First Selectman’s Report - February 23, 2024

Budget Process Update

The Board of Finance held its first budget forum on Wednesday night to solicit resident feedback before the Town and Board of Education finalize their initial budget proposals to the BOF. The Board of Finance will hold its second budget forum next Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 PM before the start of the regular Board of Finance meeting. At the regular meeting, I will also be providing an update on the efforts by the Finance Department to rectify the issues identified that led to the implementation of a soft budget freeze in January.

State Road Funding & SCCOG

This week, I attended the February meeting of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments to support projects under discussion that will benefit the Town of Colchester.

This week, SCCOG voted to support Statewide Transportation Improvement Program amendments for a state DOT project to rehabilitate 4.5 miles of Route 2 in Colchester. The project will rehabilitate pavement and upgrade substandard guiderail, outdated bridge rails, and roadside safety features. The total value of the work being funded under this DOT program is close to $50 million. 

Colchester is a SCCOG member, but the Town has had reduced involvement with the organization in recent years. The First Selectman is able to serve as a voting member of the SCCOG body, so re-engaging the Town’s role in SCCOG is a major priority for me as First Selectman. SCCOG focuses on regional planning including prioritization of State and Federal transportation funding as our region’s designated Metropolitan Planning Organization. By playing an active role, Colchester can ensure we do not lose our say in important regional transportation projects and that we maximize funding opportunities to our community from the state and federal government.

Lebanon Ave Sidewalk Project

At SCCOG, I also emphasized to their staff the importance of their support for the upcoming Lebanon Ave streetscape project. This project would bring new sidewalks down Lebanon Ave starting at the Northwoods development, connecting the Four Seasons and Highland Farms developments to connect these neighborhoods to our existing network of downtown sidewalks. This will provide walkable access for these neighborhoods to the Town Green, new Senior Center, the Airline Trail spur, and the general downtown commercial district.

I am currently coordinating with our Town Engineer Sal Tassone and our engineering consultants at Barton & Loguidice to ensure we can meet a key submission deadline in March with a plan to bring this project forward to the SCCOG Executive Committee in April. Our goal is to see this fully-funded project go out to bid in spring and to see work completed in late summer or early fall.

Fire Fleet Enters Service

Colchester’s fleet of new fire apparatus have officially entered service. Engine 128 was delivered last Friday and Engine 228 arrived Thursday. Colchester Fire & EMS staff quickly completed all required training and transferred the new equipment to service. The newly active fleet includes the three engines and the new aerial ladder truck which were approved for purchase by Town Referendum in 2021. I am working with the Fire Chief to arrange a demonstration of the new vehicles at an upcoming Board of Selectmen meeting.

A tanker truck, also authorized as part of the 2021 Fire Apparatus Referendum, is expected to be delivered in late spring/early summer.

Senior Center HVAC Grant

Senior Services submitted for reimbursement this week to the State of Connecticut for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Senior Center Funding in the amount of $32,691 to defray the cost of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system in the new senior center building at 15 Louis Lane, in accordance with the State Department of Aging & Disability Services Beneficiary Agreement with the Town of Colchester.

Monthly Veterans’ Coffee Meet Up

The Town of Colchester is inviting former military members to our first "Coffee House" on Saturday, March 16th at Cragin Library. This monthly gathering is being organized to connect those who served their country with the armed forces.  Guest speakers will provide information around beneficial veteran programs and services as well as health and well-being.   

The monthly Coffee Houses will be held the third Saturday of each month from 10:15 - 12:00 at Cragin Memorial Library. Coffee and light snacks will be provided. 

For questions and/or suggestions, please call Mary Emerling at (860) 537-2921. 

We hope to see you there!

Friends of Cragin Memorial Library Fundraiser

Coming up in the first week of March, please join the Friends of Cragin Library for their book and bake sale. Thank you to the Friends of Cragin for their ongoing efforts to support our great local library!

COLCHESTER YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS:

HUNGER GAMES IN THE HINDERWALD: THE ADVENTURES OF HANNA AND GRETEL

Come and see the first production of our brand-new Colchester Youth Theatre! Great for all ages: this play, created specifically for our Theatre by our director/ playwright Randall Adkison, is a re-telling of a well-known fairytale, with new twists (and plenty of turns) sure to satisfy every adventurer: young and old! Bring your imagination and come support this talent group of Colchester youth for a night of entertainment, storytelling, and a celebration of theatre!

• Friday, March 15 at 6:30pm at the WJJMS Black Box Theatre
• Tickets: $10 adults/ $5 children
• Tickets available in advance: https://colchester-actors-theatre.ticketleap.com/youth-theatre-hanna-gre...

YOUNG YOGIS THEMED DAYS AT CES WEDNESDAYS

Each Class will combine yoga and mindful practices in age appropriate, playful, and engaging ways that will help them stretch and strengthen their bodies, build social/emotional skills as well as learn strategies for self-regulation and relaxation while having fun.  The themes for this 4-week class series are: Bee Calm: The Buzz on Yoga, Dinosaur Yoga, Lucky Leprechaun Yoga and Yoga Adventure Stations with friends. The instructor will meet students after school and walk them to the class location at CES.  Parents/Guardians will sign out their child at 4:30. Please have your child wear comfortable clothes. Yoga mats will be provided.

• Tuesdays: March 12-April 2 from 3:30-4:30
• Wednesdays: March 13-April 3 from 3:30pm-4:30pm
• Cost $60 per person.
• K-2 Colchester Elementary School students
• Instructor: Susie Hawkins

SENIOR YOGA

ONLINE with Facebook Live- Gentle Yoga is perfect for age 45 and over to explore yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga improves your balance and strength, stretches your entire body, and focuses your mind and calms your emotions. All levels of fitness or yoga experience are welcome.  

• Mondays from 4:45pm-5:45pm
• March 18- April 8
• $35 for residents, $40 for non-residents (4 weeks)
• Instructor: Anne Beauregard
• Facebook Live (the private link will be mailed to you after you register)

ZUMBA

Kick your workout into high gear with Zumba! A one-hour dance fitness class combining 30 minutes of Zumba Toning- Where we use 1lb Zumba Toning Sticks to tone and firm your muscles while you dance – with 30 minutes of the fun, high energy Zumba you know and love!

• Mondays, March 18- May 13 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
• $80 per resident, $85 per nonresident
• JJIS Room 79
• Instructor: Dana Belanger
• LET’S SEW! (Some things)

Would you like to learn to sew or get back into sewing? There will be a new project in each class using different sewing skills. All the prep work is done for you. All you need to do is sew! However, you will need to bring your own sewing machine, manual, power cord and supplies (thread, scissors, thread & pins).

• When: Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 from 6:00-8:00 pm
• Where: Town Hall, Room 2
• Cost: $50 resident/ $55 nonresident
• Who: Ages 18 and older, minimum of 3, maximum of 5

SPRING DOG TRAINING CLASSES

A six-week basic obedience course using positive reinforcement training methods. Each session will run for one hour. This course will teach you and your dog how to effectively communicate with each other while learning all the basic obedience commands. First session is humans only. All dogs must be leashed with a non-retractable leash. No pinch or choke collars allowed; harnesses are highly recommended.  Please bring a water bowl & water as well as waste clean-up bags. Only one dog per handler.

Pawfessional K-9 Training uses positive reinforcement training to help families and their dogs with behavior, obedience, and communication skills. Owner Sean Shoemaker is an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer and AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, has over 5 years’ experience working in basic and advanced obedience training. Sean’s goal with his training is to help families integrate their canine companions into their family and works with clients in both group and individual settings.

All canine participants must provide proof of rabies and distemper. The Bordetella vaccination is recommended as well. Dogs with canine or human aggression are not recommended for this course.

• Fee: $150.00 Resident/$155 Non-Resident
• Ages: 18 and older, Min.4/Max.8
• When: Saturdays, April 6 (no dogs) , 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18 (Rain date May 25 if needed)      
• Time:    from 9:00-10:00 am                     
• Instructor: Shoemaker, Sean (Pawfessional K-9 Training)
• Location: Ruby Cohan Woodlands

PAINT NIGHT

Travel with Julianna W Cameron, professional fine artist, to the Scottish Highlands.  Rich with color and lots of Sheep! To create this landscape painting we will use a dry brush technique to add texture and soft color transitions.  All supplies will be provided, all you need is to wear your painting attire. No previous painting experience is needed- step by step instructions will be provided.

• When: Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 6-8pm
• Where: Colchester Senior Center
• Cost $40.00 per resident, $45 per nonresident
• Instructor: Julianna W Cameron

PROCREATE APP CLASS

Beginners class to learn about colors, type, brushes, layers and more. Experiment with drawing tools.  The app is loaded with many graphic and art options. Students will need to bring the following to class: Apple iPad, loaded with the Procreate app (only $9.99), Apple pencil.

• When: Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 6-7:30pm
• Where: Colchester Senior Center
• Cost: $35 per resident, $40 per nonresident
• Instructor: Julianna W Cameron

Social Services ARPA Assistance

Last week, the Town of Colchester is launched its online ARPA financial assistance application for households in need.

The Town of Colchester has committed federal ARPA funding to support Colchester households who are living at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty level and struggling to stay afloat. If your household is still trying to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and you need assistance meeting your basic needs or navigating an unexpected crisis, we may be able to help.

Funds may be available for:

• Rental/mortgage assistance
• Utilities
• Home Repairs (must address health and safety hazards only)
• Car repairs (for transportation to work, educational, or job training reasons)
• Heating

Other categories may include: medical co-pays, eyeglasses, work uniforms, training programs, and other unforeseen expenses.

Residents will be asked to fill out the ARPA financial assistance application and provide required supporting documentation.

Residents can call Colchester Social Services at (860) 537-7255 for more information.

CORE Community Book Club

Meeting #2 for the Community Book Club hosted by the CORE Commission and Colchester’s Senior Center will meet on Saturday, Feb 24 from 12-1:00 pm via ZOOM. Chapters 5-7 from “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” will be discussed. Zoom details are on the CORE Facebook site.

We look forward to continuing our good discussion and sharing our ah-ha moments, experiences, and perspectives. We’ve met some new friends and we would love to meet more! Please consider joining us. 

Business Spotlight Requests

We want your recommendations for small businesses to spotlight in Colchester, including businesses that may not have brick and mortar locations. Please send your suggestions to [email protected] with the subject line “Business Spotlight.” Thank you!

 Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester