Borough News from the Desk of the Warden

Borough News from the Desk of the Warden 

May 15, 2020

Hello Residents.

I trust this post finds you and yours well. Beyond the typical news from the Borough regarding the upcoming summer, this edition will feature challenges and adaptations that the coronavirus pandemic will require of us all. In general, the Board of Burgesses and I will follow the state guidelines and Governor’s Executive Orders for all openings, closings, distancing, renting, meetings, etc. In order to ensure our collective health, there will be limitations on how we interact, gather, play and compete.  These conditions will also be evolving. Your patience and adherence will be both appreciated and necessary.  

Some of the specific items of interest are further explained in the bullet points below:

  • Borough Staff:  As the virus and its impacts made it to the Borough in early March, our staff were the first who were forced to adapt. Over the past eight (+/-) weeks our staff has done an incredible job keeping the Borough open and operating. Typically, this time of year is a sleepy one in the Borough, very few residents and very few golfers. The staff is busy with completing the many tasks required for the opening of another summer season. This year was different. Golf play exploded. Residents streamed back to the Borough to shelter making it seem more like June than March. Despite the constant health challenges and abnormal distractions, the staff rose to the occasion and performed mightily. As you see them around the Borough, please offer your thanks. They deserve it.
  • Residents Meeting: Based on the Governor’s Executive Order, we will not be holding our annual Residents meeting scheduled for May 23rd. Instead, the new budget (July ’20-June ’21) will be emailed out to residents with an accompanying narrative. Comments will be welcomed and considered. The budget will be voted on by the Board at one of our meetings in June.
  • Member-Guest: The Board has decided to cancel the Member-Guest golf tournament scheduled for August. For anyone who has previously made a deposit, Jeff will be sending out refund checks in the next few weeks.
  • Weddings: There were three weddings scheduled to be held in the Borough between June and October. They have all been postponed to a future date.
  • Boards & Commissions: The Board of Warden and Burgesses has met twice via Zoom over the past few weeks and it worked well. Business was conducted, the public actively weighed in and the agenda was carried out. I dare say we had quite a few more residents on these Zoom calls than we normally get in person at our regular meetings. I encourage everyone to listen/watch a meeting. The next one is scheduled for June 4th at 4:30pm. If you have signed up to receive Borough emails, you will get one with the next agenda. On the agenda will be the Zoom instructions/link required to participate.
  • Play Class/Junior Program: Based on recent guidance, it appears that the Governor will allow “summer camps” to occur this season. Please be aware modifications to these activities may be required. It is expected that the Governor will provide additional guidance on this topic within the week, which the Board will most likely implement. Sign-ups for Play Class are underway and have gone out recently per email. If you have any questions, please contact Caroline Keenan or Carolyn Agee @ fenwickjrprogram@gmail.com.
  • St. Mary’s by the Sea: The summer church season is on hold for the time being as the Connecticut diocese has yet to provide guidance on plans to reopen across the state. Updates will be passed along as we receive them. If you have any particular questions, please contact Sallie Boody.  
  • Playground: Good news!!!! The new playground is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day weekend. It is a wonderful gift to the Borough children from the FIF and their donors. Thank you.
  • Golf Course: More good news!!! The course is in fabulous shape even as it absorbs an historic amount of play. Revenues will set an annual record by year’s end. Kudos to Daryl and his team.  As well, the newly rebuilt tees on #1, #2, #7 have recently opened for play. The tee boxes on the remaining six holes will be completed over the next two winters. Thanks again to another joint venture between the FIF and the Borough for funding this improvement.
  • Rentals: As of this writing, the Governor’s Executive Order restricting rentals to no less than 31 days remains in place. There are whispers that this may change as summer draws closer, but until such time the above is the law.
  • Boards and Commissions: For the foreseeable future, all meetings will be held via Zoom. Agendas and minutes will be posted per usual. For those interested in participating on a board or commission, please contact me. We rely on resident participation and can always use additional volunteers.
  • Hammer Law: Just a reminder, all construction activity must cease by close of business June 30th. Please contact Marilyn Ozols (zeo@fenwicknews.com) if you have any questions regarding this issue.

If you have any questions or concerns on the above, or anything else,  please feel free to contact me either by email (warden@fenwicknews.com) or phone (860.227.1967).

Thank you in advance for all of your cooperation during this time of uncertainty. I look forward to seeing you over the coming weeks.

Respectfully,

Newton C. Brainard III, Warden
Borough of Fenwick