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Massena limiting some services, postpones court, closes some facilities

Posted 3/16/20

MASSENA -- The town and village of Massena are limiting Town Hall services, postponing court dates and closing some facilities in response to the novel coronavirus threat. Town Hall Administrative …

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Massena limiting some services, postpones court, closes some facilities

Posted

MASSENA -- The town and village of Massena are limiting Town Hall services, postponing court dates and closing some facilities in response to the novel coronavirus threat.

Town Hall

Administrative offices at the Town Hall will remain open, however service will be limited to phone and window services within the building. As is usual practice, residents are reminded that water bill payments may be placed in the box in the front of the Town Hall, placed in the mail, or for those wishing to pay in cash, at NBT Bank. Online payments are also accepted through our website (Massena.us). More info: villageclerk@village.massena.ny.us or 315-769-8625 (option 1 for Village Clerk)

Town Clerk

Administrative offices at the Town Hall will remain open, however service will be limited to phone and window services within the building. Residents are encouraged to utilize the drop box in front of the Town Hall to may tax payments.

Those who need to obtain any documents or have a document notarized should ensure to use proper social distancing protocols.

More info: Email: bmossow@massena.us, 315-769-3588; townclerk@massena.us, 315-769-5228

Town and Village Court

Regularly scheduled village and town court appearances are postponed and will be rescheduled. Preliminary hearings and arraignments will proceed as scheduled and/or needed. Anyone with court related business is encouraged to call or email to verify the status of their case or business. More info: akerley@massena.us or cbarber@massena.us or call 315-769-5431.

Recreation Department

Recreation facilities including the Massena Arena, parks and playgrounds will be closed for activities. The Recreation Department staff will continue the administration and operations of the facilities and will be available via phone or email for any planning or related questions and concerns.

More info: recsecretary@recreation.massena.ny.us or 315-769-3161

Massena Community Center

The gathering areas and social rooms in the Massena Community Center (61 Beach Street) including the Massena Senior Citizens, will be closed to the public. Offices housed within the Community Center, such as the Neighborhood Center, and WIC will be allowed to remain open on their regularly scheduled days and times. Residents should inquire with each office organization regarding their operating hours and status. More info: villageclerk@village.massena.ny.us or 315-769-8625 (option 1 for Village Clerk)

Police Department

The Massena Police Department will continue to provide all essential services. Officers will continue to respond to all safety related calls. All non-emergency activities such as report follow-ups and interviews may be conducted via telephone instead of in person. Residents with non-critical concerns should contact the department with their inquiries via phone, email, or the tip411 app on their smart device. Whenever possible and appropriate officers will practice standard social distancing measures when interacting with any member of the public. More info: alove@massenapd.com 315-769-3577

Fire Department

At the Massena Fire Department, all fire-related services will continue to be provided as normal. However, the fire hall and offices will be closed to the general public. Any inquiries should be made via phone or email.

More info: chief@massenafd.org pr 315-769-2380

Planning, Zoning, Code

All regularly scheduled code, zoning and planning meetings will be canceled. Code, planning or zoning related questions should be directed the Town Hall office. Anyone who needs to conduct in person business at the code office should contact the office prior to coming to the town hall.

More info: codeclerk@village.massena.ny.us or 315-769-6803

Dept. of Public Works

Department of Public Works will continue providing all essential services such as water and wastewater water management as well as refuse. Other, more basic maintenance functions will continue as appropriate in areas where social distancing allows. Access to Public Works facilities will be restricted to employees only – all others may address business at the office window inside the vestibule at the DPW. DPW related inquiries are encouraged to be made via phone or email.

More info: dpwclerk@village.massena.ny.us or 315-769-6823

Highway Department

The Town of Massena Highway Department will continue providing all essential services.

Massena Public Library

The events and programs scheduled to be held at the Massena Public Library will be postponed. While staffing levels will remain as of this date, residents are encouraged to call ahead or utilize the interagency library website.

More info: edunnethayer@massena.us or 315-769-9914.

Philibert Ctr. & Museum

All events at the Celine G. Philibert Cultural Centre and Museum are cancelled, and the museum will remain closed.

Massena International Airport

Town officials say they are waiting on guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for how to handle Massena International Airport. For now, only individuals taking a flight will be allowed in the terminal building.

Massena Electric

Massena Electric Department services will be continued and available for the Massena Electric Department staff. Customers are encouraged to use the drop box in front of the Town Hall or in the Massena Electric Department parking lot. While the lobby of the building will be open, residents are also encouraged to call or email with questions.

More info: info@massenaelectric.com or 315-764-0253.

Resources

"The Town and Village of Massena are taking the above steps at this time in order to minimize impact on our community. Please keep in mind, these procedures are subject to change at any time. We encourage our residents to follow the recommendations provided by St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Services," a joint statement from the town and village reads.

For more information, people can refer to:

https://www.stlawco.org/Departments/PublicHealth/ https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Also, information that may be helpful in explaining novel coronavirus to children may be found here:

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis- resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource