Tuesday will see city's first-ever City Council meeting, pubic hearing held remotely

City Manager Blaine Cox, Rochester Mayor Caroline McCarley (Cox, courtesy photo; McCarley, Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - City Manager Blaine Cox and Mayor Caroline McCarley announce that the City of Rochester is preparing to host essential City Council, committee and board meetings remotely in light of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic. City Manager Blaine Cox told The Rochester Voice on Thursday that this will be the first time ever the city has been forced to enact such a policy.

State Guidance

At the state level on Friday Gov. Chris Sununu announced a stay at home order for residents while and ordering all non-essential businesses to close in-person and public-interacting operations from midnight tonight till May 4.

Essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open during this time. Residents will be allowed to go outside, but are strongly urged to practice social distancing - maintaining at least six feet between individuals - while doing so.

Remote learning for students has also been extended to May 4, too. Schools will continue to provide to-go meals for students during this time.

More information about Gov. Sununu's order will be released later today

Virtual Meetings

The City of Rochester temporarily postponed such meetings in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus earlier this month. However, the City of Rochester has prepared since then to hold public meetings that are essential for the city remotely, and plans to begin with the City Council's Tuesday meeting.

The City Council's meeting will be broadcast on Cable Channel 26 for Atlantic Broadband customers, and audio of the meeting will stream live on the City's website at www.RochesterNH.net.

Gov. Chris Sununu has temporarily lifted the requirement that the public have an opportunity to meet and comment in-person during such public meetings, and residents instead will have the opportunity to comment remotely by email or telephone.

"We'd like to thank residents for their ongoing cooperation, understanding and patience throughout this unique situation," Mayor McCarley said. "Fortunately, we're going to be holding our first remote meeting soon, and this will allow our city to continue important business that needs to be addressed."

Residents who wish to submit public input prior to a meeting can do so by emailing PublicInput@rochesternh.net no later than by 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Residents can also leave voicemail input by calling 603-330-7107 no later than by noon on the day of the meeting. All email and voicemail input will be included with the City Council's packet as an addendum.

Information about upcoming meetings will be posted on the City's website.

Auto Registration

Residents can renew vehicle registrations online on the City's website here. This service is for renewals only.

Per the orders of Gov. Chris Sununu, all 20-day plates for newly purchased vehicles through a New Hampshire dealer are valid through April 30. Those who recently purchased a vehicle through a private sale are asked to call 603-332-1136 for additional guidance.

Tax, Water and Sewer Payments

Residents can pay their tax, water and sewer bills on the City's website here.

Payments can also be deposited in the drop box at the front of the Revenue Building next to City Hall or mailed to:

City of Rochester

19 Wakefield St.

Rochester, NH 03867

Donations and Support

The City of Rochester took the opportunity on Thursday to thank its residents and business partners for their support and partnership during this unprecedented period. Residents are generally heeding the urgent warnings about social distancing, and the business community has stepped up despite the fear and uncertainly occurring nationwide.

Market Basket recently donated 400 rolls of toilet paper to the Rochester Housing Authority to be dispersed among residents.

Those wishing to make donations should email saferochester@rochesternh.net.