Greetings from Colebrook Town Hall.
Earlier this week, the Boards of Finance and Selectmen met with the Board of Education to discuss the Colebrook Consolidated School HVAC project. The objective was to learn how the project has evolved since its 2022 referendum approval—and discuss the total Town investment required, timeline and anticipated cashflow. Learn more here.
Changes to the project since the November 2022 Town Hearing necessary to adhere to the approved budget include:
- Removal of proposed new HVAC from the CCS multi-purpose room
- Introduction of gas-condensing boilers
- Limiting air conditioning to library and administration
- Limiting controls to heating/ventilation
- Utilizing Colebrook Department of Public Works for site work
Despite these modifications, the Board of Ed believes this project is still consistent with its original intent—and the State has re-confirmed the reimbursement rate to which we are entitled. The Boards of Finance and Selectmen will meet again next Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to consider acceptance of a bid by Sav-Mor Cooling and Heating.
Last week, the Board of Finance approved a 3.6% reduction in the Mill rate to 32.00. The impact for a property assessed at $250,000 will be a reduction in annual real estate taxes assessed from $8,300 to $8,000. On Monday, the Board of Selectmen voted to take the proposed fiscal year 2024/25 budget to referendum on Tuesday, May 7th. Voting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Last Sunday, a packed Town Hall meeting room heard a special presentation previewing this year’s Colebrook Historical Society’s 2024 exhibit, “Rediscovering Colebrook River, the Town that Disappeared.” The exhibit will also include a focus on Colebrook’s 11 historic one-room schoolhouses—and will debut on Sunday, June 2nd. More details to come in the weeks ahead.
The Colebrook Land Conservancy has opened a new hiking trail in Town for public use. Located on the Colebrook Land Conservancy’s Sandy Brook Forest Preserve in North Colebrook, the Sandy Brook Trail is a 1.5 milelong loop where the elevation rises from about 1050 feet to about 1150 feet. The trail is categorized as a medium level of difficulty. Trail guides are available at the trailhead, which is on Beech Hill Road on the left just after the turn via the Sandy Brook Road bridge. Park in the grassy area off the road. Learn more here.
Join us for breakfast at the Community & Senior Center on Tuesdays from 8-9:30 a.m. It’s a great menu, and the price is only $5.
The Community & Senior Center is looking for volunteers to call Bingo on Tuesday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. You can sign up here, or contact the Center at seniordirector@colebrooktownhall.org.
Next Tuesday (April 30th) is the deadline to apply for a Colebrook Associates 2024 Scholarship.
Upcoming Town events:
Saturday is Colebrook Clean Up Day. Pick up large garbage bags at Colebrook Town Hall, second floor Meeting Room from 9 a.m. to noon. Filled garbage bags will be picked up along Town roads on Monday.
The Colebrook Board of Recreation and the Town will host a Kids Fishing Derby on Sunday, May 19th, at the Colebrook Town Pond. Registration is at 8 a.m. Lines in water at 9 a.m., with fishing from 9-11 a.m. This is a free event. Food will be available. Live bait only. Prizes will be awarded.
Upcoming municipal board meetings:
Board of Finance/Board of Selectmen – Thursday, May 2nd, at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. (Upstairs Meeting Room) – to consider action on the CCS HVAC project.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org, or call me at 860.379.3359, extension 202.
Cordially,
Brad
Brad Bremer
Colebrook First Selectman
860.379.3359 ext. 202
