By Cathy Iino, First Selectwoman, Killingworth.
The coronavirus continues to hold sway over the way we lead our lives, the way we conduct private and public business, and the way we come together with friends and family. We have managed to find work-arounds for many vital processes, from on-line meetings and hearings to reorganized office space and new rules for voting. Private citizens have stepped up to help their neighbors, as they always do in Killingworth.
Over half of our town population has received at least one dose of COVID vaccine. Nevertheless, the number of infections is still going up, by more than one per day. We now have almost 350 confirmed cases. Nearby towns have recently seen big spikes, and Middlesex County is considered “very high risk” for transmission. New variants of the virus, the pause in distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and relaxed rules all threaten the gains we have made against the pandemic. Please get vaccinated as soon as you can, and continue to wear masks in public, for the sake of the entire community.
Killingworth vaccination clinic. There are still slots available to get your vaccine right here in Killingworth on Tuesday, April 20. It’s very easy to sign up; just call the Killingworth COVID phone line: 860-663-1765, x220.
Virtual hearing on Town Charter revision. As the Charter Revision Commission gets set to begin drafting proposals, it will hold a second virtual hearing to get public input on what should or shouldn’t be changed, tomorrow evening, Wednesday, April 14, at 7 pm.
About 110 of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities operate under town charters, and state law sets forth the process for amending charters. Killingworth’s Town Charter was last amended in 2009. The commission is looking at which provisions are out of date, which could be streamlined, and which could be improved or replaced for the good of the town.
Senior Dinner. Pandemic or no, the Killingworth Lions find ways to serve the community. This year, their annual senior dinner is a moveable feast. On Saturday, May 1, the Lions are offering free lasagna dinners for pick-up at the St. Lawrence Church Hall, 7 Hemlock Drive, to Killingworth seniors aged 65 and older. Dinners will be ready for pick-up between 4:00 and 5:30 pm; if you are transportation challenged, the Lions will deliver your meal on request. Please RSVP by April 20 to Nancy Keyes at 860-227-5145 or nancykeyes47@gmail.com.
Absentee ballots for budget referendum. Because of the continuing pandemic, the town budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 will be put to vote at a referendum instead of a Town Meeting. Actually, there are two budgets, operating and capital.
The referendum, along with a referendum on the RSD17 budget for FY21-22, will take place on May 4, 6 am – 8 pm, at Killingworth Elementary School. However, under the governor’s COVID orders, anyone may cast an absentee ballot for this vote.
You can apply for an absentee ballot now. Download the application, or call 860-663-1765, x502, to request a paper application. Print out the application, fill it in completely, and drop it in the ballot drop box at Town Hall or mail it in. The Town Clerk will mail you a ballot with the three questions, asking whether you approve the RSD17 school budget, the Killingworth Operating Budget, and the Killingworth Capital Budget. Follow the instructions for placing your completed ballot in the envelopes provided and deposit the ballot in the drop box at Town Hall or mail it in.
You must indicate a reason for voting absentee on the application. All voters may check “COVID-19” as the reason. This reason refers to the existence of COVID-19; you do not need to have the disease to check that box.
All of these adjustments to our usual procedures allow us to stay safe and carry on.
Cathy
