First Selectman Weekly Update 5-22-2020
Hello North Stonington,
A busy week comes to a close here in town once again.
It is with sad news I start the update this week. You may have read North Stonington had its first casualty of COVID-19. Elva Graveline a 52-year-old nurse’s aide working at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital has died of COVID-19, the first reported death of a hospital staff member in Southeastern Connecticut. While it is not unexpected to experience loss here in town it is still not easy to bear. Our thanks are to Elva and her family for her service to her community. We offer our prayers for her surviving family.
This loss serves as a stark reminder. Though restrictions loosen it is important that we all realize the virus has not disappeared. I would urge everyone to take care of yourselves and your neighbor and if you do venture out to please wear masks as is required in public areas. As has been stated previously, you yourself maybe asymptomatic with this virus and come in contact with someone who is seriously affected by it. If you don't have a mask, consider seeing this link from the CDC on a very simple way to make one https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/DIY-cloth-face-covering-instructions.pdf
Phase one of reopening CT began Wednesday. Some of our most beloved businesses in town had remained open with modified operations. You may notice as you drive through the village, accommodations have been made to help the Village Café and Shunock Brewery so they can have some outdoor seating. Town Planner and Economic Development officer Juliet Hodge, Building Official Tim Brennan, & Ledge Light Health District have been busy working with local businesses like this to be sure they are able to have success under the phase one opening criteria. Please consider visiting one of our local restaurants and eateries if even only for takeout if you are able to.
Speaking of businesses, you may have seen some who have been recently making improvements. Red Onion Pizzza is gearing up to reopen right next door to their former location at 240 Norwich Westerly Road. Kady’s Farmstand has expanded and is finishing up work to expand their offerings, Mike Silvia continues renovations and landscaping at the rental units at the Rotary. North Stonington truly appreciates these investments in their business and our local community!
The highway crew has been quite busy over the last couple of weeks. Some paving took place on Babcock. Potholes were filled on Reutemann, Wyassup Lake, Babcock, & North Anguilla. Crack sealing was done on Puttker Road. Some siding was replaced at the Senior Center. At the recreation center the tennis backboard was painted. The cemetery off of 184 was cleared of some trees and brush. Mowing and tree trimming continue throughout town. You may have noticed that the new mower has been out on the road and is working very well for the town.
At the Town Hall things continue to be busy as always. If you are in need of any assistance you can always call or make an appointment to see us. You may have seen yesterday that our long-awaited phone system upgrade to our 27 year old phone system was completed. For a list of extensions and directories take a look here:
https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/departments
https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/boards
Thanks to Jim Russell our IT Manager for making this phone upgrade a seamless transition.
With Earth Day having celebrated 50 years last month we have been talking about ways to continue to step up initiatives on taking care of our planet. This week I was joined by Winston Averill from Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resource Recovery Authority to talk about composting. Its something everyone can do to make an immediate ecological impact and saves the town taxpayers money. See our composting video here…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ApIusL9CXw&feature=youtu.be
Approximately 68% of North Stonington has filled out their 2020 CENSUS information. We are needing everyone to do this asap so we are allocated the appropriate funding as a State, County, and Town. Please go to www.2020census.gov and follow the instructions to fill it out. It takes only minutes and will ultimately help to keep funding coming our way with tax dollars you pay to the federal government.
We are happy to report the interior painting has been completed at the John Dean Gallup House at Hewitt Farm is complete. We have advertised an opportunity for individuals and entities to submit their interest in renting the house. Please see a copy of the RFP here and if you know of a business or entity that might be a good fit for this historic property in our town please pass it along…https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/home/bids/rfp-rent-and-upkeep-john-dean-gallup-house
The Board of Finance has moved the Town and School budgets to a hearing which will take place at 6pm June 1st, 2020 virtually. Please call town hall or see our website as the date approaches for the login information. You may participate via phone or computer in the hearing. Here is a link to the proposed budget for your convenience… Click Here for the proposed budget. If you are interested in a paper copy please call the Selectman’s office during business hours and we will be happy to provide you with a copy. We are very much looking forward to hearing from the public on the budget being put forth for consideration.
Finally, we hope everyone takes some time this weekend to reflect on the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom this Memorial Day. Though we may not be able to celebrate with parades together, we may take our own moments of silence to reflect on the great sacrifices shown in our country’s long history.
Have a great weekend,
Mike Urgo
First Selectman