**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter**

The Board of Selectmen (BOS) appointed a Charter Revision Commission this week. Bethel is one of 109 towns in Connecticut that has a charter that allows us to control our structure of government, and the powers, duties, and terms of office of our officials. The Commission will be charged with looking at our charter and considering changes, including changes recommended by the BOS. The process could take over a year, so stay tuned for information and public hearing opportunities.

With spring yard cleanup, we have received smoke complaints due to open burning of leaves. Connecticut DEEP requires permits for open burning and only twigs, small branches, and logs less than 3” in diameter can be burned in a pile that is 5 ft long, 3 ft wide, and 3 ft high. Burning will be authorized only between 10 am and 5 pm. Find info and request burn permits online at https://bethel-ct.gov/fire-permits.

We have had recent inquiries about the Gadsden Flag that is flown with other military flags in PT Barnum Square. The flag has flown in town for years due to its historical significance as a symbol of unity during the Revolutionary War and a special meaning to our Bethel High NJROTC based on the naval history of the flag. Hopefully, communicating the context of why the flag is flown in our small town will help us understand the intended, noble meaning of the flag in this situation and avoid controversy and intolerance based on modern, politicized interpretations of the flag.

From the Tax Collector: current utility bills are due June 1st. Last day to pay to avoid interest is July 1st. If your bill has an “E” as the read code, this means your bill was estimated. To avoid a possible overestimated bill, the MIU needs to be replaced. There’s no charge and a quick fix. Please call 203-794-8509 to set up an appointment. Also, the 2023 Water Quality Report for Bethel is available in the Tax Collector office or online at https://bethel-ct.gov/news.

Check out upcoming public hearings at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-public-hearing.
Public Hearing: Planning & Zoning Commission re: 10 Topstone Drive and continuation of hearings for 140 Greenwood Ave and 18 Stony Hill Rd (https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-zoning) on Tuesday, May 28th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D

“The 101 Critical Days of Summer” have arrived. It’s the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when a lot of accidents happen. Please take time to consider threats to your safety and the safety of your friends and family this summer, including alcohol use, speeding, heat, fatigue, and water activities. Learn more at https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Staged/Summer-Safety

The Bethel Blooms Craft Fair is back! Stop by the front lawn of the Town Hall tomorrow, May 25 from 10am to 4pm. Free admission!

Don’t miss the Annual Family Summer Kickoff hosted by the Bethel Education Foundation at the BHS football field on Friday, May 31st from 5 pm to 8 pm. Tickets available at the door or online at https://www.betheledfoundation.org/family-summer-kick-off.html

Bethel CT Pride hosts the annual Bethel Pride Celebration and Sidewalk Parade on Saturday, June 1st. The lineup for sidewalk parade begins across from the Bethel Train Station at 12 pm and the parade starts at 12:30 pm. The parade will travel south on Durant Ave, east on Greenwood Ave, north on PT Barnum Sq, and ends in front of Town Hall with a brief drum circle and flag raising. Enjoy bands, food, games, and more until 5pm! For more information visit https://bethelctpride.com/event-info

Another shoutout to award winning gymnast Alisha Ali, spelled correctly this time! It was great to see you in our parade.

A delayed shoutout to State Rep Marty Foncello for joining us at the parade and the wreath laying ceremony!

Thank you, Bethel Women’s Club, for the flags around our gazebo to honor our Veterans!

Congrats to our Athlete of the Week, Adrian Vasquez, for his performance in the recent freshmen invitational!

Congratulations to Bethel recipients of the Western Connecticut Superintendent’s Award! Our winners exhibit a commitment to community service, demonstrate academic prowess, and provide leadership in the school community. From Bethel High School: Madison Tamburri & Joshua Heyel. From Bethel Middle School: Bhuvan Sai Dasari & Ryan Marks. Great Job!

Way to go Bethel Boys Lacrosse on their 17 to 2 win in round 1 of the state tournament!

A shoutout to the crew of Even 91 and all service men and women who have sacrificed everything for our nation. We are grateful.

Town Offices are closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.

Have a great weekend!

Dan