A Message from First Selectman Vicki A. Tesoro

Welcome to the second edition of my newsletter.

I want to congratulate all of Trumbull's high school and college graduates. We wish you the best of luck in whatever path you choose to follow.

The 2024–2025 fiscal year town budget process has come to a close. Municipal budgeting continues to be very challenging for every community due to the global economic crisis. Inflation and high interest rates continue to impact many of the budgetary decisions. On May 30th the Board of Finance set the town's new mill rate at 34.68, which represents a very minimal tax increase over last year of 1.55%, well below the rate of inflation. This slight increase allows the town to continue to fund all our critical town services including education, public safety, senior tax relief, and many other services the town provides to our residents and businesses.

I want to thank all those elected officials and town departments involved in the budget process. More budget and Town information will follow in my annual tax letter which is issued at the end of this month.

I wish everyone a safe and happy summer! Please enjoy all the town has to offer including Trumbull Day on June 28th and 29th and our July 4th celebration!

Please use the following link to sign up for my newsletter if you have not already done so: First Selectman's Newsletter

Thank you and keep reading!

Vicki A. Tesoro, First Selectman

Town News

The Trumbull Farmers' Market has Returned to Trumbull Parks & Recreation!

The first Farmers' Market of the 2024 season was held on Thursday, May 23 at Twin Brooks Park and was a huge success! Be sure to join us at Twin Brooks Park on Thursday evenings through October 10, 2024, from 4-7PM. The parking sticker requirement will be waived during market hours.

In an attempt to provide smoother flow of vehicles and safer parking solutions, the Trumbull Park Rangers will be enforcing one way traffic during market hours. Please enter on Brock Street and exit on Franklin Street. Three parking lots at Twin Brooks are available for use, but in the event they are full, Park Rangers will direct you to road side parking. Please be conscious of your parking keeping in mind the safety of your vehicle and integrity of the park. Additional handicap spots have also been added in the main lot to better accommodate those in need of accessibility.

Focusing on small to medium sized Connecticut farms, the Trumbull Farmers' Market is committed to offering patrons fresh produce direct from locally sourced food providers. Shoppers should expect naturally harvested produce, locally grown flowers, fresh made baked goods, specialty food items, meats, fish, eggs, cheese, many organic selections and so much more! For more information, please visit the Trumbull Farmers' Market website. We look forward to seeing you there!

Memorial Day 2024 Activities and Parade

Trumbull's 2024 Memorial Day activities and parade took place on Monday, May 27, 2024. Although rain came through the area during the early activities, it cleared up just in time for the parade to step off at 10 AM.

In recognition of the lives lost in Vietnam, a brief ceremony and wreath-laying occurred at 8 AM at the Vietnam Memorial on White Plains Road. The Town Hall ceremony at 9AM honored parade Grand Marshal Specialist Keif Doyle. Specialist Doyle is currently the Associate Dean of Students at Trumbull High School. Specialist Doyle served in the United States Army in the military intelligence corps, graduating with a Top Secret SCI clearance. Specialist Doyle volunteered to join the American forces in the Middle East and was involved in the liberation of Kuwait. Please read his complete biography on the town website.

Thank you to all who joined us in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Veterans & First Responders Center

On Friday, May 10, 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Kaatz Pond for the new Trumbull Veterans and First Responders Center. Numerous state, federal, and local dignitaries were on hand for the exciting event.

Once constructed, this facility will support the 30,000 veterans in our region with a variety of services including job training, access to healthcare and other supports. First responders will utilize the facility for training critical in the performance of their jobs. The Town and a variety of civic organizations will utilize the facility for community meetings and programs, including events for small businesses.

Poll Workers Needed

Trumbull needs poll workers to help make sure in-person voting is safe and all eligible votes are counted. Responsibilities include greeting and checking in voters, handing out ballots, guarding the voting machines, and helping voters with visual or mobility issues.

You must be 16 or older to apply. Compensation ranges from $200 to $350 and you must attend a training session prior to the election, which is usually held on the Thursday evening before voting starts. Election Day start time is 5:00 am; end time is 9:00 pm or later, depending on how long it takes to make sure that all the votes have been correctly counted. You must work the full day. The town provides lunch and dinner for all poll workers.

The Primary Election is on August 13, 2024 and the Presidential Election on November 5, 2024. If you are interested in working, please contact the Trumbull Registrars’ Office at: 203-452-5058 or 203-452-5059.

Pinwheels Placed at Town Hall to Promote 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

In the past year, there were 361 calls from Trumbull residents to state Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lines. A group of Trumbull students wants anyone struggling with suicide and mental health challenges to know they are not alone – and that help is available.

Youth Advocating for Youth (YAY), a group of Trumbull high school students who meet regularly with First Selectman Vicki Tesoro, works to raise awareness around mental health resources in both schools and the community. “YAY strives to create a community that supports people in any mental or emotional troubles they may be facing,” stated Andria Gerold, Trumbull High junior.

During the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, members of YAY promoted 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Residents of any age who may be struggling with suicide or any mental health challenge can call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Yellow pinwheels were placed at Town Hall to represent the 361 calls from Trumbull to crisis lines, and lawn signs promoting the 988 Crisis Lifeline were installed across town.

Dog Licenses

Dog licenses are required for dogs six months of age and older, and need to be renewed annually in June. Dog Licenses become renewable after June 1 and must be renewed by June 30, 2024 by postal mail or in person. By State Law, penalty charges of $1.00 per month, are added after June 30, 2024.

For information on how to apply for or renew a dog license, go to the Town Clerk's page on the town website, here: Dog Licenses.

Pools & Sprinkler Lots

Beach Memorial Pool officially opened on Saturday May 25 at 12pm! The sprinkler lot at Beach Memorial Park is also operational daily from 10am-8pm. The sprinkler lot at Indian Ledge Park is expected to open TBD.

Beach Memorial Pool hours will be 12pm-6pm daily May 25 through June 17th.

Tashua Knolls Pool is expected to open on/around June 17, 2024.

5/31/2024: Pool hours for the remainder of the 2024 season will be posted soon. Please check the Parks & Recreation Department website here: Pools and Sprinkler Lots

Sustainable Trumbull Updates

Recycling Opportunities

Did you know that Trumbull now offers 3 opportunities to recycle items that typically aren’t accepted in single-stream, curbside collection? 1- Monthly recycling drive held at Trumbull High School on the second Saturday of the month from 9am- 12pm, 2- The Trumbull Library, and 3- The Trumbull Health Department. Accepted items include used printer ink, textiles, plastic wrap/bags, used beauty care packaging, used oral care packaging, and more.

Glass Recycling

Trumbull is proud to announce that it collects approximately 584 pounds of glass WEEKLY in our glass recycling pilot program. While glass is still permitted in your regular recycling, there is a container at the Transfer Station where you can bring accepted glass to reduce waste and contamination of recycled materials. The collected glass is recycled responsibly into new bottles and used as raw material to manufacture earth-friendly concrete here in CT. Accepted items are non-redeemable glass bottles, jars, and containers, not bagged, and with lids and corks removed.

Textile Recycling

Textile recycling has gained momentum in Trumbull…52,000 pounds and counting. Due to so much participation, we’ve expanded capacity. Used fabrics from torn sheets, socks with holes, broken backpacks, and more can all be recycled using one of our textile recycling options. Drop off at Hillcrest or Madison Middle School OR at the monthly recycling drive. Need a pick-up, call Helpsy.

For more information on these and other recycling opportunities in town, please visit: https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/903/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle

Follow Sustainable Trumbull on Facebook and Instagram

Questions: sustainabletrumbull@gmail.com

First Responder News

Trumbull EMS Held Annual Staff Appreciation Picnic

Trumbull EMS recently held its annual Staff Appreciation Picnic at Unity Park. Thank you to Chief Colin Bassett and the Trumbull EMS Commission for supporting the team and helping to celebrate our EMS providers. We are proud and thankful to have so many caring, skilled EMS professionals working to serve our community. We appreciate you!

Trumbull Police Department Held Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the Trumbull Police Department held its awards ceremony at St. Catherine's McClinch Family Center to honor and recognize both officers and civilians who have made an impact on the lives of others in the community by going above and beyond.

I was proud to attend this awards ceremony, and other guests included Trumbull Police Commissioners, officers, family, and friends who attended to honor those who were recognized for their exceptional service to the community. Congratulations to all who were recognized for their hard work and dedication to our wonderful community!

Trumbull EMS Held Open House

On May 18, 2024, Trumbull EMS held its open house. Family activities included touch-a-truck, face painting, scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, hands only CPR, photo booth, bandage-a-bear, and EMS demonstrations. An ice cream truck provided cool treats. Thank you to our outstanding Trumbull EMS for all they do for our community!

Trumbull Police Department Members Took Part in Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics passed through Trumbull on Friday, May 31, and members of the Trumbull Police Department participated again this year. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. Annually, more than 100,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.

Construction Updates

Reconstruction of Bridge on Rails to Trails Between Whitney Avenue and Old Mine Park Complete

Zeiss Construction Group has completed repairs to the Rails to Trails bridge between Whitney Avenue and Old Mine Park, and the trail is now reopened. This project required removal of the decking, replacing rotted or damaged joists and girders, and re-establishment of footings. It was a challenging bridge to repair, due to the rocks and cliffs over which the bridge is built. The trail from Whitney Avenue to Old Mine Park is now safe for pedestrian passage.

Construction of New Indian Ledge Field is Substantially Complete!

Work on the new multipurpose field at Indian Ledge Park is now substantially complete! We are awaiting the delivery of netting for the backstop area. Watch for an announcement of the field opening soon!

2024 Road Paving Program Update

The Town of Trumbull Road Paving Program is underway! Crews have completed paving a number of roads and more are being worked on each week. This includes drainage repairs, milling, paving, and pavement preservation.

The Town will post updates to the Town website and include the anticipated two week look ahead for the project. Dates and locations are subject to change if unforeseen factors arise.

School News

Increased School Construction Reimbursement Rate for Hillcrest Middle School Project

The Town of Trumbull will receive a 44% reimbursement rate for the new construction of Hillcrest Middle School. The reimbursement rate was set through a bonding package passed in the House and Senate in the final days of the most recent legislative session.

I want to thank our entire state delegation led by Representative Sarah Keitt, whose dedication and tenacity led to this great result for Trumbull. Our reimbursement rate from the State for new construction would have been 24.29% if the Town were not granted this increase to 44%. This amounts to approximately a $27 million savings for taxpayers if a new school is constructed.

In 2023, Trumbull Public Schools completed a year-long, district long-range plan, which identified several priority projects, ranked according to the physical condition and programmatic need. Hillcrest Middle School emerged as the first step in the long-range plan. The current middle school was built in 1967 and is at, or beyond, the end of its useful life. The plan is to build a new Hillcrest Middle School to house 826 students in grades 6-8 on the existing campus. The project must be approved through the town's referendum process before construction can begin.

For more information about the Trumbull Public Schools' long-range plan, please see the website, here.

Congratulations to Cy Pavlov, Presidential Scholar Award Winner

Cy Pavlov, Trumbull High School Class of 2024, is one of three Connecticut scholars to be selected as 2024 Presidential Scholar Award recipients. Scholars are chosen based on academic success, excellence in the arts and technical education, and commitment to community service and leadership. Cy qualified for the 2024 awards based on his outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams. He then went through a rigorous application process involving the submission of candidacy materials, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. Candidates were evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, service, and other extracurricular activities, and an analysis of their essays. The Commission selects up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars each year. Please join me in congratulating Cy for this outstanding achievement!

Booth Hill Elementary School to get New Principal

Booth Hill Elementary School Principal Dana Pierce has decided to retire after 16 years at the school. He announced his retirement in February. One of his most notable accomplishments was helping the school attain national Blue Ribbon School status in 2022. It was recognized for being an exemplary, high-performing school. We thank Mr. Pierce for his years of leadership and wish him well in retirement!

The Trumbull Board of Education voted on April 25, 2024 to hire Kevin Chase as the new Principal of Booth Hill School. Mr. Chase has spent the last 16 years of his 20-plus-year education career as the Principal of Mill Hill Elementary School in Fairfield, which received a number of accolades during his tenure. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Chase to the Trumbull community!

Daniels Farm School PTA Held Celebration of the Arts

On May 17, Daniels Farm School held its 25th annual Celebration of the Arts. I was pleased to visit with the students to share in their enjoyment of the day. During this unique and special day, each grade experiences four different art programs plus a school-wide assembly. This year's new and returning artists included Daniels Farm School teachers, alumni, and parents, local and professional artists, and Hillcrest Middle School and Trumbull High School students. During this year's assembly, the NAACP Image Award nominated short film, "Flower," starring Misty Copeland, was screened. Thank you to the Daniels Farim School PTA for their continued support of this wonderful annual event!

HVAC Grant Received for Middlebrook Elementary School

The Town of Trumbull will receive a $1,443,106.31 grant to help replace the HVAC system at Middlebrook Elementary School. Once completed, this project will greatly improve the air quality at the school.

Congratulations to the THS Geography Club!

Trumbull High School's Geography Club competed at the 31st Connecticut State Geography Challenge and came in first place! The competition was held at Central Connecticut State University and was sponsored by the CCSU and UConn Geography departments. Trumbull High's team won by a comfortable 6-point margin and received the only perfect score in the orienteering event and had the highest score in the quiz bowl. The winning team consisted of Abbey Dayton, Cy Pavlov, Luke Simon, Alex Goncalves, and Mitchell Haynes, and Breanne Brienza was their advisor. Congratulations to the entire team for a job well done!

THS Baseball Team -- 2024 FCIAC Champions

Congratulations to the Trumbull High School baseball team for winning the 2024 FCIAC Championship! On Wednesday, May 25, 2024, the team beat Wilton High School by a score of 7-1, finishing the season with a record of 19-5. This is THS's fifth championship in program history, and the first since 2012. We are all so proud of you!

Trumbull Students Participated in KiDSMARATHON

Students from all six Trumbull Elementary Schools participated in the KiDSMARATHON Final Mile at the Trumbull High School track on Sunday, May 19. More than 700 of Trumbull students worked hard for weeks to complete their goal of 25 miles before that date. Their efforts to complete their marathon concluded with the Final Mile at THS in front of cheering families. This is a fun and worthwhile program that is positively impacting the health and wellness of Trumbull students.

Trumbull High School Post Prom

Trumbull High School PTA recently held its annual Post Prom event, providing a safe space for students to continue their celebrations after the Prom ends. The theme of the 2024 Post Prom was "Under the Sea." Thank you to all the parents who did a spectacular job transforming Hillcrest Middle School into an underwater fantasy!

Reminder: Trumbull High School Graduation Date

The Trumbull High School graduation ceremony will take place on Monday, June 10.

Trumbull Board of Education Master Plan

On March 26, 2024, the Board of Education approved the Educational Specifications for the New Hillcrest Middle School. This approval is a necessary step in the grant application process, which will be submitted to the state on June 30th. Visit this link for more information on the Trumbull Board of Education Master Plan.

Trumbull Public Schools Website

For more information about the Trumbull Public Schools visit their website.

Economic & Community Development News

Transforming Trumbull Mall Area to a Vibrant Mixed-Use District

Since the 1960’s Trumbull Mall has served the greater Bridgeport region as both a commercial center and a jobs center. The property has evolved over the years, and retail tenants have come and gone. With the advent of online retail and the impact of Covid-19, the need to transform has never been more apparent. With the help of State Senator Marilyn Moore, Trumbull received a grant to undertake a world-class “Trumbull Mall Area Market Feasibility and Land Use Study".

The study area extends from the Merritt Parkway to the Bridgeport line, and from Madison Avenue to Main Street. Stantec was hired through competitive process to assist the town. Phase 1 of the effort is completion of the study document that includes: a vision for the future determined through extensive stakeholder input; extensive market research on the viability of uses and industries; extensive research into property ownership and potential restrictions; examination of the “infill” real estate development potential; evaluation and recommendations for infrastructure and gateway improvements; and a series of regulation revisions to set the groundwork for investment and development of the area.

The mall property is the largest parcel in the study area and currently has 1.1 million square feet of commercial space. The area will transform from a sea of blacktop with a grouping of buildings in the center to a vibrant district. Findings from the study show the ability to add an additional 1.2 million square feet of commercial development including the potential for a senior housing component. The town previously approved a 260-unit market rate apartment complex which is under construction by Garden Homes and Rose Equities on Main Street.

Market data shows a demand for additional retail, up to 200 units of senior housing, a grocery store, limited-service hotel and medical space.

Natural Kitchen Opened its Doors

Natural Kitchen has opened at 30 Quality Street in the Stop & Shop plaza. We welcome this new business to Trumbull and encourage you to stop in and try their dishes.

Macy's Confirmed It will Remain at the Trumbull Mall

Although Macy's has announced that 150 stores will be closing nationwide, corporate management has confirmed that the Trumbull Mall location will not close. Recently, Director of Economic & Community Development Rina Bakalar and I met with Macy's management to discuss the future of the Trumbull Mall location. I'm pleased that they have decided to stay in Trumbull. Macy's brought in a new manager for the Trumbull Mall store, Darrell Alexander, in October. He is actively engaged in working to improve the overall quality of the store. Please help us support Macy's and all the store at the Trumbull Mall.

Upcoming Events

Trumbull Day 2024 is approaching!

Trumbull Day 2024 will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 from 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM and Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 2:00 PM - 10:30 PM. Fireworks will be on Saturday night, weather permitting. Rain Date is Sunday, June 30, 2024 for the carnival and fireworks if Saturday is canceled.

Visit the Trumbull Day website for updates and details about how to become involved.

2024 Summer Concerts

The 2024 Summer Concerts begin on June 25! All concerts are on the Town Hall Green & Gazebo on Tuesday evenings beginning at 7:00 p.m.!

2024 Kids Summer Concerts

The 2024 Kids Summer Concerts begin on June 25! Join us Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. at the Trumbull Parks & Recreation building, 5892 Main Street.

2024 Sunday Summer Concerts

Sunday Summer Concerts begin on July 7 at the Town Hall Green & Gazebo, 5866 Main Street.

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News from the First Selectman - May 2024