LEWISTON — The city is in the process of evaluating when municipal buildings can be fully opened to the public, with the safety of residents and employees a priority. CDC guidelines are being strictly adhered to as to COVID-19 social distancing, wearing of mask, and sanitization.
Starting Monday, May 18, some municipal services at City Hall, 27 Pine St., will be available on site by appointment only, including the City Clerk’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, and Economic & Community Development via use of the Park Street entrance.
To arrange and appointment call 207-513-3124 (city clerk), 207-513-3131 (treasurer) and 207-513-3126 (economic development). City staff will ensure that the number of residents in the building at the same time meets CDC guidelines.
Mask use is preferred in the building unless underlying medical conditions prevent an individual from wearing one. In addition, when appointments are made, the city asks that only one family member attend unless more individuals are required to complete a transaction.
Lewiston Mayor Mark Cayer continues to encourage residents to interact with municipal staff at a distance when at all possible.
“The COVID19 public health pandemic is still a stark reality in our world today,” Cayer said. “As such, the city of Lewiston has provided multiple ways to do business while staying apart, as social distancing is the safest and wisest thing to do right now.”
Ways to do city business from a distance are:
* Do City Business Online: www.lewistonmaine.gov/cityonline
* Using Mail: Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
* E-mail: www.lewistonmaine.gov/citystaff
* Telephone: 207-513-3000
* Drop-Box on Park Street Side of City Hall for Water bills, tax payments, etc. Residents should clearly label their envelope with name, address, and contact number, as well as specify the department that the envelope should go to.
* FAX Machine: 207-784-2959 (GA: 207-376-3229)
* Car Registration – Private Sale: For a private sale, a state of Maine document can be usedas a temporary registration – www.lewistonmaine.gov/privatesalereg
* Social Services: All communication with General Assistance will continue to be conducted by telephone. Requests for additional verifiable information to determine eligibility can be responded to via email, fax, the drop-box outside of Lewiston City Hall, or postal mail. Office Phone: 513-3000, ext. 3263; GA fax number is: 376-3229. The Social Services Office mailing address is: City of Lewiston, 27 Pine Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240.
Other city processes
Economic and Community Development: The department is facilitating grant and deferred/forgivable loan programs for income-qualified businesses and individuals who are unable to meet their rent, mortgage, or other expenses because of COVID19 related income losses. Information about the programs can be found at ww.lewistonmaine.gov/economicsupport.
Lewiston Public Library: The Lewiston Public Library remains closed until further notice. Library Director Marcela Peres notes that communication continues with local and state officials to develop a reopening plan, and services will be resumed in phases when that can be done safely. Library materials will be accepted for return in the Library drop box on the Pine Street side of the building near the Lisbon Street entrance beginning on Monday, May 18. No late fines are being assessed at this time. Library digital services may continue to be accessed at lplonline.org. [4]
Lewiston Recreation Division: All Lewiston Recreation Division in-person programming is canceled for the summer of 2020, to include the Kennedy Park pool. Refunds for those signed up for summer programming are being processed. Recreation Superintendent Jason Hanken noted, “City of Lewiston staff is daily monitoring the impacts and needed precautions regarding COVID19 and will continue to take safety measures to prevent the transmission of this highly contagious virus.
“It is recreation’s plan to re-open in the fall for in-person activities, and we look forward to seeing children and families at that time. In the meantime, please stay tuned for REC-Tangles virtual opportunities, and we welcome your input as to what you’d like to see at recdept@lewistonmaine.gov Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.”
