North Stonington Weekly Update 4.30.2021 – EDC/Chamber Resources for Businesses, Return to In-Person Board Meetings, Highway Updates and More
Happy Friday everyone,
On Monday our Economic Development Commission and the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a roundtable for local businesses. During this meeting a great deal of resources for business owners were discussed. We would encourage any business owner to watch this roundtable discussion to hear what opportunities might be out there for you should you need assistance as we progress forward from the pandemic. Here is the link to the broadcast https://youtu.be/02MA0S3Q2Rg.
There have been many factors determining our return to in-person board and commission meetings. At this time signs are pointing to us being able to do so with the virus beginning to subside and vaccinations increasing. The school is currently utilizing both of our larger spaces at the Education Center for band and chorus to continue with proper distancing for students and staff. Our goal is to set up the media center at the Education Center with all of the technology and equipment needed for meetings to regularly take place there. Our plan is to return to in-person meetings June 14th once school gets out. We also plan to continue with remote participation options which have become so popular during the pandemic.
This week the town submitted our grant application for historic preservation funding for the John Dean Gallup House at Hewitt Farm. As you may recall, we recently did a feasibility assessment of the property and catalogued the repair needs of this historic property. We are now looking to work to make some of the repairs to the property using a grant match. We are also looking to get firm pricing as part of this grant for the necessary repairs. Also on the grant front, we are awaiting word on the grant application we submitted for “earmark” funds to help make repairs to the Education Center as detailed in a previous update. We are hopeful this grant will come through and look forward to updating everyone once we have news. We appreciate all of the efforts of our town Grant Writer on these initiatives.
The Board of Finance has moved forward the budget for consideration for the Town. Now the Board of Selectmen will call a Town Meeting to review the budget. Once the Town meeting is called the budget will then go to a referendum vote. More to come on the Town meeting date/time/place.
This week the highway crew filled potholes around town. Street sweeping took place on Hangman, Grindstone, Fowler, and Putker Roads. New supports were built for the compactor structure at the Transfer Station. Speed bumps were installed on Billings Road. The town helped the school hang banners, took down the broken basketball hoop at the rec, and installed the new tennis net. Stop bars and crosswalks were painted. Mowing took place on properties throughout town.
Next week we will be working on some tree trimming throughout town. Street sweeping, painting stop bars, and crack sealing will also continue. New tires will be mounted on the skid steer. Mowing will continue.
COVID-19 cases are leveling off. We would highly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. The chance of becoming seriously ill from this virus is greatly reduced if you are vaccinated. Appointments for the vaccine are becoming more easily available with Foxwoods now starting to take walk-ins.
As a reminder it will not be long before local elections will take place here in North Stonington. Many positions are up for election and we need dedicated people to help serve the Town. If you have any questions about how to get involved please contact the Town Clerk for information at townclerk@northstoningtonct.gov. Here is a list of offices that will be up for election https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4806/f/uploads/list_of_offices_for_nov_2_2021_town_election-north_stonington.pdf (in addition there will be a change based on the last Town Meeting to how we elect Selectmen candidates)
That’s it for today, have a great weekend!
Mike Urgo