Dear Village of Flossmoor Residents and Community Members:
The events of this past week have had a profound effect on all of us as we navigate through a very difficult period. As a result of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, it is estimated that by the end of this weekend 1 in 5 Americans will be under orders to stay home and all of us now fall into this category.
On Friday, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-10 requiring all Illinoisans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The order prohibits things like visiting the homes of friends and the holding of gatherings of any size. The order closes all nonessential establishments including certain retail, recreational and entertainment businesses.
The order does not prohibit essential activities such as going to a grocery store, putting gasoline in vehicles, receiving healthcare treatment, or going outside for a walk.
As your mayor, I am committed to be in regular communication with the community so that we can keep our residents informed with information that we receive from national and state authorities.
I also want to keep our residents informed as to what village government is doing to keep us safe, like continuing to provide essential police, fire and public works services, to help us all get through this challenging time.
I have been and will continue to be on daily calls with national, state and local leaders and I want to pass along important information to you from these calls. The health and safety of all Flossmoor residents, their families, as well as all of our village employees has been and will continue to be Flossmoor government’s first priority during this crisis.
Village operations
Rest assured that critical and essential police, fire and public works services will continue without interruption. Steps have been taken to protect village staff so that we can continue to serve the community. Village hall will be closed to the public during the duration of the crisis for the protection of village employees and our residents.
The Police Department lobby front counter will remain open for people needing essential assistance but residents are encouraged to conduct business by mail, drop box, email or telephone. Water bill payments may be dropped off in the drop boxes in the Village Hall parking lot (no cash) or the Police Department (cash accepted).
Additionally, village officials have been in continuous contact with Homewood Disposal and Republic Services, and trash and recycling pickup will continue as normal. Both companies have reiterated that they are also taking precautionary steps to keep their employees safe.
Waiver of certain fees
The Board of Trustees and I are aware of the hardships, both physical and financial, that the COVID-19 virus epidemic is having on residents. As a result, late fees for non-payment of water bills will be waived through March, April and May.
Late fees for vehicle stickers and animal tags have been waived for the 2020-2021 season. Enforcement of the display of vehicle stickers has been extended from April 15 to May 15.
Flossmoor businesses
Governor Pritzker’s order closes all bars and restaurants in Illinois to dine-in customers, as well as the closing of all non-essential businesses through April 7 in order to limit large gatherings of people. We are completely aware of the negative impact this is having on the Flossmoor business community and we will do whatever we can to support our businesses during this period.
Toward that end, all liquor licenses in the village of Flossmoor expiring on April 30 will be extended without additional fees to July 31.
Parking areas in the downtown area have been reserved for downtown restaurants that are providing curbside meal pickup for the ease of patrons and benefit of the restaurants. We are also advising Flossmoor businesses of the availability of state and federal assistance programs for small businesses which are now available due to the statewide Economic Injury Declaration from last week.
We continue to strongly encourage the community to patronize those Flossmoor businesses that remain open during the crisis. A list of the Flossmoor restaurants offering take-out and delivery was created by terrific community volunteers and is posted on the village website and associated social media pages.
Senior community
During the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the village remains concerned about the effects on our senior community. Flossmoor Police Department will continue to provide wellness checks when notified.
Additional services for seniors include Illinois Department on Aging for wellbeing checks and to connect seniors to services (800-252- 8966) and Catholic Charities provides home delivered meals.
Seniors can call them directly for help with meals and for other assistance at 708-596-2222. Age Options also serves suburban Cook County and can provide home delivered meals. Call 708-383-0258 for more information.
Village board meetings and other commissions
At this time, Flossmoor Village Board of Trustee meetings are still ongoing as scheduled, but the agenda for each meeting will be expedited and limited to essential business only so as to reduce the amount of social contact between Village elected officials, Village staff and members of the public. This arrangement is subject to change as conditions warrant. Future meetings of Village commissions have been canceled during the COVID- 19 crisis.
HF Park District
Among many other provisions of the governor’s order, all playgrounds in the state of Illinois are closed but the order does allow people to engage in outdoor activities, provided the individuals comply with social distancing requirements. Residents may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas; however, playgrounds are closed. The HF Park District appreciates your support throughout this crisis.
In closing, I want to assure you that your Flossmoor government and I will continue to monitor COVID-19 virus developments and will keep you informed so as to ensure the health and safety of our residents.
I believe that at this particular time in Flossmoor’s history we all must have compassion, patience and flexibility. Please take care of those around you and stay well.
Paul S. Braun, mayor
For more information, go to www.dph.illinois.gov.
Click here for an FAQ regarding the Executive Order.
Click here for the actual Executive Order.