will be held on the first weekend in October.

TAX INFO: The Easton Tax Collector's Office will be closed from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Monday through Thursday. There is a drop box located near the Town Clerk's Office. The last day to pay the July 1st real estate and property tax installment without penalty is Monday, August 3, 2026. Payments must be received or postmarked by that date. Reminder: Interest is charged on late payments at a rate of 1.5% per month (18% per year) from the original due date. Failure to receive a tax bill does not invalidate the tax due or any accrued interest. (PER CT GEN SS SEC 12-130). How to pay:

1. Online: Via the Town of Easton, CT website (vendor fees apply).
2. Mail: To PO Box 96, Easton, CT 06612. Make checks payable to "Easton Tax Collector".
3. In-Person: At the Tax Collector's Office, located at 225 Center Road, Easton, CT 06612.
4. For further information, please visit the Town Tax Department online HERE or contact Krista Kot, Tax Collector, at 203-268-6291.

Tax bills will appear online here on July 1, 2026. Please read the gold-colored insert that arrived with your tax bills-it contains some very useful information. If you received a bill for a vehicle you no longer own, please contact Olivia Caruso in the assessor's office at 203-268-6291. The mill rates for the upcoming 2025 grand list are as follows: Real Estate and Personal Property - 33.15 mills, and Motor Vehicle - capped at 32.46 mills. Please contact us if you feel you are missing a bill.

2026 #LOCOOLGOV SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST: Connecticut students in grades 6–12 can win a $1,000 scholarship by answering the question, "What is cool about local government?" Entries may include essays, poems, photos, videos, artwork, or other creative projects. Individual and small group submissions (up to 3 students) are welcome. Deadline: September 15, 2026. Visit the CCM #LoCoolGov Scholarship Contest webpage or contact memberservices@ccm-ct.org

SAFE KIDS CONNECTICUT: Reminder, car seats are currently available for families in need through the program. Please contact the Police Department at 203-268-3515 from 8 am to 4 pm. Monday through Friday.

THE EASTON SHELTER NEEDS YOUR HELP! The Easton Animal Shelter is currently caring for an influx of cats and dogs and urgently needs the community's support. Their greatest need right now is foster homes, but they are also desperate for donations of pet food and cat litter to help care for the animals currently at the shelter. If you've ever considered fostering an animal—even for a short time—now is the perfect opportunity. Opening your home to a pet in need provides a safe, loving environment while helping free up space at the shelter for other animals. To make fostering even more accessible, Hidden Gem Animal Rescue (501(c)(3)) is offering community service hours for approved foster volunteers. This is a wonderful opportunity for high school students or anyone needing documented volunteer hours to make a meaningful difference while giving a deserving animal the care and comfort it needs. Every foster home, bag of food, and container of litter makes a real difference. If interested, please reach out to the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172. Thank you for supporting the animals in our community!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Dan Lent
First Selectman

AMERICA 250! 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM Highlighting Easton's history, civic pride, and volunteer spirit!

AMERICA 250 CONNECTICUT PASSPORT: As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Connecticut is inviting residents and visitors to experience the people, places, and stories that helped shape the nation. The America 250 | CT Passport encourages you to take a journey through history, culture, and innovation, connecting 40 destinations across the state through shared themes that continue to define Connecticut today. Visit CT250.org for more information on the America 250 | CT Passport and how you can travel around Connecticut to learn about its revolutionary heritage! Passports are available in the Library lobby.

THE LIBRARY WILL HOST A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA 250! From Liberty to Legacy on Saturday, July 18, 2:00 pm. Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals ’1776’ and ’Hamilton’: two landmark American musicals that explore the founding of the United States. Through selected clips from each production, this presentation examines these revolutionary works in the context of the eras in which they were created, revealing how America’s understanding—and retelling—of its origin story has evolved over time. Presented by lecturer and storyteller Michael Langlois. Registration is recommended. Sponsored by Easton Public Library.

SAVE THE DATE! EASTON HILL CLIMB REVIVAL RETURNS – NEW DATE AUGUST 29^TH!

HELPFUL NUMBERS

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Movie Night TODAY, Friday, July 10! Easton Park & Rec invites you to enjoy a warm summer evening, our NEW PLAYGROUND, and a movie with us at Aspetuck Park, 369 Black Rock Road, on Friday, July 10! Our snack shack will be open (chips, candy, drinks) and of course a MOVIE (Spider-Man No Way Home)! The movie starts at approximately 8:20 pm. All you need to do is come on down with your family and friends, chairs, blankets, pillows, snacks, and bug spray, and we will do the rest. *All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. *In case of inclement weather, we will post on Facebook, and an alert will be added to the top of our website at www.eastonrec.com. If you are unsure about the weather, please CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE PARK.

Concerts on the Hill 2026 Season at Christ Church, 59 Church Rd, Easton, is in full swing! Visit their CONCERTS PAGE for more info.

Mah-Jongg Open Play on Tuesday, July 14, 6-8 pm. Do you play Mah-Jongg? Join us at the Library for an open play session. Please be aware that playing for money is not allowed. Please bring your Mah-Jongg set if you have one. Note: this is not a class. Registration is recommended, as we need to know how many tables to set up.

Paint Night on the Patio on Friday, July 17, 6:30 pm. Join us on the back patio of the Library to paint a masterpiece. Darcee LoPresti of Picasso Parties will guide us through the process. Let your creativity show! BYOB. In case of rain, this event will be held in the Community Room. Registration is required.

From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals ’1776’ and ’Hamilton’ in the Library Community Room on Saturday, July 18, 2:00pm A celebration of America 250! 1776 and Hamilton: two landmark American musicals that explore the founding of the United States. Through selected clips from each production, this presentation examines these revolutionary works in the context of the eras in which they were created, revealing how America’s understanding—and retelling—of its origin story has evolved over time. Presented by lecturer and storyteller Michael Langlois. Registration is recommended. Sponsored by Easton Public Library.

Trivia for All on Monday, July 27, 6:00 pm. All ages can join us for this fun trivia event at the Library! Presented by David Plaue of Sticker Book Publishing. Pizza will be served. Registration is recommended.

SAVE THE DATE: Fireman’s Carnival: Tuesday, July 28th – Saturday, August 1st