North Stonington weekly update 9.25.2020- Governor’s update effective October 8th, Board of Education school reopening updates, sign up for the Hocus Pocus Challenge, and more!
Happy Friday North Stonington!
A very busy week comes to a close here in our beautiful little town!
The Board of Education met this week and reviewed the current and future plans for school in this COVID environment. Both administration and teachers were recognized for their extraordinary efforts with the kids right now. It is especially challenging for the littlest learners and teachers in the hybrid environment. The BOE reopening task force will meet next week and will discuss potential changes. The eye is toward the safety of everyone using the lens of science as our guide. It is important that everyone stays safe but we are also able to deliver the high level of education we have come to appreciate here at Wheeler and North Stonington Elementary schools. More to come in the coming weeks.
Are you a Halloween decorator? If so the North Stonington PTO has a challenge for you. Enter the Hocus Pocus Challenge to be entered in this fun decorating contest! Details are listed on this flyer. Email dantana32@yahoo.com for more information. The deadline to enter is just over a week away!
In other Halloween news, there will be a new annual Halloween light parade taking place on October 30th! If you are interested in participating, email NSLightParade@gmail.com .
The Water Pollution Control Authority had a meeting where they were joined by representatives from the State Department of Health to discuss expansion of a water line in our industrial zone and long term planning for wells and water system in the exit 92 area. We have two business owners in need of this in the immediate future and it is important the town is forward thinking regarding water supply in the area to be sure we are planning thoughtfully prior to development. This will be further discussed at future Board of Selectmen’s meetings.
Speaking of meetings, we have continued to hold regular meetings of all Boards and Commissions over the last several months in a virtual environment. We would encourage all residents to sign up for news at our website pictured below. It’s a great way to stay informed of town happenings. If you see a meeting that interests you, simply call in or sign onto zoom to participate.
We are currently seeking a few new volunteers on some Boards and Commissions. If you feel you would be able to serve on any of these groups, please check out the committee descriptions at www.northstoningtonct.gov, go to one of their meetings, and then fill out the committee application https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4806/f/uploads/application_for_boards_and_commission_writeable.pdf and return to townclerk@northstoningtonct.gov. Thanks in advance for considering! (some committees should be either independent/unaffiliated or of a certain party due to minority representation requirements on some boards)
- Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate – Republican vacancy
- Affordable Housing Committee – 10 vacancies
- Hewitt Farm Committee Alternate – 1 vacancy
- Inland Wetlands Commission – 1 vacancy
- Recreation Commission – 1 vacancy
This week a meeting took place with the highway crew to talk about projects and future initiatives. It was discussed that the swap shed at our transfer station is becoming a bit of a dumping ground for items that are not worthy of “swapping”. This shed is meant for folks to leave things that may have a reuse for others. If something is put in there, please make sure it is worthy of being left and not just a box or bag of junk. Additionally masks must be worn in the shed (and anywhere at the Transfer Station) and visitors are limited to 5 minutes in the shed. There should not be people hanging around by the shed for long periods of time. We are hoping we will be able to fix these issues so the shed does not have to be closed.
Finally, the Governor yesterday that he plans to ease some additional restrictions effective October 8th.
Business changes in Phase 3 will include:
- Increase from 50 percent to 75 percent capacity indoors – subject to COVID-19 safety requirements – for restaurants, personal services, hair salons, barber shops, and libraries;
- Outdoor event venues (e.g. amphitheaters, race tracks, etc.) will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements;
- Indoor performing arts venues will be able to open at 50 percent capacity with masks and social distancing requirements; and
- Bars and nightclubs will continue to remain closed.
In addition, Phase 3 also includes the following changes to the sizes of gatherings:
While the numbers to continue to look good in CT, it has much to do with many people taking the virus seriously. Continue to be vigilant and wear a mask when 6 feet distance can’t be kept.
Have a great week!
Mike Urgo First Selectman