Enfield government continues to remain open for business. Employees are now available to conduct town business in person at the Town Hall by appointment or by telephone and email.
Reopening Town Hall
On May 20th, the Town Hall reopened to the public by appointment only. If you need to conduct your business in person, please call the department you wish to schedule your visit in advance. We encourage you to please continue to do business by email or use of our drop box at the Town Hall whenever possible.
Dog license renewals can be purchased anytime in the month of June through mail or drop box, which is located by the front door of Town Hall Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.
The construction of the two new community gardens is almost complete! Thanks to the support and funding of the Town Council and quick action by the Planning and Zoning commission, we have now added almost 60 plots at 2 new locations: Central Library and 2 Chapel Street. For more information or to reserve a plot, please email developmentservices@enfield.org or call 860-253-6385.
At the May 20 Council meeting, the Enfield Town Council authorized the Town Manager to negotiate and enter into a lease agreement with 800 Enfield Street, the former Santander bank. This new drive-thru service offering be known as the Enfield Express. Beginning mid-June, you will be able to come through the drive-thru to pay your taxes and more. We are still working out the details of this new addition and will keep you updated.
Department of Social Services
The Department of Social Services continues to process Renters’ Rebate, Homeowners Tax Credit and Veteran’s Tax Credit applications. Please see resource guide that is available on the Social Services website: http://www.enfield-ct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15766/Enfield-Social-Services-Resource-Guide-COVID-19-4-8-20.
Enfield Transit has been keeping Enfield residents connected with essential needs. Magic Carpet hours have begun to increase. Residents should check the Transit webpage daily for changes in schedules.
The Enfield Child Development Center has been working closely with the North Central District Health Department and planning to re-open ECDC in various stages throughout the month of June. For the safety of our children, families and staff, ECDC will be adhering to safety protocols issued by the Office of Early Childhood which include staff wearing masks, temperature taking upon entrance, class sizes of no more than 10, and social distancing. Remote learning will also continue.
Youth & Family Services provide continuity of care to all program participants. Youth Services hosted a regional youth service bureau Zoom meeting with 20 other towns and with guidance from the North Central Health District, the Eastern Highlands Health District, and the Department of Children and Families. It was recommended that during Phase I, Youth Services programming would fall under the category of social gatherings with a limit of 5 total participants of the same cohort including staff. The Youth Center is mapping out a schedule of how to accommodate youth within the recommended guidelines.
Recreation
Recreation staff are in the process of finalizing a plan to hold a modified Summer Camp. Information will be online at www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation on Friday, May 29th. Staff have attended multiple COVID-related trainings this week in preparation for modified services. The Virtual Rec Center has over 65 free program offerings available 24 hours a day. Drop by the Virtual Rec Center at www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation.
Library
Both the Pearl Street and Central libraries are offering curbside pickup of materials to residents. The library has begun taking new requests for materials through holds in the catalog, email requests sent to libraryquestion@enfield.org, and by phone. Staff will arrange times for the material to be picked up on tables set up near the book drops. The library will be hosting two virtual concerts this upcoming week. Guitarist Peter Biedermann will perform on Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 PM and the BenAnna Band will put on a concert for kids on Friday, May 29th at 10:30 AM.
Staff are working on plans on safely reopening the building to the public with guidance from the North Central District Health Department, the State Library and guidelines from the State as it becomes available.
Senior Center
Staff is continuously meeting to develop plans for reopening that adhere to the protocols as designated in the Governor’s Executive Orders. Ongoing virtual programming continues to be posted on social media. These programs include exercise programs, theater productions, virtual space planetarium program, and virtual bingo. On June 10th, the Senior Center in conjunction with Wreath Social from Longmeadow will be making wreaths via Zoom. A CPA from a local accountant firm continues to set up 14 appointments weekly with seniors. The Senior Center continues to distribute Grab and Go meals in addition to Meals on Wheels.
Sign up for Updates!
There have been many questions and interest in our summer camp, town pool, recreation, and sports fields. We are planning to open all services, but we must do it in a safe and legal manner that complies with the Governor’s Executive Orders. We will be adjusting all our services in coordination with the North Central District Health Department to ensure the safety of residents and our staff.
Our staff and I are available to assist you and will continue to provide services. Please continue to check our website for updates. For alerts from the Town of Enfield, please go to https://enfield-ct.gov/List.aspx to sign up for Notify Me and select Public Notices. Follow Enfield Town Manager on Facebook and on Twitter.