First Selectman Weekly Update 5-29-2020

Hello North Stonington,

We hope everyone had a good week.

Monday 6/1 the Board of Finance has called a hearing to present and discuss the 2020/2021 budget. Many, many volunteers in staff have worked over the last few months to put this budget together. It is crucial that all interested participants attend and let their voices be heard on the budget. Please see this link https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/home/pages/north-stonington-annual-finance-public-hearing-june-1-600pm  for a copy of the budget and details on the call info. It will be held virtually through Zoom and people can attend either by phone or online. There will be plenty of time for public comments preceded by a short presentation on the budget by Board of Education Chairwoman Christine Wagner, Board of Finance Chairman Dan Spring, and myself. The hearing will begin at 6pm. Your opportunity to provide feedback on this budget is at the public hearing. All public is invited and encouraged to attend and participate. The hearing has been advertised in the paper, featured on Facebook, discussed on YouTube and in other public meetings. We ask everyone to pass the word along to their friends and neighbors on this important hearing for your town.

This week I had a chance to tour Foxwoods with other area leaders to view their COVID-19 safety protocols as they prepare to reopen Monday. For anyone who feels the need to venture out somewhere it is clear that Foxwoods is doing their part to keep the facility safe for patrons. It is opening only 25% of its space and only allowing that 25% to be utilized at 25% capacity. 1/3 of their employees will return to work Monday. The airflow system they have in place circulates the air 19 times per hour. Upon arriving you will be having your temperature taken and 6 foot distance protocols will be in place and masks will be required. I mention this because not only is Foxwoods one of the largest businesses which will attract visitors, but one of the largest employers around. I was convinced on the tour that leadership at Foxwoods is doing what they can to protect their patrons and their employees, many of whom are family. 

The highway crew was busy this week. The crew painted the new siding on a section of the Senior Center. Jersey barriers were installed at the highway garage for chip seal material. Potholes were repaired on Boombridge, Button, and Hangman Hill Roads. Mowing and tree trimming continued throughout town.  Maintenance work will continue on the Senior Center and John Dean Gallup House at Hewitt Farm. The drainage pipes will be looked at with the camera on Kingswood/Meadowwood for a routine inspection. It is worth mentioning the town has greatly benefitted from the State & Eversource tree crews working in tandem with our own crews to help take down many dead and dying trees throughout town. This tree work is provided with no budget impact to the town. Great job to Tree Warden Joe Rubino for continued work on the trees in town. 

At the Transfer Station we wanted to let everyone know that composting kits are available for anyone interested in purchasing one. Through Southeastern Resource Recovery’s subsidy, they are available at cost which is only $40.00. Composting is a way to help the planet and keep costs down to the town. We recorded a video this week with SCRRRA’s Winston Averill. Check the video out here... https://youtu.be/3ApIusL9CXw  

To wear or not wear a mask has certainly been a topic of discussion as of late. This week I sat down with Ledge Light Health District’s Nurse Practitioner Mary Day. The video quality didn’t come out fantastically but the audio is good and the content quite frankly is possibly lifesaving. Please watch the 6 minute video and consider sharing with any family or friends who have questions about wearing a mask… https://youtu.be/3FMoSULqxKE

Thanks to Emergency Management Director Gary Baron for distributing the protective equipment requested through the State of CT to eligible businesses throughout town. If you are a business who did not request equipment you needed, feel free to visit this site to see what is available to you free of charge https://www.ctcovidresponse.org/request-masks-for-ct-small-business?fbclid=IwAR300VVpQPV8SnR6xJkLx5A4IZflrwDX5gMy2vFrfbiYv3G19eZbdj1S30U 

An active group in town has formed to help renovate the playground at the Elementary school. They are working on a number of very exciting fundraisers throughout town to help with this initiative. Take a look at  www.milltownmonitor.com/playground to donate or get involved!

Today May 29th, from 1pm-2pm, please join Connecticut Children’s for a Families and Coronavirus Virtual Town Hall Meeting with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted families across our state.  Participants will hear an update from Senator Blumenthal on the steps the federal government is taking to help families through this challenging time. Connecticut Children’s will also provide an update on the many ways our health system is working to keep kids and families safe and sound during and after this pandemic. Following the speaking program, there will be a moderated Q&A session. All families are welcome to call in and participate, but registration is required by registering here.. https://connecticutchildrens.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SqVGrT0cS_2vv02hy-O1ww

Starting June 16, those residents who have a temporary pistol permit can make an appointment with Troop E to obtain their permit.  Click here to visit the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection website to schedule an appointment: https://portal.ct.gov/~/link.aspx?_id=83F8EDDB54DE4574BCDD40FC811EF93F&_z=z  For questions, call 860-848-6539

Thanks to everyone who has completed your 2020 Census. Thanks to everyone North Stonington is now at a 68.6% Census completion rate. For those who have yet to complete it, representatives for the 2020 Census will be in North Stonington for 3 weeks beginning May 26, 2020 to visit homes of residents who have PO Boxes.  They will be in a vehicle with 2020 Census signage. It is vital that we are able to count everyone so our State receives the Federal and local funding it needs. Let’s get to 70% completion by next week! 

We are so grateful to the North Stonington Lions Club members for decorating our town with all of the flags for Memorial Day! It was inspiring and patriotic on such a special day. We are very much looking forward to getting back to the parade in 2021 and with the ceremony to follow. 

The North Stonington Recreation Commission is presently in the process of organizing the seven week Summer Camp (mornings only) scheduled to start on Monday June 22nd.   This Summer Camp will follow safety guidelines recommended by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and the CDC.  There may be limited availability for this program due to Covid-19 social distancing restrictions so it is recommended that you register early to guarantee a spot. Visit northstoningtonrec.com for further details and / or to register.

Thanks to everyone for your continued patience and positivity during these tumultuous times. We will continue to get through it all together.

Have a great weekend,

Mike Urgo

First Selectman