Oswego declares local state of emergency to ease regulations, assist residents during COVID-19 response

Village facilities to remain open and operational
At this time, Oswego Village Hall, the Oswego Police Department and the Oswego Public Works Department will all remain open during regular business hours, however, following guidelines from state and local officials for workplaces, staff members will be working remotely when possible. All essential Village services are expected to remain fully operational.

Members of the public needing to conduct business at Village Hall are encouraged to call ahead to Village Hall at 630-554-3618 to determine whether their business can be conducted by phone or to set appointments with staff members.

In addition, Village staff who interact with the public have been taking additional steps to ensure the public’s health, including sanitizing surfaces, maintaining wider distance in social situations, and using personal protective equipment when appropriate. Village facilities are also being cleaned more regularly. 

Report needed repairs using Click N Fix
Public Works crews will prioritize essential work assignments for the safety of the community. As always, you can report broken streetlights, potholes and other needed repairs using our Click N Fix app. Water delivery and all other essential services will remain uninterrupted.

Non-essential residential building inspections suspended
Building inspectors will be suspending all non-essential interior residential inspections. Commercial inspections and all exterior inspections are expected to continue. For questions regarding inspections, call Building & Zoning at 630-554-2310.

Water service will remain uninterrupted
Water shutoffs will be suspended through April 15, 2020. The Village will waive late fees incurred between Monday, March 16, and Wednesday, April 15.
Residents can pay their water bills online and save a trip to Village Hall. Visit the  Citizen Self Service site to pay online. Go to oswegoil.org and click on Pay Your Bill. Residents who cannot access the website can pay by phone by calling 630-554-3618.

Business, liquor and tobacco licensing extended
Business registration, liquor licenses and tobacco licenses will be extended without late fees until Monday, June 1. This exception applies only to Village of Oswego regulations and does not replace state regulations that may apply to your business.

For more information on business registration, tobacco licensing, or liquor licensing, contact the Village Clerk’s office at 630-554-3259 or email [email protected].

Information and resources for businesses available
The Village of Oswego’s Economic Development Department is working to coordinate information and resources that may be made available to businesses impacted by COVID-19. Businesses in the Village of Oswego are encouraged to submit their contact information to the Village using this form to stay apprised of information and resources from state and Federal agencies. 
Businesses should also complete the DCEO’s contact form to report impacts from COVID-19, available here.
 
The Small Business Association has announced that businesses may be eligible for low interest disaster loans. More information will be available on the SBA’s website. Economic Development staff will coordinate with State and Federal officials in coming days to provide up to date information to Oswego’s businesses, including interested SBA loan applicants.

Regulations lifted for certain logistical operations
Shipping restrictions: Noise restrictions and delivery hours guided by local ordinance near business and logistics centers will not be enforced for 30 days beginning Monday, March 16, to allow for the delivery and staging of necessary consumer goods.

Storage containers: Restrictions on storage containers in all properties in Business and Manufacturing zoned districts guided by local ordinance will not be enforced for 30 days beginning Monday, March 16. Religious institutions in Residential districts will also receive waivers.

Events and meetings canceled
Per recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Village has canceled or postponed all Village-run events expected to draw crowds of more than 50 people through April 15, 2020.

That includes Coffee with the Mayor originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28, and Oswegrow workshops scheduled throughout March and April.

Administrative Adjudication originally scheduled for March 25 will be postponed until April 23.

Cultural Arts Commission, Economic Development Commission, Oswego Police Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission are canceled through April.

The Oswego Village Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission will continue to meet on their regular schedule with additional precautions in place to limit the spread of infection.

Fill out your Census forms by mail or online
Most face-to-face Census operations have been postponed, however, you can still complete your Census form online. Visit the Census Bureau’s COVID-19 website for more information.

Visit the Village of Oswego’s website and social media channels for updates
 
For additional information on Village of Oswego operations and resources for residents and businesses, visit the Village’s COVID-19 response page at www.oswegoil.org/covid-19.aspx. Residents can also follow the Village of Oswego on Facebook and Twitter for to-the-minute updates. 
 
Still have questions?
For additional guidance on precautions you can take to keep yourself, your family, and the wider community healthy and slow the spread of infection, refer to the Kendall County Health Department’s Coronavirus website.