First Selectman’s Report: 6/13 – 6/17/2022

The month of June represents many things such as the start of summer, graduations, Father’s Day, Pride month, Juneteenth, etc.  Specifically, regarding Pride month and Juneteenth, I’d like to emphasize that Colchester has a long history of accepting people of all backgrounds including (but not limited to): race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexuality. And that our community lives by the immortal words of Martin Luther King Jr. where we “judge a man not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.” This quote is extended to all backgrounds including (but not limited to): race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexuality. This administration believes that the achievements & histories of people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexuality should not be limited to a day, week, or month – but should be celebrated year around.

I am happy to report that the CORE Commission will be hosting our first celebration of Juneteenth at this week’s Farmer’s Festival.  June 19 represents both Father’s Day and Juneteenth and I hope you can stop by the Town green from 9 AM -1:00 PM.  On June 26th, the CORE Commission will be adding an event to celebrate Pride Month as the Town of Colchester proudly supports all people.

A Friendly Reminder that Town Hall will be Closed on Monday, June 20th in recognition of Juneteenth.

The Town Budget was defeated on Wednesday. Economic times are tough, and the voters made it clear that even an equalized zero mill from last year is unacceptable. I am currently working with department heads on potential reductions. I am aiming for significant reductions in the budget and will not return with a zero-budget increase. The reductions will be far more. I look forward to collaborating with the Board of Finance and other elected officials throughout the process.

ARPA Initiative Completed: The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to approve $63,000 in ARPA funds (American Recovery Plan Act) to hire a Community Counselor. The counselor will be utilized to provide free counseling to youth and their families for 60 weeks.

ARPA Initiative Completed: The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to approve $42,681 in ARPA funds for a Case Manager to help our most vulnerable students to recover from the impacts of Covid. Currently, Youth Services is doing all they can but lack necessary hours to provide the level of follow up and case management that kids and families need to manage the challenges they are facing. Kids who do not benefit from additional interventions would be more likely to drop out of school.

ARPA Initiative Completed: The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to approve of the Town to enter a contract with Scholar Painting, LLC to repair the current Youth Center Roof in an amount not to exceed $74,020 in ARPA funds. Historical preservation is important to this administration, and I will be working with the Historic District Commission to ensure that our roof meets the highest standard. I look forward to making the current Youth Center/Old Town Hall a home for our veterans and a museum that honors Colchester’s long history of military service.

ARPA Initiative Update: A pool of over 100 businesses were approved for ARPA funding as part of the Colchester Comeback Grant Program. There is one business that needs to be reviewed and then the Town may proceed with the allocation of the $1 Million that has been earmarked for our community’s small businesses. Once everything is set, I will be reaching out to each qualified business and begin the process of disbursing funds.

ARPA Approved Non-Profits: All checks have either been received or are in the mail.

One of my first moves as First Selectman was to enter the Town of Colchester into the National Opioid Settlement. As of this week, Town of Colchester is expected to receive $9,731.83.

The Basketball Courts and the Pickleball Courts look fantastic. Who wants to take on the First Selectman?