Town of Fairfield News
9/25/2020 - 9.25 TOWN UPDATE
Happy Fall Fairfielders,
It's hard to believe September is nearly gone. Schools are adjusting to part-time
in-person learning and our teachers and school administrators are working hard to provide ways to reach students virtually.
We have all adjusted our lives in so many ways. I continue to be proud that the majority of our residents and businesses are following the guidelines, but it only takes several incidents to have a negative impact on our Town's transmission rate. I know all of us are experiencing pandemic fatigue. I do however want to reemphasize to our residents the importance of wearing a face covering if you are unable to maintain a 6 foot distance from others while in public to help keep our community transmission low.
I've said it from the beginning, we are all in this together! |
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COVID-19 UPDATE:
The Town of Fairfield has 808 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 145 of our residents have sadly lost their lives. Of the 808 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 376 have reported that they have fully recovered and 221 are assumed recovered.
Charts and data on Fairfield cases including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing results, and different trends can be found at https://www.fairfieldct.org/covid19data. The Health Department updates this page daily. |
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Schools
This week, the Health Department became aware of several gatherings of high school students over the weekend.Associated withthese gatherings there have been 11 confirmed positive cases atFairfield Ludlowe High School and 3 confirmed at Fairfield Prep. In addition, over 80 close contacts, including family members, friends, and classmates have been asked to quarantine. As the investigation and contact tracing continues, these numbers mayincrease.
I know it can be challenging to follow the CDC guidelines 24 hours a day, every day, but I do know how important it is for all of us that we maintain the gains we’ve made over these last several months. I also know our school age parents are concerned given the recent news of positive cases in our high school population. I am calling on our community to recommit to the protocols so that we can keep each other safe.
The Health Department created theCOVID-19 SchoolData page, which details the school related metrics and is updated each week as the State releases the data. The Fairfield Board of Education also has a dashboard on their homepage at https://www.fairfieldschools.org/.
Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent Mike Cummings sent an email to parents today regarding the school district’s decision to remain in the hybrid model at this time. You can read the email here.
The Universities are both seeing an increase in cases and are taking measures to ensure students that are ill are properly isolating and having their needs met and those they have been in contact with are in quarantine. While the universities are providing separate isolation and quarantine facilities, many students are electing to return home.
Our Police Department, Health Department and my office are in regular communication with both Universities about the steps they are taking, the measures they have in place and their contact tracing protocols.
The Universities each have websites with updated information on their testing, which can be found here:
Fairfield University's Dashboard
Sacred Heart University's Dashboard
Contact Tracing
One of the key tools we have to contain the spread of COVID-19 is Contact Tracing. For this initiative to be successful, the Health Department needs the cooperation of residents who test positive for COVID-19. Both Universities were trained and assisted by our Health Department to manage their own contact tracing for their respective campuses.
The primary purpose of contact tracing is to identify and notify direct contacts of confirmed cases as quickly as possible and to ensure those exposed are self-quarantining. The information provided in the interviews with confirmed cases helps reduce the potential spread of the virus in our community.
Any Fairfield resident who tests positive for COVID-19 and has not received a phone call from the Fairfield Health Department or the Connecticut COVID Tracing system within 24 hours of receiving their result is urged to contact the Fairfield Health Department at 203-256-3022.
Announcement from Governor Lamont Regarding Reopening the State
Governor Lamont has announced Phase 3 Reopening on October 8th.
Business changes in Phase 3 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:
Supporting Our Local Businesses
We are very happy to report that we have not seen a spike in COVID cases since businesses have reopened thanks to all of you. It serves as evidence that if we follow appropriate guidelines, we can patronize local businesses safely. Please continue to take advantage of our wonderful restaurants and shops -- they really need our support!
Our town’s economic development director participated in a conference call with our local restaurant owners to discuss Governor Lamont’s Phase III reopening plan. I am committed to assisting our local businesses so that they can survive during this challenging time. I hope that you will visit the town’s relaunched tourism and lifestyle website: https://experiencefairfieldct.org/.
The Town established a small business assistance program in June to provide mini-grants to Fairfield businesses with five or fewer employees that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. To date, the Town has assisted 54 small businesses, ranging from small restaurants to retail shops, fitness studios, salons and more. Grants range from $1,000 - $5,000 with the average being around $3,500, which have been used to help cover rent, utilities, marketing expenses, as well as the purchase of personal protective equipment and other eligible business costs. Funding for the program came from monies allocated to the Town under the CARES Act. The program has provided a badly needed lifeline to small businesses struggling to stay afloat.
 Yesterday, I had the opportunity to present a mini-grant to Ali Papageorge, Owner of Olive My Stuff, one of the businesses taking advantage of this program. Olive My Stuff is located at 39 Sanford Street.
Applications are still being accepted. For more information or to apply, go to www.fairfieldct.org/covidsbr.
Congratulations BD Provisions on your One Year Anniversary!
Joining me at today’s ribbon cutting ceremony was (L:R) Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz, Managers Liz Cooper and Kendra Wingate, Co-Owner Tara DiPippa, State Representative Brian Farnen, Evan Kleban of Kleban Properties and Community and Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart.
Co-Owner Tara DiPippa said, “We are so grateful to all our customers who stuck with us through COVID and to all the new customers who are still discovering us every day. It’s been a wild ride over the past year, and one that we could never have seen coming, but we’ve made it through and we are ready to head into the holidays with a robust gifting program.”
BD Provisions will hold a weekend-long Open House Celebration starting today until 8pm, Saturday, September 26th 11am to 8 pm and Sunday, September 27th 11am to 5pm. A free cup of coffee will be given to each customer. The first 50 people will receive a BD Provisions specialty cookie created by Sweets by Mariela. Those who spend more than $25 are eligible for a spin on the prize wheel and if more than $50 is spent, a free half pound of the store's bestselling, freshly roasted onsite, signature house blend coffee will be given.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman
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 2020 CENSUS
The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding every year, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade. Visit 2020census.gov.
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ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Fairfield Social Services is now making appointments to assist Fairfield residents with applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Energy assistance pays for a household’s primary heating source such as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, wood and wood pellets on behalf of eligible households. The amount of heat assistance may not be sufficient to cover a household’s entire winter heating cost. Homeowners and renters may apply.
Due to risks associated with COVID-19, there will not be in-person appointments for Energy Assistance. Please call the Social Services office to set up your telephone appointment: 203-256-3170.
Please note: ABCD, the agency that determines an applicant’s eligibility for Energy Assistance, has changed its name to Alliance for Community Empowerment. Eligibility is based on household income and asset guidelines. Applications may not be submitted to Alliance on a resident’s behalf until all required documentation has been provided.
To be eligible:
1. In a one-person household, income can be NO greater than $36,645. In a two-person household, income can be NO greater than $49,228.
2. If you are a renter, the first $12,000.00 in liquid assets is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.
3. If you are a homeowner, the first $15,000.00 in liquid assets is disregarded. Any amount over that limit, when added to the annual gross income must be below the income guidelines.
The following information is required:
1. Proof of income sources: copy of most recent monthly (quarterly, annual) check or copy of an award letter or copy of most recent bank statement showing the direct deposit. If you are employed you must provide a copy of your four most recent consecutive pay stubs.
2. Dividends, annuities or interest income (has to be more than $10/month). Copy of a statement for the most recently completed period.
3. Proof of what you pay for rent. In addition, the name, address and telephone number of your landlord is required. If you are a homeowner and pay a mortgage, you must provide proof of your mortgage payment.
4. If you have a checking and/or savings account, you must bring in the most recent ENTIRE statement.
5. If natural gas or electricity heats the household, bring in the most recent ENTIRE statement.
Please remember all members of the household who receive income must report their income. Call to make a telephone appointment: 203-256-3170.
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LOCAL TAXES
Tax Deferment:Deferment-eligible 2019 Grand List first quarter real estate taxes, and first installment motor vehicle and personal property bills became due July 1 and are payable through October 1.Failure to pay by October 1 makes the installment delinquent and subject to interest charges of 1 1/2% per month from July 1, 2020. For more details or for anyone with questions, please click here to visit the Tax Collector’s website or call 203-256-3100. |
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| FAIRFIELD REVALUATION
In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, the Town of Fairfield is conducting a real property revaluation as required for the Grand List of October 1, 2020. This revaluation will correspond to the tax bills that will be due beginning in July 2021.
There are five major phases to a municipal revaluation: Data Collection, Market Analysis, Valuation, Field Review, and Informal and Formal Appeal Hearings. During these phases many tasks will be implemented in order to successfully complete the revaluation.
The main purpose of a revaluation is to correct inequalities in the tax burden that have developed since the last revaluation in 2015. Revaluation is a revenue neutral process. This means that a municipality's tax levy is not changed by the revaluation, thus the total amount of taxes the Town will need to collect will be about the same, regardless of whether or not a revaluation takes place. What does change in a revaluation is the amount of taxes individual taxpayers pay. In July 2021, the first tax payments under this revaluation will be due.
For more information, click here.
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| VETERANS STAND DOWN EVENT
Veterans Stand Down is an annual signature outreach event to support Veterans. Stand Down 2020, presented by the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, is a two-day event this month.Thursday, September 24th will begin with a kickoff ceremony at 9:00 AM at the Rocky Hill Campus of the Department of Veteran Affairs broadcast via social media.
Following the ceremony will be a day of virtual informational sessions including information on a variety of federal and state agencies and community service providers on topics including housing and homeless serves, State labor/employment and vocational resources, Veteran caregiver support, legal assistance, education resources and more.
On Friday, September 25, there will be four locations throughout Connecticut: Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwich and Rocky Hill. These locations will be staffed by representatives of the regional Vet Centers, CT Bar Association and the DVA to provide benefits information, pro-bono legal services and free COVID-19 testing and flu shots by medical professionals. COVID mitigation protocols will be strictly enforced and only a certain number of individuals will be allowed to enter at certain scheduled times.
Please click here for the two-day schedule and registration information.
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FAIRFIELD'S ANNUAL GREEN EXPO:
Fairfield’s Annual Green Wheels Expo Will Roll Online Featuring Special Guest Jay Leno:
The Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF)’s acclaimed Green Wheels Expo will roll again this September, in a feature-packed online format providing viewers a host of opportunities, safely accessible right from home, to sample the many appealing models of electric vehicles (EVs) transforming how we travel.
The hub of this year’s online Expo will be a dedicated website accessible via the Green Wheels Expo tab atSustainableFairfield.org, featuringEV webinars fromMonday, Sept. 28 to Friday, Oct. 2, daily at 1 pm, plus a showcase of new EV models, informational articles and videos, and testimonials from EV owners.
Comedian and formerTonight Showhost Jay Leno(now seen talking cars on CNBC'sJay Leno's Garage) will make a special guest appearance on the site, in an extended Zoom conversation about EVs with Fairfield-basedautomotive writer and SFTF member Jim Motavalli. Read more here.
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PLATFORM TO EMPLOYMENT:
Click the images below for more information.
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FAIRFIELD BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE:
The Town of Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has been working to encourage walking and biking for transportation, recreation, exercise and quality of life.
Working with multiple town departments we have established bicycle routes, installed bicycle repair stations, worked to improve pedestrian infrastructure, and authored the Town of Fairfield Complete Streets Policy (approved by the Board of Selectman in 2018).
With more and more of our citizens using our roads, we would like to provide you with some important safety reminders for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. View the document here. |
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VOTING:
Polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM on Election Day sanitized with social distancing measures in place. If you do not wish to go to your polling place you may vote by absentee ballot.
If you have already filed an Application for an Absentee Ballot, you do not need to complete the application sent to you by SOTS. This especially applies to college students who have already submitted their completed applications with their school address to which the ballot will be mailed. Absentee ballots will become available 31 days prior to the election.
Absentee Ballots must be received by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
A secure ballot drop box is available in front of Old Town Hall, 611 Old Post Road should you prefer this method over mailing your ballot. Applications may be dropped off in this box as well. |
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TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Sullivan Independence Hall and Old Town Hall are open to the public by appointment only for the safety of employees and residents. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information. |
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Help is available to Fairfield small businesses that are struggling due to the pandemic.The Fairfield COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one time direct financial assistance to eligible Fairfield small businesses that have no more than five full-time employees and that have been adversely affected by the public health emergency. Applications are still being accepted by the Office of Community & Economic Development. To learn more or to apply, please visit the website:www.fairfieldct.org/covidsbr.
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The Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to provide limited, one-time assistance to Fairfield residents who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Use of the funds must be directly related to the effects of the virus. Donate to the fund or apply for relief by clicking below.
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FARMER'S MARKETS:
The downtown farmers market is held Sundays on Sherman Green, from 10AM-2PM throughout the summer months and into the fall season. In keeping with CDC and State of CT guidelines, face masks and social distancing protocols are required. For more information and a list of vendors, please visit www.fairfieldfarmersmarket.org. For those unable to make Sundays, the Greenfield Hill Farmers Market, located at 65 Hillside Road, is another great local option which is open on Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM, through the fall. |
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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Clickherefor more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) for workers and employers clickhere. |
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ASSISTANCE FOR RENTERS, HOMEOWNERS & RESIDENTIAL LANDLORDS
Governor Lamont announced a comprehensive plan to put more than $33 million in state and federal resources to work providing emergency assistance to renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Rental assistance information can be found here. Further information is below:
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SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services continues to assist by telephone town residents who are experiencing difficulty providing the basic needs for themselves and their families, especially during these unprecedented times. Please call with any questions or concerns: 203-256-3170 or visit atfairfieldct.org/humanservices. |
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BIGELOW CENTER
Transportation services are running on a limited basis for medical appointments and grocery shopping. Reservations for rides are first-come, first-served for shopping and medical appointments and must be made no less than one week in advance. Please call the senior center for more information: 203-256-3166.
The buses may only transport four riders per trip. For those who do not live in Senior and Disabled Housing, Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides Tuesdays or Thursdays each week. Masks must be worn to board the buses. Rides are now available to medical appointments for Fairfield’s seniors and people with disabilities on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9:30 – 3:00 PM.
If you or anyone you know are homebound and unable to shop, the Mobile Food Pantry is available every other week and lunches are available for those who are homebound. Please call Social Services for more information: 203-256-3170. |
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COVID-19 TESTING
Testing capacity has increased in our area. To view locations where to get tested, please visit fairfieldct.org/covid19testing. |
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OPERATION HOPE FOOD PANTRY
Operation Hope wants to make sure residents of Fairfield are aware that the food pantry remains open and is ready to help by providing food and other basic needs to community residents, as they have for nearly 35 years.The pantry is currently operating as a drive-up service at 636 Old Post Road offering prepacked bags of groceries appropriate for various-sized households.
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00-12:00; Thursday from 4:00 -6:00. Visit operationhopect.org. |
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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
 The Fairfield Public Main Library is open for quick browsing and checkout on weekday afternoons 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Learn more about Library Express.
Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding curb side pick up. Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines and movies plus a wide and varied assortment of virtual programs. Learn more here: fplct.librarymarket.com/.
Need a library card? Follow this link fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/library-cards/ and get started today!
Sign up for the library newsletter here. |
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PEQUOT LIBRARY: WE'RE HERE, WE CARE
Pequot Library's doors may be temporarily closed, but our librarians and staff are still here for you! Enjoy digital programs like story times, author talks, book clubs, and more! Get details on our websiteand social media:Facebook,Instagram,Twitter, andYouTube.Sign up for Pequot Library'sDigital Digest eNewsletteror contact ourChief Librarianfor personalized book recommendations.
On Monday, June 22, Pequot will be curbside pickup. Please contact us for more information. |
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Important COVID-19 Links:
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Contact Information:
For general questions you cancall 211
Hartford HealthCare’sCOVID-19 Clinical Command Center hotline, staffed by healthcare professionals, is now available to the community. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call860.972.8100or (toll-free)833.621.0600.
YNHH has a call center number it’s 1-833-ASK YNHH that’s open from 7am - 7pm.
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