As I complete my reflections of two weeks ago about the achievements made over the last two years, paperwork and more paperwork comes to mind!
Our eighteen year old purchasing policies were updated and made consistent between the Town and Board of Education. Thanks to Steve Sharpe and Louise Raczewski, as well as their working group of Town staff and residents, we now have centralized comprehensive vehicle data to use when making decisions. This project is ongoing, but the structure is in place! Staff members Reed Gustafson, Don Lee, Wendy Mis, and Sue Dubb have been tireless in working with staff and residents to develop “what if” plans to be used in the event of pandemic flu, as well as natural and man-made disasters. We also have the skeleton of Colchester’s first Continuity of Operations Plan to ensure the continuation of government services in the face of any of the aforementioned.
In response to rising insurance costs, to ensure a safer work place, and in partnership with our insurance carrier, we instituted aggressive risk management strategies. To cut costs and to consolidate information in one easy to use format for residents, “The Colchester Connection” was created – combining events and activities from all Town departments into one easy to use tool.
On the financial front, taxes were held – first with a 0% mil increase, followed by a .64% increase the next year. At the same time, four bond issues were approved for much needed equipment (fire truck and ambulance) and capital improvements (Bacon Academy track and roads). Over $4 million in grants was applied for; we’ve been awarded over $250,000 for a variety of projects ranging from sidewalks to transportation for our seniors to funding Youth Center programs. The SAFER grant is allowing us to hire two full-time and two part-time fire fighters to cover night shifts to assist our volunteers in continuing their outstanding firefighting and EMT services to Colchester. In spite of these austere times, we were able to purchase and outfit three new police cruisers to ensure our officers’ safety on the
road.
We also began to accumulate information regarding additional areas to consolidate or create cost savings. One of those areas is our police department. From rough figures provided by the Resident Trooper program, Colchester could save upwards of $400,000 by going 100% resident trooper. However, there may be impacts on services and other non-financial benefits; something that the boards will have to address in the future.
Plans are in place, permits received, and funding available for the restructuring of the Mill Hill and Old Hartford Road intersection, as well as for the reclamation of the asphalt in front of the car dealer on South Main Street. Work is well underway at Federated Church and the Old Firehouse should be completed shortly.
These two years were also a time of “people” – involving more residents in your government. Through a concerted effort of attracting volunteers, our boards and commissions, which were having problems meeting because of lack of members, are fully operational. We began a very successful intern program in the First Selectman’s office and have seen successful completion of projects thanks to our interns and volunteers. Stronger partnerships have been formed with both United Community and Family Services and Thames Valley Council for Community Action – agencies that provide services to our families in most need. The Town of Colchester joined forces with the Board of Education and areas residents, service providers, and businesses to develop a “community-wide blueprint plan for our youngest
citizens and their families.” The synergy from this amazing group of people will ensure continued improvements for our children and families.
Last but not least, five union contracts were settled in the past two years – not a normal occurrence. Inheriting three unsettled contracts and addressing the two that were due during my term was a challenge. With the administrators’ union contract already in arbitration and, shortly thereafter, the police union choosing arbitration over mediation, the process was extremely enlightening. Interestingly I’ve heard numbers quoted of over $150,000 for arbitration fees for the police contract specifically. Thankfully, legal and arbitrator fees for the arbitration of that contract amounted to just at $42,000.
So, Colchester is rockin’ and rollin’! The mixed use and commercial developments along the Route 2 corridor are moving forward; the STEAP grant will allow us to effectively plan the water & sewer; it appears that the Stop & Shop development proposal will be accepted by the P&Z Commission bringing us 20,000 additional square feet of commercial space and approximately 15 jobs. The Galaxy shops are beginning to lease. Welcome to Quiznos and I understand that Bank of America will be a new tenant.
I wish the very best to whoever wins tomorrow. This is truly the best job in the world!
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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