Selectman’s Corner

by Matt Riiska

To say there’s a lot going on in Norfolk is an understatement. The Board of Finance has approved a budget that by the time you read this will have been reviewed at the budget hearing. The budget presented to the board had a 3.5 percent increase from the previous year, increasing the mil rate from 25.98 mils to 26.92 mils. As we did last year, where we reduced the budget by 1 mil because of our unknown future dealing with the ramifications of the Covid pandemic, this year we again worked to control spending for fiscal year 2021/22. With that said, we still need to maintain our infrastructure, something that we have not focused on for several years. All the budget work has been focused on keeping the mil rate as low as we can in anticipation of an increase for the fiscal year 2022/23 budget when we will need to bond for some major projects.

This year’s budget includes the costs for the preliminary engineering and design work for three projects. As we continue waiting for the Connecticut DOT to release funds for Mountain Road Bridge #1, we are completing the preliminary engineering work required to apply for funding for Mountain Road Bridge #2, located at Mountain Road and Westside Road.

Our second major project is the refurbishment of Maple Avenue. Although engineering work was done in 2008, the project was shelved for budgetary reasons. Engineering work is underway, with plans to start work in fiscal year 2022/23.

The third project is a new firehouse. Eleven years ago, a committee worked to develop drawings and a budget for a new firehouse. It was decided at that time that the cost was too great, and the project was put on hold. A firehouse building committee has been working since October to develop plans for this overdue project. The committee is currently interviewing architects and will be choosing one by June. The 2021/22 budget includes $125,000 for architectural fees. The timeline created by the committee calls for plans ready to send out for construction quotes by the end of the year. 

The annual town meeting for the town’s acceptance of the budget is scheduled for Monday, May 10 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held both in person at Botelle and via Zoom.

Other projects are the continuing work of the relining of the sewer lines, which should be completed by July, and the replacing of the water main from Route 44 south on Route 272. This work, scheduled to be completed by the end of July, will be followed by the repaving of Route 272 from Route 44 to Bruey Road. The Public Works Department will be reconditioning Old Colebrook, a much-needed project, as well as chip sealing Grantville Road, Loon Meadow Drive and a portion of Doolittle Drive.  

The town, as required by the state of Connecticut, is developing an affordable housing plan. There will be a community forum to discuss this via Zoom on Monday, May 24, at 7 p.m. Topics will include:

• Why are we developing a town affordable housing plan?  
• What types of housing does Norfolk need? 
• What do Norfolk residents say about their housing needs?
• What does affordable housing in NWCT look like? 
• What’s next? How can I provide feedback on this housing plan?

Please take the five-minute online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/HousingNORFOLK today! 

Now that we have all the business out of the way, Mike Cobb is organizing a concert to benefit the Botelle School sixth grade. The pass-the-hat concert will be held at City Meadow. The musicians will set up on the deck in City Meadow, and the public will be able to socially distance on the boardwalk and sit on the wall at Station Place. Social distancing and masks are still the norm, but at least we will be able to get out and enjoy some good music and see our friends and neighbors. Look for more information about the concert in Norfolk Now and on the town website.

Take care & stay healthy.