First Selectman's Report 01.07.22

Snow Day!!

Winter in New England is a beautiful thing!! Hope everyone is staying warm and keeping safe. As always, here is the latest First Selectman’s Report and the latest from the desk of Chatham Health.

Current Updates:

First Selectman’s Report: 1/3 – 1/7

1. I want to publicly acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our first responders and volunteers in executing a well thought out distribution plan. On Tuesday January 4th, a team consisting of the Colchester Police Department, the Colchester Fire Department, and the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Department made an outstanding effort in the distribution of kits and masks to the citizens of this town. Individuals like Mike Previti, Officer Craig Scheel, Sean Shoemaker, John Knapp, and John Jones were just some of the individuals who made that night a success - especially in very cold conditions. We as a community are very fortunate for this level of dedication.
2. The BOS unanimously approved of the union contract between the Town of Colchester and the Colchester Public Works Department, MEUI 506. SEIU, AFL-CIO, CLC that cover the period of July 1st 2021 through June 30, 2024. Upon becoming First Selectman, I immediately opened up the channels of communication and negotiated effectively with our Colchester Public Works Department to secure a tentative agreement that was not only reasonable for the town, but also for our great workers.
3. The Town has received its second allotment of Covid-19 kits. The distribution area 21 Mill Hill Road (Fire Department Training Facility) currently needs to be plowed. We plan on making an announcement soon on a distribution date and time. We appreciate your patience.
4. The Colchester Police Department have secured their state mandated body cameras way ahead of schedule. They have also secured new tasers. Not only are they meeting state requirements, but they are doing an excellent job for our town.
5. On Monday, January 3^rd Congressman Joe Courtney and I had a wonderful conversation about our community and a variety of topics, including past presidents and foreign policy. I look forward to collaborating with him in the future.
6. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz held a press conference with various dignitaries at the current Senior Center. She spoke about the recent State Bond Commission approval of $2.5M to offset the cost of the $9.5M Senior Center Project and recognized all those who have supported the efforts along the way. I was honored to have spoken as well. Other Speakers included: State Senator Norm Needleman, State Representative Brian Smith, Selectman Rosemary Coyle, Building, and Senior Center Building Committee Chair Tony Tarnowski.
7. Maggie Cosgrove, the Chief Financial Officer, and I have officially sent out a request for proposals (RFPs) for an independent consultant to review ARPA applications. The ARPA Committee has postponed reviewing applications until a consultant is found. However, they will continue to receive applications from small businesses. As a reminder, there is $1M in ARPA funds specifically earmarked for our local businesses. A business may receive up to $25K in federal funds. Please apply and complete your ARPA Application here:  https://www.colchesterct.gov/your-government/arpa-ad-hoc-committee . You may reach out to [email protected] if you have any further questions.
8. Public Works is working diligently on construction of the irrigation pipelines for our recreational fields, which will cover R1 and R2. So far, we have installed 880' out of the 900' of 8" water main at the Rec Plex. Once this water main has been completed, we will need to do a pressure test and then chlorinate this water main
9. The BOS unanimously increased the Per Diem Fire Fighters rate of pay increase from $15 to $17.50. That increase will go into effect on Monday, January 10^th.
10. At last night’s BOS meeting, discussions regarding a new Public Safety Committee formally began. A draft was presented and it will be worked upon, until we have a viable product ready.