Hello Brookfield,
I hope you and your loved ones are all well. I want to remind everyone that 99.333% of our town’s population is healthy (as of January 20th). This is something to be glad about and as experts predict, we should continue to see a decline in omicron infections across the country. We must remain hopeful that the worst is behind us.
February is now upon us, which means Town Hall is fully ensconced in “budget season.” All departments and the Board of Education have submitted their budgets and I will be spending the next two months, along with the Board of Finance, determining a final recommendation to bring forward for referendum this May.
Along with examining each line item of the budget, there are currently numerous other major initiatives underway, such as: phase 3 of the Town Center District Streetscape project; progress on the new elementary school construction; repairing walls at Whisconier; bidding for the high school boys’ locker room; appointing a new Police Chief (John Puglisi); hiring a new Land Use Director (Richelle Hodza of Warren); onboarding a town nurse (Tracey Cahill); coordination with mayors of bordering towns regarding the sewer moratorium; Covid test kit/N95 mask distributions (a huge thank you to Wayne Gravius, Chief Purcell, Jason DeSousa, Dr. Sullivan and Andy Ellis); establishing new plans, policies and procedures in different areas (such as time keeping and affordable housing); working on blighted properties; understanding Commissioner Boughton’s IIJA (infrastructure bill); three town business grand openings in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce; appointing members to our 24+ boards and commissions; participating in a ceremony for a promotion to Eagle Scout; and witnessing the unveiling of the beautiful mosaic at the Senior Center.
I’ve spent a great deal of time in initial meetings with the departments across town hall, and in meetings with board and committee members and constituents. I've additionally been working closely with Blight, Conservation, WPCA, HRRA, WESCOG, Emergency Management, DOT, DEHMS, Eversource, HART, Brookfield CARES, etc. Thank you to all for continuing to take the time to teach me the ropes and providing “tours” around town and through facilities – especially Parks & Rec, Land Use and Police Department.
There is much effort that is put into this newsletter and I thank the volunteers who contribute, but sadly in a town of 17,000+, there are only 1,400 people subscribed to receive the Spotlight. I’m working on ways to better communicate with townspeople – this is a challenge because not everyone accesses a computer, not everyone who does is on social media, and mailings have become very expensive. I ask that you please share the Spotlight and CodeRed signups with other Brookfield residents. Both can be on the town webpage.
The lobby of Town Hall will soon be home to a service members’ display – an “Honor Wall” - where we'll hang photos of Brookfield residents who are currently serving or are Veterans to highlight and recognize their service and dedication to our nation. If you have a family member who is a current or former service member or you would like to contribute time, energy, and/or talent to this project, please email: adonnelly@donnellysecurity.com.
Every town is required by Public Act 13-34, to have a Veterans Service Liaison, and Robin Montgomery, Retired Brookfield Police Chief, is serving as our Veteran’s Service Contact Person. You can find many resources available to Veterans on the town website.
Every month I will highlight some of the incredible people who serve our town. This month I’d like to recognize the wonderful volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to distributing goods for the Food Pantry. Under the guidance of Volunteer Pantry Manager, Susan Ludwig, volunteers distributed food throughout the Pandemic regardless of weather. Thank you to all our residents and businesses who have and continue to generously donate to residents in need.
Yours in Service,
Tara Carr
First Selectman
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Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, February 7, at 7 p.m.,
Meeting Room 133 In-Person and by Zoom
The meeting agenda will be posted on the town website the Friday afternoon prior to the meeting. The Zoom log-in information will be on the agenda
Board of Selectmen
Coffee with the Community
We encourage residents to stop by with any questions or concerns.
Saturday, February 26, from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
At The New Brookfield Market & Deli
277 Whisconier Road
Town Offices will be closed on:
Friday, February 11 for Lincoln’s Birthday
Monday, February 21 for Washington’s Birthday
Brookfield Library
Click here to view the Brookfield Library February events!
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American Legion, The George A. Powell, Sr., Post 202, serving Brookfield and Newtown
American Legion members are veterans “getting involved” in people helping people, veterans working together for their country, community, youth programs, and veteran affairs. We also welcome veteran family members into the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion. The post meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Newtown Community Center at Fairfield Hills at 7 p.m. Mailing address: P.O. Box 659, Newtown, CT 06470. Follow on Facebook. For further information, contact the American Legion by email here. Please visit the town website for resources available to Veterans.
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Health Department
Covid-19 Vaccines
The Brookfield Health Department wants to remind residents that Vaccine Clinics will continue into February on a weekly basis, on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Moderna and Janssen (J&J) Vaccines are available for those 18 and older. Primary doses and Booster doses will be available. No appointments necessary.
COVID-19 N95 Masks
There is a good supply of N95 face masks and they will remain available while the supply lasts. Distribution of masks and test kits will be prioritized to vulnerable residents including individuals who live in congregate settings and individuals with disabilities or are immunocompromised, by calling Tracey Cahill, RN at (203) 775-7314.
Please note: An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Note that the edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. Surgical N95 Respirators are commonly used in healthcare settings and are a subset of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs), often referred to as N95s.
COVID Test Kits
The government is continuing to provide free COVID-19 test kits on their website.
National Heart Month
Just a reminder that February is National Health Month. Keep your heart healthy. Know your numbers for Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI). Learn how to save a life with Hands Only CPR.
Learn more from the American Heart Association on their website, or from the Centers for Disease Control on their website.
Science Brief: Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-C0V-2, refer to the CDC website.
Micron Variant: What You Need to Know, refer to the CDD website.
Public Works
Although some residents believe we aim for Mailboxes as sport when we plow snow I assure you we do not. Snow plowing is a difficult and dangerous occupation and we take it very seriously. If your mailbox was broken during one of our recent storms we are truly sorry. Unfortunately mailboxes must be placed in the exact location where we push snow with our plows. For that reason the town has adopted a policy stating if the mailbox was not physically struck by the plow, then the town is not liable for the damage. You can view the entire policy on the town website.
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Assessor
If you no longer have your vehicle, please email our office the plate receipt and proof of what happened to the vehicle to assessor@brookfieldct.gov.
If you closed your business in town, instructions and forms are on the town website.
The latest revaluation information is on the town website. Note: The new mill rate for the 2021 grand list will not be determined until the end of May 2022.
Note to Seniors and the totally disabled who normally apply or have indicated that they are interested in the state or local tax relief benefits, we will be mailing your forms out February 1, 2022. Note: The median assessment for the town benefit will be determined by the end of January 2022.
Veterans who are on limited incomes who normally apply or have requested forms for the additional state and local additional exemptions, we will be mailing the forms out February 1, 2022.
Tax Collector
The last day to pay taxes is February 1, 2022. You may view your tax bill online.
Please visit the Tax Collector’s page on the Town of Brookfield website for additional information.
To use the Credit, Debit or E-Check option, you can access your tax information and pay your bill through our website at www.brookfieldct.gov Visit the Tax Collector’s page under the government tab and click on “View or Pay Tax Bills.” In the middle of the page click on ALL ONLINE PAYMENTS and PAYMENT HISTORY. This will bring you to a page where you enter the search information to locate the account(s) you wish to view/pay. There are fees associated with any online payment option. Please also take a moment to view Frequently Asked Questions for helpful information.
We are available at (203) 775-7304 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please be sure to check our holiday hours. If you have questions or concerns, please email us at tax@brookfieldct.gov.
We are here to assist you so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Town Clerk
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The Economic Development Commission along with the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce sponsored two ribbon cutting ceremonies in January. Press releases are shown below.
January 21, 2022
Customers, and town and chamber representatives joined owner and stylist Amanda Hine at the ribbon cutting of Elevate Salon at 28 Old Route 7. “I am excited to be joining the Brookfield area at a time when such great things are happening,” said Hine. First Selectman Tara Carr added, “we are so pleased to welcome Amanda and her entire ELEVATE team to our town center. On behalf of the Town of Brookfield we wish her much success as she launches her new business.” Also in attendance was State Representative Steve Harding, “it is great to see another small business settle and invest here in Brookfield. It was an honor to meet Amanda; it’s obvious she has a true passion for her work and I know will be a great success for years to come.“
The salon is located adjacent to Brookfield Cleaners in the Town Center District. Call 203-775-5500 or e-mail elevatesalonct@gmail.com for an appointment.
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Pictured above, Steve Harding, Annabella Carr, Marie Miszewski, Amanda Hine, Chea Quinn, Alexis Rotella, Tara Carr and Jim Fisher.
January 4, 2022
Customers, town and chamber representatives and business partners joined owner Monique Quiles at the ribbon cutting of The Collective in the Raymour & Flanigan Plaza at 14 Candlewood Lake Rd on Sunday, January 2. More than just a wellness center, The Collective, Salon & Wellness Suite Rentals, is currently home to a variety of small business owners; including Sage Wellness Chiropractic, Sculpt Aesthetics, Bella’s Artistry, Healing Hands by Uni, lash extensions, spray tanning, meditation, and various skincare services. "This is a first of its kind concept in Brookfield, one where we provide multiple opportunities for small business owners,” said Brookfield native Monique Quiles. First Selectman Tara Carr and Selectman Harry Shaker were there to welcome Monique and her business collective to Brookfield. “The town welcomes you, thanks you for selecting Brookfield for your business and wishes you the best of luck,” said Carr. Based on the large number of customers there at the time of the ribbon cutting, The Collective is off to a great start. Follow The Collective on Instagram and Facebook @thecollectivesuites, at www.thecollectivesalonsuites.com, or call 203-546-7424 for a tour.
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Pictured above, Monique Quiles, business partners, and town and community
leaders gather for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
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Click here to view the Brookfield Public School February update from Dr. John Barile, Superintendent of Schools.
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Our Winter 2022 Program Guide is available online and registration is underway. Due to the fluid nature of programs at this time, we will not print and mail out copies of the guide this winter. Information will continue to be updated on our website and Facebook page and is also available by calling the Parks & Recreation Office at 203-775-7310.
Adult programs to look forward to this winter include:
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- Beginner Pilates Mat
- Simply Slowly Stretch
- Adult, Infant/Child CPR/AED/First Aid and many more
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- Tai Chi Gong
- Open Gyms for Basketball, Volleyball and Pickleball
- Watercolor Painting for Adults
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For our younger residents, we have a variety of after school sport and enrichment classes, Saturday craft workshops with Valentine’s Day and spring themes, and our popular themed craft kits “to go.” If you are thinking ahead to April vacation, be sure to check out the spring break session of Camp Cadigan for students in grades 2 - 6.
The Ice Rink at William’s Park opened for the season on January 16. This 45’ x 75’ temporary rink is available for use by Brookfield residents and their guests at no charge. Ice conditions are checked regularly and a sign indicating the status of the rink posted on site. Please follow posted signs and do not enter the rink when closed. More details and rules for use available here.
Think Spring! Registration is open for spring youth sports leagues run by the volunteer based organizations listed below. Please click on the links below for more information.
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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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