Town of Fairfield News
12/18/2020 - 12.18 TOWN UPDATE
Good Afternoon Fairfielders,
I hope you enjoyed the snowfall yesterday and that you and your families are safe. I want to thank our DPW employees who worked through the night in difficult conditions to plow our roads and ensure the safety of all our residents.
We have received some guidance from the State on the new quarantine procedures which I have shared below in addition to my normal update. |
|
COVID-19:
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has developed new quarantine guidance based on the CDC’s recommendations. These recommendations provide options to reduce the quarantine time from the 14-day period to a 10-day period with specific additional criteria, and 7-day quarantine period with a negative test collected day 5, or after an additional criteria. For more information see the CT Department of Public Health Guidance and the CDC Quarantine Guidance.
While this new recommendation has been made, the State Department of Education has not yet updated the Addendum 5 guidance. Therefore, students will continue to follow the 14-day quarantine before returning to school, until the Addendum is revised. This guidance is expected to be updated shortly.
COVID-19 DATA:
The Town of Fairfield has had 2,712 cases to date, and 176 of Fairfield residents have sadly lost their lives. Charts and data on Fairfield cases, including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing results, different trends, and university statistics, can be found at www.fairfieldct.org/covid19data. When looking at the data page, please be sure to read the notes around each chart as they explain some of the changes in the data. The Health Department updates this page daily.
The Health Department also updates the COVID-19 School Data page, which details the school-related metrics and is updated each week as the State releases the data. The Fairfield Board of Education has a dashboard on their homepage at https://www.fairfieldschools.org.
Both Fairfield and Sacred Heart Universities published dashboards with their daily testing information, which can be found here:
Fairfield University's Dashboard
Sacred Heart University's Dashboard |
|
COMMUNITY NEWS
Bigelow Center and Social Services: Transportation services to medical appointments and shopping have been suspended. We will reassess in the New Year when it is safe to allow passengers on the buses. If you are unable to get to the market, the Mobile Food Pantry is available every other week and lunch delivery is available for those who are homebound. Please call Social Services for more information about the Mobile Food Pantry or Dial-a-Ride services through Greater Bridgeport Transit: 203-256-3170.
Our Snow Shoveling for Seniors program is not accepting registrations at this time for residents who need assistance. When we have volunteers for shoveling, we will let you know how to register. If you are a student and would like to volunteer to shovel snow for seniors and people with disabilities, please contact Social Services by calling 203-256-3170 or sending an email to socialservices@fairfieldct.org.
Town Government: I am happy to report that the Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Program (VERIP) that I have mentioned in several of my past newsletters passed the RTM on Monday night. This program is an important part of my plans to reorganize, modernize, and streamline town government to ensure top level customer service for our community.
Fairfield Revaluation: For the past few months, I have included information in my newsletter about the revaluation taking place in Town to make sure residents are aware that the Connecticut General Statutes require each town to do a revaluation every five years. Following the appropriate RFP process, the Board of Selectman voted to hire a revaluation company to conduct the revaluation. The revaluation analyzes all sales in Fairfield between October 1, 2019 and October 1, 2020 and will correspond to the tax bills that will be due beginning in July of 2021. The Town does not play a role or have any authority regarding how a revaluation is conducted.
Revaluation notices were sent to all residents last week. The notices will indicate the prior assessed valuation from the 2015 revaluation and the new proposed assessed value from the 2020 revaluation. The value provided to you will be the total assessed value, which is equal to 70% of the market value.
I have received some feedback from residents who are concerned about their specific valuations. I would like to note that the revaluation company, Municipal Valuations, is available for informal hearings with residents by appointment through January 8th. Information on scheduling an informal appeal can be found here.
The valuation information found on our website, https://gis.vgsi.com/fairfieldct/ is updated with the information you would have received in the mail. If you miss the informal hearings, the next step is a formal public hearing before the Board of Assessment Appeals in March.
To listen to the presentation from Municipal Valuations and the Town Assessor from the December 7th Board of Selectman meeting that provides more information on the methodology of the revaluation, please click here.
You can also check fairfieldct.org/taxassessor for updates.
|
|
I want to thank the Fairfield Firefighters Charitable Foundation for continuing their annual tradition of Santa visits, virtually. In these difficult times it's so nice to see organizations bringing joy to families. Read this news article about it here.
I also want to thank the Parks & Recreation Department for organizing Frosty Fest 2020, which received over 130 entries of  snowmen, snow animals, snow forts and so much more. Winners will be announced Monday morning on the Park & Rec Facebook page.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
|
FAIRFIELD SOCIAL SERVICES HOLIDAY GIVING PROGRAM
On behalf of the families that receive the support from the Holiday Giving Program, the Town of Fairfield and Department of Human and Social Services would like to thank the community for keeping all our residents in mind for the upcoming holiday season. Can we count on your support again this year? Rather than collecting wrapped gifts and toys, this year we are requesting gift cards for local supermarkets, toy stores - anywhere families may shop for their loved ones for the holidays. If you are interested in donating or receiving holiday help, please contact Fairfield Social Services by calling 203-256-3170 or by email at socialservices@fairfieldct.org.
Donations are gratefully accepted during business hours 9 AM to 4:30 PM at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield CT 06824. Learn more by watching the short video below. |
|
HOLIDAY SHOPPING - BUY LOCAL!
 If you haven't finished your holiday shopping, a perfect way to get through your list is to purchase e-gift cards for family and friends through our Chamber's “Love Local” program. It’s super easy, and a lovely gift that allows family and friends to use at a long list of Fairfield businesses. I hope you’ll join me in supporting our businesses while giving fun and safe gifts for the holidays. Find out more here. And the Town also has a Virtual Holiday Gift Guide for Fairfield you can view here. |
|
GET INVOLVED! TOWN BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES
Interested in giving back to our community? Want to have a voice in shaping Fairfield? The Town relies on the hard work of citizen volunteers who are appointed to provide guidance and governance on various Boards and Commissions. The list of vacancies for Boards and Commissions are on the Town Website. Be sure to check back often as the list is updated as positions become available. https://fairfieldct.org/vacancies
You can also visit our Boards and Commissions page to learn more about roles and responsibilities: https://fairfieldct.org/boards
To learn about the application process click here: https://fairfieldct.org/appointmentprocess |
|
| EMERGENCY ALERTS | WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news from the Town of Fairfield, CT, by signing up for the Fairfield Alert system. This system enables us to quickly provide you with critical information in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods and other emergency situations.
You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how!
If you were previously registered with us on the CodeRed system, you must sign-up again by following the instructions below, in order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield.
|
|
| NEW INTERNET PROVIDER
GoNetspeed has announced their intention to expand to Fairfield in the first half of 2021. This is welcome news for residents who have struggled with internet interruptions. You can read more information here.
|
|
FAIRFIELD SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 2020
The Fairfield Sustainability Task Force was formed to encourage community action in  support of putting Fairfield on the path to using clean, renewable energy sources.
The plan - which can be viewed here at the Sustainable Fairfield site – is a newly updated version of a sustainability “roadmap” for the Town first created by the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF) in 2018. It lays out a sweeping array of activities, both ongoing and planned, designed to strengthen the environmental sustainability and quality of the Fairfield community, covering such important issues as air and water quality, energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling, transportation and many others.
|
|
FEELING IN CRISIS?
When you're feeling overwhelmed, know that there are free options to help you talk through your crisis--and to send help when necessary. Fairfield Social Services is here to help. Call 203-256-3170 for more information.
Being a parent or caregiver during COVID can be extremely stressful. It is perfectly normal to be experiencing varying emotions and feel overwhelmed. No matter what you're feeling, we're here to listen. Parents and caregivers can call the toll-free Talk It Out line to discuss their feelings in a judgement-free environment. Call: 1-833-258-5011 or Visit: www.talkitoutct.com
Resources for Mental Health:
If you or a loved one is struggling:
- CT Information Hotline 211 or go to www.211ct.org for mobile crisis support for individuals and/or children.
- The Hub CT is Southwest Connecticut’s Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization. Check their website for useful resources for mental health, prevention and wellness. https://www.thehubct.org/
- Mental Health Crisis Text Line - Text “SHARE” to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Kids in Crisis also has a 24-hour hotline for assistance 203-661-1911.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health):If you need to talk to someone, text NAMI to 741741 or call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Please contact your site to see if meetings are continuing in your neighborhood.
- Bridgeport Hospital’s REACH Program is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. REACH is accessible to anyone, and covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance programs. Please click this link to learn more about the extensive range of treatment options available |
|
| FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT |
|
 |
|
What’s your story? What’s your reason?
DO YOUR PART...Wear a mask!
|
|
| Download the video here so you can upload it to social media to continue to remind our residents that part of our civic responsibility to each other is to wear a mask. |
|
APPLY FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE 
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is for families in need of energy assistance, Fairfield Social Services coordinates with Alliance For Community Empowerment to help to obtain necessary energy services for Fairfield residents in need. To make an appointment to see if you’re eligible, or if you have questions, please call Social Services 203-256-3170. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
 |
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.
|
|
 |
|
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.
|
|
COVID-19 TESTING
Testing capacity has increased in our area. To view locations where to get tested, please visit fairfieldct.org/covid19testing.
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. Calls received after hours or on weekends, will be returned by the next business day. |
|
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.
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00-12:00; Thursday from 4:00 -6:00. Visit operationhopect.org. |
|
FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
 The Fairfield Public Main Library is open for quick browsing and checkout Monday-Saturday afternoons 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Learn more about Library Express service.
Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding Curbside Pickup at the Main Library and Woods Branch Library. Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines, movies and databases. Visit the Library Event Calendar to find a wide and varied assortment of Virtual Programs.
Need a library card? Follow this link fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/library-cards/ and get started today! Sign up for the library newsletter here. |
|
PEQUOT LIBRARY: WE'RE HERE, WE CARE 
Pequot Library offers curbside pickup and limited browsing hours from 3-6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and from 2-4pm on Saturdays. During browsing hours visit us to check out a book or view our exhibition Crossing the Border: The Challenging Truths of Human Migration.
Outside of browsing hours, enjoy digital programs like story times, author talks, book clubs, and more! Get details on our website and social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Sign up for Pequot Library's Digital Digest eNewsletter or contact our Chief Librarian for personalized book recommendations. |
|
Important COVID-19 Links:
|
|
|
Contact Information:
For general questions you can call 211
Hartford HealthCare’s COVID-19 Clinical Command Center hotline, staffed by healthcare professionals, is now available to the community. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call 860.972.8100 or (toll-free) 833.621.0600.
YNHH has a call center number it’s 1-833-ASK YNHH that’s open from 7am - 7pm.
|
|
|
|
|