Council Message by Lee Ann Bissmeyer
“By March, the worst of the winter would be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run, and the world would wake into itself again.”-Neil Gaiman
Recent Stepping-stones:
The Montgomery Fire Department was fortunate to be a recipient of the first round of the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine was given voluntarily to 30 of our first responders. They will receive their second dose 30 days after the first dose and should have about a 95% protection rate. The vaccine required a fair amount of work as the vials were temperature sensitive and stored in a dedicated and secured refrigerator. The temperature had to be kept between 36 and 46 degrees F, monitored, and recorded twice a day. Chief Wright had to test to become certified in vaccine storage. Once the vial was removed from the refrigerator and punctured to draw the first dose, it was good for only 6 hours. Each vial held 10 doses, so 10 employees were scheduled at a time to receive the vaccine as not to waste any. Assistant Chief Shapiro administered the vaccines at 7:00 a.m. as the employees were getting off work to allow time to recover should they have any side effects. Further information regarding the Covid vaccine can be found at www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org/covid19/. Not only did our first responders receive the vaccine, but residents living in our various retirement communities were offered the vaccine last month as well.
City Progress:
Not only has a recent noise ordinance passed, which gives a clear definition for sound thresholds in the City, but the Montgomery Quarter is making great headway. As most have noticed, the giant clearing near downtown Montgomery is finally starting to morph into distinct buildings (a garage, for example). The new Roundabout is taking shape and will be operational in late spring.
Here at the City, staff has remained busy planning double for the events we love. As they did last year, they are planning the annual events as if we can resume normal activities as well as a contingency plan should we have to continue to be socially distanced.
Some of the exciting things planned for this year include:
- Photography Competition, via The Montgomery Arts Commission
- Summer Camps for kids
- Fitness Classes to help with fitness and health goals
- Independence Day celebration
- Outdoor Movies
Continue to check our website and monthly bulletin for other events throughout the year.
Past Progress in March:
- US purchases Alaska for $7.2MM-1867
- Alexander Graham Bell receives a patent for the telephone-1876
- Congress approves daylight savings time-1918
- The US Postmaster requires all homes to have mailboxes-1922
- The Hoover Dam is completed-1936
- The first FM radio station operates-1941
- The first automatic street lights are installed in the US-1949