Geneva Eyeing Fines For Coronavirus Restriction Violations

GENEVA, IL — Geneva police could soon be handing tickets to residents and businesses running afoul of Illinois’ coronavirus restrictions, as city lawmakers are set to consider a new ordinance to that effect.

The Geneva City Council’s Committee of the Whole will begin deliberations Monday on a proposed ordinance that would give police the authority to issue citations for COVID-19-related violations by classifying them as a “public nuisance.”

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Under the proposal, a first offense would come with a $100 fine, a second offense would bring a $200 fine, and each citation after would come with a $500 fine, Police Chief Eric Passarelli and City Administrator Stephanie Dawkins wrote in a memo to aldermen.

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Residents and businesses would be required to pay those fines within 10 days of receiving a citation, as currently proposed.

The City Council could consider the proposal at its next meeting, scheduled for Dec. 7, if the committee recommends the ordinance's approval at its Monday meeting. If approved by the council, it would take effect immediately.

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FoxFire steakhouse in Geneva has gained popularity throughout Illinois for leading the legal fight against a now-statewide indoor dining ban that public health officials imposed Oct. 23 in Kane County.

Several days later, Kane County Judge Kevin Busch granted the restaurant a temporary restraining order against the ban. An appellate court overturned that ruling Nov. 6, saying Busch “abused (his) discretion” and improperly considered" the case "in a vacuum."

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FoxFire owners K.C. and Curtis Gulbro have vowed to appeal their case to the Illinois Supreme Court, and they are asking Geneva residents to help them fight the proposed fines for violating the state’s coronavirus restrictions.

FoxFire has argued the indoor dining ban is unconstitutional because Gov. J.B Pritzker no longer has emergency authority, and the restaurant says the same is true of the proposed ordinance for Geneva.

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In a Facebook post, the restaurant said the committee meeting on Monday is for lawmakers “to discuss how the City will Punish restaurants that stay open for indoor dining during the Governor’s unconstitutional executive order .... Telling the very businesses that are trying to survive safely to shut down indoor service, lay off employees, and hope for the best.”

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The restaurant’s post slams “the Governor’s skewed math” and questions why restaurants are being targeted when other stores can remain open.

“Restaurants are not only safe but essential, not only to the farmer, the delivery driver, the server, and their families but to Geneva and its people,” the restaurant wrote.