July 7, 2011
Town Meeting Recap
A big thank you to all that showed up to last week’s town meeting to discuss and vote on several items. All the items passed including a budget transfer, the creation of an agriculture commission, several public safety ordinances, the approval of a tax incentive for a new business, and the formation of a building committee.
Now that the agriculture commission and the building committee have been officially formed, we are actively looking for volunteers to serve on them. The agriculture commission provides information and education regarding agriculture; support for agricultural activities; conflict resolution for issues impacting agriculture; and economic opportunities involving agriculture.
The building committee will oversee, coordinate and supervise all aspects of the planning and construction process, including selection of architect and other consultants, choice of contractor, development of project documents and supervision of construction through completion of the William J. Johnston Middle School project. The project will include a renovation of existing facilities including a senior center and possibly other community spaces.
Anyone interested in serving on either of these boards should fill out a Board/Commission application (found either on the website under “Forms” or in the First Selectman’s Office) and submit it to my office.
Municipal Aid Update
Many of us have watched with great interest the ongoing issues with the state budget including the rejection of a concession package by the state union coalition. Colchester receives millions of dollars of aid from the state, most of which is direct support for education. Any cut could have serious consequences.
As of last Friday, it appears that municipal aid will not be cut after all. There will undoubtedly be reductions in other areas of the state budget and I will be monitoring those cuts to see if there will be any direct impact to Colchester. The situation remains fluid and will probably take some more time to sort out. There is also the possibility that the state unions will eventually ratify the concession agreement which would restore many of the cuts being made at the state level.
Summer Policing Increased
Now that our police staffing levels have stabilized, we are able to increase our patrols. We are trying to put in place more coverage after 11pm. I believe it’s important to deal with the increased activity levels that summer brings by having more of a police presence on the streets.
If you have any specific concerns, please feel free to contact the Colchester Police. And of course, always dial 911 if there is an emergency.
- Gregg Schuster
First Selectman
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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