Statement from Village President John Skillman

March 17, 2020

As you know, events surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19 have been changing rapidly over the past several days. I have been in regular communication with our staff at the Village, and they have been trying to pass along information to the community that is coming to us from both the national and state levels. I want to take just a few moments to keep you informed of what we are doing here in the Village of Carpentersville, as your government.

Our staff is on daily calls with national, state, and local leaders, including the Governor’s office, to keep up to date with accurate information.

Please know that during these uncertain times the health and safety of all our residents and employees is our top priority.

Let me address a few major items:

BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Governor Pritzker has issued an executive order that all bars and restaurants in the state will close to dine-in customers effective through March 30. This has been done for public safety, in order to limit close gatherings of large numbers of people.

We are very aware of the impact that this will cause both operationally and financially to our local businesses. We are working on a list of businesses that remain open for takeout and delivery and will share this information on our website and social media as it becomes available. We urge those who can patronize our businesses through take-out or delivery to continue to do so.

GROCERY STORES
Grocery and liquor stores are still open and operational. Food is available and grocers have assured us that supplies continue to be delivered to our stores. Please buy what you need, but remember your neighbors need supplies too.

VILLAGE HALL & GENERAL OPERATIONS
As of the close of business yesterday, we have taken the proactive step of closing all municipal buildings to the public. Staff will still be engaged in the business of the Village, but we will be limiting operations to minimize the risk of contagion in our community. This will include limiting inspections, permitting, code enforcement visits, and so on. Of course, if you have an issue with water or sewer or other special need, please do not hesitate to call the Village at 847-426-3439, and we will assist you.

Services such as utility bill payment can all be completed through the Village’s website, via the Village’s drop-box or by mail – Village of Carpentersville, 1200 L.W. Besinger Drive, Carpentersville, IL 60110. I strongly encourages residents and businesses to use online services as much as possible.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC WORKS
The Village’s Public Safety and Public Works departments are fully operational and stand ready to respond to COVID-19-related issues. We have contingency plans in place and are in communication with the health department at all times. Core services such as water, sewer, and garbage pickup will continue uninterrupted. A special thanks to our hard working police and fire fighters--these individuals must continue to engage in close proximity with other people to ensure the safety of our community, and they must respond to danger, when everyone else is being told to avoid such situations. To that end, we are following safety protocols and providing protective equipment recommended by the Center for Disease Control to help protect our fire fighters and police officers from harm.

PUBLIC EVENTS
Over the weekend, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has advised that all public events of more than 50 people should not be held for the next 8 weeks. As such, we will be canceling or postponing all Village sponsored events during this time period. I hope, as I am sure you all do, that we will be able to resume all Village activities and events in the relatively near future

We are a strong community, and I know that we will show our strength, compassion, and concern for each other during this time. Thank you.

- Village President John Skillman