Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates for Westbrook

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Mayor Michael T. Foley has issued a State of Emergency in the City of Westbrook as of 3/15/2020. We will provide information on this page regarding City operations during this time. 

• State of Emergency Report 2020-2
• State of Emergency Report 2020-1

Information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease

Maine CDC Website - The Maine CDC is preparing for the potential spread in Maine of the respiratory illness called COVID-19, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. We urge Maine people to practice good hand hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick. If you are concerned that you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider, who will determine whether you should be tested and, as appropriate, submit a sample for testing.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - US COVID-19 (Coronavirus) website

What To Do If You are Sick translated in multiple languages -  English, Arabic, Swahili, Somali, French, Kinyarwanda, Lingala, Portuguese

How to Protect Yourself

If you think you are sick

211
The state has launched a  211 option for Mainers to get answers to questions about COVID-19 at any time. This service is available by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org.

Citywide Information

• All municipal facilities are currently closed to the public.
• For Emergencies please dial 9-1-1. 
• Police, Fire & Rescue, and Public Services will remain fully operational.
• To view a list of online services or to make online payments visit http://www.westbrookmaine.com/388/Online-Services
• All public meetings are canceled at this time.

School Information

The Westbrook School Department is providing updates on the website. Please visit https://www.westbrookschools.org/

Public Services Department Information

• Curbside trash and recycling is an essential service that will continue as normal.
• During this time, bulky items will not be collected curbside. Bulky items can be brought to Casella Waste at 594 County Road on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-4pm and Saturdays 8am-1pm.
• Winter sand will be available 24/7 until April 15^th.
• Public Services is operating at full staff and is ready to handle any weather-related event, for example, snow plowing.
• Woodlawn Cemetery is currently closed for burials for the winter months. Although we are experiencing an early spring, with the Corona Virus complications we are remaining closed. We will reevaluate this on April 15^th.
• Westbrook Wastewater Division would like to remind residents on public sewer that if for any reason they need to resort to anything other than toilet paper to please refrain from flushing them down the toilet. These can clog your private sewer lateral and sewer main and cause issues for you and your neighbors. Please stay safe. Thank you.
  

Fire & Rescue Department

• The Westbrook Fire & Rescue Department will remain fully operational
• Please call 9-1-1 for an emergency
• The Westbrook Fire & Rescue Department will not be providing any external training, to include AHA CPR, First Aid, or AED Training.  We also will not be offering Stop the Bleed or AHA ACLS or PALS training programs.
• Life Safety Surveys and Fire Inspections will temporarily be suspended until further notice.
• The agency will continue to provide sprinkler and fire alarm plan reviews.  These permits can be found on the Code Enforcement Office website or for more information you can contact Linda Gain at lgain@westbrook.me.us
• The Westbrook Fire Department is dedicated to providing the best care to the citizens of Westbrook. With the recent COVID-19 virus you may notice some changes in the way we respond to calls for assistance. When dialing 9-1-1 for a medical emergency, calls matching certain criteria are now receiving additional screening to determine if flu-like symptoms are present, if there has been any recent travel, or if there has been contact with anyone who is suspected or known to have the COVID-19 virus.
• The Fire Department will allow for burn permits on certain class days and weather permitting, however, we will not issue paper copy burn permits in-house and we ask anyone seeking burn permits to go to the Maine Forest Service or Warden’s Report.

  Wardens Report is www.wardensreport.com  - This is a free service

  Maine Forest Service -  There is a $7.00 fee for this service https://www13.informe.org/burnpermit/public/index.html

Please note that the additional screening will in no way delay or affect the efficiency of the response to calls so please be honest when answering these additional questions.

Following the guideline set by State of Maine Health officials and the CDC, responders may arrive wearing enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) to include, Full Face Masks, N95 masks, face shields, gowns and gloves. If it is determined that you have flu-like symptoms you may also be asked to wear a mask. This added protection not only protects our first responders but will help slow the spread of the Coronavirus and ease the burden on local healthcare resources.

The men and women of the Westbrook Fire Department are trained and experienced in responding to calls involving potentially infectious.  FMI on COVID-19 please go to the CDC  website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or Maine CDC website https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus.shtml

Westbrook Community Center Information

• All General Assistance meetings will be by appointment only, or over the phone whenever possible.  To schedule an appointment, please contact their office directly at 207.591.7015.  Available to Westbrook residents only.
• The Westbrook Community Food & Resource Center will be open on Tuesdays, 12-2pm and again from 5-7pm.  Visitors to the Pantry should go to exterior Door #25, which is located at the front of the building, where volunteers will provide pre-packaged bags of food for Westbrook residents.  Should you have any questions, please call 207.591.8147.
• Meals on Wheels will continue to deliver prepared meals to homebound older adults in the Westbrook and Portland communities.  For more information, please call 207.878.3285.    
• All non-essential programs at the Westbrook Community Center are suspended until further notice and the building is closed to the public.  All inquires should be directed to Greg Post, Director of Community Services, at gpost@westbrook.me.us.  The Community Center will continue to provide online updates at www.WestbrookCommunityCenter.org and www.Facebook.com/WestbrookCommunityCenter.

City Clerk’s Office Information

• Remote Notary Services. During the COVID-19 State of Emergency, we are able to offer remote notarization services by appointment only through the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Click here for additional information. Please contact clerk@westbrook.me.us to schedule an appointment today. Payments may be made by phone with a credit card. $5 per signature for Westbrook residents
  $10 per signature for non-Westbrook residents
• Dog license applications may be completed and mailed into the office. Click here for the application and for additional details.
• You may apply for a vital record (birth, death or marriage certificate) by mail or online. Click here for more information.
• Marriage licenses may be issued by mail. Contact the Clerk’s Office for additional information. We are not performing marriage ceremonies at this time.

Westbrook Police Department Information

• Westbrook Police Department will remain fully operational.
• Please call 9-1-1 for an emergency.
• The Westbrook Police Department will not be offering fingerprinting services to the community.
• The Westbrook Police Department will not be doing any drug take-backs during this time.
• We would ask that people not come to the station to fill out a records request form, property request form, or to drop off concealed weapons permits.  Records request forms and property requests forms are available on our website under the FAQ section.  Applications for concealed weapons permits can be mailed to the station, Attn. Ms. Wanda Martin.
• For certain non-violent and not in-progress calls, police officers will be contacting the complainant via telephone to take the report.  The dispatcher will explain this to the complainant when they call, and an officer will call them back as soon as possible. A report will still be taken, and if any circumstances change or there is evidence to collect an officer will respond. This will not affect our responses to emergencies, and we will still be responding in-person to emergencies, in-progress calls, or any case where there is evidence to be collected.

Planning and Code Enforcement

• Building Permits: 

  Applications and materials can be e-mailed to the Office for review by our CEO

  Large Scale Projects will need to drop off full size plans to the office

  Drop off large scale application materials during regular business hours (8:00 am – 4:00 pm) by ringing our doorbell and leaving your submission packet at the Codes & Planning Door for a staffer to pick up. Please ensure that a staffer comes out to collect your packet/box of submission materials, observing the enhanced social distancing practices of 6’ of separation.

  Approval of these permits will be sent notifications by e-mail

  Payment arrangements can be mailed to the City – Call into the office for directions on payment arrangements.

  Point of Contact for all Building Permit Process: Linda Gain – lgain@westbrook.me.us

  Inspections: 

  At this time, NO regular on-site Code Enforcement inspections will be conducted by City Staff.  The Administration will evaluate this matter on a week by week basis. Alternative Inspection methods may be utilized, as allowed by the CEO. 

  On a case by case basis, picture or video of the building projects progress may be accepted via email.

  Approval of these picture-based inspections will be approved via e-mail.

  Points of Contact for all Code Questions, Complaints & Inspections:

  • David Finocchietti – CEO – dfinocchietti@westbrook.me.us
  • Brian Stetson – CCO – bstetson@westbrook.me.us

• Planning Board Permits/Process

  At this time, we will continue to accept Planning Board applications during regular business hours (8:00 am – 4:00 pm) by ringing our doorbell to then leave your submission packet at the Codes & Planning Door for a staffer to pick up. Please ensure that a staffer comes out to collect your packet/box of submission materials, observing the enhanced social distancing practices of 6’ of separation.

  Payments for applications can be made by check (mailed or placed in the submission packet). Other methods of payment can be discussed with Staff.

  Planning Board meetings – The Planning Board will utilize a remote meeting platform to allow for meetings to resume.  

  A brief April 7^th remote meeting will take place to allow the Board to adopt Remote Meeting procedures.

  The May 5^th agenda will contain those items that were submitted for the April 7^th meeting.

  A second May meeting may be initiated, if necessary to address submissions for May.

  Points of Contact for all Planning Board Items:

  • Rebecca Spitella – rspitella@westbrook.me.us

• The City of Westbrook Planning & Codes Dept wishes to work with our applicants to the best of our ability, so please call us to discuss options and opportunities for your projects.

  If you have any questions, please you can call the Planning and Code Enforcement Office at 207-854-0638 during the hours of 7:30 am to 4 pm, however we recommend emails to the appropriate point of contact for better access to staff.

Business Resources & Recovery

• We have consolidated much of the Business-related information under our Doing Business section as a Coronavirus Business Resource Guide - at this link http://www.westbrookmaine.com/642/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Business-Resource-G
• **New**City of Westbrook Small Business Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program 
• WESTBROOK-WARREN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION EMERGENCY ARTS FUND - The Westbrook-Warren Memorial Foundation Emergency Arts Fund is meant to support artists with an established history of income in their field. Funding for this grant is provided by the Warren Memorial Foundation, a Westbrook Maine private foundation, with a mission to support the fine arts and education primarily in Westbrook, Maine.  This Fund was created to help artists in Westbrook, Maine recover from income loss and personal emergencies by awarding grants for unanticipated financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local artists who meet the eligibility and requirements are encouraged to apply via this Google Form for a $1,500 cash stipend to help cover necessary expenses due to cancelled work and/or lost sales related to the financial downturn. To view more details and apply for the grant click here or paste this link into your browser. https://forms.gle/YGcdabRDhjUpMwmv9  More details can also be found on our Coronavirus Business Resource Guide webpage.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). If your business has been affected you can begin the application process now. Note: These are loans and not grants.  https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• For information on resources available to help your business recover from losses as well as best practices to protect the safety of your customers and the health of your employees, please visit https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/covid-19
• Proclamation of State of Civil Emergency To Further Protect Public Health.pdf
• Governor Janet Mills has taken strong steps to protect Maine workers and small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Upon Governor Mills’ request, the Small Business Administration (SBA) declared that Maine businesses are now eligible to apply for economic support loans to help them overcome any temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Additionally, the emergency omnibus package she signed today temporarily revises eligibility for unemployment insurance to extend it to individuals whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19. It also temporarily waives the one week waiting period for benefits so that workers may obtain benefits faster and ensures that claims for UI will not affect an employer’s experience rating. It also establishes a consumer loan guarantee program through FAME, in partnership with financial institutions, to provide low- or no- interest loans for eligible people in Maine.
• Emergency legislation for business assistance is in process.
• Maine Department of Labor’s Guidance on Coronavirus Response and Updates
• U.S. CDC’s Resources for Businesses and Employers.
• Small Business Administration’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF). 
• For inquiries related directly to the City of Westbrook, please contact Economic Development Director, Daniel Stevenson dstevenson@westbrook.me.us
• Governor Mills Takes Steps to Protect Maine Workers Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus
• Maine DECD Website 
• Westbrook Restaurant, Grocery, Food & Beverage Take out and Delivery List: In an effort to mitigate the effects of COVID 19 on our small business community and provide opportunities for citizens to reach needed resources, the City of Westbrook would like to publish a list of businesses able to provide delivery, take out, and curbside resources to patrons. Please fill out the form below to be added to the list. If you have questions, please email tradel@westbrook.me.us Fill out the form here to be added to the list: https://forms.gle/VC2Ay7ckLTXLTXus9 
• The City of Westbrook wants to help support our local businesses. We have launched Westbrook’s Takeout & Delivery Support Effort. This is a contest designed to support our business community and give supporters a chance to win one of twelve $100 Gift Cards to a Westbrook establishment.

  To enter you will need to submit images/photos of receipts totaling $100 or more from Westbrook eateries where you purchased takeout or delivery to be entered to win a gift card to a Westbrook establishment. One winner will be chosen randomly each week. Enter by filling out the form below.

  https://forms.gle/QjtSMVS8CHU8bh4W7

  Receipts from any Westbrook eatery providing takeout and delivery are eligible, not just those in the list below. Thank you for supporting our local eateries during this time. Please continue to follow CDC guidelines around social distancing.

• CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF BUSINESSES OFFERING TAKE OUT, CURBSIDE OR INSIDE PICKUP & DELIVERY
  
  Maine Dept. of Labor Unemployment Insurance FAQs

Car Registration *Updated 7/10/2020

The deferment for expired motor vehicle registrations has expired.  All vehicles must be registered once their registration has expired.  You may register your vehicle at Westbrook City Hall or online at https://www1.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/bmv/rapid-renewal/rr-1?town=05240.

Veterans Service Office Information

The Veterans Services Office will be closed until the Community Center resumes normal operations. During this period Veterans Service Officer, Arty Ledoux will be able to respond to phone calls and emails. Until then, veterans in need of immediate service may call the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services (MBVS)at 207-822-2391. Veterans in crisis may call the VA Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 press 1 or text to 838255

Walker Memorial Library Information

• As of Monday June 8th patrons can place holds on Walker Memorial Library items for curbside pick-up!
• Patrons are only able to request items owned by WML at this time. • Patrons can place a hold via the catalog (minerva.maine.edu) or by calling us at 207-854-0630 between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Patrons will receive a notification when their hold is available. After receiving notification, patrons can come to the library for contactless pickup between 10 am and 2 pm, M -F.
• Patrons can park in the designated 10 minute parking spot or walk-up. Please call the number on the signs from the parking lot.
  Staff will place the item(s) on a table near the book drop. Patrons can retrieve the items after staff has returned to the building.
• Returns must be made in the book drop.
• For reference and general technology questions please e-mail us at info@walkerlibrary.org 
• You can renew your library card by emailing e-mail us at info@walkerlibrary.org with your library card number. 
• You can download e-Books and audiobooks on your computer, Amazon Kindle Fire HD, Android tablets, Android phones, iPhone, and iPad with your library card. To download the cloudLibrary app on your device, please go to https://yourcloudlibrary.com, select what kind of device you have, and follow the instructions on how to install them. Any questions, please e-mail us at info@walkerlibrary.org.
• Walker Memorial Library has compiled a list of digital resources available to you for free or with your library card. Please visit https://walkerlibrary.org/digital-resources for more information.

Assessing Department

• Homestead and Veteran’s Exemption applications can be mailed in to the office for processing as well as emailed with supporting documentation when necessary.
• Billing address and change of name requests can be called in, mailed in and emailed with supporting documentation when necessary.
• Residents wishing to discuss property values or have other assessing questions can call into the office for information or set up a time to discuss with the assessor via phone conversation.
• Starting March 16^th for the next two weeks No Residential sales survey inspections will be conducted by City Staff. The Administration will evaluate this matter on a week by week basis.

Timeline of the City of Westbrook Response to the Coronavirus Public Health Emergency

May 29, 2020 - Mayor Foley issued an updated statement regarding the City’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. He was joined by our Economic Development team and they laid out their latest plans. Click here to watch the video.

May 1, 2020 - Mayor Foley issued an updated statement regarding the City’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Click here to watch the video.

April 10, 2020 - Mayor Foley issued an updated statement regarding the City’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Click here to watch the video.

April 1, 2020 - Mayor Foley issued an updated statement regarding the City’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Read the full April 1, 2020 statement here. Click here to watch the meeting.

March 25, 2020- A live stream update was held. Click here to watch the video.

March 24, 2020 - Mayor Foley released an update on the City’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Read the full March 24, 2020 update here.

March 20, 2020 - Mayor Foley released a new update on the City’s operations and response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Read the full March 20, 2020 update here. A live streamed meeting was also held. Click here to watch the meeting. 

March 19, 2020 - Emergency City Council Meeting. Click here to watch the meeting.

March 18, 2020 - Mayor Foley released a new update on the City’s operations and response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Read the full March 18, 2020 update here.

March 17, 2020 - Mayor Foley hosted a Zoom/Facebook Live event providing an update.  Click here to watch the meeting. 

March 16, 2020 - Mayor Foley shared additional updates on the City’s operations and response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Read the full March 16, 2020 update here.  And click here to view the video.

March 15, 2020 - Mayor Foley declares a State of Emergency in the City of Westbrook and directed the closure of all municipal facilities to the general public until further notice. As allowed per the City’s Emergency Management Ordinance, Mayor Foley has signed an Emergency Proclamation declaring a State of Emergency in the City of Westbrook until further notice. This action, under the consultation of City Staff & City Council President Rairdon, gives us the ability to make emergency decisions for the protection of the City and provides us access to critical federal funds and resources. Read the full March 15, 2020 statement here. Read the Emergency Proclamation here.

March 13, 2020 - Mayor Foley shared additional updates on the City’s response to protect the public health and safety in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to minimize the risk of exposure to employees, volunteers, and the general public, all public meetings have been canceled through April 5, 2020.

During this time period, the City will monitor this public health situation and modify this directive as appropriate. This includes all City Council, School Committee and other municipal boards, committees or commissions.

The Walker Memorial Library and Westbrook Community Center have been directed to suspend any nonessential programs and services at these two facilities. Read the full March 13, 2020 statement here.

March 12, 2020 - Mayor Michael T. Foley issued a statement on preparations by the City to protect public health and safety in response to the Coronavirus in Maine and Westbrook.
Read the full March 12, 2020 statement here.