TOWN OF BRATTLEBORO Town Manager’s Office 230 Main Street Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 251-8151 FAX (802) 257-2322
PRESS RELEASE
TO: Local Media Date: November 20, 2020
From: Town Manager’s Office
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Town of Brattleboro
COVID-19 Response Status
November 20, 2020
4:15pm
Weekly Update to the Community from Brattleboro Town Manager Peter Elwell:
The United States Government and the State of Vermont are operating under State of Emergency declarations issued by President Trump and Governor Scott related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The Town of Brattleboro, as a subdivision of the State of Vermont, is operating in accordance with Governor Scott’s declaration of a State of Emergency for all of Vermont.
Fire Chief Mike Bucossi, who also is the Town’s Emergency Management Director, is in close ongoing communication with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Rescue Inc., and other emergency health service providers. Chief Bucossi and Town Manager Peter Elwell also are in regular communication with the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Emergency Management. All other members of the Town’s management team are maintaining similarly close contact with their colleagues in State government and others to ensure that the Town’s actions are taken in concert with similar actions to protect the public throughout Vermont and beyond.
Please visit the Town’s website at www.brattleboro.org for extensive information about COVID-19, its impacts, and actions being taken to address those impacts. All of the Town’s COVID-19 updates are posted there, along with links to the Vermont Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. Most importantly, the Town’s homepage includes links to numerous resources for informing and assisting individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations. All of this information is being reviewed frequently to ensure you can rely on the Town’s site for current and accurate information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHAT IS NEW TODAY
• In compliance with Governor Scott’s instructions on November 13 for offices throughout Vermont to “reinstitute, to the maximum extent possible, … telecommuting or work from home procedures,” Town office operations have transitioned this week back to the way in which we operated during the “Stay Home Stay Safe” period in March and April of 2020. Office employees are working from home most of the time. Some employees are coming into their offices occasionally when it is necessary to accomplish a particular task or to provide a needed service to a member of the public. Since Town employees and the public we serve all have learned to transact most of our business electronically or by phone, we have found that the vast majority of our Town office work can be performed at our homes.
• Town field services also are transitioning back to the way in which they operated during last spring’s “Stay Home Stay Safe” period. For now, the way in which the public receives those services is relatively normal, but the work is being done in accordance with many special procedures required by the State of Vermont and recommended by public health officials. As we move into even more restrictive practices for the protection of employees and the public, we will identify those changes in future “COVID-19 Response Status” updates.
• From the Recreation and Parks Department:
➢ All general public use of the Gibson Aiken Center has been suspended until further notice.
➢ All programs and activities at the Senior Center have been suspended until further notice.
➢ Seasonal opening of the Nelson Withington Skating Facility for general public use has been delayed until further notice.
➢ 1-hour 1-household reservations are available for both the Nelson Withington Skating Facility and the Gibson Aiken Center Gymnasium / Program Rooms. To register for a time slot, click on one of the following links:
Nelson Withington Skating Facility ($75/hour)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549A4AD22ABFF2-nelson1
The Gibson Aiken Center Gymnasium ($25/hour)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549A4AD22ABFF2-gibson
The Gibson Aiken Program Rooms ($15/hour)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549A4AD22ABFF2-gibson1
➢ All Parks and outdoor facilities are open to Vermont Residents (and to those who have quarantined according to the Vermont Health Department Guidelines).
Getting outside, while physically distancing, is not only allowed, it’s encouraged.
As people continue to gather in parks, and as most people are doing so carefully, we welcome people getting outside but want to ensure that they are doing so safely.
Please follow posted signs that reaffirm social distancing measures in parks and playgrounds. Additionally, we ask that you only recreate with those from your household. Please …
o Be advised that PLAYGROUNDS ARE NOT SANITIZED
o STAY HOME if you are exhibiting COVID symptoms.
o WEAR A MASK at all times when physical distancing is not possible.
o WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY, or use sanitizer.
o Be prepared for limited access to the restrooms.
o Please plan to arrive, play, and leave. No gatherings.
• Brooks Memorial Library has suspended public visits within the building indefinitely. Curbside pick-up of materials is available from 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Patrons may request materials by placing a hold on an item in their online account, emailing circulation@brookslibraryvt.org, or calling 802-254-5290 ext. 0. Delivery services for Brattleboro residents who cannot come to the library can be arranged by emailing circulation@brookslibraryvt.org or calling 254-5290 extension 0. Wi-Fi can be accessed curbside 24/7.
• The Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, November 24, to discuss Brattleboro Police Department policies and procedures with Chief Michael Fitzgerald and Captain Mark Carignan. The Selectboard will meet in executive session and deliberative session beginning at 5:15pm, followed by the public meeting at 6:15pm. The public meeting will be held on Zoom due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86067892659
You also can call in using your telephoneby dialing any of these toll-free numbers in the United States:
833-548-0282
877-853-5247
888-788-0099
833-548-0276
or you can access a list of non-toll-free numbers
for locations around the world using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k2Hdbk6mA
The “Meeting ID” for this meeting is: 860 6789 2659
The Passcode for this meeting is: 12261753
The meeting will be carried live on BCTV:
On Cable TV: Channel 1085 or Channel 10
Streaming Online: https://www.brattleborotv.org/channel-10-stream
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/brattleborotv/
Here is a link to the agenda for the November 24 Selectboard meeting:
Most of the following information has previously been announced by the Town to the community. Some of the items have been modified to update the details. The information is separated into sections, as follows: “Wearing Face Coverings Required,” “Overall Status of Town Government’s Daily Operations,” “Emergency Services,” “Non-Emergency and Administrative Support Services,” and “Public Meetings.”
WEARING FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED
At its meetings on May 19 and May 26, the Selectboard adopted the following resolution. The resolution was reviewed and reaffirmed at the Selectboard meeting on June 16. (Please also note that the Governor has issued an order requiring face coverings in all public places throughout Vermont.)
Be it resolved by the Selectboard of the Town of Brattleboro, Vermont, as follows:
AMENDED
COVID-19 EMERGENCY ORDER
WEARING FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and to help prevent people who may unknowingly have the virus from transmitting it to others; and
WHEREAS, the Vermont Department of Health “recommends that all Vermonters wear cloth face coverings when outside of the home to help slow the spread of COVID-19;” and
WHEREAS, Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development have issued the following instructions in conjunction
with the Governor’s executive orders regarding COVID-19:
“Employees must wear face coverings over their nose and mouth when in the presence of others. In the case of retail cashiers, a translucent shield or “sneeze guard” is acceptable in lieu of a mask. Businesses and non-profit and government entities may require customers or clients to wear masks” while on their premises
and
“The legislative body of each municipality may enact more strict local requirements regarding mask use than those set forth herein;” and WHEREAS, COVID-19 remains a health hazard to residents of Brattleboro and a significant threat to vulnerable populations; and WHEREAS, wearing a face covering is an important act we can do in an effort to protect others from an infection that we may not even know we have.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Selectboard hereby issues the following COVID-19 Emergency Order:
WEARING FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED
Requirement to Wear Face Covering.
Starting May 20, 2020, all establishments located in the Town of Brattleboro that invite the public into their premises for the purpose of receiving services, purchasing products, or otherwise transacting business, shall require both staff and customers (or visitors) to wear cloth face coverings or face shields over their nose and mouth while inside the establishment.
Exceptions.
Cloth face coverings are not required on young children under age 5 and should not be placed on anyone who has trouble breathing or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Posting of Requirement.
Each establishment is individually responsible to post signage at the entrance and at other appropriate locations stating that customers (or visitors) are required to wear face coverings by order of the Brattleboro Selectboard.
Effective Period.
This Order shall remain in effect until the Brattleboro Selectboard amends, rescinds, or suspends this Order or until the Governor declares an end to the COVID-19 State of Emergency in Vermont, whichever occurs first.
Adopted by the Brattleboro Selectboard at its meeting on May 19, 2020.
Amended by the Brattleboro Selectboard at its meeting on May 26, 2020.
OVERALL STATUS OF TOWN GOVERNMENT’S DAILY OPERATIONS
• Emergency services and field crews continue to operate as described below.
• The exterior entrances to all Town facilities remain locked at all times.
• Signs are posted at the exterior entrances to all Town facilities clearly indicating that no one may enter the building if they have any symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath).
• All email communications and most telephone communications are functioning exactly as they do during normal office operations.
• Town employees who have direct dial phone numbers and individual email addresses can be contacted in the usual way. If you don’t have that information, please use the contact information for each department listed below under “Non-Emergency and Administrative Support Services.”
• The public is requested to continue to do as much Town business as possible remotely (by email, internet, phone, or mail).
• When an on-site visit is necessary for a particular individual to comply with a Town requirement or to receive a Town service, such visits can be arranged in advance (by making an appointment).
• Anyone who is not a Town employee will be met at the exterior door by a Town employee, escorted into the applicable office, and then escorted out of the building.
• During every visit, the 1 employee and 1 visitor will:
➢ Wear masks at all times covering both the nose and the mouth and fitting snugly under the chin. (The Town will provide a mask to any visitor who does not have one.)
➢ Wear gloves or use hand sanitizer before handling documents.
➢ Abide by social distancing best practices (such as standing no closer than 6 feet apart).
• Restrooms are not available for public use. If an employee allows a visitor to use a restroom in an emergency, that employee will use disinfectant cleaner to wipe down all fixtures, handles, and touched surfaces immediately after the visitor leaves.
• Town employees are continuing to do as much work as possible with other Town employees via email, internet, and phone. When 2 or more employees must meet face-to-face to complete a particular task, they adhere to the same requirements as when providing 1-to-1 services to visitors:
➢ Wear masks at all times covering both the nose and the mouth and fitting snugly under the chin.
➢ Wear gloves or use hand sanitizer before handling documents.
➢ Abide by social distancing best practices (such as standing no closer than 6 feet apart).
• Town officials are continuing to coordinate with a variety of community organizations regarding emerging community needs that extend beyond the scope of our normal Town government services.
• All reservations for use of Town facilities by non-Town organizations are cancelled until further notice.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
• Emergency services are being provided by the Police Department (BPD) and Fire Department (BFD).
• Dispatch is fully staffed 24/7 and is screening for COVID-19 on all calls.
• Both BPD and BFD are conducting “doorway assessments” for COVID-19 before entering into buildings.
• Both BPD and BFD have instituted policies that adjust their normal procedures to reflect COVID-19 best practices advice from public health experts. This includes screening every employee for COVID-19 before and during every shift.
• BPD officers are responding to all calls for assistance in person, unless the caller requests to be contacted by other means. Officers wear masks during all interactions with the public and follow best practice guidelines and directives from the AG, CDC, DPS, VDH, etc. Motor vehicle enforcement activity is mainly limited to addressing moving violations. Both BPD and BFD have implemented best practices for more rigorous than normal cleaning of facilities and equipment, for the use of personal protective equipment, and for decontamination (when needed) after calls.
• The police station and both fire stations are locked and closed to the public except for emergencies and appointments.
NON-EMERGENCY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Water+Sewer Utilities
• Town water+sewer facilities are being operated. Staffing and some procedures have been adjusted to reflect COVID-19 best practices advice from public health experts. The public should notice no change in water or sewer service.
• For general water+sewer questions, please call 802-254-4255.
• Many buildings remain in a state of partial shutdown. The Town’s Water Department reminds all building owners that water lines within buildings should be flushed to keep the water supply safe. While the Town is continuing to deliver water to the meter that complies with all drinking water standards and has a trace of chlorine for disinfection, the water quality within the interior piping of a building will deteriorate if not used.
• Water+Sewer crews will not enter private buildings until further notice. People who experience service problems should call the Department of Public Works, as usual. A DPW crew will address the situation on the outside of the building. If that does not resolve the issue, then the owner/customer will need to hire a private plumber to address the issue on the interior of the building.
Parking
• For parking related inquiries, please call 802-257-2305 or email ccoulombe@brattleboro.org.
• Parking field activities continue in accordance with special procedures required by the Governor’s executive orders and public health best practices.
Town Manager’s Office
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general information, please call 802-251-8151 or email townmanager@brattleboro.org.
Town Clerk’s Office
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general information, please call 802-251-8157 or email townclerk@brattleboro.org.
• Dog Licenses:
➢ Late fees are waived for any dog licensed after April 1, 2020, but dogs are still required to be licensed per Title 20, Section 3581(c) of Vermont State Statutes.
➢ 2021 dog licenses will be available for purchase beginning in January. This can be done through the mail or online. Renewal notices will be going out in the mail in January. If you haven’t been able to get a rabies vaccine for your pet this year, the Windham County Humane Society is offering them for $10. Call 254-2232 for an appointment.
• Due to the inability to sanitize paper records and books, customers are currently not allowed in the vault. The Town Clerk’s Office staff is happy to work with each customer to identify the accurate book and page number, and then pull the records for their review. The communication can occur over the phone or by email, staff can scan and email the records, and the customer can pay online. Also, all Brattleboro land records dating back to 1945 can be accessed online through our website: https://i2d.uslandrecords.com/VT/Brattleboro/D/Default.aspx
• Due to limited hours in the office, it may take longer than usual for people to receive certified copies of documents, land records, dog licenses, etc., in the mail. Thank you for your patience.
Public Works Department
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general information, please call 802-254-4255.
• Field operations continue in accordance with special procedures required by the Governor’s executive orders and public health best practices.
Planning Services Department
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general information, please call 802-251-8154 or email planning@brattleboro.org.
• The Planning Services Department is accepting zoning permit and development applications by mail or email and payments can now be made online. To view a list of issued permits visit: https://www.brattleboro.org/index.asp?SEC=2CB22546-F959-4A03-B179-60D7295CD090&Type=B_BASIC
• Staff will continue to conduct research in the property records, as requested, and can scan or mail copies of permits.
Brooks Memorial Library
• The building is closed to the public until further notice.
• Wifi can be accessed curbside at any time.
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general information, please call 802-254-5290 (Extension 0) or email info@brookslibraryvt.org.
• Curbside pick-up of materials is available from 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Patrons may request materials by placing a hold on an item in their online account, emailing circulation@brookslibraryvt.org, or calling 802-254-5290 ext. 0.
• Borrowed items may be returned through the big blue metal bookdrop box in the Municipal Center parking lot.
• Delivery services for Brattleboro residents who cannot come to the library can be arranged by emailing circulation@brookslibraryvt.org or calling 254-5290 extension 0.
• Library staff is standing by, as always, ready to help:
➢ Circulation questions: extension 0 or circulation@brookslibraryvt.org
➢ Reference service: extension 1209 or jeanne@brookslibraryvt.org
➢ Technology and electronic services support: extension 1204 or matt@brookslibraryvt.org
➢ Children’s room: extension 1210 or cr@brookslibraryvt.org
• Register for a library card, sign up for new book alerts and our newsletter, and access online resources such as streaming video, downloadable ebooks, audiobooks and magazines via the library website at www.brooklsibraryvt.org.
• Follow BrooksMemorialLibrary on Facebook for updates, programs, and activities.
Recreation+Parks Department
• On November 14, the Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department suspended all public activities and recreational sports programs, including organized and informal recreational youth and adult league sports, practices, and games until further notice. If you have signed up and paid for a program, we can credit your account or send you a refund. Please advise of your preference by emailing recreation@brattleboro.org or leaving a message at 802-254-5808.
• Opening of the Nelson Withington Skating Facility has been delayed until further notice. We are taking private household reservations at both The Nelson Withington Skating Facility and the Gibson Aiken Center. This is being done in compliance with the most recent State of Vermont restrictions on this type of activity. To make a 1-hour 1-household reservation, click on one of the following links:
Nelson Withington Skating Facility ($75/hour)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549A4AD22ABFF2-nelson1
The Gibson Aiken Center Gymnasium ($25/hour)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549A4AD22ABFF2-gibson
The Gibson Aiken Program Rooms ($15/hour)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549A4AD22ABFF2-gibson1
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general information, please call 802-254-5808 or email recreation@brattleboro.org.
• Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook at “Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department” and follow us on Instagram at “Brattleboro recandparks”, for up to date programming information and virtual programming.
• Parks Maintenance field operations continue in accordance with special procedures required by the Governor’s executive orders and public health best practices.
• Parks equipment at playgrounds is available for use as long as users adhere to the social distancing and other safety precautions described on signs adjacent to that equipment.
• The Fred H. Harris Tennis/Pickleball Courts at Living Memorial Park are open.
• The Rotary Disc Golf course at Living Memorial Park is open.
• The Dog Park at Living Memorial Park is open. Use of the dog park is “at your own risk” as this facility cannot regularly be disinfected. Users are asked to adhere to the following guidelines:
➢ Keep six feet apart and wear masks.
➢ Try to visit the dog park during “off peak” hours.
➢ Sanitize hands before, during, and after visiting the dog park.
• Perseverance Skate Park is now open. Use of the park is “at your own risk.” We ask users to keep six feet apart and to wear masks.
• The Basketball Courts at Living Memorial Park and Crowell Lot are open to individual households for informal play.
• All softball fields are available to individual households for informal play.
• The restrooms at West River Park and next to the snack bar at Living Memorial Park have been closed for the season.
• Morningside Cemetery is open for visits to honor a loved one or to get some fresh air and exercise.
• The Brattleboro Senior Meals Program continues to offer Take Away Meals + Meals On Wheels. No congregate meals are being served at this time.
Assessor’s Office
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general information, please call 802-251-8156.
• All interior inspections for assessments have been suspended until further notice. Exterior inspections continue as usual.
• Businesses can remotely fill out and pay for their 2021 Business License. Go Here for the link to the form and to pay online. Your check or money order also can be mailed to the Town Assessor’s Office at 230 Main Street, Suite 109, or dropped off in the brown “Town Business” drop box in the Municipal Center parking lot. The annual fee is $50.
Finance Department
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general information, please call 802-251-8152.
• For the Treasurer’s Office, please call 802-251-8153.
• For the Grants Manager, please email mtallman@brattleboro.org.
• Purchase of recycling bins and compost containers can be arranged by making an appointment in advance. Use direct dial phone numbers or email addresses if you know them, or call the general information number at 802-251-8152.
Human Resources
• The Human Resources Director can be contacted at the usual phone number (802-251-8135) and email address (snix@brattleboro.org) and is available by appointment, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm.
Fire Department (non-emergency and administrative support)
• The fire stations are closed to the public.
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general Fire Department information, please call 802-254-4831.
• All routine Fire Safety and Rental Housing inspections are canceled until further notice.
• Pre-sale inspections are being conducted whenever possible, adhering to special procedures required by the Governor’s executive orders and public health best practices.
• Rental housing and other life safety issues are being addressed on a case-by-case basis, depending on their severity.
• Burn Permits are still required for any open-air fires. To apply for a Burn Permit, please visit the Fire Department’s website at www.brattleborofd.org.
Police Department (non-emergency and administrative support)
• The police station is closed to the public except for emergencies and appointments.
• Direct contact phone numbers and email addresses remain operational.
• For general Police Department information, please call 802-257-7946 or email bpd@sover.net.
• The Police Department is waiving alarm fees until further notice.
• The Police Department is not performing Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verifications until further notice.
Small Business Assistance Program Loans
• Businesses who are repaying loans to the Town’s Small Business Assistance Program can defer (without penalty or additional interest) their monthly payments until further notice.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
• The Selectboard’s next meeting will be on November 24. Please see pages 2 and 3 of this update for information about that meeting and about how to watch or participate in that meeting.
• All other Town boards, commissions, and committees also are meeting online using either GoToMeeting or Zoom. Please see the agenda for each individual meeting for information about how to watch or participate in that particular meeting.
