First Selectman's Report December 15, 2023
SCBA Project: On Wednesday, the Board of Finance unanimously voted to appropriate funding to replace the self-contained breathing apparatus system used by Colchester Fire & EMS personnel. The current system does not meet standards set by the National Fire Protection Association and is not interoperable with our mutual aid partners. Units were also suffering mechanical failures. These air pack systems are what our firefighters rely upon to be able to breathe in burning buildings and ensuring they are able to function as needed is critical to the safety of our community and our firefighters. This purchase is being funded in part by a cost-share with the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company. I am very grateful to the CHVFD and the Board of Finance for helping to bring this to fruition.
Town Hall Roof Project: Ahova Home Improvement LLC has mobilized its material for the start of the Colchester Town Hall Roof Project next week. This work will fully replace the existing asphalt shingle and EPDM roofing. The existing roof is documented to have leaks in multiple locations on the 3rd floor and in the town hall lobby.
Holiday Hours: We hope you are looking forward to the holiday season! Please be aware that Town Hall will close at noon next Friday, December 22. Town Hall will be closed Monday, December 25 in observance of Christmas. The Town Hall will close early at noon again on Friday, December 31 and will be closed Monday, January 1 in observance of New Year’s. Due to holiday related events, travel, and vacation time, individual departments may be closed or have reduced staffing at times between next week and New Year’s.
Budget Planning: This week, I met with Public Works leadership to begin discussing capital planning for our fleet of Town vehicles. The Town has a long-term capital planning strategy with funding targets each year to ensure maintenance of the Town fleet of vehicles ranging from plow trucks to police cars and ambulances.
In recent years, the Town has significantly cut back its planned contributions in this area to reduce costs to residents in the post-COVID economy. At some point the Town will need to get back on-track with vehicle planning. This is not something that will happen in a single budget year as the increase would be too significant for us to shoulder in one year. However, we will be looking at ways to start the process of returning to the schedule while also balancing the impact on the budget so that we can maintain affordability.
Storm Watch: Another round of wind and rain is expected Monday. We are monitoring the possibility of heavy winds again that could cause power outages around town.
Transfer Station: The Transfer Station will be open during regular operating hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 23, 26, 30 and Jan. 2. Additionally, Public Works Director Joseph Leone and Highway Supervisor Tyler Molcan met with Montville Public Works Director John Carlson at the Montville Transfer Station on Tuesday. This collaborative meeting generated discussion about best practices that could be applied here at the Colchester Transfer Station.
Shop Local: As you’re out and about in Town this holiday season, you may notice fun-sized classic Connecticut license plates displayed on the doors and windows of our local businesses. These nostalgic miniature pieces of pop art have been created by the Colchester Economic Development Commission as a reminder to us all to support our business community and Shop Local in Colchester! If you would like a window cling for your business, or know someone who would, just stop in Suite 105 in Town Hall and pick one up!
Wreaths Across America: On Saturday, December 16, the Westchester Cemetery Association will host a Wreaths Across America ceremony to honor service members by laying wreaths at their graves. The ceremony takes place at noon. Please consider joining us as we honor those veterans laid to rest at the Westchester Cemetery.
Business Spotlight: Ribbon Cutting at InCord
Colchester congratulates InCord, Custom Safety Netting on the grand opening of their new building at 226 Upton Road! InCord manufactures high-quality netting products used in construction, playgrounds, sports, and other recreation purposes. Today, I attended the ribbon cutting for the new building organized by the Colchester Business Association alongside State Rep. Mark DeCaprio who presented InCord with a citation from the state legislature. The new building represents InCord's continued investment in the town of Colchester and the latest addition to our growing industrial and manufacturing on Upton Road. Mark and I enjoyed the opportunity to tour the new facility.