First Selectman’s Report: 7/5 - 7/8/2022

 

 

1. ARPA Initiative Update: A pool of over 100 businesses were approved for ARPA funding as part of the Colchester Comeback Grant Program. On Monday, the Board of Selectmen and the ARPA Ad-Hoc Committee will be hosting a special meeting to finalize the funding allocation of the $1 Million that has been earmarked for our community’s small businesses. On Tuesday, I will be reaching out to each qualified business and begin the process of disbursing funds.

 

2. An update on what is being done about Bulkeley Hill Road and Rt 16 intersection. The town has already contacted DOT about 1) Moving the stop sign, so it is in a more prominent location, 2) Making the stop sign bigger, and 3) Adding lights at the intersection where the accident occurred. We are waiting to hear back from the state to discuss the next steps.

 

3. Congratulations to Bacon Academy high school student Alexandra Skilton for winning the Doodle for Google art contest for Connecticut. She was recognized for her artwork titled Imagine the Worlds. You can read more about the story here: https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/new-london-county/colchester-st...

 

4. The Town of Colchester does not have an approved budget for FY 2022-2023. Therefore, we are ONLY billing for the first installment of your real estate bill. Once the budget is approved, you will receive all adjustments in your 2nd installment, which will reflect the approved mill rate along with any credits, if applicable. Additionally, once the budget is approved, we will be sending personal property and motor vehicle bills ASAP. Here is the information on our legal notice. Questions concerning tax payments should be directed to the Tax Collector, (860) 537-7210

 

5. Starting July 18th, tree companies will come to town to remove dead trees.

 

6. In the coming weeks, the following roads will be paved: Pine Road, Parkside Road, Rudden Lane, and Nelkin Road

 

7. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved Lenard Engineering to provide professional services, design plans, contract documents, and permitting for an upgrade of the Cabin Road Filter Plant for $78,500 and allow the First Selectman to sign all necessary documents. The contract was signed today.

 

 

8. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a contract to allow Lenard Engineering to provide professional services, provide design plans, technical specifications, and contract documents for coatings and upgrades to the 40ft. tall, 375,000-gallon steel water tank on Elmwood Heights for an amount of $15,000 and allow the First Selectman to sign all necessary documents. The contract was signed today.

 

9. The Board of Selectmen unanimously recommended to the Board of Finance that $25,000 of unassigned fund balance be utilized for exterior repaint and window repair for Cragin Memorial Library.

 

10. The Board of Selectmen unanimously recommended to the Board of Finance that $35,000 of unassigned fund balance be utilized for window repair for the Colchester Hayward Fire Department building on 52 Old Hartford Road.

 

11. The Board of Selectmen recommended to the Board of Finance that $44,891.92 of unassigned fund balance be utilized to purchase an off-road utility vehicle with a trailer for the Colchester Hayward Fire Department.

 

Andreas Bisbikos