First Selectman’s Report: 9/18 - 9/22
1. Senior Center Referendum Update
This week, the Board of Selectmen unanimously agreed to set a Town Meeting Date of Tuesday, November 14th, 2023, for 6:30 PM at Town Hall in Meeting Room 1 and a Referendum Date of Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, to vote on the two Senior Center Referendum questions.
The first question will be a vote on the utilization of the Bendas Donation & ARPA dollars. The second question will be a vote on additional bonding.
2. Social Services Program Expansion
The Board of Selectmen unanimously agreed to that 100K in ARPA funds allocated for social services assistance be revised to allow for an expansion of the programs outlined to serve a wider net of residents based on 300% income above the federal poverty level.
I would like to personally recognize Selectman Jason LaChapelle for his advocacy and assistance in helping me expand access to the middle class. This new social services assistance expansion will now make 40% of households in Colchester eligible for assistance.
I would also like to recognize UHY in their guidance throughout the process and thank the ARPA Ad-Hoc Committee and the Board of Selectmen for agreeing to an expansion of services. I not only appreciate the bi-partisan support for the program, but also the fact that we will be able to help families in need as we head into the holidays.
3. Celebrate Colchester is now scheduled for Saturday, September 30th from 9 am - 3pm at the Town Green. We will be combining the event with the Lions Craft Fair that was initially scheduled for today.
The infamous dunk tank will return, and the First Selectman will be taking the plunge again!!
Hope to see everyone there!!
4. Fields of Dreams Initiative
Irrigation installation progress:
R1 is complete and can be used by Colchester Youth Leagues.
R2 will be complete on Wednesday, 9/27 (unless delayed by rain or unexpected boulder removal).
R3 will begin early next week.
5. Fire Department Union Contract
The Colchester Board of Selectmen voted to approve the collective bargaining agreement through 2027. This contract has advancements allowing the fire department to provide better service to our community, including the assignment of a supervisor to each shift and the addition of a shift that allows us to now provide 24-hour, 7 day a week coverage. This is a huge step forward for the union, the fire department, and our Town, all in the interest of public safety.
The Town would like to acknowledge Colchester Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 3831 union, Chief Steven Hoffmann, and Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut Representative Mike Spoldi, and Shannon Ramsby (Human Resources Director) for an excellent negotiation. This smooth negotiation cost the town $0 in taxpayer funds.
6. Transparency Software
This Week, Mary Williamson (Finance Director) and I met with representatives from ClearGov to begin the integration of the transparency software with the town’s financial data. This administration is committed to providing the community with unparallel access of our financial data.
The Board of Selectmen will have until December 31st, 2023, to formally approve the service agreement with ClearGov. If the Board of Selectmen does not approve of the service agreement, all work related to the integration will cost the town nothing. Based on the current climate, the formal vote on the Transparency Software service agreement may happen after the election.
7. Green Energy Initiative
The “Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions – State, Agricultural and Municipal Agreement” between the Town of Colchester and Silver Brook Solar, LLC was signed. Upon completion of the multi-step process, the solar lease agreement with Silver Brooks Solar will ultimately net the town a lump total of $214K.
8. Norton Park
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the development of the parcel north of Paper Mill Road into a usable park space. The Town of Colchester also applied for grant funding that will assist in the remediation work for the contaminated parcels of the Norton Park property.
9. Town & Country Early Learning Center
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure to tour Town & Country Early Learning Center with
Joe Pugliares - Owner, Sundy Martin - Business Manager, Debora Murphy - Director, and Sara Roberts - Assistant Director. Upon arrival, I saw a baby painting with her little feet. As the tour progressed, I was thoroughly impressed with their set up and dedication for young learners.
They are excited to be a part of the Colchester Community and ready to provide the exceptional care that Town and Country are known for. What makes them special? Their brand new, clean, state-of-the-art facility that was made with children in mind. Their educators are well-versed in early care and education while providing a high level of dedication and passion. Their collaboration with families allows them to create optimal learning experiences in the classroom and helps bridge the gap between home and school.
They are excited to join the Colchester community and we cannot wait to continue to grow and provide quality early care and education in town!
10. Toyota of Colchester Expansion
On Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Antonino (General Manager) and the fantastic Toyota of Colchester team. Toyota of Colchester has invested in our community for over 20 years, and we want to recognize their dedication to both the customer and tour great town. I had the opportunity to tour their state-of-the-art facility. Their newly renovated Image 2 dealership promises to deliver an enhanced experience that reflects Toyota's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Your Colchester Toyota dealer is the first place to go when you’re in the market for a new Toyota Prius, Avalon, or Camry. We also have a great selection of new SUVs, hybrids, and compact cars for you to test drive, as well as a large inventory of used cars that includes every make and model. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, please consider our friends here in Colchester.
Andreas Bisbikos
First Selectman