Geneva Ditches Proposal To Issue Fines For COVID-19 Violations

GENEVA, IL — Residents and businesses in Geneva will not have to worry about facing fines for violating Illinois’ coronavirus restrictions, with city lawmakers rejecting a proposal Monday that would’ve given police the authority to issue citations.

The Geneva City Council’s Committee of the Whole shot down a proposed ordinance that would have classified restriction violations as a “public nuisance,” allowing police to write tickets. Just three of the 10 members on the committee recommended adopting the new ordinance.

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About 20 restaurants and bars in Geneva are ignoring a statewide ban on indoor service, Mayor Kevin Burns said. The mayor said he called for Monday night’s meeting on the proposed ordinance after receiving numerous questions about how Geneva is working to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Under the proposal, a first offense would have brought a $100 fine, a second offense would bring a $200 fine, and each citation after would come with a $500 fine.

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Aldermen Tara Burghart, Robert Swanson and Becky Hruby voted in favor of the proposed ordinance.

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Amid a nearly three-hour discussion, Burghart said was “so disappointed we’re at this place in November.”

She referenced Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who said communities should close bars instead of schools to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

“I just feel like as a society, our priorities our upside down,” Burghart said, adding restaurants should’ve been given financial relief packages to shut down for the winter.

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Hruby, who represents the city’s Third Ward, said lawmakers “have to do something” to respond to rising cases in the city and throughout the region.

“By not enforcing this, we’re just looking the other way,” Hruby said.

Second Ward Alderman Richard Marks, who voted against the proposed ordinance, said he was concerned the Geneva Police Department would become “overwhelmed with calls” about residents and businesses violating coronavirus restrictions.

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Marks and First Ward Alderman Mike Bruno said they thought the ordinance could tarnish the reputation of Geneva police.

“I don’t want to see the police actually lose some of that rapport that they have with residents and businesses throughout the city,” Marks said.

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