Dear Residents,
Today we are entering the first phase of the state’s re-opening plan. We are grateful to be welcoming back many of our local businesses, albeit under very different circumstances. Let’s support Madison’s businesses, when possible, as they restart their operations in this new, challenging environment. If you are a local business with questions about any requirements, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the town by sending us an email at Reopenmadison@madisonct.org. We want to provide whatever assistance we can to get Madison back to business in a safe manner.
However, we must all be mindful that we are not completely out of the woods yet. Today, Madison has 130 confirmed positive cases of the virus, 36 active, and 20 unfortunate fatalities. Although most recent cases are related to local skilled nursing facilities, it remains in our best interests to stay home when possible, avoid large gatherings, wear a mask in public when near others, and maintain social distancing.
It is with the public health in mind that the town, regretfully, had to cancel the Memorial Day parade and postpone all July 4th community events. Although this is disappointing, we are hopeful that the sponsors for the parade, fireworks and Concert on the Green can reschedule these great events for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
As we start the 2020 season, I want to remind residents that beach parking is currently limited to residents only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays now through July 31st in order to reduce overcrowding at our facilities. Proof of residency accepted until June 19th includes a 2020 beach sticker, a Connecticut driver’s license, or a Madison car registration, local tax bill or long-term lease with proof of ID. Starting June 20th, a parking sticker will be required at any town beach; this coincides with the full staffing of our facilities, including lifeguards and gate guards. Beach stickers can be purchased by mail, and starting next week, bought in-person at the Surf Club office. We expect to offer on-line sales through the Beach & Recreation website by June 15th. More details on beach policies and parking sticker requirements are available at https://www.madisonct.org/recreation.
We are fast approaching the month of June which is dog licensing month. A recent executive order has extended the late fee from July 1st to August 1st. Instead of coming to Town Hall you can pay online or mail in your request; the license and tag will then be mailed back. All current registered dog owners will be receiving a letter from the Town Clerk this week about the new process. For new registrants, information can be found on licensing requirements by calling the Town Clerk’s office at 203-245-5672 or visiting the website at http://www.madisonct.org/dogs.
On a final note, this Monday is Memorial Day, where we remember those brave men and women in the military who have given their lives for our country. The town will be commemorating the holiday this year with a small, non-public wreath laying ceremony on the Town Green which can be watched live on YouTube through a Zoom webinar. More details on how to watch this event will be available on the town website later this week.
Let’s honor those who have served and sacrificed for the greater good by maintaining our vigilance while re-opening parts of our town in a safe, cautious manner. Enjoy the coming weekend Madison, and stay safe, healthy and at home.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman