First Selectman's Report: 1/23 – 1/27
1. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved of Phase 2 & 3 of the Field Feasibility Study in the amount of $31,993.60 in ARPA federal funds. This study will help the Town realize the cost for completely irrigating our fields and any associated maintenance to ensure its health.
2. Colchester Youth Lacrosse Registration
Registration is open and teams are being rostered for our spring season. They are accepting all boys and girls from kindergarten through 8th grade. Registration can be completed at www.colchesterlax.org
3. Please take the 2023 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan Survey: https://surveymonkey.com/r/ColchesterCTStrategicPlan
4. Please take the 2023 Board of Finance Budget Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QWZMLDH
5. The Town of Colchester offers both State and Local Options for Tax Relief and Exemptions. Please follow this link for more information: https://www.colchesterct.gov/assessor/pages/exemptions-and-tax-relief-op...
6. Colchester celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Cragin Memorial Library on Jan 21 with a community reading. Readers for the event represented Cragin Memorial Library, Colchester Federated Church, Colchester Senior Center, State Police Troop K, Colchester Hayward Fire Dept, Congregation Ahavath Achim, and the First Selectman’s office.
Dr. King Jr.’s work and words continue to serve as examples of strength, compassion, and a commitment to equality, justice, and inclusion. Dr. King Jr. exemplified the words “service to all”. Our community readers do the same, they have a commitment and focus of “service to all” in Colchester.
We are proud to have started a new celebration in town. We look forward to more opportunities to connect and build a stronger sense of community and inclusion for all. The MLK event was organized by the First Selectman’s office, the CORE Commission, and Cragin Library.
Andreas Bisbikos, Shawn Pelletier, and Kate Byroade
7. United Ag & Turf
This week, I had an opportunity to meet General Manager, Riley Johnson, and the wonderful staff at United Ag & Turf. Let's wish them the best!!
United Ag & Turf, NE, which operates John Deere Ag & Turf dealerships in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut acquired D.H. Marvin & Son, Inc. in Colchester last November.
D.H. Marvin & Son, Inc. has successfully served the Colchester area as a John Deere dealer for over 80 years, specializing in compact tractors, riding lawn equipment, gator utility vehicles, and more. As part of United Ag & Turf, they will be able to offer their customers even more benefits, like increased inventory and more parts and service support. United Ag & Turf is heavily investing in the region, with new stores in East Windsor, CT, Clifton Park and Greenwich, NY, and a new store opening this spring in Plainfield, CT.
About United Ag & Turf, NE: United Ag & Turf, NE, along with its sister company, United Construction & Forestry, Inc., operate John Deere dealerships specializing in agriculture, turf, utility vehicles, compact construction, heavy-duty construction, forestry, and road-building equipment. The company was formed in 2018 by consolidating several John Deere dealerships into one new organization. They operate a total of 38 agriculture & turf locations and 14 construction & forestry locations throughout New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The name “United” was chosen to reflect that the new company is about more than one individual. At United, people come first. They have a united team of employees that are dedicated to serve customers in all market segments with new and used equipment, parts, service, technology, and support. They also represent other brands such as Stihl, Honda, Ariens, and more. For more information, visit www.UnitedEquip.com. To learn about employment opportunities, email careers@uatne.com.
8. Youth & Social Services
There will be a Community Conversation on Marijuana Safety for Parents this Tuesday, January 31st from 6 PM – 7 PM at Town Hall in Meeting Room 1. There will be free pizza available for all who attend.
9. Free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
Location: Colchester Town Hall (127 Norwich Ave) in Meeting Room 1
Time & Date: 9 AM – 2 PM on 1/30
Details: No Appointment Needed – Ages 12 years and older
Free Health Screening Offered On-Site
Identify your risks of chronic disease
And take steps to improve your health
Please bring a health insurance card and photo ID if you have them, but it is not necessary to have health insurance or ID to receive the vaccine. No one will be turned away for lack of insurance or ID.
Andreas Bisbikos
First Selectman