By KIP CHEEK

Staff writer

MENDOTA – The Mendota City Council adopted another State of Emergency Declaration at its Nov. 2 meeting in the ongoing battle with the spread of COVID-19.

As of Oct. 28, the LaSalle County positivity rate was approximately 6.3 percent, whereas the Mendota rate was at more than 12.2 percent.

The State of Emergency authorizes the mayor, in the interest of public safety and welfare, to take the following actions by executive order during the state of emergency: 

• Order the closing of all retail liquor stores, including taverns and private clubs or portions thereof wherein the consumption of intoxicating liquor and beer is permitted. 
• Order the discontinuance of the sale of alcoholic liquor by any wholesaler or retailer. 
• Order the various departments of the city to take actions to protect the citizens of the city. 
• Require closing of business establishments. 
• Declare, issue, enforce, modify and terminated order for quarantine and isolation of persons or animals posing a threat to the public. 
• Order the requirement to wear face coverings pursuant to Ordinance 08-10-20A and to impose the penalties therein as well as order businesses to comply with Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines and proclamations or orders of the Governor of Illinois.

Duration: The declaration herein authorized shall be effective for a period of up to 60 days or until the adjournment of the regular meeting of the city council, whichever comes first, unless sooner terminated by a proclamation of the mayor, or, his or her interim emergency supervisor.

Executive Order

• A business found in violation of Illinois Department of Health guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 mitigation as set forth by the State of Illinois and proclamations and orders of the Governor of Illinois, and pursuant to Ordinance 08-10-20 and Ordinance 08-10-20A may be fined up to $500 and/or ordered closed.
• A business with a liquor license issued by the City of Mendota found to be violation of the guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 mitigation as set forth by the State of Illinois and of the aforementioned Ordinances may have its liquor license suspended for a period of not less than one week together with the fine contained Ordinance 08-10-20A. The Liquor Commissioner will have final determination of the length of suspension and amount of fine.
• A person who enters a retail establishment in the City of Mendota and refuses to wear a face covering and refuses to leave the premises may be charged with reckless conduct, disorderly conduct, and/or criminal trespassing. Anyone convicted of the offense may be fined up to $500.00 as set forth in Ordinance 08-10-20-A. Patrons with a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a face mask should notify the owner or owner's representative and follow the establishment's accommodations and the criteria in Ordinance 08-10-20A.

ALDERMANIC REPORTS

Jim Fitzpatrick presented a request from the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce in regard to its “Mendota Christmas” planned celebration for Saturday, Dec. 5. The council agreed to allow the Chamber to close Illinois Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets from 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 for the event.

During John Holland’s report, the council approved an ordinance authorizing the purchase of property at 704 Illinois Ave. in the amount of $23,000.

Kyle Kim presented a resolution for the 2020 LaSalle County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, which was adopted by the council. Also during Kim’s report, the council tabled action on changing the speed limit on Washington Street until receiving approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation.