Town of Fairfield News
7/31/2020 - 7.31 TOWN UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
We are truly lucky to live in this community. First and most importantly, Fairfield is a safe town and offers many amenities, excellent schools, and elected officials who are very responsive to the needs of citizens at all levels. I know COVID has presented historic challenges for our town but even during these difficult times, I was excited to support Gary Stewart from Boy Scout Troop 82 for organizing a  successful Food Drive last Saturday to benefit our neighbors in need with Operation Hope for his Eagle Scout project.
I'm always inspired to see young people taking action for the betterment of our community. It's also reassuring to see how our community has come together to help one another, as evidenced by the weekly food drives and with donations to the COVID relief fund which has raised over $100,000 to date for Fairfield families in need of assistance.
Fairfield also has some exemplary employees who respond to the many resident requests and inquiries that come through my office every day. Many of our employees have stepped up in a big way during the pandemic to keep operations moving under difficult circumstances. Our town's Parks & Recreation and DPW employees have worked in concert with the Fairfield Police Department, to address new challenges including at the beaches, remarkably well under tremendous pressure. So many of our town's department heads have put in an extraordinary amount of extra hours, because they believe in what they do and are dedicated to the residents of our community.
On Monday afternoon I held a press conference with our Police Department and other elected officials. The purpose was to express our concerns with some of the language included with HB 4006: the Police Accountability Act, and how this will impact our Police Department's ability to protect our community.
I submitted an Op-Ed entitled When Civil Discourse is Lost in the Debate. I hope you will take a moment to read it by clicking on the title above. I believe everyone is afforded the same protections under the First Amendment, but the only way we can truly find solutions is to participate in civil discourse, whereby conversation occurs with the intention of enhancing one's own understanding. |
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COVID-19 UPDATE:
The Town of Fairfield has 705 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 145 of our residents have sadly lost their lives. Of the 705 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 334 have reported that they have fully recovered and 164 are assumed recovered.
Charts and data on Fairfield cases including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing samples, and different trend lines can be found at fairfieldct.org/covid19data.
Traveling? Please take the time to check the CT Travel Advisory page to know what states are on the list as most impacted. If you travel to these states, you are asked to quarantine for 14-days upon return to protect the members of our community.
Contact Tracing
The Health Department has become aware of several gatherings that happened this past weekend around Town, attended by both young adults and/or their parents, that appear to be associated with 7 individuals who have since tested positive with rapid COVID antigen tests. As a result nearly 40 individuals have been advised to self-quarantine. In total, there are 47 people related to these events who are now being monitored daily by the Health Department. The details of any monitoring by the health department is confidential and protected information.
While indoor gatherings of 25 people or 100 people outdoors are allowed by the Governor’s executive order, this is a reminder that organizers of such events need to be diligent in continuing to ensure social distancing, wearing of masks, washing of hands, and advising people to stay home if they do not feel well.
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. 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.
There have been delays in reporting positive tests to the local health departments. 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. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 please call your medical provider or the Fairfield Health Department for more information on testing locations and isolation guidelines. The Fairfield Health Department thanks all Fairfield residents for doing their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Contact Tracing video - https://youtu.be/G1g5oYUmYHY
Quarantine/Isolation video - https://youtu.be/h-sXNFc06lY |
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| RESIDENT CORNER:
I take pride in our community's active engagement through the thoughtful emails I receive every day with feedback and questions. Here are some of the top issues I have been contacted about recently and what I am doing to address them.
Universities: The Emergency Management Planning Team met with representatives from both Fairfield University and Sacred Heart yesterday. I am very pleased to say they are both meeting or exceeding the state guidance. Here are highlights:
- All students and employees will be tested prior to arrival on campus
- All students coming from locations listed on travel advisories will be required to quarantine
- Staggered move in schedules will be followed to manage crowd size and reduce exposures
- Students and employees will be randomly tested each week
-All students and staff will have to complete daily health checks via an app and have to show their passing health check prior to entry to classes
- There will be training for all students and staff
- Numerous changes are being made to encourage social distancing on campus and limit gatherings
- Both universities have strict guidelines and consequences for violating policies on having parties on campus or off campus
- Face coverings are required and provided along with hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies in common areas
- All sports programs and performances have been postponed
- Visitors to campus will be limited
- There are isolation, quarantine procedures, and contact tracing procedures in place
- Both universities have a shutdown plan if necessary
Our universities take the safety of their students and staff seriously and they are excellent community partners to our town. The town will continue to work closely with both universities to ensure the safety for our residents and students calling Fairfield home.
Party Registered Voters: If you are voting by absentee, please be sure to complete and return your ballot before August 11th -- if you are concerned that you are returning it too close to the deadline to arrive by primary day, you can drop it off in the locked ballot box in front of Old Town Hall.
Utilities: Residents may have seen a spike in their UI bill this month. I have been told by UI that rates have not increased, rather the costs are higher due to usage, and people are likely home more due to COVID than previously. If you are concerned about your bill, you should call customer service at 1-800-722-5584. If you are not satisfied with their assistance, you can file a complaint with PURA (the state's public utilities regulatory authority). You can find out more about PURA on their website here.
Keep Fairfield Beautiful: Fairfield is lucky to have many beautiful parks, open spaces, and beaches available for the enjoyment of our residents. Please help the Town to keep our public spaces clean by properly disposing of your trash. Together we can keep Fairfield beautiful, clean, and safe!
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| As a State Legislator in Hartford for nine years, I understand how important it is for the town to be in constant communication with our representatives in Hartford. While the recent Police Accountability Bill is one example, there are many issues debated and passed in Hartford that have a huge impact on our daily lives and our town operations. State Representative Brian Farnen met with me recently in my office to discuss the special session, brief me on some major issues with the bill, ask how they will impact our town, and also highlighted some proposed problematic zoning laws that are being considered for the fall.
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We do our best to identify news and announcements that may be helpful to our residents. I hope you will scroll through the resources below. Have a wonderful weekend and please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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FAIRFIELD POLICE: DISTRACTING DRIVING
Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. The Fairfield Police are encouraging drivers to put down the phone and remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
In support of August's National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Fairfield Police will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from August 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020, for the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort. The goal of the campaign is to step up enforcement efforts to catch distracted, texting drivers and enforce distracted-driving laws. |
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HEAT KILLS: If You Love 'Em, Don't Leave 'Em
It takes just a few minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to skyrocket, sometimes causing entirely preventable tragedies. I worked hard to launch this program in 2015 with the Fairfield Police Department, which has been replicated throughout the state, in an effort to remind residents of the dangers of leaving their kids or pets in a car during warm weather. I thank all the stores who have posted these signs in their parking lots.
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H. SMITH RICHARDSON GOLF CLUBHOUSE
Town residents may be interested to know that construction on the new H. Smith Richardson Golf Clubhouse facility is going well and that new facility should be completed in the late fall of 2020. You can follow along here.
In anticipation of the forthcoming completion of this new clubhouse facility that the Town has just issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a new restaurant concessionaire for this new facility. Information concerning this RFP solicitation is on the Town’s Purchasing Department website.  |
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2020 HURRICANE SEASON UPDATE: If we have to evacuate where will we go?
Emergency Officials recommend every household have an emergency plan and options for relocation should hurricane evacuations become necessary. Sheltering with family or friends outside the evacuation zones are typically the best options. Due to COVID19 some of those options may not be available or appropriate this year. Hotels may be an option for some families but can reach capacity quickly. If none of these are available options the local emergency shelter will be available. The Emergency Shelter should be considered a resource of last resort.
The challenges of COVID-19 make family evacuation planning a priority. We recommend that you begin now for the upcoming Hurricane season. If your home is subject to flooding, if extended loss of electricity creates serious hardships or for those residents who have underlying medical conditions; an emergency plan fully understood by all family members and discussed with host families should be developed.
The Town of Fairfield maintains an Emergency Shelter at the Fairfield Ludlowe High School. The Emergency Shelter will open with reduced capacity if evacuation orders are issued and when conditions warrant. Hurricane Season in New England is from August 1 to November 1. Modifications to our sheltering plans are being developed to insure physical distancing and the highest levels of cleaning following CDC guidelines.
All residents should register with CTAlert.gov for state and local emergency messages.
Additional planning updates will be issued as the hurricane season develops but every family should begin the discussion now answering the question: “if we had to evacuate where will we go?” For additional guidance please check the Fairfield website fairfieldct.org/hurricane or the Fairfield STORM PAGE. |
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EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
The Town of Fairfield will no longer be utilizing the current alert system known as CodeRed to issue emergency and community alerts to residents and business owners. We are switching to a new system.
In order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up again. Visit www.fairfieldct.org/alerts |
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FAIRFIELD BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE:
The Fairfield Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee reminds residents:
Pedestrians:
- Walk against traffic
- Use the sidewalks
- If there are no sidewalks, walk single file when in groups
Bicyclists:
- Ride with traffic in the street (not on sidewalks)
- Announce Yourself When Approaching Pedestrians Not Facing You
- Observe All Street Signs
- Ride Single File When in Groups
- Announce yourself when approaching other cyclists not facing you and safely distance yourself when passing them.
- Maintain a safe speed.
- WEAR A HELMET! |
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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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While the State has paused plans for its Phase III re-opening, it has issued new industry-specific rules and expanded guidance for various businesses. These include changes to retail, personal services, hair salons & barbershops and indoor recreation that clarify that:
- non-essential businesses have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask
- updated guidance in the event that an employee tests positive for COVID-19
- additional guidance for use of restroom facilities and ensuring compliance with capacity limitations and proper hygiene.
For restaurants, servers are no longer required to wear gloves and indoor musical performances are now permitted. |
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STATE LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS PORTAL
The state has launched Business.ct.gov, a one-stop business portal that consolidates information, resources and requirements from multiple state agencies.
Business.ct.gov is Connecticut’s all-new digital front door designed to help business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the entire business lifecycle. The website translates complex requirements into easy-to-understand language and streamlines the process for planning, starting and operating a?business. Highlights include:
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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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PARKING:
Heading to the beach or Lake Mohegan? Check the parking lot capacity before you go: |
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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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STEP OUT FOR THE BRAVE 40,000 STEP VIRTUAL CHALLENGE 
Between Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 16th, join the Step Out for the Brave 40,000 Step Virtual Challenge to take 40,000 steps for each of the 40,000 homeless Veterans across the United States. Complete the challenge individually or as a group. Step Out in one day or nine. Each step you take is a step towards helping a homeless Veteran. Register and more information here. |
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LOCAL TAXES
Pay your taxes at the outdoor window. See how here.
Tax Deferment: Deferment-eligible 1st quarter real estate taxes, and 1st installment motor vehicle and personal property taxes with an original due date of July 1 now have an extended grace period of 90 days until October 1, 2020. Failure to pay by October 1 makes the installment delinquent and subject to interest charges of 1 1/2% per month dating back to July 1, 2020. Please note that real estate accounts held in escrow and commercial accounts that did not apply for deferment by July 1 are ineligible and have a grace period until August 3, 2020 only. For more details on eligibility or for anyone with questions, please click here to visit the Tax Collector’s website or call 203-256-3100. |
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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) for workers and employers click here. |
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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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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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| Many residents are installing pools, decks and patios. Please be aware that many items require a permit for your own safety to ensure proper installation. Learn more about the COVID permitting procedures here. |
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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 at fairfieldct.org/humanservices.
Food Drive to Benefit Operation Hope and the Bigelow Center Mobile Food Pantry: Gary Stewart, from Boy Scout Troop 82 in Fairfield, is hosting a food drive Saturday as part of his service project to become an Eagle Scout. It will run from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at 636 Old Post Road. |
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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
CVS has expanded their drive-thru testing to include 12 new sites in CT. These new sites will utilize self-swab tests and will be available to individuals meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, in addition to age guidelines. Learn more here.
At this time, testing priority is given to those who are high risk. For more information on testing sites and protocols click here or visit www.fairfieldct.org/covid19. |
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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: OPEN ONLINE & CURB SIDE PICK-UP
Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding this service. In the interest of everyone’s safety and health, library buildings will remain closed while providing this contact-free service.
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 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.
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 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.
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PREVIOUS COVID-19 UPDATES:
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