 |
|
|
On Wednesday, March 11, the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a Pandemic. |
Executive Director Notes
The topic we all are concerned about and is in the news daily is the Cornavirus (COVID-19), so let's start there.
I am on regular conference calls with Mayor Lightfoot, the Governor's office, and health officials from around the state. I believe many of our mayors also participate in the calls. Here is what we know as I write this:
- There are 19 confirmed cases in Illinois. Most infected tend to have mild symptoms and one case that is serious due to underlying medical issues. Recently, there was one 60 year old woman in Kane County and a teen in McHenry County.
- We should now be focusing on the more vulnerable population such as nursing homes and those with compromised immune systems by limiting visitors and contact.
- Our residents need to focus on staying healthy by making sure they have all medication needed, washing hands, eating well and staying hydrated.
- At this time there is no need to cancel large events in Illinois. However, it is advised to use caution in holding non-essential meetings.
- As of now, Illinois is well supplied with the necessary items. There is additional funding coming from the Federal level to help.
- Testing is being funded through the insurance companies and the CDC.
- This virus is spread in the form of droplets (sneezing and coughing). We do not know yet how long it lives on surfaces so practice basic sanitary procedures.
- We do not yet know if the warm weather will bring relief, nor do we know if the Fall will bring more cases.
- There are many websites you can link to your municipal pages. Some are below. I will keep members updated as new information comes available.
|
|
Metro West in the News
Metro West was featured in an article in the Chronicle Illinois news.
This is wonderfully positive coverage of our mission and future goals!
|
|
|
|
Metro West Executive Director Lesli Melendy and Chicago's Mayor Lightfoot attended the February Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.
|
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
MMC hosted their quarterly meeting on February 21st. Mayor Lightfoot spoke about her desire to work with the suburban mayors as there are many shared issues. We had several representatives there from Metro West.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is gathering information about Earth Day and Arbor Day events and programs communities are hosting. Please fill out our
Earth Day Survey by March 17th. Results will be used for sharing ideas at an upcoming Environment Committee meeting.
Communities that are interested in receiving the SolSmart designation have new resources. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus created a
SolSmart toolkit webpage with resources from the two cohorts that went through the SolSmart program together.
Communities may also be interested in viewing the recent, recorded
SolSmart 101 webinar
.
The SolSmart program that streamlines the solar permitting process is funded through at least October 2020.
If anyone would like some Census 2020 swag, the MMC has many things. They will be sending a form shortly if you would like to request anything.
|
|
|
CMAP Update
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is celebrating Women's History Month with a job fair for women in transit on Saturday, March 28, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, at CTA Headquarters (567 W. Lake St., Chicago). Learn about career opportunities, working at the CTA, and building a resume. The event is free but space is limited so register now.
The Fox River Study Group is
seeking input from community members on the Fox River. The five-minute survey is open to anyone and will help the group and its partners understand how to build public support for a cleaner Fox River.
|
2020 Metro West Schedule of Events
Our Metro West schedule of Events has been finalized for the year!
Please click
here for a copy of the schedule.
|
As of now, the Drive Down is still scheduled for April 29-30 and registration is open. If you haven't received an invite, please reach out to the office. The hotel deadline is March 17th. After that, the rooms will be released to the public and you will not receive the special rate. I truly hope that our mayors will make every effort to attend this year. It's vitally important to our mission that our legislators get the message that we are strong and want to have an active partnership. That begins with our mayors so please try to attend.
Click
here for the tentative Drive Down schedule and here to register with Metro West.
Our fire hydrant (HB5501) is moving along nicely. It will be called in committee this month and Pete Wallers will go to Springfield to testify. We have support from many organizations.
|
Upcoming MWCOG Meetings
Big thanks to the Village of Sugar Grove for hosting our February meeting at Fireside Grille. We had good food and a good discussion on red light cameras!
Out of an abundance of caution and recommendations from the health experts, our March meeting in Pingree Grove has been cancelled. We will plan on our April 23rd meeting in Aliano's in East Dundee.
Have a happy
St. Patrick's
Day!!!
|
Business Partners Renewals
Our Business Partner Renewals that have occurred since February 5th are:
Gold Level Business Partners
Comcast
Silver Level Business Partners
Call One Telecommunciations
|
Thank you to our loyal Business Partners!
The Metro West Council of Government Business Partners Program provides marketing and networking opportunities for businesses, non-profit organizations and units of government that share a common commitment to the well-being of municipalities in DeKalb, Kane and Kendall Counties. Business Partners enjoy heightened visibility among member communities' elected officials and staff by participating in annual events, workshops, publications and sponsorship opportunities.
|
Gold Level Business Partners
Aqua
AT&T
Azavar Government Solutions
Comcast
ComEd
Engineering Enterprises Inc.
F.H. Paschen
HR Green Inc.
Kathleen Field Orr
Mickey, Wilson, Weiler, Renzi, Lenert & Julien
, PC
Nicor Gas
Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg Cataldo
Sikich LLP
Wight & Company
|
|
Silver Level Business Partners
Alliant/Mesirow Insurance Services
Applied Ecological Services
Aurora Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Baxter & Woodman
Call One Telecommunications
CDM Smith
Chastain & Associates LLC
Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd.
The Concord Group
Fifth Third Bank
First National Bank
Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona
GovHR USA
The Horton Group
Klein, Thorp and Jenkins, LTD
Lamp Incorporated
Larson & Darby Group
Metro Strategies Inc.
Realtors Association of the Fox Valley, Inc.
Robinson Engineering, Ltd
Signarama, North Aurora
Speer Financial, Inc.
Trotter & Associates, Inc.
V3 Companies
Waubonsee Community College
|
|
2019-2020 Metro West Council of Government Officers
President...................................... Kathy Curtis, President, Village of Maple Park
Vice President............................... Kevin Burns, Mayor, City of Geneva
Secretary...................................... Steve Bosco, Administrator, Village of North Aurora
Treasurer...................................... Dan Di Santo, Administrator, Village of Oswego
Immediate Past President............. Sean Michels, President, Village of Sugar Grove
DeKalb County Municipal Rep....... Dawn Wucki-Rossbach, Adminstrator, Village of Maple Park
Kane County Municipal Rep.......... Chuck Nelson, Deputy Mayor, City of Aurora
Kendall County Municipal Rep....... Troy Parlier, President, Village of Oswego
|
|
|
|
|
