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BELGRADE — The Belgrade town office reopened Monday, May 11, with strict procedures in place to keep staff and residents safe from COVID-19.
“The office staff is eager to again serve our neighbors in the way that many of you (and that we) prefer – in person,” said Town Manager Anthony Wilson. “Even so, much of that experience will be wildly different than ever before.”
He said all new procedures are mean to accomplish two ends: to provide services residents want and need, whether registering a car or a boat, paying property taxes, applying for a fishing license, or casting an absentee ballot; also, to keep everyone as safe as possible.
New procedures are:
* Those entering must wear a mask that covers their nose and chin. Town staff will also wear them. Those with breathing or medical issues, instead of visiting, must call 207-495-2258 and town staff will do what they can to help by phone.
* No more than three visitors in the office at one time – one for each available customer service window. That will ensure safer social distancing.
* Only one person in the alcove between the Town Office front door and the entrance into the office. Once a service window opens up, that resident is welcome to step inside.
* All others should line up on the sidewalk at least six feet apart. There are hashmarks on the sidewalk to keep folks separated.
* Once business is conducted, residents should exit through the side door. The one-way flow of foot traffic will eliminate residents crossing paths.
* Plexiglas shields have been installed over customer service windows. Town staff will sanitize shields, countertops, doorknobs and other implements throughout the day.
* Office pens must be dropped into a provided container afterward so they can be sanitized before their next use.
The select board at its June 2 meeting will re-evaluate the effectiveness of the measures, relying upon the counsel of Health Officer Christine Merckens and other medical professionals.
And soon, the select board will consider the gradual reopening of the library, the reinstitution of recycling at the transfer station, and how to safely offer a summer day camp to local families.
“We will invest as much thoughtful consideration into those endeavors as we have into reopening the Town Office,” Wilson said.
“Belgrade’s town government will not look like it has in the past,: he said. “That’s not likely to change soon, if ever. While that’s not optimal, nothing about what the world is going through is. But the town’s public servants remain committed to adapting in whatever ways we must to serve you as best and as safely as we can.”
Those with questions may contact Wilson at townmanager@townofbelgrade.com or 207-495-2258.
PHOTO: Hash marks outside the Belgrade Town Office show where people should stand in line in order to social distance. The town office reopened May 11, but only three visitors are allowed inside at a time. (Maureen Milliken photo)
