Village of Mount Prospect offers update on closures and precautionary steps
As cases of coronavirus - COVID-19 - continue to increase, the Village of Mount Prospect is following the directions set forth by the state of Illinois to prevent further spread of the disease. The village is taking several proactive and precautionary steps to help prevent the spread of the virus in our community.
At the March 17 village board meeting, the board approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to declare a state of emergency within the village of Mount Prospect.
The village has closed village hall to the public starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18. The Community Connections Center at 1711 W. Algonquin Road will also close to the public at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18. The Public Works Facility (1700 W. Central Rd) and Fire Headquarters (112 E. Northwest Hwy) remain closed to the public. These closings will remain in effect through Tuesday, March 31. Reminder: all non-mandated public meetings, and all senior events and programs scheduled for the Farley Community Room are canceled through April 4.
Staff will be working and are able to answer phone calls and emails at our facilities, as well as process many transactions online. For those needing service while these municipal buildings are closed.
The public is encouraged to call, email or use the customer response portal (www.mountprospect.org/CRM) to report concerns or ask questions.
The deadline for vehicle sticker purchases has been extended to May 31. Buy online at www.mountprospect.org/vehiclestickers
The April 5 due date for water/sewer/refuse bills (bills dated March 15) has been extended to April 20. Accounts on direct debit will debit on April 6. Pay online at www.mountprospect.org/OnlineUtilityBill
The village's food pantry will remain open and staff is prepared to screen new participants via phone. Learn more at www.mountprospect.org/foodpantry. Staff is pre-packing food and participants must call Human Services at 847-870-5680 or the Community Connections Center at 847-506-4930 to initiate a pickup, which will be done by appointment only. Those whose health is compromised may be eligible to have their food delivered.
Senior Citizens and other residents with special needs who have questions should call the Human Services Department at 847-870-5680.
Reminder that the village continues to adhere with Gov. Pritzker's actions filed March 16, 2020 (Executive Order 2020-07):
• The village is adhering to state restrictions on businesses which prohibit offering food or beverages for on premise consumption. This includes: restaurants, bars, grocery stores which offer a dine-in cafe, or any other dine-in option. Many restaurants have posted how they will operate during this time, and the Village has compiled a list of local takeout, drive-thru and delivery options. Visit www.experiencemountprospect.org to learn more.
• The village is adhering to state restrictions prohibiting all public and private gatherings of 50 or more people, which begins March 18, 2020 and runs through the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. A public or private gathering includes community, civic, public leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, and any similar event or activity that brings together 50 or more people in a single room or a single space at the same time. This includes venues such as fitness centers/health clubs, bowling alleys, private clubs, and theatres. This does not include venues that provide essential goods or services such as grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, banks/credit unions, and shelters.
• The village will utilize the flexibility given through the Governor's Executive Order, which suspends Open Meeting Act requirements relating to in-person attendance by members of a public body. Specifically, the requirement in 5 ILCS 120/2.01 that "members of a public body must be physically present" is suspended; and (2) the conditions in 5 ILCS 120/7 limiting when remote participation is permitted are suspended. This means that the Village Board can hold a public meeting with members of the Board participating by telephone, rather than in-person, and the Village will accommodate call-in and texts from the public as a method of public participation. Note: The Village does not have any public meetings scheduled through March 31, 2020.
As a reminder: residents are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing measures such as working from home if it's an option; staying home as much as possible; avoiding social gatherings of more than 10 people; and practicing good hygiene. These actions will help reduce the number of people who become sick.
The village will continue to update residents as new information becomes available. Updates will be posted on the village website, www.mountprospect.org.