Town Of Fairfield: 7.16 TOWN UPDATE

Press release from the Town of Fairfield:

7/16/2021

On March 16, 2020, I signed a declaration of a State of Emergency for the Town of Fairfield as COVID-19 was descending upon our community. It enabled the Town to do many things at the height of the pandemic to keep our residents safe. One such example was being able to limit the use of our beaches to residents only on the weekends. Thankfully, we are well past those days and have a much better understanding of COVID-19, as the rate of hospitalizations and deaths have significantly declined. On Monday, I'm pleased to say that I signed an order to lift the emergency declaration for the Town of Fairfield. To read more about this, click  here . . FIREWORKS AND FUN FACTS FIREWORKS AND FUN FACTS I am so glad we were able to come together and celebrate Independence Day as a community. In continued celebration of Independence Day and our Town, the Fairfield Museum and History Center has put together some fun facts about Fairfield's history that I wanted to share with you: I am so glad we were able to come together and celebrate Independence Day as a community. In continued celebration of Independence Day and our Town, the Fairfield Museum and History Center has put together some fun facts about Fairfield's history that I wanted to share with you: 1. In 1774, at a Fairfield Town Meeting on December 29, held in what’s now Old Town Hall, residents voted to support the cause of the American Revolution and the Continental Congress. Later, Fairfielders went on to send large quantities of food supplies to Boston, to help those who were under siege by the British. From early in the Revolutionary period, Fairfield’s Town Green was the center of our community’s support for American Independence.  here . Darius Terepka Photography COMMUNITY NEWS COMMUNITY HEROES  COMMUNITY HEROES  Last Wednesday, I had the honor of joining members of our police department to award the Carnegie Medal to Fairfield resident Jonathan Goldfarb and his brother Matthew Goldfarb. The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to a select few individuals, in the US and Canada, who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.

The Fairfield Police Department nominated them for the Carnegie Medal due to their bravery and selfless act of courage after the brothers saved a man and his dog from drowning in Lake Mohegan. To read more about their heroic act click here. Last Wednesday, I had the honor of joining members of our police department to award the Carnegie Medal to Fairfield resident Jonathan Goldfarb and his brother Matthew Goldfarb. The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to a select few individuals, in the US and Canada, who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.

The Fairfield Police Department nominated them for the Carnegie Medal due to their bravery and selfless act of courage after the brothers saved a man and his dog from drowning in Lake Mohegan. To read more about their heroic act click  here . THE NEW YORK TIMES REVIEWS FAIRFIELD THE NEW YORK TIMES REVIEWS FAIRFIELD This past week, The New York Times featured our Town in an article titled "Fairfield, Conn.: A ‘Relaxed Beach Town’ Where There’s Plenty to Do". As First Selectwoman and a third generation resident, it was an honor to be interviewed for a piece that captures the essence our community. It was certainly the easiest interview I've ever participated in! You can read the wonderful article here. here Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. RESTORATION OF HISTORIC, 127-YEAR-OLD PEQUOT LIBRARY ROOF I was so happy to support the roof project at   Pequot Library,  Pequot Library under Stephanie Coakley's energetic leadership as Executive Director. The library highlighted that while this $1.5 million dollar project was a massive undertaking, the new roof will protect its irreplaceable holdings for another century to come.  GRAND OPENING GRAND OPENING Welcome to another new Fairfield business,  In Higher Spirits In Higher Spirits , located at 525 Tunxis Hill Rd, owned by Joel Lall. Joel has an extensive background as a sommelier, bringing a high-level of expertise to his customer base, helping to advise his customers on proper wine selections, based on their needs and price points. He has conducted numerous wine dinners, wine seminars and wine education classes for all types of restaurants, and will soon offer wine education and food pairing classes.   
 
The public is invited for wine tastings every Friday and Saturday, from 4pm-7pm, to taste wonderful selected and featured wines. I hope you will welcome them to the neighborhood and grab a bottle! TOWN GOVERNMENT Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING
Fairfield will receive $24.8 million over two years from the federal government as part of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

On Monday, July 19 at 5:30 PM, the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting have been invited to participate and provide input on a list of priorities I have assembled together with our Town's Department Heads at an online, informational workshop. Members of those boards, along with the public, are encouraged to offer their input on projects during the meeting and in continued conversations over the next month and a half. 

In September, a final list will be presented to each board for a vote of approval.

There are six main areas of focus for the projects I selected: social services and mental health, economic development, public safety, the environment, quality of life: recreation, arts & culture, and town modernization and infrastructure.

The agenda and instructions to log in and participate for the July 19, 2021 workshop can be found here.

It would be very helpful if members of the public, who are not able to call in or watch the meeting on Monday, take the time to visit the Town's website here on Tuesday, where we will post a recording of the meeting so residents can get a better understanding of each proposed project.

If you participated or watched the meeting recording and have questions or comments, please send them to the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Representative Town Meeting. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING Fairfield will receive $24.8 million over two years from the federal government as part of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

On Monday, July 19 at 5:30 PM, the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting have been invited to participate and provide input on a list of priorities I have assembled together with our Town's Department Heads at an online, informational workshop. Members of those boards, along with the public, are encouraged to offer their input on projects during the meeting and in continued conversations over the next month and a half. 

In September, a final list will be presented to each board for a vote of approval.

There are six main areas of focus for the projects I selected: social services and mental health, economic development, public safety, the environment, quality of life: recreation, arts & culture, and town modernization and infrastructure.

The agenda and instructions to log in and participate for the July 19, 2021 workshop can be found here It would be very helpful if members of the public, who are not able to call in or watch the meeting on Monday, take the time to visit the Town's website  It would be very helpful if members of the public, who are not able to call in or watch the meeting on Monday, take the time to visit the Town's website  here  on Tuesday, where we will post a recording of the meeting so residents can get a better understanding of each proposed project.

If you participated or watched the meeting recording and have questions or comments, please send them to the   on Tuesday, where we will post a recording of the meeting so residents can get a better understanding of each proposed project. Board of Selectmen ,  Board of Finance , and  Representative Town Meeting . Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FILL USE REMEDIATION FILL USE REMEDIATION  AND FILL PILE UPDATE Since my last update, the remediation work at Osborne Elementary, Southport Beach and McKinley School is complete. The final step for those locations is to put down clean top soil and lay down sod which will occur in the coming weeks. At Mill Hill School, all the Julian Fill has been removed, but some further work will be done by the school administration. The work at Jennings Beach began on Tuesday of this week and should be finished by early next week. Letters were also mailed to affected homeowners on Sunset Avenue; certain areas where Julian Fill was used in connection with a curbing project will be remediated during the week of July 19. GOULD MANOR UPDATE We are still waiting on final sign off from the Department of Public Health before remediation work will begin at Gould Manor. Remediation work will likely begin the first week of August and take 3-4 weeks to complete. Then renovations of the playgrounds and tennis courts will begin. We still are planning for a reopening of Gould Manor by spring 2022. Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES REOPENING  It was so nice to welcome back our Seniors to the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities for a picnic lunch on Monday.

Seniors can find more information on the Senior Centers safe and gradual reopening here: https://www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter Bigelow Center for Senior Activities https://www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter here BUY-A-BRICK PROGRAM | Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
We invite Fairfield local businesses and organizations to become a part of Fairfield’s downtown streetscape, by purchasing a commemorative brick in celebration of the Chamber’s 75th Anniversary. You will have the opportunity to see your company name (also available w/logo), for all to view and enjoy in years to come. 

The bricks purchased through this fundraiser program will partially be used to help beautify and reconstruct the existing semicircle pocket park alongside the Fairfield Public Library on Post Road, in the heart of downtown. For more information on purchasing a brick, click here. BUY-A-BRICK PROGRAM | Fairfield Chamber of Commerce th here HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN
In January, the Harbor Management Commission sought 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. After compiling all the responses, the results are now available  HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN here here . I hope you'll take some time to review additional Town information and upcoming events, by scrolling below.

I hope you have a nice weekend.
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman Community Events
Town Events
July Updates
Town Services 
Community Resources COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS CPR/AED TRAINING FOR THE LAY PERSON here FAIRFIELD FARMER'S MARKET Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FAIRFIELD POLICE SUNSET 5K FAIRFIELD POLICE SUNSET 5K July 21 at 6:30 PM... Details  HERE HERE Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. OPERATION HOPE TAG SALE It will look a bit different but rest assured, proceeds will continue to help feed, house and counsel our neighbors in need and you are guaranteed to find some treasures.

The Tag Sale will take place Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8, 2021, rain or shine from 9AM-5PM. Rather than locating the Tag Sale at First Church, they are asking friends to host tag sales in their own yards and garages that weekend around the Town of Fairfield. This is a great chance to purge so others can benefit from your treasures!

Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8, 2021

Shoppers from all over will come to Operation Hope at 636 Old Post Road on the days of the Tag Sale, 9am-5pm, to receive the location list. 

ANNUAL FAIRFIELD WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT here Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. UPCOMING TOWN EVENTS JULY UPDATES JULY UPDATES BIRD FEEDING HAULT FOR SUMMER late March through November Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES RENTERS REBATE PROGRAM RENTERS REBATE PROGRAM Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. PROPERTY TAX BILLS | A Message from the Tax Collector Property Tax Bills were mailed out on June 25th June 25 th th The 2020 Grand List property tax bills that become due on July 1, 2021 will be mailed out on Friday, June 25th. The Tax Office is open to the public and no appointment is necessary. Once the bills are mailed, you may also look up your bill and pay online by visiting  . Payments with an original bill coupon can also be made at any People's United Bank location, beginning Thursday, July 1st. You do not need to be a customer. 

Please note that according to State Statute, tax payments are due July 1st with a grace period until August 2nd. Interest begins to accrue on Tuesday, August 3rd at a rate of 1 1/2% per month, dating back to July 1, 2021.

Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions regarding tax payments.

2021 BEACH STICKERS  RENEW Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. COMMUNITY FOREST QUESTIONNAIRE
The Fairfield Forestry Committee is seeking public input, relative to updating the Town of Fairfield Community Forest Management Plan and setting priorities for managing Fairfield's "Community Forest". Please click on the link below to participate in a brief survey. COMMUNITY FOREST QUESTIONNAIRE HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY The Town is updating its 2014 Housing Plan and 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development - both of which look at the current and anticipated future housing needs in Fairfield. The survey is an opportunity for Fairfield residents to provide input about their housing experiences and feedback about housing options that Fairfield might consider. I hope you will take 5-7 minutes to complete the survey which can be found here.   The Town is updating its 2014 Housing Plan and 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development - both of which look at the current and anticipated future housing needs in Fairfield. The survey is an opportunity for Fairfield residents to provide input about their housing experiences and feedback about housing options that Fairfield might consider. I hope you will take 5-7 minutes to complete the survey which can be found here.   BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES Reopening – Click here to view the Reopening Packet. Please note the important changes taking place with the reopening and registration process.  There will be priority registration for Fairfield residents and you must pre-register for ALL classes, activities and events—unfortunately, no walk-ins at this time.  We can’t wait to see everyone. Safety for all members, our staff and instructors is a priority!    
 
Please click here for the July Newsletter.  Registration for Fairfield Residents Only for classes and activities begins on Monday, June 21st at 9:00am.  Registration for non-residents begins on Monday, June 28th at 9:00am.
 
Bigelow Center for Senior Activities Membership – Did you know that you have to renew your membership EVERY year?  The 2021/2022 Bigelow Center Membership renewal is underway and the form is now online!  Forms can be completed and submitted online via the town website. https://www.fairfieldct.org/bigelow/membership. Paper copies are also be available for pick up at the Bigelow Center.
 
The Bigelow Center for Senior Activities welcomes Jennifer Henry as our new Activities Coordinator!  Jennifer is a lifelong CT resident with experiences in event planning and world class travel, preschool teacher and a mom of three girls.  We are thrilled to have her as part of our team! Reopening –  Fairfield Residents Only st th Bigelow Center for Senior Activities Membership th 2021 Summer Reading Challenge for ALL ages, children, teens and adults! FPL 30 Day Sketch Challenge! 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 Library Programs.

Updates are shared via our website, newsletter and social media. (203) 290-4255 (203) 290-4255  FEMA    Red Cross  th PLEASE NOTE PLEASE NOTE : Advanced payments will be sent out to income eligible parents who were not required to file. However, for parents who did NOT file tax returns in 2019 or 2020, OR receive a stimulus check, please use the Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-Up Tool in order to start receiving these payments as soon as possible. Learn more and check out resources to help you fill out your form at  ChildTaxCredit.gov ChildTaxCredit.gov ChildTaxCredit.gov –  John James Audubon's  A Return to Pequot Library 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. 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. COMMUNITY RESOURCES Behind in your rent or mortgage? Struggling to make ends meet? RECYCLING DO'S AND DONT'S | SUSTAINABLE FAIRFIELD TASK FORCE
Fairfield pays close to $700,000.00 a year for our recycling programs, but a lot of our Town recycling is contaminated - in other words there are multiple items in the blue bins that CAN NOT Be recycled. Our recycling processor says that close to 25% of our recycling is contaminated - sometimes it is as simple as residents putting their recycling into plastic bags (which the processor then treats as waste even though the materials inside might be good recycling containers).
 
Learn More: RECYCLING DO'S AND DONT'S | SUSTAINABLE FAIRFIELD TASK FORCE Learn More: Do's and Don'ts of Recycling
What else can be recycled in Fairfield? Do's and Don'ts of Recycling What else can be recycled in Fairfield? SAFTEY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIAN, BIKING, AND RUNNING | FAIRFIELD'S BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE SAFTEY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIAN, BIKING, AND RUNNING | FAIRFIELD'S BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE     Motorists

• Expect pedestrians and cyclists on the road
• Reduce speed when encountering pedestrians and cyclists
• Look for cyclists when opening doors.
• Give cyclists at least 3 feet of space
• Connecticut is a yield State regarding pedestrians in crosswalks
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair the operation of a motor vehicle

at least Pedestrians

• ALWAYS face traffic, it’s the law because it’s safer
• Walk/run single file
• Make sure you’re visible
• Keep your dogs on a short leash
• Don’t cover your ears so you can’t hear
• Cross the street safely, use a crosswalk whenever possible

Cyclists Cyclists

• Ride with the traffic flow
• Obey all traffic laws
• Ride single file if riding with others
• Yield to traffic when appropriate
• Don’t cover your ears so you can’t hear
• Be predictable
• Stay alert at all times
• Look before turning
• Watch for parked cars 

GET INVOLVED! TOWN BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES You can also visit our Boards and Commissions page to learn more about roles and responsibilities: https://fairfieldct.org/boards

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 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 To learn about the application process, please click here: https://fairfieldct.org/appointmentprocess https://fairfieldct.org/appointmentprocess Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. 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.

How to sign up? Click here.                                        PREVIOUS UPDATES: Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here

This press release was produced by the Town of Fairfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.