Woodstock Library trustees approved the schematic design and the first payment for the next phase of planning for a new building and approved staff pay while the library remains closed, at their March 19 meeting, the first one held via videoconference, which may become commonplace in the new normal foisted upon us by COVID-19.
Town offices are closed to the public, but employees are still conducting government business under new precautions to protect them from the coronavirus, known as COVID-19. “The community and employees all pull together in a time of need,” said Supervisor Bill McKenna.
“The biggest takeaway is just to be smart. Wash your hands and wash them again. If you’re not feeling well, stay home,” town supervisor Bill McKenna said. If you feel you have the symptoms related to COVID-19 — a fever, dry cough and shortness of breath — and you need medical attention, call 911, he said.
While some came to a packed reading room February 20 to implore the library board not to continue the contract with architect Stephen Tilly for a new building, many spoke in support of Jeff Collins, whom trustees voted unanimously to appoint to replace Jill Fisher on the board. Collins, who recently ended his state Senate Campaign to help Michelle Hinchey get elected to represent the 46th District, must run in the October board and budget election to stay on as a library trustee.
Woodstock Town Board members continue to express concerns about the design for the Comeau town offices renovation and a desire to make sure it is in character with the existing building.
Woodstock Town Supervisor Bill McKenna surprised some town lawmakers by announcing at the end of the regular meeting February 11 that he’s stepping back from the Comeau renovation project and leaving it largely up to the Town Board.
Less than a year after its closing, former night spot Harmony Cafe and its adjoining Wok ’n Roll restaurant at 50 Mill Hill Road, is under the new ownership of Scott and Betsy Mitchell.
Opponents to a planned new library building are largely absent from board meetings these days, but they’re busy planning behind the scenes. The Library Alliance, a group about 20 strong, has conducted strategy sessions and plans a public information campaign soon.
While other communities may treat the homeless like a problem that needs to be swept away, the Woodstock police have taken the role of providing assistance when needed and wanted as long as they are not causing friction within the community.
In a surprise move, Woodstock Library trustee and Building Committee chair Jill Fisher has resigned from the library board to move back to Duluth, Minnesota, with her husband, Neil.
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