This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
03/16/2020 12:00 AMWhile North Branford's Town Hall and other government buildings are closed to visitors through at least March 31 due to statewide recommendations to help curb COVID-19, residents can still get in touch with staff and have their questions answered by reaching out online and calling with questions during business hours, said Town Manager Michael Paulhus. Paulhus also told Zip06/The Sound that, in a first for the Town, an electronic platform will host a public hearing and be open to help gather public feedback in real time on Tuesday, March 17.
The public won't be able to personally attending the Town Council's 7 p.m. meeting set for Tues. March 17, but it can participate remotely when the council's scheduled 7:30 p.m. public hearing, on the police commission's request to build a new, $7.5 million police station, will get underway. The public will be asked to phone in, email or give their feedback via Facebook during a live-stream of the hearing, said Paulhus.
Paulhus said the nine-member Town Council, together with other essential personnel including the architect who will present an overview of the proposed police facility, will meet in Town Council chambers on March 17, while the public, from home, will be able to view and weigh in during the public hearing via Totoket TV's live-streaming of the meeting which will be shared on Facebook (@TotoketTV) as well as on the North Branford Police Department's Facebook page (@www.NBpolicect.org) Community members can also have a say during the hearing by calling in to a specific phone number and/or via email; both of which will be shared as part of the hearing.
"We're trying to use technology to the best of our ability to accomodate the public, and the [COVID-19 50-limit gathering] guidance from state, and still try to get business done," said Paulhus.
As for contacting the Town for other needs, recently, the Town added a new phone system, with increased capabilities, Paulhus added. The main number to call to reach Town Hall is (203) 484-6000, from there, select the corresponding department. Should "crucial" assistance be required, a call with a request for a staff member to come outside of the building will try to be accommodated.
Town Government Buildings Closed to Public Until At Least March 31; Services Continue
On Friday, March 13, Paulhus announced facilities that are home to North Branford's town hall, public libraries, recreation and senior centers would be closed to the public until at least March 30, in response to statewide recommendations to curb the spread of COVID-19. Services will be provided by staff who can be contacted by phone or electronically. Meanwhile, should public demand slow, staff will be "kept engaged," with planning programming, special projects, filing and cleaning tasks in addition to their regular duties, said Paulhus.
During this period, Paulhus said "non-essential" Town meetings will be canceled, postponed or re-scheduled. Updates will be posted at
www.townofnorthbranford.com