First Selectman's Report - June 28, 2024
Summer Paving Update
Road shimming work was completed this week as part of planned summer road maintenance. This work is being done to prep roads for chip sealing which is now scheduled to begin the week of July 22.
Chip sealing will be performed on the following roads: Shugrue Rd, Jurach Road, Lake Hayward Road, Windham Ave, and Bull Hill Road. Information on scheduled work and lane closures will be posted as we get closer to the contractor’s mobilization dates.
Repaving was already completed on Davidson Road and Pleasant Street last month. Additional paving is also set to take place on Pine Brook and Linwood Cemetery Road later this summer.
These projects are being funded through a combination of Town-funds and funds received under the State of Connecticut Town Aid Road and Municipal Grant in Aid programs. They reflect our Town's recommitment to road maintenance work which has fallen behind schedule in recent years.
A pavement management study is also set to begin soon that will help us to plan strategically for road improvements and maintenance in years to come.
Electric Charging Station
The Town of Colchester’s first electric vehicle charging station was installed this week at Town Hall. The charging station located on the back right-side of Town Hall will be live for public use in the coming weeks. Residents who wish to use the two-car charging station can pay a discounted rate for electricity compared to the rate they would pay as residential customers.
Happy Fourth of July
Colchester Town Buildings will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. We wish you a happy Fourth of July as we celebrate our nation’s independence! While you have fun, please be respectful of your neighbors and be mindful of Connecticut’s laws regarding fireworks. For information on what's legal in our state, check out this useful guide.
Concession Stand Lease Out-to-Bid
The Town of Colchester is still seeking vendors interested in leasing the Recreation Complex concession stand, starting mid-July with an option to renew for the 2025 sports season. Interested bidders can view the RFP by clicking here:
https://www.colchesterct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif16021/f/uploads/2024_rfp...
Bids are due July 9, 2024.
Lifestar Test Landing at RecPlex
On Sunday, June 30, 2024 @ 10:30am, Lifestar and Skyhealth helicopters will be landing on R-5 and R-6 for fire department training. The public is welcome to visit the helicopters after they have landed.
Fair Rent Commission - Volunteers Needed
We are seeking volunteers to serve on the Fair Rent Commission. This commission has been inactive for several years due to lack of members. The Commission meets on an as-needed basis to respond to requests and needs of citizens. The time commitment for this position is approximately 2 hours when the Commission does meet -- which is infrequent. Anyone is welcome to apply but applicants with experience in housing, real estate, or related matters are particularly encouraged to volunteer. Please call the First Selectman's office if you are interested or email me at [email protected].
3rd Annual Community Scavenger Hunt
Join us during the month of July as we take you all throughout town searching for QR codes and solving clues. Pick up your sheet and get your first location at the Cragin Memorial Library Children’s Desk. Finish the scavenger hunt by solving the riddles that lead you to your next location. When you’re done you will receive a small token gift and your family will be entered to win a gift card to a local business presented during our Virtual Finale on Tuesday, August 20 at 6:00 pm on Facebook Live. Return your finished sheet to the library by Friday, August 9.
Legal Notice: Taxes Due
Notice is hereby given to the Town of Colchester taxpayers that tax bills on the Grand List of October 1, 2023 are due and payable on July 1, 2024. Real estate, personal property and motor vehicle taxes are due and payable on July 1, 2024.
Full legal notice is available here.
Please note that taxes due July 1 become delinquent after August 1.
ARPA Social Services Assistance
Reminder: the Town of Colchester still has funds available under its ARPA Social Services Assistance program for Colchester households who are living at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty level and struggling to stay afloat. If your household is still trying to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and you need assistance meeting your basic needs or navigating an unexpected crisis, we may be able to help. While these funds cannot be used to pay tax bills, they may be able to help in other areas your are struggling - including utility bills such as electric or water/sewer, rental/mortgage assistance, medical co-pays, and more.
The online application and more information can be found here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/colchester-youth-social-services/social-ser...
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester