Update 5/24/2024
Good afternoon,
Here is an update on the EMS project. Preliminary results are coming in on environmental testing of the property at 444 Sport Hill Rd. which the town is purchasing to upgrade the existing septic system of the current EMS building and to provide safer entrance and egress from the building when it is renovated. The testing has shown some areas where the levels of contaminants are elevated while other areas show nothing. Is this a reason not to proceed? The engineer working for the town has made it clear that there should be little or no remediation work needed. The septic system at the current building is failing. As discussed at the board of finance, if it fails the building will become unusable and the results would likely be gross contamination of the watershed and possibly reservoir. The septic system can only be improved by using the land at 444 Sport Hill. The town has spent years looking at other alternatives and the boards of finance, selectmen and the building committee have committed to renovating the current facility, which also necessitates purchasing this land. The only condition which could change this, and would send us basically back to square one would be if the cost of remediating the land we are purchasing is so prohibitive that if makes the renovation unaffordable for the town. Fortunately, two independent engineers have already assured us this will not be the case. There is a universal agreement on the need to renovate this building and of course for the much-discussed necessity of protecting our watershed. For that reason, the purchase of the land at 444 Sport Hill Rd. is essential, even if some contamination exists and some remediation work is necessary.
We have received less definitive information on the soil at the current EMS property which the town owns. Some remediation may be necessary there, which will be done as part of the septic repair. If you are interested in learning more about this piece of property, Chris Buck, the engineer who did the surveying for the town has volunteered to discuss the findings and answer questions this Tuesday, May 28. The public is welcome to attend at 7 p.m. at the library conference room.
The playground at Helen Keller Middle School, near the tennis courts remains extremely popular and we are getting multiple requests to somehow reserve the picnic tables there to be used for birthday parties. We were concerned with this being a “first come first serve” policy. Therefore, we considered a sign up system with a fee as is the case at other spots in town. This would have been only to schedule use of the tables for parties. This caused some consternation so the Park and Rec commission, the director and I have decided to wait and see how things play out without the signup or fee. More to come based on our experience.
The Easton PTO Family Fun Night at Quassy Amusement Park is scheduled for Friday, June 14. This night is exclusively for Easton families and friends. Several hundred tickets have been purchased, so don’t miss out. Enjoy unlimited rides and free parking. Food and games will be available for purchase, with a portion of sales benefitting our schools. A sensory break space will be provided by Easton SEPTA. Tickets may be purchased via 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 at options to help the situation. We are exploring options for how to make it easier to use the post office and of course to make sure it remains there. Selectman Nick D’Addario has reached out to Congressman Himes’ office for assistance.
This past week was EMS week. This is the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week. At such a milestone we are reminded of the incredible dedication and commitment of Connecticut’s 24,000 EMS clinicians, who answer nearly a million EMS calls a year, and our own dedicated volunteers and paid personnel. Thank you.
Join us for Easton Garden Club’s Conservation and Conversation Workshop Series kick off The Invasive Plant Road Show at the Easton Library Community Room on Tuesday, June 4th, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Free and Open to the Public. Registration Required. Visit www.eastongardenclubofct.org.
Last week we had our first ever town wide employee picnic, recognizing the hard work and dedication of all our workers, in their service to the people of Easton. It was a great success and a good 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 begins at 9:30 in front of the firehouse and goes to Center Road. At its completion there will be a ceremony at town hall and then at individual cemeteries. People line Center road to watch and then migrate to town hall for the ceremony. Please remember the importance of the day in recognizing all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Enjoy the long weekend. Town hall will be closed Monday.
Enjoy the long weekend,
Dave
