Norwich — A subtle easing of the tight restrictions on city office functions will start Monday, with fire marshal and building inspections, but City Hall will remain mostly closed to the public as city officials plan for expanded services while maintaining employees and public safety.

“We want to give more accessibility, but we still want to protect our employees,” City Manager John Salomone said. “The situation is not over, it’s just in another phase. I think that some people really forget about that, that we’re still in a situation that poses a danger to exposure.”

Salomone appointed a reopening committee of several city department heads. One urgent discussion is how to allow taxpayers to make property tax payments in person starting July 1.

Starting Monday, city inspectors will increase their time in their offices, and the fire marshal’s office will resume inspections, Salomone said. But City Hall will remain closed to the public except by appointment to key offices, such as the city clerk’s office and Human Services.

A police officer will continue to staff the public entrance to City Hall to ensure everyone entering has an appointment and is wearing a mask, Salomone said. The officer will provide paper disposable masks to anyone entering without a mask, and they must wear the mask to enter any city offices.

The city committee and officials at Otis Library are planning for expanded public services to begin later in June.

Normally in July, Norwich taxpayers crowd the first-floor lobby, lined up along ropes and poles to keep the walkway clear, to pay property taxes at the tax collector’s office. The city has waived credit card fees to encourage online payments and has an arrangement with People’s Bank to allows taxpayers to pay tax bills at the bank at no charge.

But Salomone said some taxpayers still prefer to pay in person. Some might have questions about their bills or wish to set up a payment plan.

Ideas under consideration include erecting a canopy outside to spread out the line and protect people from the weather. A few taxpayers at a time could wait in the lobby. Mayor Peter Nystrom suggested a food-truck-style booth for staff to take payments outside in a secure space.

The city Recreation Department also is gearing up for summer programs starting later in June. The Spaulding Pond Beach will open June 17 with strict social distancing requirements. Recreation Director Cheryl Hancin-Preston said poles stuck in the sand will mark where beach blankets can be placed. Lifeguards will be given their own life rings and first aid kits and will wear masks. Recreation summer day camps will start June 29.

Otis Library Executive Director Robert Farwell said the library will slowly reintroduce public services, beginning with “outside pickup” of materials currently on hold and in the library’s collection. Starting June 15, patrons will be able to pick up items in the front entrance foyer and return items, as well.

Farwell said the earliest the library could open to the public is sometime in July. Otis will consult with members of the library consortium and opening will depend on the availability of personal protective equipment and other safeguards to ensure staff and public safety.

“We are finalizing the process and schedule and will begin publicizing the particulars after we perform an in-house trial run next week,” Farwell said. “Regarding the return to on site services for the public, that will be phased in and is a work in progress. It remains contingent on many factors.”

c.bessette@theday.com