City Council to Consider Temporary Emergency Ordinance Related to COVID-19

On Monday, March 16, 2020, Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin will ask the Urbana City Council to approve a Temporary Emergency Ordinance to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This Declaration of Emergency is needed to provide increased flexibility in various government functions in the face of a rapidly-evolving health emergency. A summary of the ordinance’s provisions is attached.

“This emergency declaration is necessary for cities to access State and Federal resources to respond to the pandemic,” Marlin said Sunday. “It will help us slow the spread of the virus in the community, protect the health of city employees, and help ensure continuity of essential city services and programs to our residents.”

If adopted, the Temporary Emergency Ordinance would last only until the Governor of the State of Illinois lifts his disaster declaration or the Mayor lifts her declaration of emergency, whichever is later. The City Council will have the authority to repeal this Temporary Emergency Ordinance before either the Governor or Mayor lifts their respective declarations.

“The elected officials and city employees are committed to the people of our city.” Marlin stated. “The adoption of this emergency ordinance will preserve our ability to maintain that commitment to safety and service. The authority granted in this ordinance will be used only as necessary to slow the spread of the virus and to avoid overwhelming the healthcare system.”

The City Council meeting will be open to the public. However, occupancy limits and social distancing in the Council Chambers will be strictly enforced. Those choosing to attend should wash their hands thoroughly or sanitize once inside the building. If a member of the public has any symptoms of illness, for the sake of all other community members, please stay home and watch the broadcast on Urbana Public Television.

To read more, go here.

Contact: Lt. Dave Smysor, Urbana Police Department/City Public Information Officer for COVID-19 smysordg@urbanaillinois.us, 217-384-2330