MONROE, Conn. — First Selectman Ken Kellogg met with other town officials Monday to decide which meetings to have this week and determine, which ones should be rescheduled amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Public access may be limited to remote participation over the internet or phone. To that end, Kellogg said he entered into a contract with a service called Go to Meeting.
“We probably will end up keeping it, because it just makes sense,” he said. “It’s not terribly expensive.”
Town board and commission meetings may continue based upon the criticality and time sensitity of agenda items. Public access may be limited to remote participation over the internet or phone, according to the first selectman’s Code Red message Sunday.
This week’s Architectural Review Board, Library Board of Trustees and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings have been cancelled.
The Board of Education is having a meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, but members of the public cannot attend in person.
“Public access to this meeting will be through remote viewing only,” a message on the Board of Education agenda said. “To access this meeting remotely, please go to Channel 194 (Charter/Spectrum) or Channel 6011 (Frontier). Thank you.”
Sign up for Code Red
On Sunday, the first selectman sent out his first Code Red message about the coronavirus pandemic.
Kellogg encourages those who do not get Code Red to sign up by visiting the town website, and clicking on the link in the upper right side of the homepage.
In Sunday’s Code Red, Kellogg said the Monroe Emergency Management Team is meeting daily and remains in constant contact with state health and emergency management officials.
“The disruption of many activities along with the uncertainty of the situation can be stressful and increase anxiety,” Kellogg said. “While tensions may be high, we must remember that we are taking action as a community to slow the spread of illness, while maintaining important services.”
“While older adults and those with severe underlying health conditions appear to be the most at risk, state health officials continue to predict that a majority of those who become ill are expected to recover at home,” he said.
While there are still no known cases of COVID-19 in Monroe, state officials advise everyone to assume community transmission is occurring.
Starting Monday, to avoid large gatherings, public access to the library building was suspended, but residents can take advantage of the Library-To-Go pick up service. More information is posted on the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library website.
“Anyone needing services from Town Hall departments are asked to call ahead of time in advance to see if assistance can be provided on the phone, email or at our website,” Kellogg said.
All programs, events and social gatherings at Monroe Senior Center, library and Parks and Recreation programs are postponed or canceled until further notice.
The Senior Center and Food Pantry remain open to provide routine assistance services, however, please call in advance, Kellogg said.
Monroe Animal Shelter
Animal Control Officer Ed Risko sent out this message:
ATTENTION: In accordance with the statewide efforts to so down the spread of COVID-19: The Animal Control Unit Field Office at the Dog Pound, 447 Purdy Hill Rd will be closed to the public. Please call in advance and make an appointment to redeem your pet or view any animals. Any donations may be left outside at the front gate, just call and leave us a message.
Dog Licenses are available by mail, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 203-452-2811 for instructions, or go to our web address to print the application http://monroect.
