September 9, 2020 

Dear Residents,

Madison had 4 new COVID-19 cases over this past week, leading to a revised total of 5 active cases. Similar to trends we are seeing in other communities, the majority of new cases are ages 18-25. It is critical that any residents, especially those in this segment of the population, follow state travel quarantine requirements and all guidelines on social gatherings, social distancing and mask wearing, both indoors and outside, as well as practice frequent hand washing.

This week the Secretary of the State began mailing all Connecticut registered voters an Application for Absentee Ballot for the November 3rd Presidential election.  These should be arriving in Madison mailboxes soon.  If you choose to vote by Absentee Ballot you must complete the Application and return it to the Town Clerk either by mail to 8 Campus Drive, Madison, or by placing it in the secure drop box located outside of Town Hall at the Town Campus.  Please note the drop box has been moved to the building entrance located in the circle driveway (across from the gym) for better access. Mailing of the official ballots will begin on October 2nd and will be sent directly from the Town Clerk’s office.  Information regarding Absentee Ballots can be found on the Town website under the Town Clerk’s office, or by calling their office at 203-245-5672.

A reminder from the tax collector to all Madison tax payers that the last day to pay the July 1, 2020 installment of tax on the 2019 Grand List without penalty is October 1, 2020. Last April, the Board of Selectmen approved a Tax Deferment Program that extended the grace period for eligible taxpayers from August 3 to October 1, 2020. Payments not received by October 1, will be charged 6% interest (1.5 % per month back to July 1).  

I also want to remind residents again that the Town is launching a new communications system called Madison Alerts that will provide important community alerts and information, as well as the First Selectwoman updates.  These can be received via an app downloaded on your phone, email, text or phone call. Please note that we have adjusted the sign-up criteria to require only an email address to receive the alerts.  However, please note that in order to get phone/text alerts, and/or geographic specific notices for your neighborhood, we recommend you also provide a phone number and street address.  Please subscribe through the town website at https://www.madisonct.org/MadisonAlerts. 

And finally, this Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our nation.  The Town of Madison in co-ordination with civic organizations, will be honoring those individuals lost on 9/11 with a public ceremony this Friday, September 11th at 6 p.m. at Memorial Town Hall.  This year, during a public health emergency, the ceremony will be organized to be socially distanced, and all participants will be asked to wear masks. During this state of emergency, the tragedy of 9/11 is of even greater significance for those interested in public service.  We encourage all our citizens to commemorate this tragedy through greater volunteerism during the Days of Caring which will run from September 11th through September 18th. Madison Youth and Family Services and the Madison Senior Center have been actively coordinating volunteer and charitable programs to help those in Madison who are struggling during this economic and public health crisis. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Scott Cochran at cochrans@madisonct.org or Austin Hall at halla@madisonct.org to find ways you can help. 

Let’s take some time this week to reflect upon all the sacrifices being made by our first responders and healthcare works to protect us during these challenging times. Stay safe and healthy Madison.

Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman