Published on June 12, 2020

The town has set June 1, 2020 as a target for restarting some of the services that have been halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Preparations are underway for drive-through service at the Thomas Memorial Library effective June 1; and for the Town Clerk's and tax office at Town Hall to reopen with limited services and customer capacity, said Town Manager Matthew Sturgis.

Details of the plan will be announced when they become available, but Sturgis did say that Town Hall transactions would be limited and scheduled by appointment, and that partitions would be installed to protect staff and visitors.

"We will also be developing our plans in accordance with the governor's multiphase plan for reopening services," Sturgis said during his monthly report to the Town Council on May 11.

The pool and fitness center is looking at July 1 for reopening, with Community Services summer camp to begin June 22. "Staff is working on setting up a safe environment for the campers and staff, with additional tents, social distancing measures, masks, and sanitizer to address safety needs," Sturgis said. The town has used the time since the pool and fitness center closed in March to do the annual cleaning and maintenance that normally happens in August.

Remote town office services expanded

In the mean time, residents wishing to register automobiles purchased privately or at a dealer may do so remotely. The town will mail or email required forms and handle transactions remotely – including mailing new license plates. Sturgis said the service is especially important for private sales, where new owners would not have all the paperwork provided by a dealership. "They're kind of orphaned out there," he said.

Online renewal of automobile registration continues to be available, and staff is happy to assist, Sturgis said. Staff is available by phone or email from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.