First Selectman's Report: 6/26 - 6/30

1. Wishing the entire community, a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend!!

2. At the top of the agenda of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen on July 6th, 2023, will be to award a bid for Field Irrigation so that construction may begin immediately.

3. The Board of Finance will continue deliberations on both the Town and Education budgets at their Regularly Scheduled meeting on Wednesday, July 12th.

4. Looking for residents to serve on the Public Safety Working Committee, the Sewer & Water Commission, the Fair Rent Commission, and the Colchester Housing Authority. Please reach out if interested.

5. The final touches to the Youth Center Roof are expected to be completed by the end of July.

6. The Construction of Trail Head Parking Lot, Middletown/Rte. 16 (Sablitz Open Space Property) is expected to begin in July.

7. The work on the Town Green Gazebo will accelerate in July.

8. The Splash Pad is expected to be ready for fun mid- July. Our Public Works Director provided a detailed overview of the situation and has been working diligently on it with the Parks & Recreation Department. The Town appreciates their hard work, dedication, and collaboration.

9. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved to set a Public Hearing to be held on Thursday, July 13th at Town Hall, 127 Norwich Avenue in Colchester, CT to modify Town Ordinances, Chapter 6 – Alarm Systems, Town Ordinances Chapter 103 – Rapid Access Systems as recommended by the Fire Marshal and Town Ordinances, Chapter 59 as recommend by the Fire Chief.

10. The repaving of Rt. 16 is continuing. Eversource will be sending a detailed timeline soon. When they do, it will be made publicly available.

11. Maria’s Pizza

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending time with Dimtri and Nasoula Koutsofavas, owners of Maria’s Pizza Palace. They have been here in Colchester for over 25 years, and they have fantastic food -especially their BBQ chicken wrap and rice puddings!

Maria’s Pizza was born out of Maria and Ted Sourvalis, who began their pizza journey in the 1970’s out in Jewett City. They later transitioned to Pizza Palace II on Lebanon Ave. in Colchester. Today, their legacy is in the hands of their daughter Nasoula and son-in-law Dimitri Koutsofavas who have been operating Maria’s Pizza at 744 Middletown Road.

Maria’s serves lunch and dinner daily and breakfast during the weekends. You may come dine in or order online for a delivery. The menu is diverse with quality options and hefty portions. From their breakfast specials to their homemade onion rings to their rice pudding, there is something for everyone at Maria’s.

Dimitri and Nasoula take great pride in offering quality food and service to a community they love very much. Please consider Maria’s Pizza next time you are looking for a bite.

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman