Selectmen’s Corner

By Matt Riiska

I think we are all relieved that 2020 is ending and are looking forward to what we hope will truly be happy new year.

Our list of maintenance and road improvement projects for 2021 is long. Projects for next summer include the paving of North Colebrook Road, chip sealing of Loon Meadow Drive and Doolittle Drive from Ashpohtag Road to Green Road and the repairing of some of our dirt roads. 

It was recently suggested to me that I update everyone on the number of projects that we are working on and what the financial impact will be on the town. I have mentioned many of these before, so I will try to provide the Reader’s Digest condensed version.

Blackberry River bridge: We are currently in the engineering portion of the project. Two years ago we set aside $283,000, of which 80 percent will be reimbursed by the federal government. The engineering work will be completed by next fall when the construction phase will go out to bid. The estimated cost for construction will be $1.6 million. Norfolk’s portion will be $320,000.

Mountain Road bridge: We are currently waiting for the DOT to release the funds. The engineering work is complete and we have selected the contractor. The construction cost will be $620,000, with the town’s portion being $310,000. We are hoping to hear about funding by the end of December, with construction starting in the spring.

Maple Avenue refurbishment: Engineering work for this project is being reviewed. Estimates for the work range from $1.5 million to $2.1 million.

Sidewalks: Are sidewalks necessary from Town Hall to Laurel Way? I am looking for your opinion. Let me know. We will include sidewalks from Route 44 to Town Hall, but I am trying to see what the cost reduction would be if we did not include them to Laurel Way. This is not a simple repaving project. We would need to remove the asphalt, regrade, add needed drainage and repair all the catch basins. 

New Firehouse: I cannot express how important this is. The Firehouse Building Committee has met twice. No one is looking to build the Taj Mahal. We are looking for a safe, functional building that meets the needs of the fire department, while still being aesthetically pleasing.  We would like to cap the cost at $3 million.

Botelle School oil tank: We are in the process of applying for a grant from the Connecticut School Construction Grant Program. Our plan is to replace the tank next summer. Estimated cost is $180,000, with the town’s portion being $144,000 (80 percent).

Botelle School roof: We are currently working with an engineer on what our options are. Although we are in the early stages of looking into this project, a rough estimate would be $600,000 to $900,000. Portions of the school roof are 25-30 years old. 

Broadband: The Broadband Committee has been working hard over the past few months to develop a plan and a cost estimate to present to the Board of Finance (BoF) in early 2021. This plan will allow the BoF to understand the financial impact a town-wide broadband system will have on our taxes. This plan needs to be considered. We have learned during the coronavirus pandemic that the ability for individuals to work, learn and communicate efficiently from home is a service that will only become more important in the future.

The projects noted are not just wish list items. The repairs to much of our infrastructure in Norfolk have been pushed aside for many years. Whether it is a new bridge, a school roof, a firehouse or broadband, we are planning for the future.

We all look for things that we want to change in our lives for the new year. I am continually amazed by the number of hours so many devote to the boards, commissions, committees and service groups in Norfolk. I am thankful for all the work they do. To help lighten the load, we are looking for more volunteers. To everyone who has recently moved to Norfolk and to those who have been here for a while and want to get more involved in the community, we can always use your help. I always hear how busy everyone is and how little time they have for community service, but those that want to make our small community better manage to find the time. A few hours a month can make a big impact. So, for your New Year’s resolution think about volunteering. 

Have a great holiday, take care and stay healthy.