First 90 Days in Office

Mary's First 90 Days in Office

It’s not quite 90 days, but very close and time to provide everyone with information about what I have been up to as I move from brand new to having my feet finally touch the ground. So much to learn…so little time! 

What has Mary Done?

• Continued to hold monthly Department Manager meetings to discuss challenges and celebrate successes. These meetings are instrumental in making sure all departments understand how we work together to meet the expectations of our community.
• Meeting with all levels of management of Town Hall staff with the intent of building relationships and understanding the inner workings of these very distinct and different departments.
• Participated in the interview and selection of the new position of Director, Human Resources. This position has been filled and the new person, G. Shannon Ramsby begins on March 9th. Very excited to have Shannon join the team. This is a joint position with the Board of Education.
• Held a number of Community Conversations at local restaurants, coffee shops and the Senior Center, answered questions and provided information about the town and our vision.
• Presented the “State of Colchester” at the Colchester Business Association meeting.
• Attended Opening Day for the State Assembly, networking with many of our state elected officials. These relationships are key to making sure the needs of Colchester are considered when decisions are made at the state level for funding and regulatory changes.
• Accompanied our Resident Trooper for several “Coffee with a Cop” sessions and answered questions of community members.
• Attended a few department staff meetings, including the Police Department
• Appointed to the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities’ (CCM) Commission on Property Tax Reform and attended the first meeting.
• Attended a number of Town Commission, Board and Committee meetings
• Continue to meet with numerous community members and concerned citizens
• Beginning to build the 2020-21 Town Budget
• Visited with several town businesses.
• Meetings with local and regional organizations like Salmon River Watershed, to identify opportunities for Colchester to maximize resources.
• Attended the graduation of our newest officer, from the Police Academy.

I continue to focus on building relationships and getting a full understanding of the role the Town of Colchester plays in our area and to our residents.  So many positive experiences and discoveries. But there have also been some challenges. We had to take a fire engine out of service and borrow one from an area town to ensure uninterrupted service to our community. We have had to address a number of technology equipment issues, especially in the Police Department.  And we dealt with a tragic loss of a community family and the impact this had on our people. During times like this, it is gratifying to see the community come together to provide support to one another.

What is Next?

• Ongoing meetings with the community
• Complete the preliminary budget and present to the Town and the Board of Finance
• Identify a more permanent solution for the Fire Department’s equipment needs
• Select a contractor to complete the Halls Hill Road resurfacing and sidewalk construction. Work to be completed during July and August so as not to interfere with school traffic
• Select the architect to begin the design of the new Senior Center so we can get a cost to bring to the public for approval
• Develop a solution for the Town Green to deal with the drainage issue, the soil compaction and the lack of parking
• Begin work with the Economic Development Commission and Planning and Zoning to look at the challenges for new and existing businesses in town. This includes a marketing strategy and a review with possible revision of P&Z regulations.

I encourage you to take a moment to let me know what you are thinking. I meet with citizens every day. Give a call and set up an appointment that works for you. 860-537-7220.