Town of Fairfield News
9/11/2020 - 9.11 TOWN UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
Terrorist attacks shook the foundations of our biggest buildings but they did not weaken the foundation of America. Those acts shattered steel, but they did not dent the steel of American resolve. We remember the loved ones who perished and we remember the heroes who risked and lost their lives in service to others. This morning we gathered at the Fairfield Fire Station as we do every year to reflect on a day in our shared history that We Will Never Forget. |
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| Fairfield resident Alex Vishno taped this morning's ceremony and shared the following video with the town. |
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On Wednesday, I had the honor to present medals of distinguished service to members of our law enforcement. One of the best parts of being First Selectwoman is recognizing those who protect our community every single day. I was moved to hear the stories of bravery.
From the dozen officers involved in arresting the person responsible for the fatal hit and run on Redding Road, to Officer Rubis' quick thinking to perform the life-saving Heimlich maneuver for a driver in distress, to the 4 officers who pursued a vehicle driven by someone suspected of a shooting in Norwalk.
I am always so incredibly proud and grateful to the men and women who serve and protect our community every single day. Read more about these impressive stories and the awards given here. |
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COVID-19 UPDATE:
Across Connecticut we are seeing a slight increase in the number of positive COVID cases. The Town of Fairfield has 760 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 144 of our residents have sadly lost their lives. Of the 760 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 367 have reported that they have fully recovered and 213 are assumed recovered.
Charts and data on Fairfield cases including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing results, and different trends can be found at fairfieldct.org/covid19data. The Health Department has been providing data since March and this data page is updated daily.
Schools
In addition a new COVID-19 School Data page has been created which details the school related metrics and is update each week as the State releases the data. The Fairfield Board of Education is working on publishing their own dashboard which we will share when it's ready.
We were notified on Thursday that one of Fairfield’s private schools had a student test positive for COVID-19. The school identified close contacts and those students and staff members have been required to quarantine for 14 days. The Health Department has completed contact tracing and has been in communication with the families of all Fairfield residents involved and has notified the Health Departments of the students who reside in other towns.
Universities
Last weekend, I received many reports and photos from residents of parties and large gatherings in the beach area. On Wednesday morning, I held a meeting with Fairfield University officials, our law enforcement and members of the Emergency Management Team to discuss the protocols that we put in place prior to the opening of Fairfield University. We also discussed how we can work together to ensure the safety of our community. The University assured me they are in the process of taking action against students who violated the rules, which I hope will send a strong message to students that the University and the Town take public health and safety very seriously.
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.
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 required to quarantine for 14-days upon return to protect the members of our community. |
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By way of an update, our licensed environmental professional (LEP), Tighe and Bond has requested to collect additional samples from various sites around Town to comply with the consent order rules from DEEP, in hopes that we will be able to receive clearance for remediation soon. I will keep you updated as we move through this process. If you missed last week's newsletter, I included a detailed update on the environmental soil issues in Town. Click here to read it.
I encourage residents to browse below for more information and resources and hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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 FAIRFIELD ROAD RACE GOES VIRTUAL
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Faxon Law Fairfield Road Races have turned into a virtual event, happening September 17 – September 20. Participants can register online for the virtual half marathon, virtual 5K or virtual kids fun run. Click here for more information. Click here to register. |
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| 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
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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| IT IS TIME TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT!
The Fairfield Health Department will be holding an Influenza Vaccine Clinic for Seniors by appointment only at the Bigelow Center on Thursday September 17th from 10am to 12pm. Both high dose and standard dose vaccine will be available. Please call 203-256-3150 for an appointment.
The Health Department is asking that you fill out the consent prior to arrival. If you are unable to print the consent at home, please stop by before your appointment to fill out the consent. Consents will be available on the table outside at the front of the Bigelow Center. Read the Vaccine Information Sheet and fill out the consent including the member identification number on your insurance card. Answer all of the questions and sign and date the consent.
A mask must be worn when you come for your appointment. Please wear a short-sleeved shirt to make the access to your arm easier. If you are not feeling well the day of your appointment please do not come. Call to reschedule.
This is a cashless clinic. Insurances listed on the consent will cover the cost of the vaccine. If you do not have insurance, payment is by credit card only. Standard vaccine cost is $30.00 and high dose is $65.00.
Please park in the lot behind the Bigelow Center and stay in your car until a few minutes before your appointment time. A member of the Health Department staff will bring you into the building to the clinic. This clinic is by appointment only and for those ages 50 and older.
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REALLY BIG FOOD DRIVE: Saturday, September 12, 12 - 2 p.m. at Operation Hope
Due to COVID-19, Operation Hope couldn't hold their annual "Really Big Tag Sale" last weekend which usually raises several thousand dollars to help our vulnerable friends and neighbors. So, we decided we could hold a hold a "Really Big Food Drive" where people can still donate but don't need to leave their cars! Click here for more 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 at SustainableFairfield.org, featuring EV webinars from Monday, 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 former Tonight Show host Jay Leno (now seen talking cars on CNBC's Jay Leno's Garage) will make a special guest appearance on the site, in an extended Zoom conversation about EVs with Fairfield-based automotive 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.
The Secretary of the State (SOTS) will be sending applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters in the next few weeks. Completed applications should be mailed to Town Clerk, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield CT, 06824 or they may be dropped off in the Lobby Dropbox located in Old Town Hall marked Town Clerk.
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.
If anyone is interested in working on Election Day in Fairfield, they should e-mail Steve Elworthy at selworthy@fairfieldct.org or Matt Waggner at mwaggner@fairfieldct.org. |
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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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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. 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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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. |
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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 will be reopening 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 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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