First Selectman’s Report: 10/30 - 11/3
1. Municipal Elections (Tuesday, November 7th from 6 AM – 8 PM)
A friendly reminder that the municipal elections will be held this upcoming Tuesday, November 7th from 6 AM – 8 PM). The polling locations are District 1 (Town Hall), District 2 (Abundant Life Church), and District 3 (Bacon Academy Cafeteria)
2. Senior Services Updates
A. The Town has officially signed our new Senior Services part-time medical driver. He will begin this upcoming Monday.
B. The New Senior Center concrete slab has been poured. Progress continues!!
3. Chipotle
This week, Chipotle officially submitted its application to become part of the Colchester business community. The Town is extremely confident that Chipotle will meet all zoning requirements based on the preliminary review. Within their proposed site, there will be room for another establishment. The current rumored front runner is Jersey Mike’s.
Colchester continues to move forward with business growth & expansion. More surprises coming soon.
4. Colchester Donut & Café
On Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting Mohamed Mosed (owner), his wonderful family, and his great staff as we celebrated the Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of Colchester Donut & Cafe. Not only do they have fantastic donuts, but they also serve Mediterranean food!!
Located at 216 Lebanon Avenue, please stop by and show your support! Colchester continues to move forward.
5. Town Hall Roof
The work never stops!! Joe Leone (Public Works Director) and I met with representatives of Ahova Home Improvements for a pre-construction meeting. The replacement and restoration of the Town Hall Roof will commence in the coming weeks. The project will be fully funded by ARPA federal dollars.
6. Public Works Department
On Friday, my office held a special celebration for Colchester's Public Works employees to honor their dedication to our community. Over the last couple of weeks, I have worked diligently negotiating a union contract with competitive wages and benefits. After decades of having some of the lowest salaried employees in the state, the union just ratified the contract. I proudly look forward to signing it and moving the town forward.
7. Colchester Police Department
This week the Colchester Police Department received a federal grant in the amount of $153,806.00 from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). These funds will be utilized to support the Colchester Police Department in seeking statewide accreditation.
In the last two years, the Colchester Police Department secured the following: two new electronic trek bikes, a new UTV, a new ATV, K9 Dutch, and K9 Magnum. We also currently have three Ford F-150 police responders on order, which will help complement our fleet.
The officers have attended several training courses throughout the greater northeast which include (but are not limited to) DARE certification and Glock Armor school. The results of these trainings have led to two additional firearms instructors, two additional DARE officers, and bicycle, UTV, & ATV certified officers. We are also pleased to announce that our 2023-2024 hiring process is open.
The expansion of the operational quarters of the Colchester Police Department will commence on the onset of my second term. I’m proud to work alongside SGT Adam Regnere and State Police SGT Zachary Cash. The community is fortunate to have such a dedicated police force willing to enhance the quality of life and protection throughout the Town and within our schools.
8. Colchester Senior Center Holiday Fair & Open House (Saturday, November 18th from 9 AM to 2 PM)
Come by the Senior Center for holiday fun!
9. Vaccine Clinic (Monday, November 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM)
Sponsored by Chatham Health District, the Colchester Senior Center will be holding its final Flu & COVID Booster Vaccine Clinic of the season on Monday, November 6th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Please call 860-537-3911 to schedule your appointment. All ages over 18 welcome.
10. PUMPKIN/JACK-O-LANTERN RECYCLE
November 1-15 pumpkin collection to feed Colchester livestock.
Marked pallets to be placed at participating locations. (TBA) Pumpkins collected by local farmers and the Foodbank.
What to donate: Whole pumpkins, Jack-O-Lanterns, and Pumpkins painted with NON-TOXIC paint.
Please notify the Livestock Foodbank if you want to participate, we will provide the pallets and signage. Please provide a space for the pallet outside of protective fencing so we can access the donations.
AFTER NOVEMBER 15: deliver donations to Rose’n’Petal Farm at 348 Westchester Road (Rte 149)
To participate, contact Carla Roselli via e-mail ([email protected]) or Donna Rosenblatt via phone (860)267-4975.
Andreas Bisbikos
First Selectman