City officials constantly monitoring situation

GALENA–Local city governments are in uncharted territory.

Galena city officials have been doing a lot of talking, planning and monitoring, relying on guidance from the state and federal government, City Administrator Mark Moran said Monday, March 16. It’s a constant reassessment of the situation based on what’s happening at higher levels.

Although no decisions have yet been made, Moran said city officials are talking about potentially closing city hall to the public in coming days. He said that plans are also in the works for as many staff as possible to work from home if necessary.

In East Dubuque, city hall closed to the public after the Monday, March 16 council meeting. It will remain closed until April 1 as officials monitor the status of the pandemic.

At this time the Galena residents are encouraged to use the phone, online payments at cityofgalena.org and the drop box behind city hall to avoid the person-to-person contact.

Moran also said, looking to the scheduled Monday, March 23 city council meeting, that as much business as possible will be postponed and that social distancing will be in play at the meeting.

The other main concern is Turner Hall, the city-owned facility on Bench Street, which has a regular schedule of events. Many have already been officially cancelled or postponed, Moran said, and he assumed others are coming.

“We’re not going to allow any gatherings in there in conflict with guidance from the CDC,” said Moran.

After the order Sunday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that restaurants and bars close to dine-in service, Moran said the Illinois Municipal League sent out information informing members that local municipalities will be in charge of enforcement. He was expecting more information about that Monday afternoon.

Even with all the unknowns, Moran emphasized it is important that the public remain calm and rational.

“We are going to get through this,” he said.