Coronavirus: Huntley Closures Amid Local State Of Emergency

HUNTLEY, IL — Due to circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic, the Village of Huntley announced Wednesday they're taking the following actions, including declaring a Local State of Emergency, in order to limit exposure to both residents and employees, and to reduce potential spread of the virus. Effective Thursday, Village Hall and the Public Works building will be closed to the public, a decision based on guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The following are actions being taken by the Village, as stated in a news release sent to Patch:

Declaration of Local State of Emergency: Pursuant to the authority vested in the office of Village President by the Illinois Municipal Code Section 5/11-1-6, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act Section 3305/11 and Ordinance (O)2020-03.19 of the Village of Huntley, Village President Charles H. Sass has declared a Local State of Emergency, effective March 17, 2020. During the existence of the Local State of Emergency, the Village President shall execute such authority as provided under the Illinois Municipal Code, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act and Ordinance (O)2020-03.19.

Village Hall/Public Works Building Closure – Effective March 19 until further notice: After careful consideration and to protect the health and wellness of our residents and employees, the Village has made the decision to close Village Hall at 10987 Main Street and the Public Works building at 11000 Bakley Street to the public beginning March 19. This decision was based on guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding the most effective strategies to prevent the spread of illness. Plans are in place for essential services such as water, wastewater and public safety to continue without incident. There will be no reduction in services for public safety and the Village encourages residents to conduct business online, via email, mail or phone when possible. Staff will continue to be in the office to maintain all essential operations and to serve our residents via email and telephone. Staff and Village Hall contact information may be found on our website at www.huntley.il.us or by calling 847-515-5200.

Related:

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Police Services – Police Department Lobby to remain open

The Police Lobby will remain open to the public for emergency situations. All non-emergency, not-in-progress crimes should be called in to the non-emergency number at 847-515-5311 to have the initial report taken via phone. For non-emergency situations, the dispatcher will take the required information and an officer will re-contact you as soon as possible via telephone to handle your call for service. Examples of non-emergency calls include but are not limited to: theft reports, damage to property, and fraud. Additionally, certain non-emergency issues can be reported using the new online police reporting program. Residents are encouraged to use this form of reporting these types of calls to help limit face-to-face interaction with the public on non-emergency calls. As a reminder, always call 911 in an emergency.

The Medication Drop Box located in the Police lobby will be closed until further notice. To find alternative locations for this service, please see the DEA location list. Earlier this week, Huntley Police Department (and many neighboring public safety agencies) made adjustments to their response procedures. Dispatchers have begun asking additional questions regarding symptoms of COVID-19. This allows the first responders to use proper precautions when caring for our community.

Police officers will continue to physically respond to all high-priority, emergency, exigent, in progress calls that effect life safety issues. Again, always call 911 in an emergency or if you are in danger.

Utility Bill Payments: At this time, we are asking the public to conduct business online as much as possible. Utility bill customers wishing to pay their bill in-person can use the drop box located in the front drive aisle of the Municipal Complex at 10987 Main Street. You can also call 847-515-5200 to make a payment over the phone using Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Requests for service may also be submitted online by navigating to the Finance Department home page on the Village website. The Village also offers an online payment option and automated bill payment pro gram. Should you have any questions or require any Village services, please contact us at 847-515-5200.

Building Permits and Inspections: Building permits are now being processed through email. Permit applications and accompanying plans can be sent to inspections@huntley.il.us. In some instances, file sizes may be too large and will need to be sent via Dropbox. You will receive an e-mail from the Development Services Department confirming receipt of the permit application within one business day. If you do not receive an email or if you have questions, please call 847-515-5252.

Inspections of occupied homes have been suspended until further notice to limit direct contact between employees and residents. Additional inspections may be suspended or delayed depending upon the current situation. The Village will make every effort to ensure timely inspections, but for the safety and of residents and inspectors, this may not always be possible.

Public Meetings: As Governor Pritzker has ordered, all public meetings will be limited to no more than 50 people. Please consider carefully whether or not to attend any meetings. Please use precautionary measures if you choose to attend a public meeting. Please stay home if you do not feel well. Village Board meetings are recorded and posted the following day for viewing on the Village’s website. Please check the Village website at www.huntley.il.us to check the status of any regularly scheduled meetings.

Thank you for your understanding, and please do the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid large gatherings
• Stay home as much as possible
• Keep social distance to at least 6 feet
• Do not touch your face

Please be sure to check with your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or have mobility issues, to see if you can lend a helping hand in running errands or picking up groceries or other necessities.

The Village of Huntley continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and address Village functions and services accordingly. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and updates will be posted to huntley.il.us regularly as conditions change.