May 24 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

 Here is an update on the EMS project. Preliminary results of environmental testing on the property at 444 Sport Hill Rd. purchased by the city to upgrade the existing septic system in the current EMS building and to provide safer entrances and exits from the building when it is renovated.

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Testing showed some areas where contaminant levels were elevated while other areas showed none. Is this a reason not to continue? Engineers working for the city have made it clear that little or no remediation work is required. The septic system in the building is currently broken. 

As discussed at the finance council, if it fails the building will become unusable and as a result will likely cause major contamination of the watershed and possibly the reservoir. The septic system can only be repaired using the land at 444 Sport Hill. The city has spent years looking for alternatives and the board of finance, selectmen and development committee have committed to renovating the current facility, which would also require purchasing the land. 

The only condition that could change this, and would essentially take us back to square one, is if the cost of improving the land we purchased is so expensive that it makes renovation unaffordable for the city. Fortunately, two independent engineers have assured us that this will not be the case. 

There is universal agreement on the need to renovate these buildings and of course the much-discussed need to protect watersheds. Therefore, the purchase of land at 444 Sport Hill Rd. is critical, even if contamination is present and remediation efforts are required.

We received uncertain information regarding land on EMS property currently owned by the city. Some repairs may be needed there, which will be done as part of the septic repair. If you are interested in learning more about this property, Chris Buck, the engineer who conducted the city survey has volunteered to discuss the findings and answer questions this Tuesday, May 28. The public is welcome to attend, 7:00 PM in the library community room.

The playground at Keller, near the tennis courts, is still very popular and we receive many requests to reserve picnic tables there to use for birthday parties. We are concerned about the “first come, first served” policy. 

Therefore, we are considering a fee-based registration system as is the case elsewhere in the city. This is simply to schedule use of the table for parties. This raised concerns so the Parks and Recreation commission, director, and I decided to wait and see how things went without registration or fees. More to come based on our experience.

Easton PTO Family Fun Night at Quassy Amusement Park is scheduled for Friday, June 14th. This evening is special for the Easton family and friends. Several hundred tickets have already been purchased, so don't miss out. Enjoy unlimited rides and free parking. Food and games will be available for purchase, and a portion of sales will benefit our school. A sensory break room will be provided by Easton SEPTA. 

Tickets can be purchased through the Easton PTO at

 https://eastonpto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/93202215 

We are aware that parking has been an issue at the Easton Post Office. We are looking for options to help with this situation. We are exploring options on how to make it easier to use the post office and of course ensure the post office remains. Nick D'Addario has contacted Congressman Himes' office for help.

This past week was EMS week. This is the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week. At this milestone we are reminded of the extraordinary dedication and commitment of Connecticut's 24,000 EMS physicians, who respond to nearly one million EMS calls annually, as well as our dedicated volunteers and paid personnel. Thank You.

Join us for the Easton Garden Club's Conservation Workshop Series and Conversations kicking off The Invasive Plant Road Show in the Easton Library Community Room on Tuesday, June 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. Registration Required. Visit www.eastongardenclubofct.org .

Last week we held our first citywide employee picnic, as a show of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all our workers, in their service to the Easton community. It was a great success and a great time was had by all. Thank you to the fire department for hosting.

Monday is of course Memorial Day and so far the weather is looking good. The parade starts at 9.30am in front of the firehouse and heads down Center Rd. Once completed there will be a ceremony at city hall and then at the individual cemetery. 

People lined the central avenue to watch and then migrated to city hall for the ceremony. Please remember the importance of this day to recognize all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Enjoy the long weekend. City hall will be closed on Monday.

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