Municipal updates during COVID-19: Waldo County
WALDO COUNTY — As the Covid-19 situation evolves, local municipalities are changing and updating their protocols. Many offices have closed, yet not all.
PenBayPilot.com has visited town office websites and is posting updates here:
Belfast cityofbelfast.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=701
Effective, April 2 all City of Belfast Facilities will be CLOSED through April 30, 2020.
We encourage the public to continue to utilize what services they can online, over the phone, or through postal mail. All City phone and City email contact information is provided below, and all departments (essential and non-essential) will continue to respond to phone calls and emails in a timely manner.
Public Safety – Access to the Police Department and Fire/Ambulance Department will be closed to all non-employees except in emergency situations. If you have an emergency, please call 911.
Committee/Council Meetings- Following the Council Meeting on March 17, 2020, the City has suspended all in person committee meetings through April 30, 2020. All City Council and City Committee Meetings will occur online using Zoom and can be streamed on the City website at www.cityofbelfast.org. All regularly scheduled Council Meetings will air live on BEL TV as well as on Belfast Community Radio WBFY 100.9. Members of the public who wish to submit announcements, questions or comment for the City Council or Planning Board Meetings email public@cityofbelfast.org. We encourage that emails be sent prior to the date and time of the meeting, but public comment will be accepted during the duration of the meeting. Please see the City website for how best to observe remotely for all other meetings.
General Assistance – Anyone needing General Assistance should contact the administrator at 338-3370 ext. 120. Applications will be processed over the phone, email and postal mail. 338- 3370 ext. 120 will also connect elderly residents of Belfast who are homebound and need access to supplies, such as food or prescriptions through the Ring of Caring program.
The Transfer Station will be suspending all recycling, including that from other municipalities, in an effort to reduce staff contact and possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We ask that you please include your recycling in with your household trash for the month of April to prevent an overwhelming surge in May that our facility is not equipped to handle. Recycling of scale demolition and cardboard from Belfast businesses will continue to be accepted. We will continue to accept all trash from households and businesses. However, payment for trash will be reduced from $3.50 to $3.00, only cash will be accepted and should be placed in a designated payment receptacle. The requirement for stickers on trash bags will be suspended during this time. Residents with concerns can call the Transfer Station at 338-1817.
Wastewater Treatment Plant – The plant will continue operations but no non-employees will be allowed to access the plant. In an effort to reduce potential staff contact with raw wastewater and possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus the City is asking that all public sewer users refrain from flushing products, other than toilet paper, down the toilet. Disposing of other products can lead to sewer line blockages and plugged pumps that require direct contact by staff to resolve the issue. Additionally in an effort to reduce staff contact and possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus the City downtown trash receptacles (except for along the Harbor Walk and Rail Trail) have been removed, please utilize the Transfer Station or contracted services for household trash disposal. Residents with concerns can call the Plant at 338-1744.
The Transfer Station is asking that you please STOP your vehicle at the end of the building (by the office) and wait for instruction by a City Employee before exiting your vehicle to throw household garbage into the hopper.
City Clerk & Tax Office - Access to City Hall will be closed. We request that citizens view the list of items below to determine what can be performed online at cityofbelfast.org, or postal mail. City employees will continue to be available by phone and email to answer questions of any nature as well as to assist anyone with the process of performing transactions online with the City Clerk and/or Tax Collector:
Public Works – Staff will continue to work, however there will be no public access to the Public Works Facility. Residents with concerns can call the Facility at 338-2375.
Parks and Recreation – Please contact 338-3370 ext. 127 if you need forms or assistance. Everything will be processed over the phone, email or postal mail. You may also download forms or applications from the City website. At this time our City parks and trails will remain open to the public but we would like to stress the importance of following the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 even in the parks, playgrounds, Skate Park, Dog Park and trails.
City Manager’s Office – Please contact 338-3370 ext. 110. Everything will be processed over the phone, email or postal mail.
Harbor – Please contact 338-1142 if you need forms or assistance. Everything will be processed over the phone, email or postal mail. At this time we plan on getting floats in as scheduled but request that boaters be cautions of social distancing as the Harbor becomes more active. Additionally, we have closed the public restrooms at the Harbor until further notice.
Belfast Free Library – Access to the Belfast Free Library will be closed to non-employees. While the library is closed, we ask that you hold on to your checked out material instead of returning it to the library. Until further notice, the library’s book return slots are closed. All due dates have been extended until May 1st. No overdue fines will accrue during this time.
Even though the library is closed, staff will be answering email. If you have questions or need help, please email us. The general information and help email address is info@belfastlibrary.org. Other staff email addresses are on the library’s website: www.belfastlibrary.org.
During this closure, please take advantage of and explore the library’s digital resources, which are available from the library’s website.
Some of these digital resources are e-books and e-audiobooks on CloudLibrary and RBDigital; movies on Kanopy; craft projects on Creativebug; self-publishing and a variety of other resources on Biblioboard; and a multitude of information resources through the Digital Maine Library.
Planning & Code Office –Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and consistent with State and City guidelines associated with this pandemic, the Code and Planning Department is implementing the following procedures effective April 2, 2020. All parties must comply with these guidelines. We appreciate your patience and compliance with our decision to implement these guidelines.
1) How to Submit Permits. All permit applications must be received either electronically or via mail. All fees are due upon submission of application and can be paid by check. Please call ahead (338-1417 x 12F5 or 899-6856 (Bub Fournier, CEO) if you do not know what the fee will be for your permit. Email applications to enealley@cityofbelfast.org or tobfournier@cityofbelfast.org. Send applications and payments/checks to: City of Belfast, Code & Planning Department, 131 Church St, Belfast, ME 04915.
2) What Permits Will the City Issue. Effective April 2, 20202 and continuing as long as the current health emergency exists, no new permits for remodeling/renovating existing occupied spaces will be issued unless for emergency repairs (e.g. tree fell on a structure, broken window, fire, plumbing/electrical repairs etc.). The City will issue permits for new construction (e.g. new house, new nonresidential structure), outdoor construction (decks, accessory structures), and emergency repair. The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the sole discretion to determine which permits can or cannot be issued. All work that is permitted by issuance of a permit shall be subject to all required inspections.
3 Inspections. All contractors and property owners calling for inspections MUST comply with all CDC guidelines in an effort to help prevent spreading the virus and to protect persons participating in the inspection. Further, all contractors and property owners must comply with the following additional guidelines during any inspection:
- At outdoor job sites, all people on site must keep a minimum 6’ distance from the Code Enforcement Officer at all times. Please don’t be on any job site if you have any symptoms such as fever, cough, repeated sneezing, difficulty breathing etc.
- Indoor job sites undergoing inspection will be allowed 1 person indoors while the inspection is being conducted. All other workers will need to exit the structure during the inspection. When possible, contractors may be asked to provide pictures or videos to minimize on site visits by the inspector on a case by case basis.
- No work is authorized without inspections at this time. Existing indoor permitted projects may continue. However, contractors and property owners may experience scheduling difficulties for inspections as we work through the best and safest way to verify compliance with all applicable codes.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the sole discretion in determining if it is safe or unsafe to conduct any inspection. Persons with questions regarding inspection procedures should contact Bub Fournier, CEO, at 899-6856, or via email at bfournier@cityofbelfast.org
All other questions for the Planning and Code Office can be directed to 338-3370 ext. 125.
Burnham https://burnham-maine.us/
The town vote (originally 3/20) and annual town meeting (originally 3/21) have both been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic in accordance with emergency legislation (LD 2671). More information will be shared soon. Thanks for your understanding.
Islesboro http://townofislesboro.com/town-office/covid19/
- March 20th Select Board Resolution (pdf)
- Town Budget Workshop scheduled for March 25th is postponed indefinitely.
Health Center
If you think you may be sick, please call the Health Center and refer to the CDC's guidelines on how to prevent COVID-19 spread.
While routine visits and physical exams are postponed, the Health Center will continue to provide urgent care, prescription refills and Tuesday morning blood draws. Saturday Walk-In office hours are suspended, but you can call Monday throgh Friday from 9:00am – 9:30am to speak with a provider.
Town Offices
Closed to the public through March 30. Please call with questions and someone will get back to you. A brief reminder of online services available: Vehicle & Trailer Registration, Boat Registration, Hunting & Fishing Licenses, Dog Licenses, and Land Use & Development Review Permit Application.
Islesboro Community Center (ICC)
The ICC is closed (including Fitness Center) and programs have been postponed. The lobby, downstairs bathrooms, and ATM will remain open, please use at your own discretion. Hand sanitizer is available in the lobby, please use if you do come in.
Library
The library is closed to the public. Melissa will take requests for materials and put them outside the library door for pick up. The items will be wiped down with Clorox wipes before and after use. Call 734-2218 or email molson@alpl.lib.me.us with requests. The Library has 24/7 free Internet access (and a large parking lot) so students can do their assignments remotely. Computer Classes at the Library are postponed until further notice.
Transfer Station
The Transfer Station bins are open, the buildings are closed to the public, and the Swap Shop is closed. Sale of trash bags is now through local stores only.
Jackson jacksonmaine.net/
The Jackson Town Meeting scheduled for March 21st has been postponed.
No replacement date has been set for the Annual Town Meeting.
There will be a meeting at the Town Office on Sat, March 21 at 9:30AM to elect a moderator and then to make a motion to be voted on to postpone the town meeting scheduled for that day. We ask that the meeting be kept to a minimum of people in order to comply with the recommendations from the Federal and State government
Due to the coronavirus concerns all events at the Jackson Library have been postponed and the Library will be closed until further notice. The key at the town office will not be available during the Library closure period and the Library will not be open on Sunday during the transfer station hours. The Library board is sorry for the inconvenience.
The monthly meetings of the Jackson Planning Board will be postponed until further notice. If you have a need to address the Board please contact Jackson Town Clerk Brenda Dennison at 207-722-3439.
Lincolnville. www.town.lincolnville.me.us
Lincolnville Town Administrator David Kinney circulated the following notice March 22: In response to the COVID-19 outbreak the Lincolnville Town Office is now CLOSED to in-person transactions.
We encourage the public to use our online services, see "Online Services" tab in blue banner of our web site www.town.lincolnville.me.us or call the Town Office at (207) 763-3555, send us an email at info@town.lincolnville.me.us or use the "Contact Us" tab on the web site. The direct line to the Code Enforcement Officer is (207) 763-3601.
Due the Governor's Executive Order regarding gatherings and the need for social distancing, the Board of Selectmen’s meeting will be limited to no more than 10 persons. We encourage you to watch remotely. The meeting of the Board of Selectmen is available via our local government channel on cable TV (channel 22) or via live stream (see sidebar box at right on our web site home page). We are working on an interactive system that will allow you to ask questions of or provide your input to the Board of Selectmen. This system may not be available for the meeting on the 23rd. If not, submit your questions in advance to info@town.lincolnville.me.us.
For the time being all Board/Committee/Commission meetings are cancelled or postponed.
For more information concerning COVID-19 get answers at any time by calling 2-1-1 (or 1-866-811-5695), emailing info@211maine.org or by testing your zip code to 898-211. The Maine CDC Coronavirus web site is: www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus and the United States Center for Disease Control web site is: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
Property taxes due on April 1, 2020 should be mailed to the Town Office, 493 Hope Road, Lincolnville, ME 04849 or deposited in the drop box to the right of the Town Office front door. DO NOT MAIL CASH OR PUT CASH IN THE DROP BOX.
Montville montvillemaine.org/
Transfer Station
The Montville Transfer Station will remain open for its usual hours on Saturdays from 9 am-3 pm but with limited services until further notice. We will continue to take household waste only. Recyclables will not be accepted at the transfer station for the immediate future. Residents can mix recyclables with household waste, hold on to recyclables for when the transfer station resumes collection, or bring recyclables directly to the Unity Area Regional Recycling Center. Check the UARRC website for hours.
Money collected at the transfer station will be collected on an honor system basis until further notice. Please deposit checks, exact cash amount, or close to the exact amount due since change will not be available. There will be an attendant at the site to answer any questions or concerns. Due to the health risks of the coronavirus, self serve at the transfer station will be required.
Coronavirus Information
In the hopes of keeping people healthy, below are two informational sheets. The first one is on how to stop the spread of germs – which would include the many strains of the flu already floating around and also the COVID-19 virus which seems to be on our threshold. The second one is a fact sheet on COVID-19 with straight forward answers to the questions you may have.
-Stop the Spread of Germs
-What you need to know about coronavirus
Coronavirus: Slow the Spread and Do Your Part
Northport http://www.northportmaine.org/
TOWN OFFICE CLOSURE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS:
Due to the rapid spreading of the Coronavirus (COVID19) and following the guidelines of State and Federal CDC offices, the Town Office is closed to the public, effective March 17, 2020 to April 7, 2020. This closure will be reviewed weekly. Please continue to follow this website and also our Facebook page for updates.
If you need to contact the office, please contact Town Administrator Barbara Ashey at her email at administrator@northportmaine.org or by calling her at the office at 207-338-3819 X6. She will be monitoring all calls and emails.
The Transfer Station will be open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trash stickers my be purchased at Wentworth's Grocery, or at the Transfer Station by check only. Please come prepared with your checks to the Transfer Station.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but the safety of our residents and employees is our priority.
Please, stay safe and healthy.
Northport Food Pantry - Irene Blood - 207-323-9742 - northportfoodpantry@gmail.com
Red Cross - 800-733-2767 - www.redcross.org
Renewal of automobile and trailer registrations - Rapid renewal may be accessed at https://www.maine.gov/online/bmv/rapid-renewal/
Wentworth Grocery Store - 338-1897 - They ask that you follow their Facebook page for updates. They are keeping their shelves stocked the best they can.
The Stone Brick Oven Kitchen - 338-2600 - Pizza and other items - They will not have dine in service available, but are offering pick up service, curbside pick up and delivery service within 10 miles of their front door. Please follow their Facebook page for updates.
Dots - Lincolnville - 706-7922 - They post their weekly menu and instructions on how to order on their Facebook page. They will deliver within a 10 miles radius with an order of $25.00 or more.
Whalestooth Pub - Lincolnville - 789-5822 - They are closed to the public, but will be offering pick up meal services on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a limited menu. Please follow their Facebook page for updates.
Palermo townofpalermo.org/news-and-announcements
Effective Immediately 3/17/2020, posted Mar 17, 2020, 11:09 AM by Town Office [ updated Mar 18, 2020, 9:02 AM ]
The Town Office is closed to foot traffic, the length of time to be determined.The staff will be on duty to take phone calls and emails during regular business hours. Please call if you need further information or have any questions.
We can take Vehicle Registrations, ATV/Boat and Snowmobile registrations over the phone or by email and we will mail the registration to you or you can register them online at https://www1.maine.gov/online/bmv/rapid-renewal/ or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/
If you are in need of any permits such as building permits-call the office or email us and we will mail them to you.
Phone 993-2296
Email: Topclerk@fairpoint.net
Prospect http://prospectmaine.org/
Implemented Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Until Further Notice
The Town Office will be closed to the public until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The staff is available by phone, fax or email and hours have been extended. Our contact information and extended hours are listed below.
· prospecttown@fairpoint.net or prospecttowndeputy@fairpoint.net
· Phone 207-567-3661 Fax 207-567-4366
· Website: prospectmaine.org
· Facebook: TownofProspecMaine
Monday 9:30 am to 4 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am to 7 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am to 4 pm
Thursday 10 am to 5 pm
Friday 10 am to 4 pm
Town is working on installing Rapid Renewal online service. This service includes the use of your credit/debit card.
General Assistance Program/ Emergency Aid: All requests will be taken by phone only. Please contact the Town Office for more information. Deputy GA Officer, Jill Riley will be processing applications over the phone on Wednesday’s 9:30 am to 4 pm. Fuel Assistance: Community Concerns contact Barbara Tilley, 207-567-3267
Selectman’s Meetings: Selectmen’s Meetings are canceled with the exception of the signing of warrants and emergency meetings.
Town Election and Meeting: Both Town Election and Meeting has been postponed.
Updates will be posted on the front door of the Town Office, website and Facebook.
Best Regards, Board of Selectmen
Searsmont https://searsmont.com/
The Searsmont Town Office is remaining OPEN at this time, and maintaining our regular hours. We feel we have adequate “social distancing” in the office, and a good supply of disinfectant wipes, to be able to preserve a healthy environment. Online options are available for motor vehicle registration renewals, tax payments, and burn permits, and we are happy to work with any resident who is uncomfortable coming in by processing transactions through the mail. You can also call, and we can have things prepared for when you arrive, limiting your time here. We can even deliver some items to you in your car. Your job is to keep yourselves safe and healthy, ours is to serve you to the best of our abilities and we will continue to do so.
The decision hasn't been made whether to postpone Town Meeting, so we are proceeding as if it is going to take place. We will let you know if there is any change as soon as we know.
Thorndike https://thorndikeme.com/
The Thorndike Town Office is CLOSED to public traffic as of 8am March 19, 2020 until further notice.
Monitor the website & email for more info.
The conference room window will be available for transactions or residents can call 207-568-3655 to make arrangements to process transactions. Most transactions by credit/ debit card or by mail.
You can also email: thorndike@uninets.net
Website: https://thorndikeme.com/
Per LD2167 recently passed by Governor Mills on 3/17/2020:
“Vehicles and trailers. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, chapter 5 or any other law or municipal charter provision or ordinance to the contrary, a registration, including a temporary registration, of a vehicle, including, without limitation, a motor vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, watercraft or snowmobile, or a trailer required to be registered in this State that expires during the period of a state of emergency declared by the Governor in accordance with Title 37-B, section 742 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 is deemed extended until 30 days following the termination of the state of emergency.”
Winterport winterportmaine.gov/
COVID-19 Update March 17th, 2020
Effective 3/18/2020 the Winterport Town Office will be closed to the public for walk in customers until at least Monday, March 30th, 2020. With that being said, we encourage residents to visit the town and state websites to make tax payments, re-register vehicles, obtain licenses, and process other transactions that can be done online. If the service that you need can not be found online, please contact the Town Office Staff at 207-223-5055 and they will assist you to the best of their abilities. Additional accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis. For the time being, staff will be available to answer calls, respond to emails, and process transactions through the mail, whenever possible. A locked drop-box at the Town Office has been installed to assist customers who need to make tax payments or drop off other paperwork to be processed.
The transfer station will remain open with regular business hours however, personnel will be practicing social distancing, wearing masks and gloves, and will not be able to assist with unloading trash or other items at this time.
Assessing and Code Enforcement- Individuals that need to speak with the Town's Assessors' Agent and Code Enforcement Officer should call the town office at 223-5055. She will be processing as many transactions as possible via phone, email, and mail.
General Assistance- Persons seeking General Assistance should call the Town Office at 223-5055. Applications will be processed over the phone and through the mail.
Recreation- All recreation programs are postponed until at least March 31st.
Stockton Springs: stocktonsprings.org/
Islesboro http://www.townofislesboro.com/
Freedom https://www.freedomme.org/Ddata.htm
Monroe https://townofmonroe.me/
Waldo: http://www.townofwaldo.com/town-info/
Swanville
Brooks https://brooks.govoffice2.com/
Morrill https://www.morrillme.org/
Searsport: http://searsport.maine.gov/
Unity https://unityme.org/
Belmont: https://belmontme.org/
Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com
