Mayor Leclerc's COVID-19 Update on Town Operations
Over the last few months, we have all been faced with many challenges in both our personal and professional lives, forced to make the necessary adjustments and sacrifices to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. It has not been easy, but those efforts have proven successful. Through it all, the Town of East Hartford has been committed to the health and safety of our employees, residents, visitors and community.
As of March 16th, 2020, all Town facilities have been closed to the public, and will continue to remain closed until at least Labor Day. At that time, we will re-evaluate the possibility of potential limited reopening of our buildings by appointment and under strict protocols. The Recovery Team has been meeting on a weekly basis since April, diligently working on establishing guidelines for reopening.
Nonetheless, our staff has never stopped assisting residents with their needs. In the past few months, we’ve significantly enhanced our remote operations, ensuring that our East Hartford community can continue to count on critical services available via web, phone, mail, email and drop boxes. My staff continues to evaluate, expand and work to enhance remote services as we move forward.
With the tax season in full swing, I would like to remind residents and taxpayers that taxes can be paid online at www.easthartfordct.gov/tax-collector, by phone or through the drop box, located in the Town Hall parking lot. In April, the East Hartford Town Council unanimously adopted a resolution providing temporary property tax relief by extending the July 1st due date for first installments to October 1, 2020 for those eligible.
Additionally, with presidential and state/federal primaries scheduled for August 11, 2020, per the Governor’s Executive Order, registered voters are allowed to cast their votes by absentee ballots. The state has begun mailing out absentee ballots to registered voters. Our staff has installed a state-provided, secure ballot drop box in the Town Hall parking lot, designated specifically for absentee ballots. For those who wish to vote in person, polling places will be open on August 11 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While all of our offices operate remotely, the East Hartford Public Library and the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Departments have been offering limited on-site services since the beginning of July. Although the library building is closed to the public, patrons are welcome to take advantage of curbside and walk-up services by appointment. Also since July 6th, all five of our outdoor pools have been open to residents, and local children continue to enjoy summer camp, operated with special safety guidelines in place.
Lastly, during these challenging times, FoodShare has demonstrated utmost generosity by providing free food distribution to those in need. The operation of free distribution site at Rentschler Field has been extended through the end of August. While there, visitors can also receive a free COVID-19 test, administered by Community Health Center. Additionally, starting July 31st, First Choice Health Centers will operate a COVID-19 testing site every Friday at the Farmers’ Market. The testing site will be located in the back parking lot of the East Hartford Library. Those who are unable to attend these two sites, may take advantage of testing services provided by Intercommunity Health Care and First Choice Health Centers located in East Hartford.
Please know that we are working tirelessly to continue to protect our community and employees, while assisting residents and businesses during this unprecedented time. Your safety has been our utmost priority, and will remain so. Please continue to monitor our social media, and town website at www.easthartfordct.gov to obtain the latest information as it becomes available. Most importantly, I urge you to continue to help our community reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect yourself, your family, our residents and especially those most vulnerable by adhering to social distancing and wearing facemasks. Stay safe and God bless.