Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Now that the warm weather has arrived it's nice to see so many people enjoying the civic campus, marinas, shops, restaurants, and attractions that make Essex a unique place to live, work and play. I'd like to welcome the new residents as well as the new restaurants and businesses in Town. I encourage everyone to take advantage of all there is to do in our three villages at this time of year.

I would like to thank the Essex residents for supporting the annual budget. The $27,638,662 combined Town and Board of Education budget plan for fiscal year 2024-2025 was approved by voters at our Annual Town Budget Meeting held May 13th. The total spending package includes the Town government budget, an appropriation for Essex Elementary School, and the Town's share of the Region 4 education budget. I would like to give thanks to Finance Director Tracey Celentano, Selectmen Stacia Libby and Bruce Glowac, and the Board of Finance.

I would also like to remind residents that the Town does not have an ordinance on the hours of operation in which a contractor or landscaper may work at a property in our community. We would expect such hours to be 7am - 5pm on weekdays with more limited work on the weekends. We rely on residents to be neighborly and considerate by ensuring that construction and the use of power tools and landscaping equipment be used only during these times. We have avoided both noise and blight ordinances, but we do get complaints, so please be mindful of your neighbor's right to enjoy their property.

The River Rd sidewalk and pedestrian bridge project has been completed. Please join the Essex Town staff and elected officials in our River Road Sidewalk & Pedestrian Bridge ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 21^st at 5:00 pm. Thank you to the Public Works Department for their hard work and our residents for being patient. 

Please remember to be diligent in ensuring your trees, shrubs and bushes are not infringing on the Town sidewalks or roads. Overgrown plants may impact people’s ability to use the roads or the sidewalks. This is a safety issue and a sight line concern for pedestrians and traffic.



Hurricane season has arrived. Hurricane season is June 1st - November 30th each year, although storms can occur outside these dates. The Town of Essex has an Emergency Preparedness Guidebook, and you may want to refer to these guidelines to help you plan.

The Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the Park and Recreation Department, runs from July 2nd through the middle of August at our Town greens in Essex and Ivoryton. Concerts are on Tuesday evenings in Ivoryton and Wednesday evenings in Essex from 6:30 pm - 8 pm. For other Town events, look at the Board of Trade's website, www.essexct.com.

The Essex Valley Railroad, Connecticut River Museum, and Ivoryton Playhouse all have schedules for the summer season. Please support them!

Finally, congratulations to the Valley Regional High School Class of 2024!

All the Best,

Norm

AMERICAN RED CROSS

2 BLOOD DRIVES IN JUNE!

JUNE 25TH Blood Drive hosted by VRHS Sophomore

VRHS sophomore, Patrick Finnegan, is hosting his first American Red Cross Blood Drive in honor of his 84-year-old grandfather who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) one year ago. Patrick and his family have come to realize the importance of blood donation as it truly saves lives. Sign up to donate on Tuesday, June 25th, 12-5PM.

GO TO: BLOODDRIVE or call

1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767)

ASSESSOR'S OFFICE

CHANGES TO MOTOR VEHICLE ASSESSMENTS

As a courtesy, the Department of Motor Vehicles sends a list of all the vehicles registered to the Town of Essex on October 1, to the Assessor’s Office. We hope you will find the following information helpful should you have a concern or need a change on a motor vehicle assessment. If you have placed the same marker plates on a new vehicle, DMV will notify our office of that change.

Notify the Assessor’s Office in the event of a totaled, sold, or stolen vehicle, which was not replaced using the same registration plate number. The DMV will not automatically forward the information. A copy of the PLATE RECEIPT from DMV for the CANCELLATION of the registration is required to make an adjustment to the bill.

Please note that per CT General Statute 12-71c any application for credit must be submitted by December 31st following the end of the assessment year in which the situation occurred. For example, if you have a vehicle on the October 1, 2021 Grand List that was sold some time prior to September of 2022, you must ask for an adjustment before December 31, 2023.

MOTOR VEHICLE VALUES

In accordance with CT General Statute 12-71d, Assessors are required to value vehicles using 70% of the “Clean Retail Value” using the recommended guides prescribed by the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. If you feel the assessment of your vehicle is incorrect, you have the right to appeal the assessment to the September meeting of the Board of Assessment Appeals. The meeting is posted on the Town of Essex website or by calling the Assessors’ Office to find out the date.

ADDRESS CHANGES

It is important to report any change of mailing address for your real estate to the Assessor’s Office. The tax bills may be generated after the 6-month forwarding time has expired, leaving the Tax Collector with no current address. According to CT General Statute, Tax Collectors are only obligated to send the bill to the last known address. An incorrect address does not eliminate your liability to pay the bill, including all interest and penalties. If you elect to have a post office box, please notify us, since we are unable to obtain this information from the Post Office or any other source.

Jessica Sypher CCMAII

Assessor

FIRE MARSHAL

As the Fire Marshal for the Town of Essex, it is my duty to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors alike. In light of recent legislative updates from the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, I am reaching out to all businesses in Essex that serve alcohol to emphasize the importance of annual fire marshal inspections.

Effective October 1, 2023, there have been significant changes regarding the submission of fire marshal inspection certificates with annual liquor license renewals. While previously, these certificates were required documentation for renewal, they are no longer collected by the Department of Consumer Protection. However, it is imperative to understand that this change does not diminish the necessity of conducting these inspections.

I want to emphasize the following key points:

1. Requirement for Annual Inspections: All on-premise permit holders must undergo an annual inspection by their local fire marshal. This requirement remains unchanged and is crucial for ensuring the safety of your establishment and its patrons.

2. No Submission Required: Beginning October 1, 2023, on-premise permits with an expiration date on or after that date are no longer required to submit a fire marshal certificate with their renewal application. However, this does not exempt businesses from the obligation to undergo the annual inspection.

It is essential to maintain a copy of your inspection certificate within your permit premise. Liquor Control Agents may request to see this documentation during routine inspections. Please be reminded that any on-premise permits with an expiration date up to and including September 30, 2023, must still submit a fire marshal certificate with their renewal, even if renewing late. Ensuring the safety of your establishment and its patrons should always be a top priority. By complying with annual fire marshal inspections, you contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Fire Marshal John Planas Encourages Residents to Sign Up for Community Connect

We are always looking for ways to better serve the citizens of the Town of Essex. For this reason, we encourage Essex residents to sign up for Community Connect to protect our residents and their property in the most effective way possible. Community Connect is a free, secure, and easy-to-use platform that allows you to share critical information about your household that will aid first responders and emergency response personnel when responding to your residence.

Through this program, you can request Fire Marshal John Planas to stop by your home to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change batteries, or install detectors. By providing information about your household that you feel is important for us to know at the time of an emergency, we can ensure you and everything you care about is protected to the best of our ability.

Sign up today and help us keep our community safe! Go to: Community Connect

#CommunityConnect #EssexCT #FireSafety #EmergencyPreparedness

For any questions, please reach out to John Planas at jplanas@essexct.gov or call

860-767-4340 x146.

IVORYTON LIBRARY

Come and help us dedicate our new entryway at Ivoryton Library Board’s Annual Meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25.

Thanks to the generous donation of the former Ivoryton Congregational Church, the library was able to replace the original steps, add a new railing and door, and repair some damage around the porch. An easier entrance was the number one request from a survey sent out to our members in early 2023. With plans from architect Denise VonDassel, Riggio and Sons contractors, and a Grayson Metal railing, we've come up with what we feel is a beautiful result. 

You can also get a sneak peek at the community room we are building in the basement (thanks Riggio). The room will allow us to expand our great community events. 

Refreshments start at 6p.m. with the dedication at 6:30 , followed by a short board meeting. Please come! There’s a lot going on at your local library. Call the library to register at 860-767-1252.

PARK & RECREATION

Wondering what to do this summer? Check out Essex Park and Rec’s summer programs and activities for people of all ages. The popular free Summer Concert Series is back again this year. Bring a blanket or chair and sit back and enjoy great live music every week throughout the summer. All concerts are held from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

Essex’s Town Parks offer plenty of ways to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Grove Street Park has free lighted tennis courts that are open until 9:30 pm. Children can build their muscles, coordination, and imagination on the park’s playscape.

Hubbard Field has a basketball court that is open from dawn 'til dusk, along with a beach volleyball area. Hubbard and Comstock Parks are home to Essex’s two baseball fields and Town baseball and softball leagues. Bring a fishing pole to the Essex Town Green, Viney Hill Brook or Sunset Pond. Viney Hill Brook Park also has a hiking trail and dog park. Enjoy a picnic at the historic Dickinson Park, the smallest of the parks. For directions to Essex parks and nature preserves, click here.

For more information about Essex sports & enrichment programs, please visit Essex Park and Rec and visit us on Facebook. To sign up for paid programs, visit www.essexct.recdesk.com. 

CORRECTION:

Pet Etiquette in Public Places: How to Navigate Shared Spaces

Having a furry friend can be an enriching experience full of joy and adventure. You can visit parks, take walks around the neighborhood, and discover new pet-friendly places to explore. This can be an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your pet, socialize, and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, it's crucial to ensure that your furry companion behaves well when venturing into public spaces. This will not only help keep everyone safe but will also ensure that your pet is always welcome wherever you go.

Pet etiquette is an essential factor in creating a friendly, hospitable, and positive environment for everyone. There are guidelines and responsibilities that pet owners must follow to ensure that they respect others and promote peaceful interactions.

Here are the fundamentals of pet etiquette and some practical tips on how you and your furry friend can confidently and considerately enjoy public spaces together.

Keep Your Pet on a Leash: Clarification of “Leash Ordinance”

The below Ordinance requires that all dogs are to be leashed in all or any area of property owned or controlled by the Town of Essex for Park Purposes. 

2005Ͳ01 AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING ANIMAL USAGE OF TOWN PARK PROPERTY (“LEASH LAW”)

1.It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, walking or in control of any dog or other animal to take such animal on to property owned or controlled by the Town of Essex for park purposes, unless such dog or other animal is carried by such person, or is controlled by such person by a leash, cord, chain or like restraint.

2.The Town of Essex, acting through its Parks and Recreation Commission, may designate all or any area of property owned or controlled by the Town of Essex for park purposes upon which it shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, walking or in control of any dog or other animal to take such animal on to such designated property or area.

3.The Town of Essex, acting through its Parks and Recreation, may designate all or any area of property owned or controlled by the Town of Essex for park purposes upon which the above “leash law” provisions shall not apply.

4.The provisions of sections 1 and 2 shall not apply to a guide dog accompanying any blind person.

5. The areas designated under Sections 2 and 3 shall be identified by appropriate signage. 6.Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of Thirty-five ($35.00) and 00/100 Dollars.

7. This ordinance shall become effective fifteen (15) days after publication thereof in a newspaper having a circulation in the Town of Essex. Adopted at a Special Town Meeting held June 15, 2005, Published in the Hartford Courant – June 21, 2005.

*Because there has been an increase in instances of pet feces in public spaces and observed instances of dogs in parks "off leash" our animal control officers are watching and are authorized to issue tickets. We did not want it to come to this, but we will issue tickets if necessary.

Scoop the Poop!

It is important to clean up after your pet immediately, regardless of where the mess was made – in your own yard, on the sidewalk, or in a public space. You should dispose of pet waste responsibly, and not leave it behind for someone else dispose of. This is a matter of good hygiene and cleanliness, and it also shows respect for your community and the environment. Nobody wants to come across an unsightly surprise left behind by someone else's furry friend. By doing your part in keeping public spaces clean, you contribute to a healthier and more pleasant community for everyone.

As a responsible pet owner please carry enough waste bags with you while taking your furry friend for a walk. Properly disposing of the waste also prevents legal troubles and fines. It's our responsibility to uphold these duties as pet owners and demonstrate respect for the shared spaces we visit. 

When Barking Becomes Bothersome

Dogs naturally communicate through barking, which is normal and understandable. However, excessive barking, howling, or loud noises from dogs can be disruptive to people around them. It's important to find constructive ways to address this issue. For instance, training and socialization can help reduce excessive barking in dogs. Dog owners can use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior in their pets.

Train Your Pet!

Training your furry friend can be a great way to bond with them and help them develop important skills. From basic obedience and socialization to behavior modification and positive reinforcement, there are many ways to train your pet. By investing time in their training, you can help ensure that they are well-behaved and well-mannered, and that they can navigate different social situations with ease. Training can also be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend.

Having a well-trained pet is a great advantage that can boost your confidence when taking them out in public. It is a wonderful feeling to know that your furry companion is well-behaved and won't cause any trouble. Not only does this ensure the safety of your pet and others, but it also contributes to a more pleasant experience for everyone involved. Well-mannered pets are less likely to cause disruptions and create a more peaceful atmosphere in public places.

Be Mindful of Others

In public spaces shared with pets, being mindful of others is essential to promoting a positive and respectful atmosphere.

•  Be attentive to your pet’s body language—if they appear anxious, stressed, aggressive, or uncomfortable, it’s best to remove them from the situation.
• Keep an eye out for how other people or animals react to your pet’s presence. If your pet causes any trouble, a quick and meaningful apology goes a long way.
• Respect personal space and boundaries. Prevent your furry friend from jumping on or greeting strangers without invitation or asking first.
•  Before approaching someone else's pet, ask permission. Be aware that not all pets may be friendly or comfortable around strangers.
• Avoid residential properties when walking your pet. Discourage destructive behaviors such as digging in gardens, urinating, or defecating on lawns, chewing on objects, etc. 

Practicing pet etiquette is an excellent way to promote a positive and welcoming environment for everyone. Pet owners can ensure peaceful and respectful interactions by following a set of guidelines and responsibilities. By doing so, they can create a hospitable and inclusive atmosphere that helps everyone involved.

ESSEX PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

The Planning & Zoning Commission is having a very active 2024 thus far. We have heard many individual applications for small business and residential improvements, and we are addressing zoning issues that will help protect the Town and direct future growth to areas that can handle the new businesses and residents.

During the past year we have approved two new industrial buildings, which will add jobs and an increased tax base for the community. We have also approved the opening of many small businesses throughout town and the creation of a 3-lot subdivision where the Essex Spa used to be located. As part of this work, our Town Planner, John Guszkowski, and our Land Use Official, Carey Duques, are working on obtaining grants for infrastructure improvements (i.e. the sidewalks on River Road).

This year the Planning & Zoning Commission will begin a decennial review of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) which serves as the vision of our community as we grow and change. There will be numerous public hearings with opportunities for the public to weigh in with their vision of our town. We will advertise the meetings and hope you can join in the conversation.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Town Hall. The agendas for these meetings are posted on the Town of Essex website and if you are registered to receive Essex News, you will receive a weekly email about the Town Board & Commission meetings. All public hearings are required by state law to be published in the local newspaper well in advance of the meeting.

Carey Duques, the Land Use Official, is available to discuss any planning & zoning questions you might have. Please feel free to contact her at 860-767-4340 x115 or cduques@essexct.gov. 

SUSTAINABLE ESSEX

Save money and make your home more comfortable with EnergyWise Essex!

This program from Sustainable Essex and the Town of Essex is designed to provide low- or no-cost solutions to help make your home more energy efficient. This effort was made possible through funding from the Sponsors of Energize Connecticut and their Community Partnership Initiative. Sign up today for a Home Energy Solutions assessment!

Para mas informacion sobre EnergyWise Essex en Español haga clic aqui.

Quiet Lawns

Thank you for continuing the work of keeping your yard and garden healthy. This includes keeping your mowers high (think about converting to battery-powered mowers when you can) and avoiding weed killing products (herbicides) and wildlife killing products (pesticides). Let’s help biodiversity to thrive in Essex along with the humans, bees, butterflies, and birds that depend upon it. For more information visit https://sustainableessex.com/projects/quiet-lawns/

Mark your calendars for the 28^th Source to Sea cleanup. In conjunction with the CT River Conservancy, Sustainable Essex will host our local cleanup on Saturday, October 5^th. The goal of the Source to Sea Cleanup is to remove as much trash as possible from our waterways, riverbanks, and communities. Trash moves from land to water, from upstream to downstream, and together we can make a BIG impact in preventing this trash from ending up in our rivers. Registration and sign-up details to follow.

Please bring your thin-film plastics to the Essex and Ivoryton libraries.

Plastic grocery bags, overwrap (think toilet paper, etc.) plastic Amazon mailers, bubble wrap and air pouches, newspaper bags, zippered and non-zippered sandwich bags are some of the acceptable items. For a full list of items and detailed information about what kind of plastic film can be recycled go to https://nextrex.com/view/educate.

Sneaker Fundraiser

Support Sustainable Essex and protect landfills by bringing sneakers in any condition to the recycling collection box in the lobby of Valley Shore YMCA. You can also drop sneakers off at our table at the Connecticut Sea Music Festival on Saturday, June 8 9:30-1 PM or Sunday June 9 10-2 PM.

Recycling Reminder: Pizza boxes should be recycled even if they’re stained with grease. Make sure to remove any food scraps and paper liners and flatten the box.

Green tip! Who knew? Decorative glitter is a polluting microplastic banned in the EU. For more about glitter see

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/analysis-how-decorative-glitter-contributes-to-microplastic-pollution.

Are you interested in helping Essex be as sustainable as possible? We are looking for volunteers! Contact susxct@gmail.com.

FROM THE DESK OF THE TAX COLLECTOR

We are encouraging everyone to pay online by credit card or mailing in their payment. Envelopes will be enclosed with tax bills.  For your convenience, you may drop off a payment in the secured drop box, located on the brick wall to the right of the back doors of the Town Hall. 

If you want a receipt, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and the taxpayer portion of your bill.

TAXES ARE DUE JULY 1, 2024

• The first installment of town tax for real estate, personal property and motor vehicle taxes will be due on July 1, 2024.
• You may view your bill online as of July 1, 2024, on the Pay Taxes page.
• Supplemental motor vehicle taxes will be due January 1, 2025, by any person who owns a motor vehicle which was registered after the first day of October of 2023.

YOU MAY ACCESS TAX INFORMATION FROM LINKS ON OUR WEBPAGE: 

• Pay Taxes Online
• Payment History Request Form
• Tax Information Request Form

FROM THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES WEBSITE

Current Connecticut Residents:

• Connecticut law requires all Connecticut residents with a vehicle registration, driver’s license, or non-driver identification card to notify the DMV within 48 hours of any change of address.
• Changing your address on your license does not change the address on your vehicle registration or vice versa.



Moving into Connecticut from out of state:

• Once you have established residency in Connecticut, you have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state license to Connecticut. You have 60 days to transfer your vehicle registration(s) to this state.

Visit the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website for additional information - www.ct.gov/dmv.

If you owe outstanding municipal motor vehicle property taxes, you will need to resolve your tax issue(s) before attempting to register or re-register. If you owe taxes to the Town of Essex and want to be taken off the delinquent list, pay by credit card online at www.essexct.gov.

Megan Haskins

Tax Collector

TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE

Reminder for Dog Owners

In the State of Connecticut, it is mandatory for all dogs to be licensed when they reach 6 months of age and then annually thereafter. The license period is from July 1st to June 30th. It is essential to renew the dog license every year by the expiration date of June 30th. A $1.00 late penalty fee will be charged for each month the license is not renewed. Renewal letters were mailed out at the end of May. Due to the high volume of licenses, we kindly request that you mail in your renewal rather than dropping it off in person.