I hope this message finds you well.
The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly has changed all of our lives in dramatic ways, causing all of us to change our behavior. As a result, I would like to take this opportunity to comment on how the township has responded to this crisis while offering a bit of optimism to each of you.
It is undeniable that this pandemic has impacted our core services and challenged our ability to maintain service levels to the community.
The health of township employees, residents and the public in general remain our top priority. We are balancing ‘social distancing’ with service delivery and have had to make some extreme changes, including locking the doors of the township building, closing the senior center and library, and asking residents to use email, telephone, social media and the township website to contact us and stay informed.
Township staff who are able to work from home are doing so, and we have implemented heightened cleanliness protocols for vehicles and work spaces. It is likely that by the time this message reaches you, we will have refined and modified our operations even further.
What is critical to remember is that government services are essential services, and we will continue to serve the community during this time of crisis. The police department is well trained and has the resources and equipment to respond to just about any type of emergency. Our first responders are getting the supplies and resources they need to continue to serve.
In addition, the township will not lose sight of the many projects and initiatives we have planned for 2020. While our upcoming events and recreation programming have been suspended, the township will continue to plan for major park improvements, move forward with facility projects and explore creative ways to offer programs and services to the public.
South Fayette is a resilient community, and the township remains energized and prepared to accomplish great things in 2020.
Sincerely,
John M. Barrett
Township Manager