First Selectman Weekly Update 6-12-2020
Hello North Stonington,
Another busy week comes to a close in town.
The numbers continue to decline in our area as it relates to Coronavirus which is great news. Recent communication from Ledgelight Health District outlines this but the message is clear, we must continue to be diligent. If you cannot keep 6 feet distance from others please wear a mask. In most areas around the country which reopened we are seeing increases in hospitalizations and cases. Mary Day from Ledgelight Health District recently visited with us to give us the facts on masks. The video quality isn’t great but the audio is and the information may just be lifesaving…https://youtu.be/3FMoSULqxKE
Our Highway crew remains busy as the grass keeps growing and the work never ends on our 60 miles of roads here in town. This week trees were cut on Northwest Corner and Wyassup Lake. The Senior Center bus was sanded and painted, and new stickers were installed. Mowing continued throughout town. We also marked out 6 foot waiting lines for the Town Hall which remains open by appointment.
Those in need of a 90 day tax deferment due to COVID-19 circumstances may request this by filling out the following form…
https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/tax-collector/pages/covid-19-deferral-application
The form can be mailed, faxed, or dropped off at our drop box outside the town hall.
This week our boards were once again busy working on your behalf. The Board of Finance this week voted to create a “non lapsing account” so the Board of Education may put any excess funds from their approved budgets up to 2% of their annual budget. This account will have Board of Finance oversight and allows the Board of Education to be more strategic about future purchasing and spending vs. having to spend monies prior to fiscal year end. The Board of Selectmen approved putting a Request for Proposals out which will look for a consultant to assess staffing and efficiencies in our town to include all departments. We are excited to have data to help drive future decisions in our town and look forward to seeing what kinds of proposals we receive for this work. Once proposals are received we will analyze them and decide if a contract for the work can be awarded.
We continue to have areas beautified in town. A very special thanks to the North Stonington Garden Club who goes above and beyond to keep our town beautiful. They maintain the Town Hall and the Village Green among other locations. We are so thankful for their efforts. Do you know somewhere or something that is recently or seasonally beautified in town? Email us at selectman@northstoningtonct.gov with a picture and description so we can feature it in our weekly update.
Phase 2 of business reopening happens next Thursday. For a list of those business types as well as the rules and regulations associated see this link…
The Rec Commission will be running the Summer Playground Kiddie Camp this summer following all safety guidelines recommended by the Office of Early Childhood and the CDC. Camp Director Lori Umphlett put together some answers to Frequently Asked Questions for parents…https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/home/news/questions-and-answers-about-nosto-summer-playground-camp
Wheeler has put forth a very unique and exciting graduation plan for our 2020 graduates! “Graduates on Parade” is planned for 6pm Graduates on June 18, 2020.
The Parade Route is as follows:
- Enter Wheeler at stoplight by new elementary school and drive to back of building and circle around to front
- Exit Wheeler at tunnel and cross to NSES (old MS/HS) and drive around back and exit to street towards Wheeler Library.
- Drive past library, church and turn right at Brewery. Exit to RT
- You will see groups of 5 Graduates along the parade. The entire community is invited to participate!
- If you are driving through the area during this time expect commuting delays and detours.
Boombridge bridge is coming along! As of last weekends some footings were in and the old bridge is gone. We are very much looking forward to completion of the project by November this year.
Finally, North Stonington will be chasing “Silver” this year as a SustainableCT community. Last year we were honored to receive the Bronze certification for SustainableCT. Participation in this program helps highlight areas of opportunity for Sustainability in our area while also showing the great work our town is doing to be ecofriendly. Additionally there are grant opportunities available for those municipalities who are certified.
That’s it for today. We hope everyone has a great weekend!
Mike Urgo