Harrisburg City Council met April 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Harrisburg City Council met at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Room of City Hall, Harrisburg IL.
Mayor John McPeek called the meeting to order. Mayor John McPeek presided over the meeting with Commissioners Raymond Gunning, Rupert Johnson, Roger Angelly and Ron Morse answering roll call.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning led the group in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor John McPeek announced the meeting was being held to have an open discussion regarding the possibilities of reopening and the Coronavirus.
Senator Dale Fowler appreciates the citizens, not only of Harrisburg but within the thirteen counties in which he represents, for taking this pandemic so serious and the numbers are showing that this is being taken serious. Currently within his district, there has been approximately seventy cases, and we are fortunate that within this district there have been no deaths.
The press conferences and press releases that have been put out in the newspapers, television and on the website states the stance he taking as a Southern Illinois Legislators. He and Representative Patrick Windhorst coincide on many of these issues. They have been advocating to the Governor and the Administration to consider a regionalization for continued opening of our businesses. This is being discussed and talked about each and every day. The sad part is that contractual employees are not receiving unemployment. They have families to raise as well. We social distance by nature here in Southern Illinois because we are so rural and the numbers reflect that as well.
Commissioner Roger Angelly asked if it would beneficial if the City would submit letters to the Governor’s Office.
Senator Dale Fowler has been submitting some of his recommendations to the Governor’s Office. Each of the Republican Senate Caucus members have been doing so as well on behalf of their districts. The Governor has been paying attention to this and it starting to show in some of the results with some of the easing of the restrictions. He has reopened some of the State Parks and with the retail operations able to open with curbside pick-up service, phone in, and online orders.
There are three State Parks designated to reopen on May 01, 2020 in Senator Fowler’s district. After he found out about those three parks, he contacted the director of IDNR and they had a great conversation. They are looking at reopening most of the State Parks within his district in the next few days.
He is encouraged that these are starting to ease with the changes in the Executive Order. He will continue to relay this information to the Governor’s Office on behalf of his district. We want to have these opportunities for beauticians and barbers. In Senator Fowler’s opinion, he thinks they can safely open their doors by appointment only and one at a time. This will allow them to make money to help put food on the table for their families.
Senator Dale Fowler stated when his office receives letters or correspondence from his constituents or businesses, he compiles the information and data and send it to the Chief of Staff every day. Senator Fowler encourages business to get him letters and those will be forwarded to the Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff has daily calls with the Governor’s Office and his Chief of Staff and others from the Executive branch. They Governor’s Office is listening, but we are not getting the results we are hoping for at this time. He applauds Southern Illinois for everything they are doing.
Senator Dale Fowler believes that once this is all behind us, we will be a bigger, better and a stronger community than ever before. It is important to support small business and to shop local. This has been an eye opener to people as how imperative it is to support your local businesses. He would like to thank the first responders, health care workers, nursing homes and they are working tirelessly to make sure everyone is taken care of. We have to continue to work toward and be a voice for moving forward.
There has been some revisions but just because the Executive Order has been extended for thirty days through the end of May, does not mean there won’t be revisions within that thirty days. He believes we will continue to see a recycling of revisions within the Executive Order. This will have to be done carefully and cautiously. His thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives during this pandemic.
He encourages everyone to get his office any concerns or recommendations and those will be delivered to the Governor’s Office.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning asked Senator Dale Fowlers opinion regarding the hair and nail salons which have been deemed non-essential. Commissioner Raymond Gunning asked if we should wait to hear from the Governor to see if and when he eases the burden. Senator Dale Fowler will continue to advocate for business to begin opening and that we are not Chicago. Southern Illinois needs to be treated a little differently, but cautiously. He has a tough job to do, but down here we social distance by nature. In our barber shops, it is usually one customer at a time. At a salon, you set an appointment. He will continue to advocate for a regionalize concept for reopening. He would think to consider regionalization and this may be one of the first regions considering our numbers. He thinks this is reflective on the people who have really done an incredible job to make sure their families are safe and we want to continue that. We want to proceed effectively and safely for everyone.
Commissioner Ron Morse states that the non-essential business stay closed and that we should not take a chance on over stepping our bound.
Representative Patrick Windhorst thanked the Mayor and Council for having him here today. He thanked the residence of Harrisburg and throughout the district that have worked hard to mitigate the effects of this virus. His thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been effected by it.
Representative Patrick Windhorst supports the regionalization approach to addressing the pandemic. A regional approach means those areas less effected should have fewer restrictions. We are not saying a complete and immediate reopening of those areas. This is a careful and common sense approach. He believes we can do that in our areas.
Mayor John McPeek asked our citizens and business to write letters which can be delivered to the Governor’s Office. He needs to know that in rural American, getting a haircut here is not the same as getting a haircut on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Mayor John McPeek would like to see Southern Illinois start reopening.
Representative Patrick Windhorst stated those letters are helpful. They have advocated for the regional approach. They have had other Representatives and Senators who have joined them. The Governor needs to hear from cities, counties and individuals throughout the area supporting our efforts to make it even stronger.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning stated the social distancing is working. He is fearful that if we open, other parts of the area will come in and spread the virus here. He is in favor of regional planning and if everything is calming down, he is okay with it.
Commissioner Ron Morse stated the City of Harrisburg will provide Senator Dale Fowler and Representative Patrick Windhorst a transcript of today’s meeting which is a formal way of showing the Governor that we are not walking on his toes. We are just trying to do the best for our city. We will follow his guidelines. Mayor John McPeek said this is a good meeting allowing the citizens to talk and hear what they have to say.
Commissioner Raymond Gunning asked what happens if the Governor decides to keep the state closed past May 30. He states we are going to really be in trouble in our area. The churches are wanting to meet and they are suffering as well. Something needs to be done between now and the end of May to reopen just to make sure we can open down here. Representative Patrick Windhorst stated this is a concern we all share. We are hopeful that over the next thirty days, there will be a lessening of the restrictions. He does not think anyone wants to see the order extended beyond May 30. The government has failed to meet its responsibilities for unemployment. The system is broken. The provision for independent contractors has not been implemented and people have gone for over a month without any income. This has caused a lot of problems in our area and throughout the State.
Commissioner Rupert Johnson asked if we should join the lawsuit against the Governor. Representative Patrick Windhorst stated the suit was filed on his Representative Bailey’s own behalf. He suggest the City speak to their attorneys. This is a decision an individual can make or the city as a whole, but it would be a separate lawsuit from Representative Bailey’s suit. Representative Patrick Windhorst stated the Executive Order remains in force for everyone except Representative Bailey at this time.
Citizen Katrina Cerutti from Curly Q Salon spoke and said she has had zero income since March 21, 2020. She is a salon owner in her home. She has no employees and tries to do things by the book. She is a cosmetology instructor. She knows how to sanitize. Why can she see her clients in Kroger, but yet she cannot see one client at a time in her business. Her clients can cancel if they are sick. When she is at Wal-Mart, she does not know who has maintained their health. She has a salon license, cosmetology license and an instructor license. She does not want to jeopardize her license, but she would like for council to do what they can. She will write a letter. She appreciates the gentleman who filed a lawsuit. She is speaking on behalf of her customers. She has received a lot of messages regarding this situation. We need to open up. If Wal-Mart and Kroger can have 250 customers, why can’t she be allowed to continue with her business? Commissioner Roger Angelly agrees with her. He states he has been told that if we allow her open, she will lose her license. He wants to know how this is fair to small business. Commissioner Roger Angelly stated we are working with the Senator and Representative to get letters to the Governor. We will continue to follow the Executive Order. As a cosmetology instructor, she is required to teach sanitation to future cosmetologist. She knows about sanitation. She has purchased mask for her clients if she is allowed to reopen.
Citizen Jerry Hunt is representing Sonny Wynn and Fancy Nail Salon. He read the following statement: Fancy Nail and Spa has implemented numerous safety precautions to minimalize exposure to COVID 19. We understand the importance of maintaining social distancing standards and keeping our customers safe. Our saline is approximately 3000 square feet. We have installed barriers for all pedicures and manicure stations and for the front reception desk. These barriers will protect the technicians and the general public from exposure. The manicure barriers allow for hand insertion only. All stations are spaced 7-8 feet apart. All stations will be cleaned after each client with Clorox wipes and a bleach water spray. All door handles, handwashing areas and bathrooms will be disinfected every hour. Our salon door will remain locked and opened for individual appointments only. We have placed red tape on the floor implementing the 6 ft. safe distance protocol.
We will have a COVID 19 sign on the door that explains the precautions. All employees are mandated to have their temperatures taken upon arriving to work. We will screen employees at the back entrance. They will be screened for any symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, etc. Prior to beginning work. They can stay home if they choose to do so. All employees are required to wear protective masks, gloves, and face shields. They are required to change gloves between every client and wash their hands for 30 seconds. All nail color sample books will be disinfected between clients. All nail polishes will be handled by technicians only and sanitized between clients. We will continue using our autoclave for instruments. This is standard practice for services. We will require cars to maintain 6 ft. distancing when parking.
Clients will not be allowed dot bring any person or person with them to the appointment. All clients upon entering will have their temperatures taken and will be required to sign a release that stipulates the symptoms and associated concerns of COVID 19. All clients will be required to clean their hands with hand sanitizer that is available throughout the salon and is more than 60% alcohol. All clients will be required to wear face mask. If a client does not have a face mask, one will be provided. Tissues will be available at our front desk for all clients.
We understand the seriousness of COVID 19 and believe our stringent plant will reduce exposure. We provide a much-needed service to the public. The say order has been financially devastating to our small business. We have received hundreds of request to open. During this stressful time, our clients having the ability to maintain some sort or resemblance of normality is important. It relaxes the, boost their self- esteem and it a boost to our economy.
We kindly ask that you consider letting our business open under strict protocols that will be in place. We would gladly abide by any guidelines set by the council. Pictures have been provided regarding making the necessary changes for the safety of the workers and clients. We wear gloves as part of our safety which is required by the state license. We want to provide for ourselves, but will adhere to what the state says. We applaud the city for standing up for the business. We want our life back. We know the city cannot overrule the Governor, but thank you for standing up for us.
Commissioner Ron Morse states we are interested in getting our community back. The revenue stream is important to everyone. The Governor has the power and we will never put a business in the position to do something against his mandate. Citizen Jerry Hunt told the council thank you for their support. Every small business owner does not receive all the stimulus money the larger businesses get. They are trying to make their payments, mortgages and keep employees. The Council asked Jerry Hunt and Fancy Nail Salon to write a letter which will be delivered to the Governor’s Office. Jerry Hunt recognizes this is a symbolic gesture and will not go against the Executive Orders, but thanked council for their support.
Citizen John Hayes from the Factor thanked council for their support. Mayor John McPeek stated he wants people to be heard. Commissioner Roger Angelly asked John Hayes to get a letter of support to the City Clerk. John Hayes stated he is behind council 100%.
Citizen Stephanie Church spoke regarding her hair salon. She has had her cosmetology license for thirty three years. She is a sole proprietor which means she does not get any federal help. She appreciates council for trying to take action. She would like to explain to the Governor that how we live down here is totally different than how people live up north. Cook County has 213 zip codes alone and she was trying to define the amount of cases up there compared to down here. The Governor needs to understand that there is a point where he cannot govern us down here the same way he is governing up there.
She states no one know sanitation better than the medical profession, cosmetologist and estheticians. We practice strict sanitation guidelines. There are products to sanitize which is constantly being done. We know our clients on a personal basis. He should allow us to open up and follow the CDC guidelines then it won’t be a problem for us to perform our daily duties. She will be able to successfully maintain her job again and practice necessary sanitation.
She does not think the Governor looks at us as a different area, which we are and we know this. Her license is very important to her. She provides for her family. She loves her clients. It is really hard when you go shopping and see clients out, but she cannot take care of their needs along with her financial needs. She is having to put the money she saved to pay her bills for a building she cannot use. She appreciates council for trying to reach out and she understands this needs to be in small increments. She states the chain salons are being taken care of because they are owned by a corporation. She is more than happy to have only one client at a time. She is speaking for all her clients and other cosmetologist. The Governor needs to be more open minded when comparing down here to up there. The Governor needs to consider that the council was elected to take care of Harrisburg. She knows the council will not be reckless in making this decision to reopen. She was okay with being shut down for a couple of weeks, but since the numbers are not the same as up north, she just cannot justify being shut down anymore. Why a small retailer can’t be allowed to be open with restrictions. No one takes sanitation more serious than a cosmetologist. She appreciates this meeting. She hopes the Governor will consider treating our area differently and not threaten to take away license. This is the livelihood of many.
Citizen Christie Bailey from Little Angels Learning Center spoke against what everyone said. She does not see a need to reopen the city. We do not want an outbreak. She thinks we will have an influx of people if we open. People will want to come because they have access to things. She stated she is not a Pritzker fan, but she states she is doing her best to follow the rules. She leads a group of forty children to follow rules so how can she teach them rules to follow if she disobeys the rule. These small businesses had the opportunity for the Payroll Protection Program and the Downstate Stimulus Program. She did get the PPP and she put that money into her account. She received $60,000 to help with her payroll. DCFS is helping her out. They are providing for the children to make sure they are taken care of. Her numbers have been cut in half. She has had to remove people from their jobs, but they qualify for unemployment. We just come out of tax time and some of them got tax money back, so there is no reason for some of them to be hurting. The banks have given the opportunity not to make all of the payments. She does not think it is a good idea to have a free for all. She said there are grants available and people to help us. We do not have a lot of cases here. People come from Chicago on a regular basis to retire. She provides childcare for those who have come down here to go to college. She wants to know where their kids will go when we open back up. There is no childcare for these children at this time. Now we have a bunch of kids staying at home by themselves, which is not safe either. Commissioner Ron Morse stated we will not do anything in direct violation of the Governor. She thinks we need to follow the rules. She wants to provide a safe opportunity. Commissioner Roger Angelly said we are not here to break the rules. We are here to listen to everyone and do things the right way.
Citizen/Superintendent of Harrisburg High School Michael Gauch approached council. Although the schools are not open, they are still receiving funding. He is in support of the council and what they are trying to do. He has seen the damage that has this been done to this community. The school started out making 5,000 meals a week and now they are up to 13,000 meals per week. We have people going hungry and homeless. He understands the Governor is in a hard position, but regionalization is the best scenario for us right now. He knows we cannot jump out and do something and get ourselves into trouble, but he believes if the table was turned and the break out was in Harrisburg they would not shut down Chicago nor would we expect them too. He is thankful to continue to get funding and wants to get back to school on time. What he sees happening in the community is going to last a long time and it needs stopped now. Commissioner Ron Morse asked for a letter stating the impact this is having in our community.
Mayor John McPeek stated the businesses are doing a great job with these orders. He appreciates the citizens doing their part. He hopes that when this passes, we continue to shop locally. When this is over, we will be stronger.
Mayor John McPeek made the motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Raymond Gunning. A roll call vote was taken with all present voting yes. Motion carried.
Adjourn: 8:50 a.m.
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