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April 2020
City Hall is closed to the Public, however City Hall services continue to be provided:
  • Drive-up Window
  • USPS Mail
  • On-line


Please continue to check the City Website Calendar for
Updates to City Meetings

 City of Somersworth, NH
One Government Way
Somersworth, NH 03878
603-692-4262




COVID-19 Community Message
from Mayor Hilliard
By now, there is no doubt among any of you that our world has changed. The reality is none of us signed up for this. Not a person within our community awoke less than a month ago with the mindset that we would be living in what will become one of the biggest chapters in world history. What we have on our side is that the chapter is still being written and has yet to be completed.
 
As these days unfold, our personal dissonance will continue to be tested. We are all uncomfortable, weary, uncertain and scared. We are all navigating this crisis to the best of our abilities and we will be called upon as Hilltoppers to rise above our discomforts and continue to serve our community and each other.
 
Now is our time to support each other, now is our time to rise!
 
Our community has been blessed with more than citizens, we are a family. Each of us add to the mosaic and uniqueness of the 10 square miles we call home. We exhibit the same love and dedication for Somersworth as we do for our own families. We treat our neighbors as brethren, by exhibiting compassion, respect and love. It is this fabric of our being, which gives each of us the reassurance that tomorrow will come, that we will get through this and Somersworth will continue to honor its “Proud Past” while moving forward with its “Bright Future”.     
 
As all of you know, I am an educator by profession. I chose this path in the hope of instilling the democratic values of our society into the foundation of the next generation. As a former social studies teacher, I was always examining the lessons of the past to help navigate my decisions through the present and future.
 
A recent article from the New York Times on the 1918 Influenza outbreak and the “lessons learned” drew parallels to the COVID19 pandemic and the 1918 Influenza outbreak. To quote the author, “That brings us back to the most important lesson of 1918, one that all working groups on the planning agreed upon: TELL THE TRUTH. The few places where leadership told the truth had a different experience. In San Francisco, the mayor and business, labor and medical leaders jointly signed a full page ad that read in huge all – caps type, “Wear a Mask and Save Your Life”. “They didn’t know that mask offered protection, but they did know they trusted the public. The community feared but came together. When schools closed, teachers volunteered as ambulance drivers, telephone operators, food delivers.”
 
The lessons in history are clear. We will overcome this by being truthful to each other and embracing the reality at hand. Now is the time I am asking each member of our community to bring to life in every action, the values that Somersworth is known for. As united citizens, we are ready to make the hard decisions and the tough personal sacrifices in the name of ensuring our community will continue to stand and thrive when this is over. We are also ready to support each other by leading one another through this crisis with support, compassion, respect and love.
 
You’re City Hall team; the Mayor, City Manager, City Council, School Board, Department Heads and City Employees are filled with courage and prepared to make unpopular decisions to keep us safe if needed to before the state and federal government. Rest assure that Somersworth will continue to lead, and that if we need to make the tough decisions, WE WILL MAKE THEM! We will make them why? Not for ego, not for power grabs but because we know how to protect our neighbors, our loved ones, our team and our 10 square mile home.
 
During the next several days, weeks and yes months, I ask each Hilltopper to lean on each other, lean on me and lean on the team. We have the strength, we have the insight, and we have the knowledge, compassion, and soul to overcome this virus. I ask that you not join me individually but we all join and commit to each other and our community to rise up and overcome the obstacles before us as united citizens. Our local history will write a chapter about us and it will be written stating how Somersworth, as united caring Hilltoppers rose to the moment of challenge and delivered.
 
I count been my blessings each day as your Mayor. I feel blessed that I have been placed on this earth at this moment of history in the community I was born and raised. WE WILL PREVAIL over this virus, so now let each of us find the inner strength in ourselves, each other and reaffirm our commitment to protect the home and all the people we love.
 
We have this Somersworth!
 
God bless each and every one of us. Continue to be healthy and safe.
 




Until Further Notice the Mayor Will Not be Having Office Hours






City Hall will be closed to the public until May 4 based on new guidelines from State and Federal Health Officials. However services continue to be provided by using our Drive-up window, Online Services , and USPS via mail. The closures are in response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus and are intended to minimize person-to-person contact. President Donald Trump recommended people avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.

While these new guidelines are in place, City staff will transition to a customer service model that utilizes remote and online public access. City staff will continue to report to work and will be available to respond to the public by phone or email. A directory of City offices and staff can be found on the City's Website



State and Local Officials
Continue to Monitor Coronavirus Activity
As federal, state and local officials continue to monitor cases of Covid-19, a Coronavirus first detected in China, residents are reminded to take steps to protect themselves from all respiratory viruses.

State health officials have confirmed two patients tested positive for Covid-19 in New Hampshire. This week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced travelers from countries with a Level 3 travel alert are to be advised to stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. Travelers from countries with a Level 2 travel alert are to be advised to monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States.

"We continue to work with hospitals, emergency responders, community organizations, local health departments and public health partners to ensure they are prepared and have the resources they need to respond," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan.

To protect themselves against this new coronavirus and the many different respiratory viruses that circulate this time of year in New Hampshire, the state's Department of Health and Human Services and Somersworth Fire and Rescue continue to recommend residents take the following precautions:
  • Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing)
  • Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick
  • Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
 
For more information on Covid-19, including webinars, health alerts and fact sheets, please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/




UPDATES and Changes and in Place with COVID-19
NH DMV has extended the expiration date for temporary motor vehicle plates and licenses. All temporary plates issued after March 1. 2020 are now valid through April 30, 2020. For information about how vehicle registration works in NH, click here . City residents can renew their registrations online here . State drivers' licenses and ID cards set to expire can be extended by phone for 6 months. Call 603-227-4020 to pay for and complete the extension.


Food Stores are operating normally and receiving shipments daily (although some products are in short supply). Please use good judgement when purchasing items remembering there are others who need the same.

Resources that might be of use: one for business and industry issues and the other regarding employment law .
The NH   Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) has started this page to keep employees and businesses update. It includes links to New Hampshire Employment Security and available services. Individuals will need to file for unemployment each week of temporary unemployment and this can and should be done online here or by calling 603-271-7700.





The Small Business Administration (SBA) 
Coronavirus Disaster Relief Lending Program 
 
Loans for up to $2 million can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.

Eligibility: small businesses without credit available elsewhere. Interest rate 3.75% (non-profits, 2.75%). 

Repayment: To keep payments affordable, loan repayment options up to a maximum of 30 years.
Get a head-start as the program is being authorized by following these steps: 
  1. Go to: sba.gov/disaster
  2. Find the section specific to the Coronavirus Disaster Relief Lending program.
  3. Create an account and upload your information so that once the formal declaration is processed by SBA, yours will one of the first application
ELDERLY & DISABLED TAX EXEMPTION
FILING PERIOD NOW OPEN
through April 15, 2020

All applications for Exemptions and Credits must be filed by April 15, and not afterwards, for the current tax year. The application is permanent as long as you own your home or until your financial circumstances change. The City Assessor may review your application during subsequent tax years to determine continuation of eligibility. You must notify the Assessing Staff if you no longer qualify because of changes in income or assets.

Department of Public Works & Utilities

BAGGED LEAVES AND BRUSH PICKUP
Brush will be picked up the third weeks in April and May.  You must call 692-4266 by Friday, April 17 and/or Friday, May 15 to be added to the pickup list. Please have your brush curbside no later than 7:00 am on Monday, April 20 and/or Monday, May 18 for pickup. Brush can be up to five (5) inches in diameter and ten (10) feet long. 

PLEASE NOTE: Brush pickup is limited to 20 minutes per stop. Any remaining brush and cleanup of debris is the responsibility of the property owner. 
 
Bagged leaves will be picked up the fourth weeks in April and May . You do not have to call ahead for bagged leaves pickup. Please have leaves curbside no later than 7:00am on your trash pickup day the weeks of April 27 and/or May 25. Leaves and grass clippings must be in brown recyclable paper leaf bags, sold at many local stores.
 
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Spring Reminder – Pet Waste
This message is being conveyed as part of the City’s outreach and education requirements for our stormwater discharge permit issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dog waste negatively impacts our water quality; please remember to pick up your pet waste.



Malley Farm Facility
Malley Farm will be opening in April weather conditions permitting for disposal of brush and leaves. Staff will update the City Website and other social media outlets on the specific opening date in April. Call the Public Works Department at 692-4266 for the latest on opening and hours of operation. If you have not already done so, please sign up for the City Newsletter and receive City alerts and announcements including when Malley Farm will be open.


Household Hazardous Waste Day
Still Scheduled until further Notice
There will be a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, May 16, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Turnkey Landfill in Rochester. Residents must bring a photo ID with proof of Somersworth residency.


 
 

 
 
Somersworth Fire



Members of C-shift complete transitional fire attack training using updated nozzle and hose configurations.   
 



New utility pickup truck purchased with CIP funds configured to plow and blaze a trail for emergency vehicles during the most recent snow storm.

Electrical Safety
Given the Governor’s stay at home order, this may be a good time to conduct a home electrical safety survey.   Look for overloaded outlets, make sure heat generating appliances are plugged directly into an outlet (no extension cords or power strips), ensure electrical cords are not running under carpets, and charge laptops and cell phones only on hard surfaces rather than on beds or upholstered furniture. 

Fires can start when too many electrical devices are plugged into a single outlet that then overloads the circuit. Extension cords are designed for temporary use.   Leaving them in place permanently can lead to a fire. There have been a number of fires from cell phones charging underneath pillows and laptops left running on top of the bed covers. The batteries associated with cell phones and laptops produce heat when running or charging. Blocking or covering them can prevent air from cooling the batteries and lead to a fire. Failures of the lithium ion batteries are more likely to occur during recharging therefore recharge these devices on a noncombustible hard surface.

Dial 911 if you detect signs of an electrical fire such as arcing, sparking, a sizzling sound, or a smell of burning insulation. The Somersworth Fire Department employs a thermal imaging camera (known as a TIC) that can detect overheated electrical circuits hidden behind a wall. 
With the possibility of electrical outages during spring time ice and wind storms, the public is reminded that portable electrical generators can produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide. Therefore, operate generators outdoors at least 30 feet away from the house with the exhaust pointed away from doors windows and vents – never in the garage, never on a deck, or never under an awning.

Be safe and please don’t hesitate to call the Somersworth Fire Department Business line at 692-3457 with any questions or concerns.   





Somersworth Police & Friends


EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Police Department will continue to respond to calls for service. We will respond to disturbances in progress, crimes in progress and accidents in our appropriate response manner. When responding to medical calls that are not life threatening and a police officer arrives first, the officer may engage you through a door or window. However, the officer will not enter unless asked to do so by EMS. These measures are in place to protect both first responders and you from potential COVID-19 virus exposures. In addition, please understand that officers, when possible, have been instructed to practice social distancing and maintain a separation of 6 feet. And they may ask you to do the same. 
NON-EMERGENCY CALLS FOR SERVICE
We will handle most non-emergency calls for service telephonically. If you come to the PD to file a report, we will have you remain in the lobby and take your report through our records room window.  We have taken these actions to enhance social distancing in order to reduce possible exposures.
POTENTIAL SCAMS
Please remember that no Federal, State or local entity is going to call you and ask for personal identifiers such as your social security number or date of birth. If they do, get a call back number and call us, we will take it from there.. Likewise, banks and lending institutions are not going to call asking for those identifiers and/account numbers, if they do, make a report to us. There is no known vaccine for COVID-19, if someone calls you and says they have one, it is a scam.  Finally, if you ever get to the point where someone asks for payment in I-Tunes gift cards, or any other type of gift card, it is a scam, call us to report it.

If you have any question about calls you have received, call us, we are here to help. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can reach us at 692-3131. Always remember in an emergency, call 911.                                                                                 
 
Thank you, and be safe,
Chief Kretschmar



Somersworth Crime Line:  
You can leave anonymous information at 692-9111 - 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
Somersworth Police Department also uses our Facebook page to give important community information. 
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The City Library will be Closed until Further Notice.
Please check out Tumblebooks Resource below to
Continue your Reading Enjoyment
Tumblebooks Resource Available until 8/31/20

TumbleBooks, a world leader in online books, has announced it will make its family of online libraries available for free until at least August 31. This is available to all Somersworth residents – no library card is required. Its flagship product, TumbleBooklibrary is a collection of animated talking picture books, read-alongs, books, quizzes, lesson plans, and educational games. Books for teens, adults and teaching math are also available! TumbleBooks are easy to use, and feature unlimited access from home! You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or downloads. Books are available instantly. You can get access on the library webpage under the database tab, or at this link https://www.somersworth.com/library/pages/library-databases
 




Bring Back Those Overdue Items on Fine Free Friday!
Next one is Friday April 3
Every month we have "Fine Free Friday" on the first Friday of the Month. Return any overdue items on that day and you won't owe a thing, no matter how long you have had the item.

Please just drop books in the drop box outside.
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Recreation Office
Dear Community Members,

To protect and promote the health of our community, Somersworth Recreation has canceled all upcoming events through the end of April. These events include the City’s Easter Egg Hunt, Mother/Son Night Out, and the April Vacation Spring Fling. Refunds have been processed for the Mother/Son Night Out. Please give us a call if you have any questions.

Registration for Granite State Track and Field and our Summer Camp Programs is currently open. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to register for upcoming programs please call the office at 603-692-9507/692-9508 or email us at  kdavenport@somersworth.com  or  mpotter@somersworth.com  and we will get back to you as quickly as possible. Registration forms are available on the Recreation website  https://www.somersworth.com/parks-recreation/pages/programs .

Registration forms and registration payment can be dropped off at City Hall at the drive-up window or sent in the mail. We’ll provide updates on programs as the situation evolves or changes.

Over the next few weeks, Recreation staff will be putting together a weekly RECspiration newsletter in an effort to provide our community with fun activities for you to try at home while practicing social distancing. RECspiration will be available on the Recreation website as well as our Facebook Page. We encourage folks to follow us on our Somersworth Recreation Facebook Page as we’ll have additional resources and ideas posted weekly. We are here to help our community get through this challenging time.

Sincerely,
Kristen Davenport, Recreation Supervisor & Mona Potter, Recreation Clerk
Quality Service, Quality Schools, Quality Somersworth
Vision 2020

"We Believe in Somersworth"
Proud Past, Bright Future