Future 'Restore Illinois' Steps

As more vaccinations are rolled out to the public in the coming months, the Governor announced March 18 the state will eventually move to the "Restore Illinois" Bridge to Phase 5 plan, which outlines a gradual, expanded reopening pathway toward the new normal without operating capacity limits (Phase 5). Illinois currently remains in Phase 4 as of April.

City Offices Closed To The Public

While Geneva’s City facilities remain closed to the public with limited exceptions, the City continues to provide public safety and essential services to the community.

The City recommends calling in advance of visiting any City building to determine if their business may be accomplished over the phone, email, online, U.S. Mail, or through the City’s utility bill payment drop boxes. People can report non-emergency concerns and find a City staff directory online.

For power outages taking place after-hours or on weekends, call the Geneva Police Department non-emergency number at 630-232-4736. The Records Division will then dispatch the appropriate Public Works Department personnel.

Building Permits/Development Applications

The City’s Community Development Department continues to accept and review permits and development applications. The City’s Building Division, 109 James St. (south side of City Hall), will remain open during Phase 4. The City also introduced remote virtual inspections for some projects. Please review the department’s submission requirements. Questions can be directed to the City’s Building Division at 630-262-0280.

Commuter Parking

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. Read the City Council's August resolution for more information, including details on quarterly permit parking.

Events

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce's Citywide garage sale will be held Friday and Saturday, April 23-24. Visit the Chamber's website for more information and how to register.

The traditional Earth Day celebration, sponsored by the City's Natural Resources Committee and Geneva Park District, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While plans still are tentative given Illinois remains in Phase 4, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce provided an update April 7 on the 2021 Swedish Days festival.

Fire Department Food Donations

To keep first-responders safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Geneva Fire Department is no longer able to accept homemade food donations from residents. Firefighters appreciate the community’s generosity but hate to see good food go to waste. The department would prefer people to support Geneva’s merchants and restaurants who can remain open per the state. The Fire Department’s temporary food policy restrictions are available to view online.

Garbage/Refuse Services

All of the City’s refuse and recycling programs have returned back to normal service levels.

Kane County

Kane County's electronics recycling drop-off site in Batavia is open. Monthly collection events also have resumed.

Meetings

The Geneva City Council and City advisory board meetings are being conducted as a combination of virtual and in-person to adhere to the "Restore Illinois" Phase 4 guidelines that limit gatherings. 

City Council, Committee of the Whole, Historic Preservation Commission, and Planning & Zoning Commission meetings will air live on Geneva Broadcast Network (Comcast Ch. 10 and ATT U-Verse Ch. 99) and also can be watched on the City’s YouTube channel. The City has posted guidelines online for public participation at upcoming meetings, including how to submit comments in advance via email.

Meeting agendas will list any additional special instructions/protocols that may be in effect for that particular meeting. Check the City’s meeting calendar and Agenda Center for upcoming meeting dates.

Park District Closures

Please visit the Geneva Park District’s website for the latest recreational updates and available facilities.  

Public Works PSAs

Disinfecting wipes, regular wipes, baby wipes, paper towels and like items are not to be flushed down the toilet. Around the country, sewer systems are getting clogged and causing major problems. These wipes must be disposed of in the garbage because they do not break down in the sewer system. Let us all work together to make sure the City’s municipal service continues to operate.

Businesses that have been closed for an extended period due to the pandemic should make sure to freshen up their water systems before restarting their operations. With little or no water running through building water pipes and fixtures, Legionella is more likely to proliferate. Stagnant water conditions can result in discolored water, lower chlorine levels and higher concentrations of lead and copper. The American Water Works Associations have some helpful tips for office buildings, hotels, daycare facilities and other buildings that plan to reopen soon.

Reporting Violations

The Kane County Health Department is encouraging the community to report concerns about businesses that may not be taking steps to protect customers and employees by calling 630-208-3801 or sending an email. The Health Department is working with the Kane County Sheriff's Office and Kane County State's Attorney's Office to investigate and enforce violations.

Resident Resources

For residents needing emotional support related to the coronavirus pandemic, the State of Illinois has established a free Call4Calm mental health hotline.

The City’s Mental Health Board is highlighting the NAMI’s resource guide, NAMI flyers, and other tips to Geneva residents to support mental health while our community adjusts to physical distancing and staying at home, perhaps more isolating than many are used to in their daily lives. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has developed a list of resources for residents, consumers and Illinois licensees impacted by COVID-19.

Unemployed as a result of the pandemic? Check out the State's "Get Hired" opportunities.

State of Illinois Resources

For housing resources, the State announced rental and mortgage financial assistance programs are available to the public.

Illinois also has launched an initiative to help families seeking assistance covering the costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food and other household necessities.

Utility Billing

The City’s Finance Department remains is closed to the public. Residents can pay bills online, call the Finance Department at 630-232-0854, use U.S. Mail or utilizing one of the City’s dropboxes (please no cash).

Last Updated: April 14, 2021