Good evening, this is First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons with today’s weekly update.
I am proud to announce that Madison is one of the top five towns in the state of Connecticut for residents who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Given our high vaccination rates, the Town intends to pause hosting a weekly vaccination clinic to administer new first doses. However, we will continue to assist homebound residents in getting vaccinated and help those having difficulties scheduling a vaccination. If you are a Madison resident age 55 years and older, and are still having difficulty getting vaccinated, please contact the Senior Center at (203) 245–5627 for assistance. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination locations throughout Connecticut, please visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
On Monday, the Governor announced that over the coming weeks he will be easing more restrictions for businesses. On May 1st, table limits for outdoor seating at restaurants will be lifted, bars will be able to operate outdoors without serving food, and the curfew will be extended to midnight for these businesses. Starting May 19th, if vaccination rates continue to improve and infection rates remain low, the Governor intends to lift all remaining COVID related business restrictions except for the indoor mask mandate.
Madison currently has 29 active COVID-19 cases in our community and Madison Public Schools has 3 active cases, including students and staff. Thankfully, there are no new fatalities or residents hospitalized. Please remember that children under the age of 16 are not able to be vaccinated at this time and therefore still very vulnerable to the virus. All of us have a responsibility, including vaccinated residents, to protect each other by continuing to wear a mask in public, maintain social distancing, and wash hands frequently.
A reminder that tomorrow, April 24th, the Town will be holding its Annual Green Up, Clean Up Day from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Check-in will be at Memorial Town Hall or Roberts Food Center in the North Madison Shopping Center. The Town will provide bags, gloves, and safety vests for children, and will have on-site dumpsters available for clean-up crews.
As we gear up for the summer season, the Town will be holding a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, April 27th at 7 p.m. to provide an overview of this year’s beach operations. Please see the Town calendar at https://www.madisonct.org/Calendar.aspx for the link for this hearing. Residents can now renew their beach parking stickers through the Town website at www.madisonct.org/beachstickers . All in-person sales will be open to the public at the Surf Club office starting May 3rd. First time pass holders, including new residents, must purchase beach stickers through the mail or in-person at the Surf Club office. Please note that beach parking stickers will not be required to park at Town beaches until Memorial Day weekend.
And finally, the Board of Finance will hold a second Budget Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m. to review the recommended Budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. This recommended Budget of $88.4 million represents a 2% increase over the previous year, and reflects community needs and priorities, organizational changes to improve operational efficiencies, and helps position our local schools and government to serve the community in a post-COVID environment. After the public hearing, the Board of Finance will then take-action to recommend a final Budget for a public vote on Tuesday, May 18th. More details on how to vote in-person or by absentee ballot for the Budget referendum next month is currently available on the Town Clerk’s website at www.madisonct.org/vote.
Stay safe and healthy Madison.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman