First Selectman's Report 11/27 - 12/1/23
1. Senior Center Referendum: On Tuesday, November 28, Colchester voters approved two ballot questions regarding the Senior Center building project. Question #1 authorized the use of ARPA funds and funds from the Bendas Estate toward the project. Question #2 authorized the town to increase its overall spending cap to $11 million and to bond up to $10.39 million for the project. Thanks to the generous donation from the Bendas Estate, ARPA, and a significant grant from the State of Connecticut, the town is likely to bond closer to $8 million. When completed, the new center will be an important addition to Colchester’s downtown with benefits that go beyond seniors, including additional parking and a community multi-purpose event room. For more information about the Senior Center Building Project, click here…
2. Financial Audit Update: This week, we received the draft of the overdue Fiscal Year 21-22 Audit. Copies of the draft audit have been made available to members of the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen. Final submission is expected to occur in December. The town will still require an extension for the Fiscal Year 22-23 Audit which is also due December 31. I will continue to share information on this and related subjects as things develop.
3. Norton Park: Brush clearing will begin next week at the Norton Park site in North Westchester. This work is being done in anticipation of the preliminary engineering survey to take place in the coming weeks. This survey is key to the design process and is the first step to realizing our newest town park.
4. Transfer Station Security: Additional security measures were added at the transfer station this month to deter scrappers from taking copper from the e-waste shed. Disposal of electronics is made possible via Take2 and is financially supported by the copper within the electronics collected. E-waste disposal is available free of charge at the transfer station on Tuesday’s and Saturdays 8am-3pm.
5. 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!
6. Sleigh Bell Fair: Before you head to Holiday Homecoming, come support the Bacon Academy Visual Arts program at the annual Bacon Academy Sleigh Bells Fair. I’ll be at the fair representing the Bacon Academy Scholarship Fund Board of Trustees. Stop by and say hello while you support the many great local artisans at this amazing holiday fair open from 9AM to 3PM.
7. Christmas Wreath Sales: Christmas wreath sales by the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company continue on Sunday, December 3 from 11AM to 3PM.
8. Holiday Home and Business Decorating Contest: Registration has been extended through Monday, December 4th! Decorate your home or business by 12/5/23. Print your free map and view all of the Colchester holiday decorations beginning 12/5/23. Maps are available online here.
Vote for your favorite home and business decorations on Facebook, Instagram, or the Colchester Recreation website! Vote between 12/5/23-12/31/2023. Call the office for more info (860) 537-7297.
9. Business Spotlight: The Enchanted Vines
The Enchanted Vines, owned by Joanna Sachse, is a florist and gift shop in Westchester. The Enchanted Vines is open year-round and changes seasonally, celebrating everything from Valentines Day to Christmas. This time of year is perhaps the biggest season for this shop which currently features live trees, kissing balls, garlands, and wreaths in addition to beautiful handmade glass ornaments from Poland and Ukraine along with other Christmas decorations, candy, and gifts. Consider shopping local with The Enchanted Vines this holiday season or anytime during the year.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/TheEnchantedVines1.
Coming soon...we'll be launching a way for you to nominate future businesses to highlight in our community as part of the weekly business spotlight!