City Manager James Bennett, EMA Director Roby Fecteau, Police Chief Roger Beaupre, Fire Chief Scott Gagne, Public Works Director Jeff Demers, and City Clerk Carmen Morris held a virtual press conference to share the latest updates about the City of Biddeford’s COVID-19 response.
Our Emergency Management Director, Roby Fecteau, is in direct contact with county, state, and national government officials to gather the most up-to-date information and guidance about COVID-19 and distribute it to staff. Our departments are meeting daily to evaluate these updates and determine what steps the City should take. As a reminder, at this time, all City buildings are closed to the public and all governmental meetings are cancelled until further notice.
It is important for our staff to remain healthy during this crisis so that we can continue to serve you. Here are the latest updates on how we’ve modified our services to limit community spread of COVID-19.
Police Department
- While the Police Department lobby will remain open, please pick up the phone in the lobby to report a non-emergency complaint, or call our non-emergency number (282-5127). We will be limiting face-to-face contact with the public. You will be asked for your name and phone number so that an officer can reach out to you and determine whether an in-person response is necessary.
- If you see price gouging on essential products because of shortages, please report it to our Street Crimes Unit.
- The Governor has extended all vehicle registrations and inspections until 30 days after the state of emergency declaration is lifted.
Fire Department
- If you call the Fire Department for service, you will be asked a set of screening questions so that first responders know whether they should wear protective equipment while assisting you. When responders first arrive on the scene, they will maintain social distancing and ask the questions again in order to confirm your answers before providing further assistance.
- If you need to be transported to the hospital, you will be transported to the facility where you will be able to get the best care. This will depend on availability and the type of illness that you have.
Public Works
- Please do not flush anything other than toilet paper. Even wipes that are marked “flushable” will cause plumbing problems if flushed.
- The Recycling Center is now closed in order to prevent community spread of COVID-19. If you need to dispose of large items or recycling during the closure, you can visit Riverside Recycling in Portland or BBI Waste Industries in Old Orchard Beach. FMI: https://www.biddefordmaine.org/3012/Alternative-Disposal-Options.
- If you call for service at your home for sewer backups, staff will be wearing protective equipment, including eye protection, face masks, and rubber gloves.
City Clerk
- Our staff is in the office and available to answer your questions and assist you with transactions. You can call the office at 284-9307.
- We recommend you use online services if you have access to the internet. A list of our online services is available at https://www.biddefordmaine.org/3007/Online-Services.
- There is a drop box located on the Adams Street side of City Hall near the holiday tree where you can drop off paperwork and tax and sewer payments.
Recreation
- The Recreation Department has cancelled all upcoming programming until further notice. Full refunds or account credits will be given on any recreation program or trip you have registered for while we are suspending service.
Codes
- The Biddeford Code Office is suspending all proactive inspections for multi-family buildings until further notice. Inspections for construction-related activities will continue. Please call Scott Welton at 284-9236 with any questions.
- Blank permit applications are available outside the Codes office. There is a drop box by the door to drop off completed paperwork.
As you know, this is a rapidly changing situation and we are continuing to meet daily to assess the community’s needs. We will continue to provide up-to-date information about our COVID-19 response and important community services at www.biddefordmaine.org/publichealth. You can also call our service hotline at 284-9020 for assistance with City services during this time.
The State of Maine’s hotline for COVID-19 information is 211. We urge you to call this number with any questions you may have about the virus.
Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time.