GROTON CITY TO CLOSE MUNICIPAL BUILDING AT END OF DAY TODAY

City of Groton Mayor Keith Hedrick announced Monday that he issued a Declaration of Local Civil Preparedness Emergency and will be closing the City of Groton Municipal Building at the end of business today.

“Groton Utilities Customer Service will also shut down indefinitely with the building closing to the public,” the notice states. “City Government and Groton Utilities will be fully functional, however, and all employees are expected to report to work as usual.”

The notice added that people will still be able to call city and utility departments for assistance. Groton Utilities customers can pay their utility bills either online through grotonutilities. com, or by calling (860) 4464000.

The City of Groton also posted on its Facebook page that due to the virus, Groton Utilities has placed a moratorium on shut offs due to non-payment until a date to be determined.

In addition, the city announced that public meetings “will be closed to the public indefinitely” but “will be televised live on Groton Municipal Television Channel 2 and online through their website.”

A state Executive Order suspended in-person open meeting requirements.

The City’s Parks and Recreation department also announced that it canceled programs and events until April 30. Facility rentals during this time have also been cancelled. the community access channel on Comcast Cable TV.

Many Norwich regular meetings will become virtual meetings.

“We understand the inconvenience this may cause, however we feel this is the safest choice to keep our community and employees safe during this time,” City Manager John Salomone said in the press release announcing City Hall closures. “We will continue monitoring state recommendations and our local health department and post updates on the City’s Website and Facebook.”

Go to the city website, www. norwichct.org or Facebook page at www.norwichct.org/Facebook for updates.