First Selectmen Weekly Update 6-19-2020
Hello North Stonington,
Another busy week wraps up here in North Stonington!
This week the Governor came to town! Thanks to Jonathan Edwards for hosting him at the winery and talking about all of the great things North Stonington is up to. It was a beautiful day to see our town and one of the most picturesque places J!
Tax bills will soon be mailed. 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. All forms must be received by July 1.
The highway crew was busy this week. Paving of Meadow Wood Drive began on Thursday. The highway crew re-roofed the storage shed at the Highway Garage which saved the town approximately $5,000.00 vs. the bids received if we had a roofer do the work. Mowing and tree work continues throughout town.
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 The first week of camp starts Monday, so sign up today!
Our schools have been very busy with end of the year celebrations. Promotion parades have been happening this week and we are so thankful for our parents understanding and teachers willingness to modify their lesson planning during these crazy times. Congrats to all of our students for their hard work this year! Wheeler Graduation took place in a special and unique way this year with our “Graduates on Parade”! Great work to the Wheeler High team for putting together a fantastic ceremony and creative experience for the class of 2020!
Our own North Stonington Volunteer Fire Company is celebrating 75 years of serving our community this year! We are so thankful for the many years they have protected us here in town! Thanks to everyone past and present to those who volunteer their time and talents!
69% of North Stonington has filled out the 2020 CENSUS information. The Government uses this information to determine distribution of funding so it is imperative everyone fills this out. Visit https://2020census.gov/ today to fill out the census. It takes only minutes and helps to keep funding in place. Help get us above 70% by next week.
There are several committees in town that are in need of a few good volunteers. Board of Finance, Affordable Housing, & Inland Wetlands have openings. If you have interest in serving we would truly appreciate you stepping forth. After looking at the town’s website for a description of the committee, or attending their meetings, feel free to fill out the application form if you are interested in serving. https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4806/f/uploads/application_for_boards_and_commission_writeable.pdf
This week the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments 21 Mayors, First Selectmen, & Health Directors put out a joint press release to make sure we remain vigilant in the face of COVID-19. Though are numbers continue to fall here locally, we do not want to see a spike or resurgence. We recognize early on with the virus there was mixed messaging about masks but that was due to limited availability and the CDC wanting to make sure front line workers had an adequate supply. It is imperative that everyone protects themselves and their neighbors when they are out and distance can’t be kept. Here is a copy of the press release…
Press Release- For immediate release to area newspapers
Area CEOs, Mayors, First Selectmen, & Health Directors say- Please wear a mask when distance can’t be kept.
The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments along with area Health Districts are asking everyone to wear a mask when 6 feet of distance cannot be kept. The 22 municipal leaders and three directors of Ledge Light Health District, Uncas Health District, and Chatham Health District issued the following statement:
“We are seeing a rise in cases around the globe where reopening is happening. Combine that with the recent protests and there is continued risk of COVID-19 spreading. Leadership at the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments-- made up of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents-- all agree, wearing a mask is not a political issue, it is a lifesaving one.”
With most businesses opening throughout the State during phase 2 of reopening, Connecticut leaders want to make sure local businesses are supported in keeping themselves and patrons safe. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
That’s it for today, have a great week!
Mike Urgo
First Selectman