City of Geneva responds to coronavirus outbreak
During an emergency meeting held late March 15, the Geneva City Council unanimously adopted ordinance 2020-10 detailing emergency powers of the mayor and a local disaster declaration to ensure government operations continue to run smoothly during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The city is taking an overabundance of caution by making the declaration, which is not being done to cause panic in the community but so the city can make timely decisions - with associated funding - in an efficient manner.
Geneva City Hall and other city services continue to operate as normal. However, residents are strongly encouraged to refrain from entering City buildings unless absolutely necessary. Residents can pay utility bills online, by calling the city's finance division at (630) 232-0854 or by U.S. Mail. Nonemergency concerns can be reported to the city online by clicking the "Report A Concern" button on the City's website at www.geneva.il.us. People also can call Geneva City Hall at (630) 232-7494 and have their call connected to the appropriate department for assistance.
Additionally, the city announced daily fee parking in the city's Third Street Commuter Parking Deck and downtown commuter parking lots will be free until further notice. Signage was posted late March 15 informing commuters and downtown visitors of the change. There will be no refunds for quarterly permit parking.
The city will continue to review and process existing building permits and inspections, but people should expect delays with any new applications being submitted to the city. Questions can be directed by phone to the city's Building Division at (630) 262-0280.
All future city council, committee of the whole and advisory board meetings have been canceled for the remainder of March. Residents can stay tuned to the City's website for status updates on April meetings.
As a reminder starting at the close of business March 16, the governor announced that all restaurants and bars throughout Illinois will be closed for dine-in service through the end of the month. Businesses can maintain drive-through, curbside pickup and delivery service.
Health officials have implored the public to maintain a low profile and stay at home whenever possible to help reduce the potential exposure to the virus. Full details and the latest health alerts can be found at the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov, the Illinois Department of Public Health's (IDPH) website at www.dph.illinois.gov or the Kane County Health Department website at www.kanehealth.com.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also has established a Coronavirus hotline at 800-889-3931 and email dph.sick@illinois.gov.