CITY OF ELGIN: Elgin Closes Remainder of City Facilities to the Public, Cancels Public Meetings

By Press release submission

Mar 22, 2020

City of Elgin issued the following announcement on March 20.

In addition to several changes last week, the City of Elgin continues altering its business operations to protect public health and slow the spread of coronavirus. These new measures are in line with new recommendations being provided by health agencies as the coronavirus situation evolves. Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order in Response to COVID-19 released this afternoon mirrored the City’s actions.

"The City of Elgin continues enacting measures to keep employees safe," said Mayor Kaptain. "Minimizing employee interactions with the public is just one more step to helping stop the spread of coronavirus while still maintaining essential City services."

Closing Remainder of City Facilities to the Public

City Hall and the Elgin Police Department will be closing to the public today, Monday, March 16.

How can you pay your water bill?

Pay your water bill online at cityofelgin.org/waterbill, over the phone (call 311) or place a check in the drop box outside the entrance to City Hall.

How can I get and pay for a permit?

Submit permits, submit plans, request inspections or ask any other questions related to the issuance or payment of a permit by emailing permits@cityofelgin.org. This email inbox will be monitored in real time by community development staff during regular business hours. Make sure to provide accurate contact information including your email address and phone number so staff can contact you. Be as descriptive as possible with your request to enhance staff’s ability to respond.

How can you pay your parking ticket, speeding ticket or code citation?

Municipal parking tickets and code citations can also be paid online at cityofelgin.org/paybill.

How can you file a non-emergency police report?

Instead of having a police officer show up in person, you can report non-emergency police issues over the phone at 847-289-2700 or through the online reporting system. Reports for accidental damage to property, burglary to vehicle, harassing/annoying phone calls, theft, vandalism to vehicle, accidental damage to vehicle, gas stations drive-off, lost/mislaid property and vandalism can be submitted online at cityofelgin.org/policereport.

Cancelling Public Meetings

Public meetings cancelled including City Council and all board and commission meetings are also being cancelled through at least the the end of March. The Mayor’s proactive actions to declare a state of emergency last week provide him the power to approve contracts and other business items that would normally fall to the city council for approval.

The City of Elgin continues implementing measures consistent with revised guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which now prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people. The cancellation of these meetings also ensures social distancing standards are being met.

Adjusting Workplace Policies

All essential city services - police, fire, public works, water and sewer - will continue without interruption. Other city business will continue being conducted, to the greatest degree possible, using electronic communications and other means that either do not require a physical presence at City Hall or that provide social distancing to the greatest extent possible.

Water service will be maintained on delinquent accounts until further notice. Staff will continue issuing notices of delinquency, but late fees will be waived and payment plans arranged for those experiencing economic hardships during this time.

Stop the Spread of Germs

The City of Elgin continues monitoring developments and disseminating accurate and helpful information. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, such as staying home when sick, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, following proper respiratory cough etiquette, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Resources

The most accurate and updated information can be found with the following organizations:

The World Health Organization (WHO)

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

Other helpful resources:

The Illinois Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline: 1-800-889-3931 or email

Cook County Health Department

Kane County Health Department

Kane County 2-1-1: Dial 211 to speak with LIVE specialists

Your personal physician is a valuable resource for specific medical questions you may have.

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