THOMPSON — After much deliberating, the Town of Thompson said they would not be opening the town camp this year due to concerns over COVID-19.

Town Supervisor Bill Rieber Jr. said he has been in contact with YMCA's Chief Executive Officer, Ira Besdansky, on the issue. Besdansky thinks they can reopen, but with limited campers.

The YMCA, along with the Town of Thompson, sponsor and run the camp.

"I have some reservations about it," said Rieber to his town board during their May 19 meeting.

Rieber said if they were to open the camp this year, it would cost the town about $130,000.

"It's less about money and more about safety," said Rieber.

He went on to say that the number of campers would have to be drastically reduced to somewhere in the mid-hundreds, where they usually would have around 200 campers during the season.

"I am just really concerned with social distancing with the kids," said Councilmember Scott Mace.

Councilmember Melinda Meddaugh agreed with Mace. “Especially since there isn't guidance from the State yet. Even cutting it down to mid 100 is still a large amount of kids, plus all the counselors there," Meddaugh said.

Councilmembers John Pavese and Ryan Schock also agreed.

“The members of the Town Board came to this difficult decision with the safety of each and every camper, staff member and their families in mind,” said Rieber in a statement released Thursday. “Every day we are learning new things about the COVID-19 virus and how it affects children and our community. To date, the State has not provided local governments with guidance and criteria for operating summer camps, and while the State decision to allow camps to open has not been made, the town feels we must act in the best interest of our camp families. We wish everyone a safe summer and look forward to seeing everyone at camp in 2021."

Town Hall reopening

The town board is starting to discuss the reopening of the town hall during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a limited fashion.

Rieber said the town is hoping to be fully staffed and open by June 1, but the date is tentative.

Rieber said, when they open, there will be protocols in place such as areas being disinfected frequently and social distancing.

A committee has been formed to explore the protocols. The committee is made up of Councilmembers Scott Mace and Melinda Meddaugh along with Deputy Town Attorney Paula Kay and Deputy Administrator Patrice Chester.

"I do believe that we should and can safely get back to work in the town hall...as soon as we can safely accomplish it," said Rieber.

Restrictions may include the front lobby, and masks would be mandatory to enter.

Already, Rieber said, they put up plexiglass in the Tax Collector's, Assessor's and Town Clerk's offices. This will help with maintaining a safe work environment.

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Patricio Robayo | Democrat