Town of Fairfield News
1/15/2021 - 1.15 TOWN UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
As we prepare for a long weekend, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18th, I hope that we can all reflect on the values and principles Dr. King stood for that united people of all ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
As a nation, we have faced many challenges over the last year. We should carry forward Dr. King's legacy by being respectful of our neighbors, especially in the face of political disagreement and divisiveness.
I am thankful to live in a country where we can celebrate leaders like Dr. King, whose work and sacrifice brought long lasting change for generations. We still have a great deal of work to do and we all have a part to play. I know that our newly established Racial Equity and Justice Task Force is working to identify any racial and ethnic inequalities and injustices in the Town with the goal of providing the Board of Selectman improvements to effectively minimize or eliminate them in our community. I hope we can all come together in this New Year with a renewed focus on what unites us instead of what divides us. |
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COVID-19 UPDATE:
Vaccine Information: My office as well as the Health Department have been understandably inundated with emails and phone calls about COVID-19 vaccinations this week. Our Health Department has been operating a vaccine clinic for the last three weeks but they are strictly limited in vaccinating those groups who have been approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and registered in the federal VAMS system.
I am very proud to announce our Health Department has administered 2,850 vaccines. They have set up a clinic that's safe, efficient and a model for other towns. They have had a very difficult year throughout this pandemic keeping up with health education for the community, the extraordinary efforts involved in contact tracing, and have now been reenergized by the ability to help vaccinate our community. I hope you will join me in thanking them for their efforts.
Please note that the Fairfield Health Department's vaccine clinic is booked through February 11th at this time.
While I know many of you are watching the news and seeing information put out by the CDC, the Town cannot act on their guidance without authorization from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The situation is fluid with new information coming out almost daily. We will continue to post the latest information on the Town website, and the social media pages for the Health Department, the Town of Fairfield and my office. For a full listing of those social media pages, click here.
Eligible residents for the COVID-19 vaccinations include all Phase 1a individuals and only those Phase 1b individuals who are 75 years of age and older.
Phase 1a individuals include:
* Healthcare Personnel: all paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials.
* Long Term Care Facility Residents: adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.
* First Responders at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their responses to medical emergencies such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, and Fire.
Phase 1b individuals eligible at this time include:
*Those who are 75 years old and older. Proof of age will be required at the clinic.
If you fall under Phase 1a you should be registering through your employer. For those in the Phase 1b category of 75 and older, you must complete the state form:
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Those without internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. The phone system was created in partnership with the Department of Public Health and United Way of Connecticut and is specifically targeted to provide support for eligible vaccine recipients who have limited technology access, or who have language, disability, or other barriers that could prevent them from using existing self-scheduling options successfully. The line will take calls on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer a call-back option when all contact specialists are busy serving other callers. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response.
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Quarantine Guidance: 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.
The State Department of Education updated the Addendum 5 and Addendum 9 guidance on school protocols and contact tracing you can find here and here respectively.
Town Data: The Town of Fairfield has had 3,394 cases to date, and 183 of Fairfield residents have sadly lost their lives. Charts and data on Fairfield cases, including daily & weekly changes, age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing results, different trends, and university statistics, can be found at www.fairfieldct.org/covid19data. 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 also has a dashboard on their homepage at https://www.fairfieldschools.org. |
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Fire Department: On Tuesday, I had the honor of joining Chief McCarthy in recognizing and acknowledging eight firefighters who have served our community for 25 and 30 years. As each of them gave remarks on their time spent with department, I was truly touched by their deep love for their service to Fairfield. I am grateful for their commitment and sacrifice on behalf of our community.
Congratulations to the following celebrating 25 year anniversaries:
- Assistant Chief Roger Caisse
- Firefighter Larry Noga
- Lieutenant Eric McKeon
Congratulations to the following celebrating 30 year anniversaries:
- Assistant Chief and Training Director Scott Bisson
- Lieutenant Lee Corbo
- Lieutenant Mark Harry
- Firefighter Hugh Dolan
- Firefighter Ron Petersen
- Assistant Chief Schuyler Sherwood
Harbor Management Plan: The Harbor Management Commission is seeking public input to help with its efforts to update the Harbor Management Plan. Adopted by the RTM and the State of Connecticut in 1995, the plan guides beneficial use of Southport Harbor and protection of its coastal resources. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions available at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SouthportHarbor |
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FAIRFIELD TOWN GOVERNMENT
Fairfield Revaluation: Over the last several weeks I hosted public information sessions with Municipal Valuations and the Town Tax Assessor to give residents the opportunity to ask questions about the process and methodology that the revaluation company used. For those who were unable to attend, you can watch here the meeting with beach area residents, and this Wednesday's meeting here, to learn more about the process and next steps.
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Residents can apply for a formal appeal before the Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA). The applications to do so are posted online at the link provided above. Appeal applications must be received in the Assessor's Office no later than Friday, February 19th, post marks cannot be accepted. Everyone who files an appeal by February 19th will be granted a hearing with the BAA. Visit fairfieldct.org/assessmentappeals for more information.
Property Record Cards, more commonly known as Field Cards, provide a description of real property and contain information such as owner, dwelling and land information and valuation (appraised and assessed) information. Official Property Record Cards were mailed to each home owner. Summary Property Record Cards are available online and are updated each Friday. Click here for more information on Property Record Cards.
Check back for updates and information posted at fairfieldct.org/taxassessor. |
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Budget Process: The Fairfield Superintendent of Schools presented his budget proposal this week to the Board of Education with a nearly $10 million increase. I am meeting with the Superintendent, his team the Chairwoman and Vice Chairman of the BOE and my administration next week take a hard look at the details and identify some ways to save the taxpayers from a large tax increase. I look forward to continunig conversations as we move forward in the budget process. The Board of Education will conduct budget meetings throughout this month and will vote on their budget at their January 28th meeting. If you would like to reach out to the Board of Education members, they can be contacted at boemembers@fairfieldschools.org.
I have been busy over the last few weeks working with department heads and my team to put together the town budget. The Board of Selectman will be reviewing my budget proposal and the Board of Education budget in late February. I will post those meeting dates and links to watch on Fair TV as we get closer.
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Please note this is the last Saturday We Care Denali is open for Christmas tree disposal, free of charge to residents with a valid "A" beach sticker or dump sticker.
Please scroll below for more information and resources for residents.
I hope you have a nice weekend.
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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2021 BEACH STICKERS
The 2020 Beach/ Transfer Station Sticker expired 12/31/20. Don't wait to buy your 2021 Sticker. RENEW your sticker online for 2021. You can also renew by fax, mail or in person at Parks & Recreation.
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NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE
Take a moment to check on your senior neighbors during this difficult time.
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TAX DEFERMENT
Governor Lamont’s recently signed Executive Order No. 9R allows towns to again offer deferment for  property tax payments. This past spring the Town of Fairfield approved a tax deferment program (for taxes due April 1st and July 1st) that Governor Lamont authorized in response to the pandemic. The new Executive Order allows towns to offer deferment for taxes due January 1. The extension will be for a total of 90 days, (an additional 60 days beyond the normal grace period). The revised due date is April 1. Anyone who fails to pay by the new April 1 deadline would have to pay three months of interest added along with his or her existing bill. Escrow accounts are still ineligible for deferment. For more information and eligibility for commercial landlords, visit fairfieldct.org/taxcollector. |
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BLACK ROCK CHURCH HOT MEAL DRIVE-THRU
Black Rock Church will resume its Hot Meal Drive-thru beginning Tuesday, January 12. Each Tuesday through March, between 5:00 - 5:30 PM, individuals and families can receive up to six hot meals for their families, along with a bag of groceries for the rest of the week. Reservations are not required, and the dinners and groceries are free. Black Rock Church is located at 3685 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. For more information please call the church at 203-255-3401. |
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WINTER WEATHER
Per Town ordinance, Fairfield property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk along their  property line within 24 hours after the storm and keeping the sidewalk clear of snow and ice. Heavily used sidewalks near schools and public buildings, and the commercial areas are particularly important. Property owners may be fined and/or charged the cost of removal if the property owners do not comply. Please remember to shovel around fire hydrants.
If you have snow removal concerns or would like to request a street be re-plowed, please enter a Citizen Service Request and select 'Snow Removal Issues' or call the Town Garage at 203-256-3177. For more information on Fairfield plowing and snow removal policies, click here.
It is also state law in Connecticut to remove snow and ice from your vehicle before driving on roads. When you fail to remove snow and ice from your vehicle you are putting yourself and others at risk. Penalties can be as much as $120 fine. |
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HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW FAIRFIELD?
How well do you know Fairfield? Find out by playing this fun crossword puzzle about the town! Find out more at https://www.experiencefairfieldct.org/crossword
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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 |
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| 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.
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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 |
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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. |
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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.
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| 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.
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| FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT |
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What’s your story? What’s your reason?
DO YOUR PART...Wear a mask!
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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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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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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. |
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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.
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 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. |
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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. |
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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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