Julie Graeter

The Town Plan serves as the vision document and long-term roadmap for the Town of Colchester. It provides guidance for the community's goals regarding land use, natural and cultural resources, parks and recreation, energy, transportation, economic development, and municipal services. The plan establishes a framework for development regulations and future land use, aiming to comply with state requirements, including environmental justice planning (Act 154, 2022) and housing growth targets and affordability planning (Act 47, 2023). Furthermore, it enables the town to qualify for various state and federal programs and to collect impact fees.

The primary discussion focused on initiating a jigsaw puzzle as a potential fundraiser, featuring a historic Colchester site. The Board approved the creation of a first edition puzzle depicting the Colchester Village Green, authorizing an expenditure of approximately $300.00 for the production of 24 units, which will be sold for $25.00 each. The organization also received a request from a Saint Michael's College history professor to have volunteers accompany her students on self-guided driving tours to discuss historical sites. The Board President agreed to coordinate this outreach opportunity.

This document outlines the strategic priorities and future plans for the Town of Colchester for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and beyond. It focuses on enhancing public services and community welfare through departmental initiatives in economic development, public safety, infrastructure, fiscal management, and operational efficiency. Key areas include business support, recruitment and training for emergency services, capital improvements for roads and facilities, responsible financial practices, and expanded community programming. The plan emphasizes long-term vision, fiscal sustainability, and community engagement to address both current needs and future growth.

This document details the Town of Colchester's stormwater fee-funded projects from 2018 to 2025. Key initiatives include the replacement and lining of culverts and pipes, catch basin replacements, and comprehensive infrastructure condition assessments. A significant focus is placed on reducing phosphorus loading into Lake Champlain and Mallets Bay through outfall upgrades, gravel wetland ponds, and subsurface treatment chambers, alongside addressing 3-acre permitting regulations and general municipal road improvements to mitigate erosion and sediment runoff.

This document outlines the reauthorization of the Public Safety Capital Plan for the Town of Colchester. The plan aims to provide consistent, multi-year funding for specialized equipment needs for the Rescue, Technical Rescue, and Police Departments. Guided by core values such as public safety, service delivery, investment, efficiency, and cost reduction, the plan establishes a financial structure involving an annual funding of $30,750 over a five-year period to support deliberate equipment replacement and avoid tax spikes.