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First Selectman's Report - August 2, 2024

Posted on: August 2, 2024 - 4:27pm
Paving on Pine Brook Road, August 1, 2024

Pine Brook Road Paving

Our paving contractor began the 2-inch mill and fill of Pine Brook Road this week. Two years ago the Town began a reclamation paving project only to find that the existing pavement was too thin to reclaim. This project completes the paving work that was started then. It includes the section of road after the dirt section of Pine Brook Rd and continues the full length of the road to Pine Rd. I visited the site today and was happy to see they are making great progress on this road.

Paving on Pine Brook Road, August 2, 2024

Bacon Academy Field Prep

Bacon Academy fields after deep tine aeration on August 1, 2024

North Turf has completed the deep tining of the fields at Bacon Academy. This spring, in response to concerns raised by the public, the Public Works Department and school staff met with Tom Irwin, Liberty Landscapes, and L and C Park Associates to discuss a value-driven approach to maintaining the fields. Due to the high silt content and compaction, a unanimous recommendation was made to deep tine the fields. This process simultaneously punctures deep 1-inch diameter holes at 6-inch spacing and fractures of the soil column with the angular motion of the tines. The result is improved surface water shedding, overall drainage improvement, and a reduction in compaction.

I visited the fields on Thursday morning to see how they held up after last night's rain. I am happy to report that  Alan and his team have done a great job. The fields are draining much better than they have in a long time. The contractor reported an average depth of 8 to 10 inches. This work marks the beginning of a joint effort focusing on the interim playability of the fields for the upcoming sports seasons. In the meantime, our new Recreation Needs Committee is helping to develop recommendations that I hope will become the basis for a project we can bring forward to permanently improve the athletic complex at Bacon.

DOT Highway Safety Grant Approved

This week, the State approved our application for over $250,000 in grant funds from Connecticut Department of Transportation to provide protection equipment for emergency service personnel on highways and provide public education on the Move Over Law.

Too many first responders have been struck, injured, and even killed while responding to emergencies on state highways. To view the presentation regarding our plans for this grant program, click here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4286/f/agendas/dot_high...

The timeline for the grant is short. Colchester Fire & EMS staff are already working on implementation. Stay tuned for more info…

Public Works Staffing

Public Works has filled all vacant positions including the three new part-time positions at the Grounds department. It has been years since this department has been fully staffed. It is my hope that this year will mark a return to an attitude of investment in the infrastructure of our hometown!

I would like to extend my personal thank you to the Human Resources Manager Lori Merker-Chapman, Fleet Administrator Steve Sharpe, and Highway Supervisor Tyler Molcan for their efforts, along with Public Works Director Joe Leone for his leadership in building up a strong department.

Antonio Zarlengo trims at the Lebanon Ave Airline Trail Entrance

This is Antonio Zarlengo, one of our new seasonal grounds workers. Last week he trimmed and edged the planting and walkway at the Lebanon Ave Airline Trail Entrance to help clean up this area, along with some of the sidewalks leading to the spur. Looks great, Antonio!

Touch-A-Truck

Colchester Police at Touch-A-Truck on August 1, 2024

Thank you to all who participated in Touch-A-Truck last night on the Town Green. Our first responders in Colchester Fire & EMS and Colchester Police who participated enjoyed meeting residents and future first responders who came to check out some of the equipment on display.

Town-Wide Tag Sale

The Town-Wide Tag Sale is this Saturday, August 3! Check out the map for all of the tag sales around Colchester with details, including times for each location.

https://www.google.com/maps/@/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!11m2!2sWsBxqgR9R9639w_SyjaxYg!3e3?entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDcyOC4wKgBIAVAD

Primary Elections:

Early voting begins Monday, August 5 in the primaries for the Democratic nomination for Probate Judge and the Republican nomination for U.S. Senator.

Early voting will take place at Town Hall in Meeting Room 2 at the following dates and times:

  • Monday, August 5, 2024 – 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • Friday, August 9, 2024 - 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • Saturday, August 10, 2024 -10:00am to 6:00pm
  • Sunday, August 11, 2024 -10:00am to 6:00pm

Primary Day is Tuesday, August 13. Polls will be open on this day at Town Hall, Bacon Academy, and Abundant Life Church from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Board of Finance Vacancy:

Colchester’s Board of Finance has an opening to fill a Democratic-held position on the Board until November 2025. Per the Town Charter, the seat must go to a member of the same political party as the individual who has vacated the seat.

Please contact the First Selectman’s office to apply. Applications are available here:

https://www.colchesterct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4286/f/uploads/boardsco...

Interviews will be held by the Board of Finance and an appointment will occur within 60 days. 

I want to thank Mike Egan, who stepped down from his seat on the Board of Finance last week, for his many years of service to the Town of Colchester, including on the Jack Jackter Building Committee, Board of Education, and Board of Finance.

Business Spotlight: River Rock Physical Therapy and Balance Center

First Selectman Bernie Dennler, River Rock Physical Therapy and Balance Center owner Angela Risigo, and staff at River Rock - August 1, 2024

This week, I visited River Rock Physical Therapy and Balance Center to meet with owner and physical therapist Angela Risigo. Angela opened River Rock in Westchester amid the COVID19 pandemic and has been helping residents recover mobility, balance, and wellness ever since alongside her team.

At River Rock, Angela and her team can help patients recover from a variety of physical injuries from sprains and strains to vestibular issues that cause vertigo. I also got to check out their physical therapy water tank that allows the team to offer aquatic therapy. The tank is heated and includes a treadmill, grab bars, and a seat.

I enjoyed meeting Angela and her team. Their passion for patients' well-being was clear and I was inspired by her story of building a small business in Colchester during challenging circumstances. Check out River Rock Physical Therapy and Balance Center, located in Westchester, next to Maria’s Pizza Palace.