Restore Illinois - Mitigation Tier 1

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Jan. 26 that Kane County (Region 8) has moved to the "Restore Illinois" Tier 1 mitigation plan. Gatherings should be limited to 25 people both indoors and outdoors. Indoor dining can reopen with 25% capacity and other operating requirements. 

Health officials continue to urge people to change their behavior to stop the surge of COVID-19, including wearing your mask, watching their distance and washing their hands. People also should be avoiding large gatherings and staying home when they are ill.

Business Information

Merchants should check out the City's COVID-19 resources for Geneva businesses web page for the latest info, grant information and assistance programs to help during the pandemic. 

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.

Confirmed Cases & Vaccine Information

The Kane County Health Department has the latest information regarding the vaccine program administration and details regarding confirmed coronavirus cases in the Fox Valley region. Residents can subscribe to receive Health Department updates regarding vaccine progress. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health also has put together a vaccine online dashboard and FAQs document. 

City Offices Closed To The Public

While Geneva’s City facilities remain closed to the public, 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 Tier 3 mitigation. 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

As a replacement for Geneva Restaurant Week, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce is offering the Carry Out Challenge during the month of January.

The 2021 Wine, Cheese & Trees fundraiser, which will be held virtually Saturday, Feb. 27, is being hosted by the City's Natural Resources Committee and the Geneva Park District Foundation. Tickets are on sale now.

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 as of June 1.

Kane County

Kane County has reopened its electronics recycling drop-off site in Batavia and will conduct monthly recycling events starting in June.

Meetings

The Geneva City Council and City advisory board meetings are being conducted virtually to adhere to the Governor's executive order that limits 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.

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: Jan. 26, 2021