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First Selectman's Report - January 12, 2024

Posted on: January 12, 2024 - 5:01pm
First Responders Recognition Ceremony

Weekend Winter Storm

Colchester Public Works and Colchester Fire & EMS are preparing for another strong winter storm which is expected to impact eastern Connecticut tonight. We are once again facing heavy rain overnight along with wind gusts up to 55 mph.

 The Highway Department and the Grounds Department have been working to address damage caused by the large amount of snowmelt and rain received earlier this week. Crews are continually cleaning catch basins and removing culvert blockages to prevent additional damage. Many of our dirt roads were damaged and required additional placement of process.

We are aware of many washouts on roads and on walking paths, such as at the RecPlex. With more rain headed our way overnight, we expect there to be some additional damage before repairs can begin.

If you would like to report an issue please contact the Public Works Department at 860-537-7288.

Forecast 1/12/24

Finance Department Update

Michelle Marceau began serving as the Deputy Director of Town Finance/Acting Director of Town Finance on Monday, January 8. This week, I met with department heads to discuss changes to our internal Purchase Order process and to develop a strategy to correct accounting issues in the current fiscal year, the fiscal year currently being audited (FY22-23), and to begin preparing their FY24-25 budget requests. I want to ensure that the Town can provide residents and elected officials with accurate budget projections as we head into the 2024 budget process.

Water & Sewer Bills

Water & Sewer bills are once again being accepted on the first floor of Town Hall at the Public Works Department. 

Town Hall Roof Update

The Town Hall Roof project is progressing steadily, despite being impacted by recent weather. You may notice that we have a large wooden demo shield in front of the building at the main entrance. This entrance remains open, and the public is still able to use it. The upper roof is nearly complete, leaving the application of the EPDM roofing above the Western Portion of the building. 

Roof work 2024

Water Main Leak

The Water Department and the Highway Department immediately responded to a watermain leak on Park Ave today. The crew will be working overtime into the evening to address this issue.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Town offices will be closed Monday in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Tomorrow, Colchester’s CORE Commission will host a community reading to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Cragin Memorial Library in Norton Rooms A & B from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM. Local leaders and residents will read excerpts from MLKs materials with a focus on “Service to Others.” Please join us for this special event.

MLK Jr CORE Event

 Summer Staff and Teen Leaders Applications Open

We’re now accepting applications for Summer Staff and Teen Leaders.

Day Camp Summer Employment

Applications will be accepted through March 25, 2024.

We are looking for camp staff and volunteers that have a very strong background in working with children of all ages and abilities. Applications are available online.

Teen Leaders (C.I.T.’S)

Teen Leaders must be 14 years of age prior to the start of camp. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2024. Applicants must commit to attending one 3-week session (Session 1- June 24-July 12 or Session 2- July 15-Aug. 2). The Teen Leader curriculum, calendar, expectations, and requirements can be found online along with the application.

Summer Camp Hiring 2024

Puzzle-palooza

A new twist on game night! How fast can you complete a puzzle? Register as a team or a single (we will pair you up with others). All teams get the same puzzle and the first one to finish wins a prize. Each team gets to bring the puzzle home. We will have up to ten teams compete to complete the same puzzle. No more than four people per team, only one person must register for their team. Children can be on a team, but there must be at least two adults on each team. Bring your own snacks and get ready for fun!

  • Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 22
  • 6pm-8pm
  • $25 per team
  • Colchester Town Hall Room 1

Puzzlepalooza

Ukulele Lessons

Learn to play the ukulele in just 4 weeks! Join us for a month-long introduction course suitable for all skill levels and backgrounds! All you need is your own ukulele and an open mind! (We suggest a basic concert or tenor ukulele). Come have some fun and make some music from the comfort of your own home! Great for all ages, 11 and up!

  • Mondays or Wednesdays: January 22nd-February 14th
  • 5:30pm-6:30pm 
  • Ages 11+
  • $80 for residents, $85 for non-residents
  • Instructor: Nick Cearley
  • Location: Online via Zoom

Ukulele Lessons

Fire/EMS Ceremony

This week, a ceremony was held at Fire Headquarters to recognize our first responders and a community bystander who were successful in resuscitating cardiac arrest patients in two separate incidents. Both patients attended and met these heroes who played a part in providing exceptional medical care that allowed for an amazing outcome.

Those recognized included QV Dispatchers, Colchester Fire & EMS personnel, Middlesex Medics and a bystander who jumped in during a critical event. Backus Hospital EMS Director Dr. McClaine and EMS Coordinator Jeff Way were also in attendance to present certificates and challenge coins. I was honored to join the ceremony to support Colchester’s first responders who do an amazing job serving our citizens.

Fire Ceremony Jan 2024

Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester