Rockport Town Manager reports on municipal operations under COVID-19

Thu, 03/19/2020 - 12:15pm

    COVID-19 Response: The past two weeks have been challenging for everyone as we have prepared for and then responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has not been an easy time for anyone, and we are all doing our best to plan and react accordingly.

    As of March 18, 2020, at 1 p.m. the Town Office closed to the public. The staff at the Town Office are working regular hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and are processing transactions over the phone, by email and mail. I have asked citizens to call the Town Office first (236-9648) to assist them with their question or transaction and we are also arranging appointments for any transaction that requires face-to-face business.

    The Code Enforcement Officer is still performing the necessary building or plumbing permits and inspections, and utilizing personal protective equipment as needed.

    The State of Maine has extended all vehicle registrations for 30 days after the current civil emergency ends, including temporary plates.

    All other Town buildings (Public Safety Building, Public Works Garage, Opera House, Harbor Building and Library) are also closed to the public until further notice. All employees continue to work, and each department can be contacted by telephone or email.

    Persons seeking General Assistance are directed to call the Town Office at 236-0806 and the Town will process applications as needed.

    Select Board meetings and other essential or required meetings will be held and announced as usual through the Town’s website and media. These meetings can now be attended by remote methods by Board members and residents can watch the meetings via Livestream from the links on the Town’s website. Residents are asked to email the Town Manager any comments or questions on meeting topics at wpost@rockportmaine.gov and residents can also provide questions or comments through the livestream of the meetings.

    All nonessential board and committee meetings are cancelled until further notice.

    The state approved emergency legislation that allows the remote meetings to occur, but votes must be accomplished by roll call. In addition, the legislation allows for the Select Board to change the annual town meeting date. It is anticipated that this will likely happen so that the proper processes can be followed for public hearings and allow for public attendance at hearings and the meeting itself. The emergency legislation also allows for the next budget year to begin with the current budget year expenditures (starting July 1, 2020) if necessary.