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First Selectman's Report: 3/27- 3/31

Posted on: March 31, 2023 - 6:52pm
Mark's

1. The Town Budget review is scheduled for the Board of Finance Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 12th at 7 PM.

To see the proposed Town Budget PowerPoint presentation, the Budget Summary by Function, and the proposed Town Budget please follow this link: https://www.colchesterct.gov/2023-2024-budget-information

2. The Board of Finance Joint Special Meeting on the Education Budget will be on Tuesday, April 4th at 6 PM.

To review the Education Budget, please follow this link: https://www.colchesterct.org/board_of_education/education_budget

3. Last Wednesday, the Sewer & Water Commission made a motion to approve a budget with a 6.5% rate increase. It is also rumored that they are increasing several fees. This comes after they implemented a 6% increase last year. I requested a copy of all the fee increases which they approved at their Wednesday, March 25th night meeting; however, I have still not received that documentation. Once I have received it, I will make it available to the public.

There will be a public hearing on April 26th at 7pm to determine if these rate and fee increases should move forward.

4. On Sunday, May 28, starting at 12:30 p.m., Colchester will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade. The Parade is a community effort supported by local groups that are committed to making this event a success. We strive to show the pride we feel in our departed military veterans by asking local organizations and members of the community to step up and participate by making a float or marching in the annual parade.

We are honoring and remembering the fallen from all our wars beginning with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and the more recent conflicts World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Gulf War, and the continuing conflicts.

The parade committee is expecting to have several military units represented. They will include the Connecticut Army National Guard, 1109th TASM-G, US Navy Silver Dolphins Drill Team, US Marine Reserve, the Coast Guard, and the US Air Force Reserve. Our American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Colchester Veterans Honor Guard will also participate.

The Parade Committee will award prizes in three categories; 1. Best marching unit, 2. Most Patriotic Float and 3. Most creative float. Applications to join this year’s Memorial Day Parade are available online from the Town Hall, First Selectman’s Office. We encourage any veteran, or local organization in Colchester and our surrounding towns to join us in honoring our fallen heroes. Please contact the Town Hall, First Selectman's Office and file your application before May 4th, 2023.

5. We are so excited to report that after months of working together to find a solution that meets the needs of all involved, Colchester Parks and Recreation will be working with Colchester Community Theater and Colchester Choir and Orchestra to ensure that their wonderful programs and performances continue far into the future.  CCT and CCO will continue to provide Colchester residents with top notch artistic opportunities.  Colchester Parks and Recreation will work together with the volunteers to ensure that all of the insurance requirements are met. We appreciate the patience and continued willingness to work together that has allowed for a very positive outcome.

6. This bunny appeared out of nowhere and is looking for a name. Can you name the bunny sitting in the window at town hall? Open to all Colchester residents. The prize will be a basket full of chocolate and candy as well as a photo with the bunny to appear in the weekly report next Friday. Please send your entry to  mjslade@colchesterct.gov

7. Marks United Auto Parts

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of talking to Mark & Darlene Goodwin from Marks United Auto Parts. Marks United Auto Parts has been in business for over 35 years and has been an absolute fixture in our community.

At Mark’s all the professionals working behind the counter are trained and certified, providing Mark’s United Auto Parts customers with the kind of personalized service and knowledgeable advice you only get from real parts guys. They’ll not only help you select the right part, but even provide tips on how to install it.

Located at 95 S Main Street in a tastefully designed green and tan building, next to the Colchester Town Green, Mark’s United Auto Parts is the one-stop shop for all your auto needs. With more than 5,500 square feet of space, filled to the rafters with tons of new replacements, aftermarket, original OEM, refurbished, remanufactured, and rebuilt auto parts and accessories, they have what you need. Whether you’re doing anything from replacing worn wiper blades to major engine work, our quality parts will be a perfect fit for your car, truck, van, or SUV.

The same, fully computerized inventory system utilized by our wholesale customers makes life easier and more convenient for our retail patrons. Whether you need auto parts for a late-model Chevy, a custom Ford roadster or a hot Honda hatchback, they can quickly and easily get what you need. And, just about anything they don’t have in stock can be there within 24 hours.

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman