First Selectman’s Report: 5/16 - 5/20/2022

What a week! The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved $250K of ARPA federal funds in support of our local Non-Profits. We hired a fantastic new Finance Director. We had a cute black bear peacefully walking around North Woods. This weekend, the heat will be strong, so stay cool like your First Selectman! Speaking of cool, is anyone else excited to see the new Top Gun movie – Maverick? It comes out on Tuesday! 

 

Andreas Bisbikos

 

 

 

1. The Budget Referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 24th, from 6 am to 8 pm at Town Hall. With the current combined proposal, the mill rate would land at 27.27 mills (-5.78 mills from our current mill rate).

 

2. ARPA Ad-Hoc Committee Initiative Completed: The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved $250K to be utilized to support our local non-profit groups. The dollars will be utilized through our ARPA (American Recovery Plan Act) federal dollars. They will fall under our Colchester Comeback Grant Program.

 

3. I want to extend a big welcome to our new Town Finance Director, Debbie Kratchovil. Debbie was unanimously endorsed by the Board of Selectmen, Shannon Ramsby (our Human Resource Director), and Maggie Cosgrove (our current Chief Financial Officer). Welcome to Colchester, Debbie!!

 

4. I will be issuing a Proclamation at tonight's Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company Annual Awards Banquet. This Proclamation recognizes the service and dedication of the following individuals: Anthony "Tony" Skut, Duane Palmes, Dave Barnes, and Matt O' Connor. Our community thanks you.

 

Anthony 'Tony' Skut has been a member since 1972 with 50 years of dedication. He started as a cadet and worked up the ranks, and he recently earned the 2018 Exemplary Service Award and the 2005 Lieutenant of the Year Award. He currently acts as the go-to cabinetmaker of the department and as an active member of the Fire Division.

 

Duane Palmes has been a member since 1997 with 25 years of dedication. He has served as both a firefighter and fire police officer, and he currently serves as the volunteer company chef.

 

Dave Barnes has been a member since 1997 with 25 years of dedication. He has acted as both a firefighter and EMT. He started as a cadet and worked up the ranks to serve as an EMS Lieutenant and Captain.

 

Matt O'Connor has been a member since 1997 with 25 years of dedication. He has acted as both a firefighter and EMR. He started as a cadet and has been invaluable in helping others throughout his tenure. He is recognized as one of the company's most reliable drivers.

 

5. The painting of the basketball courts should be completed next week. Work on the pickleball courts has already started!! Who is going to challenge the First Selectman to a game?

 

6. The ARPA Ad-Hoc Committee is looking for two members of the public to serve on it. You can get your application to join the subcommittee here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/first-selectmans-office/pages/forms-documen...

 

7. The "Colchester Memorial Day Parade" has chosen this year's parade theme. This year it is "Colchester Remembers Their Citizens Who Gave Their Tomorrows For Our Todays." All marching units and floats should try and use the theme in preparing for the parade, which will begin on Sunday, May 29th, 2022, at 12:20 pm. The event's rain date will be Monday, May 30th at 12:30 pm. We also expect there to be a flyover on Monday as well.

 

8. The Let the Fish Swim Free Painting art exhibit will be held at the Cragin Memorial Library (8 Linwood Avenue) from May 21st – to June 30th, 2022. The Grand Opening is May 21st from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Interact with the Norton Park Committee and view the plans for the new Norton Park along the Jeremy River on the site of the former C.H. Norton Park Paper Mill on Route 149. 

 

9. This week is Police Week. We recognize the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to protect us and serve our community. We also pay our respects to those who gave their lives in duty.

 

10. This week is also EMS Week. President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week in 1974 to celebrate the emergency medical responders across the country to applaud & thank the men & women who wake up every day to serve their communities. This week we celebrate the 47th Annual EMS Week. Thank you all for your service.

 

11. The Stage 1 Cycling Club is teaming up with the Lefty Cycles Project to present a fun-filled bicycle ride along the beautiful Airline Trail. All participants should sign up at www.bikereg.com/stage1. This is a charity event, and all participants are encouraged to donate. All contributions will benefit The Lefty Cycles Project in the hands of those in recovery, families, and children. The location for the event is 187 Lebanon Avenue.