|
STORM DAMAGE - Assistance
In response to the extreme flooding from the historic rainfall that portions of the state received, President Biden authorized a federal emergency declaration. The declaration means that state agencies can coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the deployment of federal personnel and equipment to augment emergency recovery efforts already underway by the state and its municipal counterparts. This includes actions to protect lives and property, and restorative efforts that defend public safety.
The State must demonstrate the damages were a direct result of the event and that they meet statewide and county indicators. Businesses and residents must provide damage estimates as follows:
1. Identify damages caused by the event. Assess your property and belongings for damage that occurred as a result of this event. This includes structural damage, damages to personal possessions, lost inventory, lost revenue due to business disruption, etc. Note your losses and take many pictures that confirm losses.
2. Contact your insurance company to see if you are covered under your current insurance policy. Assess your primary residence and personal property (including transportation/vehicles) for damages caused by this event.
3. Submit your damage estimates through the Crisis Track Portal at https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/CTDEMHS/request.html. Submit all damages at this time. Note structural damage and lost inventory and/or lost revenue due to business disruption, etc. Secondary homes or apartment buildings should be assessed as a business loss. Note if the home is inaccessible due to the event.
For Small Business owners: Governor Lamont has allocated $5 million in state funded grants. Under this program, state grants of up to $25,000 will be available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County that have fewer than 100 employees and experienced damage from the floods. Grants can be used to cover various expenses to help in the recovery, including those associated with cleanup efforts, replenishing lost inventory, and replacing equipment. The program will be administered on behalf of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development by the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC), a nonprofit organization based in Fairfield County that works to support business growth and job creation statewide. On September 3, 2024, the WBDC will launch an application process for businesses to seek grants. Applicants will be required to provide detailed descriptions of how their businesses were impacted and include photos, receipts, invoices, and estimates, where applicable.
For more information regarding storm recovery, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/demhs.
Crisis Cleanup Western CT Flood Cleanup Hotline 203-392-1752 or crisiscleanup.org.
Stephen C. Dunn
First Selectman
| |
|
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tuesday, September 3, at 7 p.m., Meeting Room 133. The meeting agenda will be posted on the town website the Friday afternoon before and live-streamed and recorded for viewing.
Coffee with the Community
*This event is scheduled on the last Saturday of the month unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Angels Deli located at 470 Federal Road
Town Hall Closures
September 2 - Labor Day
| |
|
ZONING COMMISSION MEETING LOCATION CHANGE
The Brookfield Zoning Commission has changed the location of their September 12, 2024 meeting to the Brookfield High School Auditorium. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. and public comments are welcome.
If you are unable to attend but would like to submit a comment, you may email your comments to acurran@brookfieldct.gov or mail to: Brookfield Zoning Commission, Attn: Land Use Office, 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield, CT 06804. Written comments must be received by 12:00 p.m. on September 12.
For more information, please contact the Land Use Office at 203-775-7316.
| |
PUBLIC WORKS
BRUSH YARD
Due to the stormy summer thus far, the DPW is extending its brush yard hours until further notice to include Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is for Brookfield residents only. Commercial vehicles are NOT allowed under any circumstance per DEEP regulations.
Check the link for paving updates. Brookfield 2024 Road Repaving
| |
The recent rain storm on August 18 was estimated to be a 100 year rain event with over 6 inches of rain falling in a 24 hour period. Many roads in town were damaged as well as drainage structures. The photo above shows our crew repairing a major headwall on Hidden Brook Drive. Our crews have been working hard around the clock to make our roads safe and passable. This will be quite an endeavor that will last several weeks. | |
|
TOWN ASSESSOR
If you are a veteran and have a DD-214 that you have never submitted, please submit it to the Town Clerk by 9/30/24 for exemptions on your taxes for next year. If you have already submitted a DD-214, you do not need to do so again. If your income level is below $58,900 (married) or $52,700 (unmarried) you may qualify for an extra Veteran’s discount. Please see our website or contact our office for applications or more information.
If you are a veteran with a 100% service-related disability, please bring in the paperwork as soon as possible. If you recently submitted it, you don’t need to do it again. There is new legislation for an exemption.
If you are totally disabled or blind and have never submitted an application to the Assessor’s Office, please submit one by 10/1/24. If you have submitted one in the past, you do not need to do so again.
If you have a retrofitted vehicle (maximum of 2), every year on or before October 1, you must complete a new application (click here). If this is the first year you own the vehicle, you will need to attach a copy of the bill of sale for the car and the retrofitting. All applications are on our website.
If you would like to appeal your car taxes, the Board of Assessment Appeals will meet on September 7 from 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Town Hall. Please click here to view and print an application. Please bring all required documents to the hearing. No appointment is required.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 203-775-7302.
| |
|
TOWN CLERK
Calling all Unaffiliated and Minor Party Members!
Interested voters who would like to become a Justice of the Peace, and who are unaffiliated or minor party voters, may file their application at the Town Clerk’s office until November 1, 2024. The term runs from January 6, 2025 – January 2, 2029.
Learn more about the duties performed by Justices of the Peace here.
*No one who is, or has been, a registered Democrat or Republican on or after May 1, 2024 may apply for one of these Justice of the Peace appointments.
Absentee Ballot Applications:
The Connecticut Online Absentee Ballot Request Portal is open! Apply early for your November 5, 2024 absentee ballot.
| |
|
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
NOVEMBER ELECTION EARLY VOTING DAYS SCHEDULE
Monday, October 21: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 22: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 23: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 24: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 25: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday October 26: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 27: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
****************************************
Monday October 28: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 29: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 30: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 31: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, November 1: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 2: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 3: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 - 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
| |
|
Back to School is the Time for Escape
Planning
As students return to school, the Brookfield Fire Marshal's Office, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, urge parents to create an Escape Plan.
For younger children as well as college students, escape planning can be the difference between preparedness or tragedy. “Being prepared is the key to reacting appropriately during emergencies,” stated Alan Zygmunt, Public Education Coordinator from the Connecticut Fire Academy (CFA). “Just as our children will be practicing fire drills at school, we should also practice them at home and discuss fire safety with college students, as well.”
For younger children and families, the CFA offers the following tips:
• Have a plan for young children who cannot get outside by themselves. You will need to wake babies and very young children and help them get out. In your plan, talk about who will help each child get out safely.
• Get in the habit of sleeping with bedroom doors closed. A closed bedroom door can give you extra time to acknowledge the alarm and escape safely. A closed door can effectively block smoke and heat from the bedroom and help to slow down fire growth.
• Know two ways out of every room. It is important to find two ways out of every room in the house, in case one exit is blocked by smoke or fire.
• Choose a meeting place outside the home. Children should know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm and there is no adult around. Help them practice going to the outside meeting place. Teach them to never go back inside a building that is on fire.
• Practice your completed fire drill with all members of your family. Everyone should practice the plan both during the day and at night.
For college bound students, parents need to be aware of fire safety when choosing student housing. Ask the following questions:
• Are there working smoke detectors in each bedroom and on each level of the building? Check them monthly and change the batteries twice a year.
• Are there two ways out of each room, including those on upper floors? Second exits are usually windows for the first floor, but a second set of stairs for upper levels.
• Are there enough electrical outlets for all appliances without needing an extension cord? Overloaded extension cords are a common fire cause.
• Does the building have fire sprinklers or a fire alarm? These internal building features are the best defense against fire.
By thinking about fire safety before an emergency, your whole family can ensure a safe and happy school year.
| |
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms SAVE LIVES . . . Have you tested yours lately? | |
For additional fire safety information, contact the Brookfield Fire Marshal's Office at (203) 775-7306, or email fire@brookfieldct.gov. | |
|
Stay Protected from Respiratory Viruses This Fall!
As we head into the cooler months, it's time to think about protecting yourself and your family from respiratory illnesses. The CDC recommends getting both the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall and winter to stay safe and healthy.
COVID-19
The virus that causes COVID-19 keeps changing, and the protection from vaccines fades over time. Getting the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine will boost your protection against the variants currently spreading in the U.S. It also reduces the risk of Long COVID, which can cause lingering health issues. It is anticipated that the new COVID vaccines will be available as early as mid-September this year. The CDC advises everyone aged 6 months and older to get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, even if they've never had a COVID-19 vaccine before.
Flu
Most people only need one flu shot each season. The CDC recommends getting your flu vaccine in September or October, though it’s beneficial as long as the flu is circulating. This year, make sure to get the 2024-2025 flu vaccine to protect yourself from the flu and its complications.
Children needing two doses should start as soon as the vaccine is available, with the second dose given four weeks after the first.
For adults, especially those 65 and older, and pregnant women in the first and second trimester, it’s best to get vaccinated in September or October, unless that’s not possible.
Plan now to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall and stay protected!
Please call the Health Department at (203) 775-7315 for updated guidance and information.
| |
|
The Concerts in the Park series sponsored by Newtown Savings Bank has three Friday night shows remaining!
Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. on 8/30 (The Blaney Brothers), 9/6 (Future Tense) and 9/13 (Moveable Feast). Click here for the full concert schedule.
Parks & Recreation fall program guide will be mailed out to all residences the week of September 2. Keep a lookout in your mailbox for the brochure. All program and special event information and registration will be listed online at www.brookfieldparksandrec.com.
| |
|
Below are the Three Main Points from the regular Board of Education meeting on
August 14, 2024:
1. Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) Presentation: Jennifer Heaton-Jones presented the results of the recycling audit from June 2024 conducted at all three Brookfield public school cafeterias. Dr. Barile and the administrators are committed to doing their part to help combat the 3.5 million tons of waste generated in CT every year. HRRA has presented Connecticut schools with a challenge - 90% of our waste can be reduced, reused and recycled and 32% of our waste stream is organic material that does not need to end up in a trash bag. In addition to adopting strategies within the cafeterias, Dr. Barile has asked each school to embrace and adopt education on why students should care.
A few key notes from the audit report:
- Brookfield Public Schools currently use just one type of bin for all waste.
- Each school had 4-7 garbage bags used in a 2 hour period - just in the cafeteria - as every bin was emptied between every lunch period.
- Brookfield Public Schools could more effectively use its industrial dishwashers.
- CLES and WMS can begin using utensil and napkin dispensers, rather than packets that aren't generally needed.
- BHS can reevaluate tray needs and stop using the current black plates and utensils, as they are not recyclable.
Each school can make easy and significant changes to daily practices to help combat the environmental crisis. Mrs. Diotte is working with the school Principals and the new food company (Chartwells) to start incorporating solutions beginning this school year, and looking at other changes that can be made in the future. HRRA is available to help and support this shift.
To view video: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z5JGwZuOgvk?si=FxdRGugh4MNnO-TS&t=1268
2. Brookfield CARES: Ron Jaffe presented the Board with the updated version of “A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Child Succeed” - printed, paid for, and distributed by Brookfield CARES.
Brookfield CARES is an organization whose mission is to promote social health and emotional well-being in our community. This new Third Edition includes the most recent results of the student attitudes and behaviors survey given in 2022 and has significant updates to help parents and educators understand drug safety and disposal, mental health, anxiety, eating disorders and much more. There are new sections on challenges in changing schools, a vaping section and an expanded and updated drug identification chart. One guide will be mailed in late August to each household to “the parents and guardians of Brookfield Public School Students” with only the addresses provided to Brookfield CARES, no names. Copies will also be available for school staff, at town offices and more institutions throughout the community. The new guide is also currently available as a downloadable PDF on the Brookfield CARES website and the new BPS website. The guide is informed by what is happening in our community and is a great resource.
To view video: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z5JGwZuOgvk?si=rhvRvjEHhnL210a3&t=2559
3. Policy Committee Update: After the Board’s unanimous vote to adopt the Shipman & Goodwin policy services at the July 17 meeting, Dr. Barile initiated engagement with Shipman & Goodwin (S&G) for their policy services. Once the district had access to the S&G policy services, Mrs. Diotte took their legally required and recommended policies, along with the corresponding CABE sample policy manual, and our current Brookfield policy manual, and created a policy matrix that will help the policy committee move methodically. Board members will have links that access past updates done with CABE, including notes, the date last adopted and changes, as well as the current Brookfield policies. This tracking will allow for a side-by-side comparison as we update the Brookfield Public Schools policy manual. The policy committee has started reviewing and updating the 9000 series since they are the most straightforward policies, and are the Board’s bylaws (about half being legally required and recommended from S&G). These were divided up amongst the policy committee members to read and bring feedback to the next Policy/Committee special meeting on August 29, 2024. We'll also bring forward to the Board a modified first read for the legally required and recommended Shipman & Goodwin 9000 series with no notable changes. We'll give the Board the policies to review two weeks before the September regular meeting, providing the members ample time to view and vote at the subsequent BOE meeting to adopt any policies that have been recommended. Again, this process would ONLY be for the policies with no notable or substantive changes.
To view video: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z5JGwZuOgvk?si=d2aDnU3Y66OeRAvT&t=628
| |
|
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
CLICK HERE TO VIEW DR. BARILE'S ENTIRE WELCOME BACK MESSAGE.
| |
|
Please join Superintendent Dr. John Barile, Candlewood Lake Elementary School Principal Dr. David Pepsoski, the Brookfield Board of Education, the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, and the Municipal Building Committee for the ribbon cutting ceremony at
Candlewood Lake Elementary School on
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
| |
|
Visit www.brookfieldps.org to use the new website.
Please note that as with any new implementation, we ask for your patience while our IT Department and school webmasters work through any bugs. Our old website, brookfield.k12.ct.us will remain live in the interim.
| |
|
September 2024 at the Brookfield Library
September is National Library Card Sign-up Month! Stop by the Library or visit us at the Farmers’ Market any Friday (except 9/13/24) from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. It’s free, and all you need to bring is proof of residency. You will also be entered into a drawing for some great raffle prizes.
If you already have a library card, you can still get involved in other festivities. Help us design our new library cards. From September 1 through 22, you can enter your art for a chance to be featured on new library cards for teens, adults, and children. Winning selections will receive one of our three special prizes. More information about eligibility and rules can be found here.
Our One Town One Read programs begin this month. There will be many special programs for adults and kids that will include arts, crafts, gardening and a movie. See our events calendar here.
This month our Children’s Department will offer a new morning program called Kinder Crew, which will focus on kindergarten literacy readiness.
Kids will have extra fun picking up a potato to decorate in honor of National Potato Month. The community can vote on its favorite after September 16.
Teens can play Nintendo Switch games on our big screen during the GG Gaming Club on September 5. Teens and their caregivers won’t want to miss the College Essay 101 program offered on September 30.
Our new exhibit in the Brookfield Library Art Gallery is Memorable Snapshots, featuring cityscapes and rural settings as captured by Denise Schlesinger.
Lastly, September 17 is National Voter Registration Day. Brookfield’s Registrars will be at the Library from noon to 3 p.m. to explain early voting dates and absentee ballot procedures.
Please see our website for details regarding dates, times, and registration details for all of the above programs and more!
| | |
|
|
The CT DOT has approved the renaming of the pocket park, located at 756 Federal Road in the Town Center District, to Heron Park.
The new name was recommended by the Arts Commission and approved by the Board of Selectmen and the Park & Recreation Commission.
The new sign will be installed once the design is approved by the Park & Recreation Commission.
| |
Above photo is an artist rendition of the sign. | |
|
The Brookfield Arts Commission Presents Guest Artist
Katushka Millones with “An Intimate Encounter with Nature”
Contemporary artist Katushka Millones is currently showing her latest works at Town Hall. The display is entitled “An Intimate Encounter with Nature” and this is what she has to say: “For me, nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. I'm fascinated by skies, vast lands, and the presence of water. Having been an observer for many years of traveling, I have accumulated an enormous bank of images that are accompanied by sweet memories - not only of happiness, but solitude as well. With each piece I'm hoping to create a poetic and magical moment that reveals itself in massive quietness, the absence of obstacles, and the presence of boundless land. My goal is to have the viewer bear witness to, and be absorbed by, the scene - a scene trapped in time, of sounds and breeze, of light and shade, of movement and repose. The works I'm showing in this event are inspired by hikes, photographs, and painting en plein air. These paintings are the result of direct observation and the recollection of the emotions that I felt observing those scenes.”
Please stop by Town Hall to see her beautiful work on display through September 30, 2024.
| |
|
Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off events
This is an opportunity to safely dispose of gasoline, lawn and pool products, paint thinners, lithium-ion batteries, 1lb propane tanks and more!
Sept. 7, 2024 9am – 1:00 p.m. Ridgefield
Oct. 4, 2024 9am – 2:00 p.m. New Milford
Nov. 2, 2024 9am – 2:00p.m. Brookfield
Head to our website to see a full list of items and dates.
What to do with empty flowerpots?
Fall mums will be coming soon and that means lots of empty flowerpots again. Consider the following when looking for ways to get rid of them:
· Check with local garden clubs to see if they could reuse them for plant sales.
· LOWES Garden Centers also have take back programs.
If you are unable to donate your colored plastic nursery pots and planter trays, place them in the TRASH. As a reminder, black plastic is NOT accepted in the mixed recycling stream. Broken ceramic and clay pots should also be placed in the trash.
For more information please call, visit our website or email us. 203.775.4539 www.HRRA.org info@hrra.org
| | |
|
Town Boards and Commissions
Visit our website regularly for updates and a schedule of upcoming meetings.
| |
Town Events and Activities
Follow town departments' social media pages for all that is going on around town.
| | | | | |
