First Selectman's Report: 11/20 to 11/24
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend. It's a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family and to support Colchester's small business community today on Black Friday and tomorrow on Small Business Saturday.
1. Swearing-In: On Monday, November 20th, I took office as the new First Selectman of Colchester along with other municipal officials. The new Board of Selectmen includes Rosemary Coyle, Denise Turner, Art Shilosky, and Cliff O'Donal. I am confident this team stands ready to work together, including with our partners on the Board of Finance and Board of Education, to work across party lines and move Colchester forward. Prior to taking office, I met with each department head to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of government. I am looking forward to working with the team at Colchester Town Hall to serve the residents of our community and ensure our town government is effective, transparent, and fiscally responsible.
2. Financial Audit Update: On my first day in office, I met with officials from the state Office of Policy and Management regarding the status of Colchester’s overdue audit for fiscal year 2021-2022. At the meeting, I learned that Colchester is now on track to submit this audit before December 31st. However, the 2022-2023 audit is also due at the end of next month. Given that FY21-22's audit is not yet complete, there is no possibility that FY22-23 will be submitted on time. An extension will be granted. However, OPM informed me that our town is in a situation that is both serious and “severe”. Failure to address these issues would put Colchester on a path toward state financial oversight. It is critical that we address these issues and return our town to compliance. Read my full statement here…
3. Senior Center Referendum: On Tuesday, November 28th, polls will be open at Town Hall from 6AM to 8PM for a referendum regarding the Colchester Senior Center project. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Clerk's office through close of business on Monday.
The referendum features two questions. To view the full legal notice, including the ballot questions, click here…
4. Downtown Road Work: Eversource is redoing the red “brick” stamped cement crosswalks along the Town Green. Work began this week and will continue on Monday, November 27 and Tuesday, November 28 from roughly 7AM to about 4PM. Expect traffic delays and slowdowns on Main Street and Linwood Ave on those dates.
5. Christmas Wreath Sales: Christmas wreath sales by the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company begin tomorrow, Saturday, November 25 from 1 to 4PM. Sales will continue on Sunday, November 26 from 11AM to 4PM and on Sunday, December 3 from 11AM to 3PM.
6. Holiday Homecoming: Join us on the Town Green on Saturday, December 2nd from 4:30-8PM! All are invited to welcome Santa to town with hot cocoa, cider, cookies, carols, bonfire, and a toy drive! Don’t miss the Colchester Choir and Orchestra’s Holiday Concert in the Colchester Federated Church at 6:30PM!
7. Business Spotlight - Colchester Tree Farms: Looking for a Christmas tree today or during the holiday season? You don't have to travel far in Colchester where we have several beautiful tree farms open. Support our local farmers this holiday season!
Baldi Tree Farm
72 Miller Road
Baldi Tree Farm is open with a large selection of trees with different sizes and varieties. Wreaths on-sale as well.
Opens Friday, November 24 and will be open every day until Christmas Eve. Hours: 9AM to dark on weekends and 1PM to dark on weekdays.
(Accepts credit cards)
https://www.facebook.com/balditreefarmcolchester
Evergreen Acres Tree Farm and Nursery
464 Windham Ave
Evergreen Acres is open for cut-your-own Fraser fir and Colorado blue spruce trees, living trees, wreaths, and a Christmas store with handmade holiday goodies. Visits from Santa will also take place throughout the season.
Opens Friday, November 24. Open Thursdays through Sunday for the season. Hours: 9AM to dark.
(Accepts credit cards)
Visit https://www.evergreenacresct.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/evergreenacresct
Reneson’s Christmas Tree Farm
268 Bull Hill Road
Reneson’s Christmas Tree farm is open with Cannan fir, Fraser fir, Balsam, Concolor fir, and blue spruce trees in various sizes up to 12 feet. Wreaths, tree stands, garland and more are also on-sale. Come enjoy a free hot mulled cider before you cut your tree.
Opens Friday, November 24. Open weekends only thereafter for the season. Hours: 9:AM to 4:30 PM.
(Cash or check only - No credit cards)
https://www.facebook.com/renesonschristmastreefarm
Thank you to the Agriculture Commission for providing information regarding these farms.