First Selectman’s Report: 5/2 - 5/6/2022

We had an epic Board of Selectmen meeting last night. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the utilization of ARPA Ad-Hoc Committee funding to approve the funding of new Playgrounds, 3 Pickleball Courts, and a Strategic Planner. ARPA funding for our small businesses and non-profits is next! I would also like to wish the community a Happy Mother's Day this Sunday!! Love you, mom!! Enjoy the weekend, everybody!!

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman

 

1. Congratulations to Officer Kiro Wassef and all the police officers who graduated on Thursday. Officer Wassef is Colchester's newest officer, and his first day on the job is Monday. I was honored to be at his graduation and meet his family. Colchester Resident State Trooper Sgt Darrell Tetreault was also on hand to show support. God Bless the Blue!!

 

2. Special recognition to our Colchester Hayward Fire Department Staff & Volunteers. On Tuesday, our team had to simultaneously handle a tragic accident in Town and a structure fire in East Haddam. Our paid staff and volunteers are truly invaluable to this community. God Bless them!!

 

3. ARPA Initiative Completed: The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the Playground Equipment Design for brand new playgrounds at the RecPlex. The collaboration and research between Tiffany Quinn, the Parks & Recreation Director, and myself allowed us to save $150K on the project. The overall cost is $350K, which the ARPA federal dollars will cover.

 

4. ARPA Initiative Completed: The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the building of the three pickleball courts. The overall cost is $44,500, which the ARPA federal dollars will cover.

 

5. ARPA Initiative Completed: The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved hiring a Strategic Planner to allow the Recreation Commission an opportunity to develop consensus on key goals and priorities. The overall cost is $10K, which the ARPA federal dollars will cover.

 

6. The First Selectman signed all necessary paperwork to begin removing and replacing the Rec-Plex Pavilion Roof.

 

7. I had the opportunity to meet interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas McDowell. We are both committed to an unparalleled level of cooperation and transparency. I am very confident in the Board of Education's selection.

 

8. In 1775 the Continental Congress allocated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. Over the years, there have been calls for a day of prayer, including from President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. On April 17, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law in the United States. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer. On Thursday, May 5, 2022, I attended the National Day of Prayer ceremony on the Green. I read the First Selectman's Proclamation of Prayer. Love and prayer are always extended to everyone in the community.

 

9. 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-documents

 

10. The Town Meeting on both the Town Budget and the Education Budget will be held on Thursday, May 12 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall. The Budget Referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 24, from 6 AM to 8 PM at Town Hall.

 

11.Today, we secured our new Wetland Enforcement Officer. We are also very close to bringing very qualified candidates in front of the Board of Selectmen for the Town Planner and Finance Director positions. We have been working very diligently to fit any outstanding positions. Special recognition to my new Executive Assistant Franchesca Brown, for carrying the office these last two weeks. We are very fortunate to have her.