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I hope everyone had a great Halloween!
November 7 is our Municipal Election. Please remember to VOTE.
To learn more about the election, voter registration, absentee ballot process, and your polling location, please visit:
Elections, Primaries and Referendums.
As a reminder, this is a Charter Revision year. So, you will see additional questions on the ballot at your polling location. Our Town Charter calls for a revision every five years and is a normal part of our town governance. As such, our Board of Selectmen appointed a Charter Revision Commission last year and this group has brought forth four revisions. To view the four Charter Revision questions on the ballot and learn more about why they were proposed, please visit: Charter Revision Questions and Explanatory Text.
To view the sample ballot, please visit: Sample Ballot
This year, Veteran’s Day will be observed on November 11 to celebrate and honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, loyalty to our country, courage, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. To all Veterans, my sincere gratitude and respect for your service to our nation – the greatest on earth!
To learn more about the History of Veteran’s Day, please visit: History of Veterans Day - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
In October, we recognized Ben Ferrie, our Behavioral Health Liaison in the Social Services Department, as Employee of the Month. Ben consistently exhibits an outstanding degree of empathy and professionalism while providing invaluable assistance to individuals who require support. He exemplifies the spirit of 'making a difference' in people’s lives - able to establish meaningful connections with individuals in our community, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and genuinely valued. Brookfield is lucky to have Ben as an advocate for those in need. Congratulations and thank you Ben!
I also want to thank the Conservation Commission and all the volunteers for spearheading an invasive species clean-up program at Williams Park. Your efforts to protect Williams Park have not gone unnoticed - we appreciate your hard work and dedication.
Finally, it isn’t too late! Tickets are ON SALE for the Brookfield Education Foundation's 2023 Thanks for Giving Gala taking place on Friday, December 1 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight at the Candlewood Inn. Proceeds from this event support BEF’s mission to provide resources for lifelong learning for Brookfield residents of all ages.
Visit BEF’s website for more details and to purchase your tickets today! https://www.brookfieldeducationfoundation.org/thanks-for-giving-2023/
May we collectively reflect on all we have to be grateful for as a community and continue to pray for peace. I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Yours in service,
Tara
Tara Carr
First Selectman
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Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, November 6, at 7:00 p.m., Meeting Room 133. The meeting agenda will be posted on the town website the Friday afternoon before the meeting and live-streamed and recorded for viewing.
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Board of Selectmen Coffee
with the Community
Saturday, November 25, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Angel's Deli located at 470 Federal Road. We encourage you to stop by with any questions or concerns for the Board of Selectmen.
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The Brookfield Arts Commission Presents:
Featured Artist - Steve Habersang
Steve’s detailed pen and ink drawings are a mix of fantasy and realism with a focus on the natural world, animals, and portraits.
Please visit Town Hall to admire Steve's sketches. All sketches are available for purchase.
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The Brookfield Arts Commission will be hosting a Gingerbread House Contest for all Brookfield residents.
Here’s your chance to have your creative masterpieces displayed for all of Brookfield to view!
Houses and all decorative components must be made from edible materials. Entry displays should be no more than 2’ by 2’ and all structures should be mounted on a solid base. Prizes for best in show will be awarded to adult and youth age groups.
Gingerbread houses should be dropped off at Town Hall on Monday, December 4, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To register (required) and for more information, please email brookfieldartscommissionct@gmail.com
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Town Clerk
Election day is Tuesday, November 7th
You can view the Sample Ballot and learn more about the Charter Questions on the Ballot by visiting The Town Clerk’s Elections, Primaries and Referendums page.
Public Works
The DPW is busy updating our road condition ratings for 2023. The ratings will be used to create the 2024 paving list. The new ratings for 2023 will be posted soon. If you ever wondered what your road's rating was, check the link below.
Town of Brookfield Roads Ratings
Assessor
If you no longer have your vehicle, please email our office the plate receipt and proof of what happened to the vehicle: assessor@brookfieldct.gov.
If you're an active duty veteran, please drop off, mail, or email your active duty form and Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) from 10/1/2023 to assessor@brookfieldct.gov.
If you completed your personal property form, please drop it off or mail it in (must be date-stamped by the USPS) on or before 11/1/2023. If you closed your business, please fill out the bottom section of page one of the personal property form and send that in with proof of your business closing.
If you have an unregistered vehicle, golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, trailer, or out-of- state vehicle of any type, please fill out a Motor Vehicle personal property form. Blank forms can be found here: motor vehicle form. You can drop them off or mail them by 11/1/2023.
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Tax Collector
Water Line Assessment Bills 2023
Reminder:
The last day to make a payment on the Water Line Assessment is November 1, 2023. Payment must be received or postmarked by November 1, 2023 to avoid an interest penalty. Please note that payoffs can not be processed through the online system.
To make a payment through our website, please click the link below
Mytaxbill.org.
Human Services
CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
We are now making appointments for CEAP. With oil prices varying and changes in Eversource programs like the Matching Payment Plan and NuStart, to tier discount plans (10% or 50%), it is now more important to apply for CEAP to get more financial assistance with your electric bill.
If your income is no more than $41,553 (individuals) and $54,338 (couples), you may be eligible for assistance with your heating bills (income limits may vary). Those who have electric as their secondary heating source will also be able to get this tier discount plan, as well. The clients that have heat included in their rents may also apply to CEAP.
To apply, and find out the required documents, please contact Ryan at 203-775-7312
Unfortunately, the Community Action Agency no longer participates in the program that assists residents with their water/sewer usage.
Looking for Medical and/or Dental Coverage
Access Health Open Enrollment will start November 1, 2023, and will run until January 15, 2024, for the 2024 year. This is for anyone who is looking for any or more medical and/or dental coverage.
Please go to their website at www.accesshealthct.com or call 1-855-805-4325.
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The Brookfield WPCA and their consulting engineers from CDM Smith have conducted a feasibility study to extend sanitary sewer service to the Candlewood Lake Area.
Please join us for a Public Information Session on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the auditorium of Brookfield High School, 45 Long Meadow Hill Road. At this session, we'll present a summary of alternatives for sanitary sewer service to the Candlewood Lake Area, price comparisons for each option, and potential discharge locations. At the conclusion of the presentation, members of the public may ask questions for clarification and submit comments. Please note there will be a 2-minute time limit per person, in order to ensure all who wish to speak are heard. Please make every effort to review the draft report from CDM Smith prior to the meeting. This report will be posted on our website at www.brookfieldwpca.org prior to the meeting.
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Inland Wetlands Commission | |
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The Town of Brookfield is looking for volunteers to serve on the Inland Wetlands Commission.
This Commission reviews development affecting designated wetland areas, streams, and watercourses.
The Brookfield Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) consists of volunteers serving four-year terms. They meet the first and third Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. (due to holidays, this is subject to change).
Please contact the Land Use office at 203-775-7316 if you are interested in joining or have any additional questions.
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For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. So, keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.
Top safety tips
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay three feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. Steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks, or bags.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
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Turkey Fryers
Turkey fryers that use cooking oil are not safe. These fryers use large amounts of oil at high temperatures, which can cause devastating burns. If you want a fried turkey for your Thanksgiving meal, purchase it from a grocery store or restaurant, or buy a fryer that does not use oil.
NFPA joins CPSC to demonstrate the fire dangers of turkey fryers in this live burn: https://youtu.be/kjUynq0HXdQ
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Thanksgiving fire facts
- Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for such incidents. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked second and third, with both having nearly twice the daily average.
- Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
- Cooking causes half (49 percent) of all reported home fires and more than two of every five (42 percent) home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths (20 percent).
For additional fire safety information, contact the Brookfield Fire Marshal's Office:
Phone: (203) 775-7306
Email: fire@brookfieldct.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrookfieldFMO
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State legislators, project team members, business owners, Brookfield land use commissioners, police, and municipal staff celebrated the completion of the $9.6 million Lower Federal Rd Project today. Fully funded by the FHWA and CT DOT, this project will reduce car accidents and congestion while improving pedestrian safety and access with new sidewalks and bus shelters.
Pictured below are 2 project team members, in yellow vests, and (l to r) First Selectwoman Tara Carr, CT DOT Deputy Commissioner Laoise King, Danbury Chamber President PJ Prunty and EDC Chairman Jim Fisher.
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Below are the Three Main Points from the regular Board of Education Meeting of October 18, 2023:
1. Mr Bill Roland, Director of Special Education, delivered an update on the Special Services caseload. Mr. Roland reviewed:
- Numbers of Special Education students, including students in ELC (Exceptional Learning Center) and other specialized programs for each of the district's three schools.
- Caseload numbers, ratios, and staff allocation at CLES, WMS, and BHS are very strong. The number of special education students - including high-needs students who require the services of related specialists, including Speech Pathologists, Physical and Occupational Therapists, and School Psychologists - are within an appropriate and acceptable range.
- The addition of Special Education teachers and Social Workers over the past several years has allowed for more differentiated instruction and one-on-one support for students at all levels. All current levels fall within the guidelines and recommendations of the CREC report.
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To hear Mr. Roland's full update, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/pTT6H8pvm38?si=MPFgy8rPVx804tQ3&t=1987
2. Dr. Anna Mahon, Assistant Superintendent, presented an update on standardized test scores and the School Improvement Plans for each school. A great deal of focus for the past few years has been on learning recovery since COVID. Students in K-8 have made good progress, but we still have work to do at that level. Interim assessment blocks and universal screening assessments are showing positive changes. The Illustrative Math program for grades 4-8 has been a very positive addition, providing collaborative, experiential learning for students. At BHS, SAT scores are not where we expect them to be, particularly in Math. Dr. Mahon, faculty, the BHS administration, and instructional coaches will take a close look at curriculum and instruction, and make changes to our approach through instruction, as well as determine how to adjust to the new adaptive test structure of SAT. To hear Dr. Mahon's complete report, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/pTT6H8pvm38?si=39v5dwqSnjgDNk0R&t=6437
3. Mrs. Kasey Diotte, Director of Business and Operations, presented a 10-year prioritized Capital Projects plan, which was significantly influenced by the results of the recently completed Building Conditions Study. The study, completed by Marx/Okubo, found that both WMS and BHS are in generally good condition and do not need extensive renovations or replacement. The 10-year Capital Projects plan includes investments in the "envelope" of WMS and BHS, including roofing, windows and doors, as well as updates/replacement of several interior, mechanical, and technology items - none of which are imminent, but rather can be scheduled over a 10-year period. Some of the improvements at WMS include the gym floor and ceiling tiles, boiler, oil tank, and WiFi infrastructure, as well as a domestic water service upgrade. Improvements at BHS include a new oil tank, HVAC equipment, lighting, and WiFi infrastructure upgrades. Mrs. Diotte is also proposing architectural services to create a plan for needed capital projects with facility upgrades that would enhance WMS and BHS and improve the overall experience for our students. To hear Mrs. Diotte's presentation and the Board's discussion, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/pTT6H8pvm38?si=v_G2tnZiRGMhPueO&t=11842
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November at The Brookfield Library
The Brookfield Library is celebrating the season with some wonderful programs during the month of November!
Create festive flutes to kick off your holiday season on November 3. Join us on November 4 for The British Invasion to learn about this dynamic period in our country’s musical history.
Kids are off from school on Election Day, but all ages should stop by for our Furry and Scaly Animal Friends program on November 7, and then cast a vote for their favorite critter. Celebrate November with a special storytime on November 18.
This month, The Art Gallery welcomes the artwork of Lauren Sanders in Interior Forests, showcasing unique creations that evoke the beauty of nature. Speaking of nature, are you a nature lover? Teens and adults can learn about Mushroom Identification for Beginners on November 11.
Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? Get started on yours at the Library at our Start Your Novel program on November 6th, for ages 11 and up. Teens and parents will not want to miss the opportunity to learn about The New Digital SAT on November 14.
In addition to our fall storytimes, kids can join our seasonally-themed STEAM, Wall Hanging Craft, Builders, and Science Explorers activities, as well as an in-person Food Explorers event to make mini-gingerbread cheesecakes.
Get a jump on your holiday shopping and buy local at the Friends of the Brookfield Library Annual Holiday Boutique in our Community Room on November 18.
Attention regional history buffs! We have a great new service: a searchable, digitized database of the Brookfield Journal and the Housatonic Times.
Please see our website for details regarding dates, times, and registration details for all of the exciting programs listed above, along with our regular storytimes, book clubs, craft programs, and career skills workshops offered in November.
Don’t forget: as with other town offices, the Library will be closed on Friday, November 10 in honor of Veterans’ Day, as well as Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
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HRRA Tips for the Holidays | |
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As we move into the holiday season, we want to remind you of a few tips to have a more sustainable holiday!
Holiday Lights and Electronics
Remember that broken holiday lights and unwanted electronics can go to our Electronic Waste Collection at the Danbury Mom & Pop Transfer Station for recycling.
REMEMBER: LITHIUM BATTERIES are DANGEROUS. They cause significant fires on waste collection trucks and at recycling facilities. NEVER place these items in your trash or recycling. Bring these items to the E-Waste Collection at the Transfer Station.
Choose to Reuse
If you are hosting a gathering with friends and family, opt to use reusable dishes, cups, and utensils. Reusable items make for a nicer presentation, and they don’t add to your overall trash. Single-use paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils are NOT acceptable in our recycling, they must go in the trash.
Recycle Right
Gift giving is wonderful, but many of our traditional gift wrapping and gift bags are NOT acceptable in our recycling. Wrapping paper, tissue paper, decorative wraps/ribbons, and gift bags belong in the trash. Consider using newspaper or brown packing paper as an alternative.
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Town Boards and Commissions
Visit our website regularly for updates and a schedule of upcoming meetings.
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Town Events and Activities
Follow town department social media pages for all that is going on around town.
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