2020/03/16 - Mayor's Column: Update on COVID-19
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
There have been a lot of emotions regarding COVID-19 over the past week. Fear, anxiety, worry – all of these are normal for what has transpired. While this new phenomenon brings forth all of those emotions, at times I have felt a different emotion: pride.
Last week, we put out an invitation for local churches, daycares, assisted living facilities, gyms, schools, and hospitals to join us in conversation about COVID-19 and what we can do to help combat this new virus. The attendance, participation, and passion were incredible to see. I know that O’Fallon will be united through these trying times and we will come out stronger than ever.
In an effort to help combat the spread and mitigate the impact of COVID-19, the Governor of Illinois has taken aggressive action. Beginning on March 17th, he ordered all bars and restaurants to close their doors and not allow people to gather. Furthermore, he ordered that all schools in the State of Illinois to close until the end of March.
As a City, we are looking for ways to help slow the spread and mitigate the impact of the virus. Beginning on March 18th, we will be limiting access to City facilities to reduce the number of people that come in and out. This is being done to help mitigate the spread of the disease to protect our residents, City Staff, and to continue to provide essential City services to the community.
During this time, City facilities will still be in operation and the City will continue to provide services. However, in-person meetings and face-to-face transactions will be restricted. We encourage everyone to utilize the City’s website www.ofallon.org or mobile app “O’Fallon On Demand” during the period of limited access. City services including but not limited to inspections, water taps, and building permits can be scheduled by appointment only by calling O’Fallon City Hall at 618-624-4500 (Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
In order to mitigate the impact of this closure, the City of O’Fallon will not be performing disconnections or shut offs for any delinquent payments on water or sewer service until further notice. Water and sewer customers are still required to pay any balances. Water and sewer bills can be paid online at https://www.ofallon.org/home/pages/pay-my-bill, drop-offed box located at City Hall or mailed in to 255 South Lincoln Avenue, O’Fallon, Illinois 62269.
Access to the O’Fallon Public Safety Facility (285 North Seven Hills Road) will still be open for walk-in reports and public safety concerns. The public is requested to call the Public Safety non-emergency line at 618-624-4545 rather than showing up in person. In the event of an emergency please continue to dial 9-1-1.
O’Fallon Parks & Recreation Facilities will have limited access. However, all parks will continue to remain open at this time. If you have questions about a specific facility rental or program, please call the O’Fallon Parks & Recreation Department at 618-624-0139.
The O’Fallon Public Library will remain open, however public access will be restricted. Patrons will not be able to browse or congregate in the following areas:
- Youth Services Department
- Magazine Room
- Teen Room
- Second Floor
- Marketplace
- Study Rooms
Patrons will be allowed to access the main Circulation area, including both Help Desks and self-checkout stations. A limited number of patrons (9) will be allowed into the Adult Services Department for computer, printing, copying and faxing services. Adult Services staff will still perform passport and notary services. All staff will take extra precautions in handling private documents such as library cards, driver’s licenses, etc.
The City of O’Fallon is following the guideline of the Center for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health, and St. Clair County Health Department. These closures and restrictions are subject to change.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!