by Matt Riiska

At the request of the Board of Finance (BOF), we have formed a Fiber Optics Study Committee. The BOF has asked the committee to provide information on the development of a fiber optics network in Norfolk. They are to include structure, management, and costs. The committee includes Kim Maxwell, Bill Brown, Libby Borden, Nina Ritson, John DeShazo, Brett Robbins, Jim Jasper, and Paul Chaplinsky. The committee will present the information to the BOF for their preparation of the 2021/2022 budget. The committee is planning on holding an informational meeting in March. Costs will be reviewed at the budget hearing at the end of April and then will be voted on at May’s annual town meeting. Considering our current situation with the Corona virus, committee meetings are held via Zoom. Upcoming meetings will be posted on the town website.

Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 3^.  Absentee ballots are available for those who cannot get to the polls by contacting the town clerk’s office. We are also looking for poll workers. If you are interested in being a poll worker, please contact the selectmen’s office at 860-542-5829.

As I have mentioned many times in the past, we have numerous infrastructure projects that need to be addressed. One of those projects is a new fire house. Our Fire House Committee will be meeting in mid-October. The fire department’s internal committee has presented plans that will meet the needs of the department while being cognizant of the budget. Currently the plan is to create a new space for the trucks and equipment and to refurbish the existing building for meeting and training area, offices, and other needed spaces. This is a project that is overdue and needed for many reasons.

Fall is here. Get out and go for a walk in one of our state parks or on the miles of land trust trails. Fall is a beautiful time in Norfolk. 

Take care & stay healthy.