Easton Selectmen Discuss Health District Review, Library Funds, And Housing Bill Oppositio

EASTON, CT — At its June 5 meeting, the Easton Board of Selectmen voted to form a committee to evaluate the town’s membership in the Aspetuck Health District and explore alternative options.

The motion to establish the study committee was introduced by Selectman Kristi Sogofsky and seconded by Selectman Nick D’Addario. It passed unanimously during the June 5 meeting at Town Hall.

In public comment, several residents raised questions about the state's affordable housing legislation, House Bill 5002, and whether Easton officials had submitted any formal response to the governor. Others inquired about the potential scenic road designation of Route 136/Westport Road and expressed concerns about the town’s interest in acquiring Saddle Ridge, citing impacts on the water supply, school enrollment, and local taxes.

The board also discussed the management of $1 million in grant funds for the Easton Library building project. Since the grant is reimbursable, the Board of Finance may require the town to allocate the money upfront, which would necessitate a formal resolution and a town meeting.

Members also reviewed a tax refund request from Financial Services Vehicle Trust for $1,878.23. The item was tabled after concerns were raised that it may be a duplicate.

During the meeting, the Conservation Commission voiced conditional support for the purchase of open space at Lantern Hill but requested additional information before fully endorsing the proposal. First Selectman David Bindelglass said he plans to attend the commission’s next meeting to address their concerns.

The board accepted the resignations of David Bussolotta from the Agricultural Commission and Shari Pearlman from the Library Board of Trustees. Bindelglass thanked both for their service.

In subsequent appointments, the board approved the following:

• Raymond Martin III as an alternate member of the Agricultural Commission, term ending Jan. 2, 2028.
• Diana Gomez as a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, term ending June 3, 2028.
• Vincent Battaglia as a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, term ending July 1, 2028.
• Mary Welch as a full member of the Library Board of Trustees, term ending Nov. 2, 2027.

Additional public comments included a resident questioning procedural compliance in the Lantern Hill acquisition and another expressing appreciation for the review of Easton’s health district contract. A reminder was also issued that new members of the Library Board must run in the next municipal election.

During board member comment, D’Addario voiced strong opposition to HB5002, with Sogofsky and Bindelglass concurring. Bindelglass cautioned against assuming the state would not enforce the legislation. He also noted that a “fee in lieu of” account for land acquisitions, once approved by the Board of Finance, does not require a town meeting for use of funds.

Bindelglass added he would notify the public about the date and location of the next Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) meeting concerning Aquarion's proposed purchase.

The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.