#Middlebury #COVID19 #Coronavirus
The Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department ladder truck, part of a parade of Middlebury first responder vehicles, travels down a street in the Brookside subdivision. Abby and Justin Arnauckas, right, show their appreciation by waving an American flag. (Terrence McAuliffe photo)
By MARJORIE NEEDHAM
Middlebury First Selectman Edward B. St. John updated this newspaper just before press time on how the town continues to handle the challenges presented by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s executive orders have town offices operating but closed to the public except for by appointment, town meetings usually open to the public now accessible online, essential businesses open (some for takeout orders only) and nonessential businesses locked up tight. The governor also closed all schools and colleges, so students are participating in online learning from home while many parents who normally would travel to work are now working from home.
St. John said he thought having the town’s first responders drive through town neighborhoods (see photo above) during this time was really helpful. “I think it’s a wonderful thing, he said. “It’s reaching out to our residents and showing them our fire department is there for them along with the police department and emergency medical technicians.” He said residents seem to really appreciate the drive-throughs.
In turn, residents are showing their support for first responders and medical personnel by placing “Thank You to Our Heroes” signs in their yards. St. John said Brandon Dufour provided 100 free signs to residents, and now you see them all around town.
With town closings in their second month, St. John said he remained hopeful everyday life here would eventually get back to normal. The Memorial Day parade had to be canceled, but he said the town still plans to do something to recognize the holiday.
Memorial Day weekend usually kicks of the summer season at the Middlebury Recreation Area (MRA). Asked about the MRA opening this year, St. John said no decision has yet been made on that. “My very strong feeling is that it be opened in a safe manner,” he said. “There’s no reason people can’t practice safe social separation,” He said he is to meet with Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Ron Clark to discuss how best to proceed with that department’s programs and events.
A new Parks and Rec director, Betsy E. Anderson, was appointed at the April 20 Board of Selectmen meeting. She will take over for retiring Director Betty Proulx, who left April 30, but Anderson’s start date has not yet been determined. St. John said the town is not filling any vacant budgeted positions right now. As for the current town employees, he said none have been laid off, furloughed or had their hours cut.
St. John said he is hopeful Celebrate Middlebury, a fall event, will take place, and he is moving forward with that. “We will gradually take one step at a time and get back to normal,” he said.
As one of those steps, he said the selectmen will gather in the Town Hall Conference room for the next board meeting, carefully maintaining at least a 6-foot distance from each other. They have been meeting remotely via Zoom. Residents still will be able to sign in on Zoom to watch the meeting and comment if they wish.
When businesses will begin to reopen had not yet been determined at press time. But a concern for municipalities, including Middlebury, is whether taxpayers and businesses affected by the closings and layoffs will be able to pay their taxes due to the town.
St. John had previously mentioned the town might offer taxpayers an opportunity to pay taxes in four payments rather than the usual two, the first of which is due July 1. He said he also is looking at options such as a reduced interest rate on late payments and deferment of payments. He said the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance (BoF) will jointly decide on the best course to take, most likely at the BoF meeting May 13.
Timely tax payments are important for the town’s cash flow. St. John said cash flow during the months of July, August and September are his main concern and he is working with Chief Financial Officer Robin Stanziale to address that issue. “We’re looking at all our options,” he said. “We want to make it easier for residents and businesses to pay (their taxes).”
As residents weather the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, St. John encouraged them to do what they can to support restaurants offering takeout. “I try to give business to every one of them,” he said, noting they seem to have their heads above water.
He said he is very concerned about the businesses that have had to close completely and hopes they will soon be able to reopen, one step at a time. “We’ve got to get our economy going again,” he said.
He said it’s likely things moving forward will be done much as they are being done in grocery stores now, with Plexiglas barriers between customers and those serving them. “This is a different world we live in now,” he said.
He remained optimistic about the future saying, “I think we have lots of opportunities to really get going and I think we’ll be really fine going forward.”
He added it’s really important right now to try to find some humor in our situation. With everyone stuck at home, he said, “We need a vaccine – a vaccine for cabin fever is critical.”
Editor’s note: Since this article was published, Gov. Ned Lamont has indicated some businesses will likely be allowed to reopen May 20.
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