March 22, 2020 COVID-19 and City Service Update from the City Of Hickory Hills

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health. At times it is very difficult to stay positive with all of the negative virus news. However, please keep in mind that this is just temporary and I am confident that we will all get through this together as a community. I firmly believe that better days are ahead because I see so many of you truly caring for each other and following the directives of public health experts to stay at home and to practice social distancing when in public. Right now, medical experts agree that social distancing is the best chance that we have to defeat this virus, assure the health and well being of the most people and return to a normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.

A great resource for following the very latest COVID-19 developments is to follow the daily livestream with Doctor Allison Arwady, the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.

www.facebook.com/ChicagoMayorsOffice and www.twitter.com/chicagosmayor

This evening I was on a conference call with Mayor Lightfoot, her team of medical experts and over 300 mayors from across the state. Doctor Arwady thinks that one week or so from today will be the first point to analyze the success of all of our social distancing efforts. Most experts still feel that we have many difficult weeks ahead of us, but perhaps in one week we will have a better sense of how our preventative measures are working.

From a City of Hickory Hills perspective, please know that the Police, Public Works, Clerk Catizone, the entire City Council and myself all will continue working to find ways to support you and our local business community during this very difficult time. Clerk Catizone and the City Council approved waiving late fees for water bills and there will be no water shut offs for the months of March and April. We continue to encourage the public to support our many local restaurants who are striving to remain open as they offer carry out and delivery service.

The Clerk’s office will remain closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to use online payment, drop box, or mail options whenever possible. You can call the City at (708) 598-4800 with any questions. Please continue to call 911 in an emergency as always.

Hickory Hills residents are very generous and are passionate about supporting others in our community. If you or your loved one is a shut-in or simply needs assistance with shopping or other necessary errands, please call City Hall at (708) 598-4800. We have had numerous residents offer to assist those in need and depending on demand, the City will do our best to help coordinate this assistance.

Lastly, we owe a debt of gratitude to all first responders, nurses, doctors and other working in front lines of health care field who tirelessly and bravely battle this virus. We cannot thank you enough and will hold you close to our hearts.

Mayor Mike Howley
City Clerk D’Lorah Catizone
Treasurer Alan Vodicka
Alderman Brian Waight
Alderman Mike McHugh
Alderman Deborah Ferrero
Alderman Patrick M. Purtill
Alderman Henry Kman
Alderman Brian Fonte
Alderman Joseph Stachnik
Alderman Scott Zimmerman