Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Extending Certain Village Business Licenses Issued Pursuant to Chapter 8 (“Business Licensing”) of the Oak Park Village Code and Waiving and Suspending Business License Fees to Provide Emergency Assistance Due to the Outbreak of COVID-19 Disease
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Overview
Overview
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, staff is recommending that Village business licenses issued pursuant to Chapter 8 (“Business Licensing”) of the Oak Park Village Code shall be considered active, whether or not renewed by the license holder, through March 31, 2021 and waiving and suspending business license fees for any business that was closed during the Village’s declaration of an emergency affecting public health.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Fiscal Impact
The reduction will result in reduced revenue of approximately $119,380.
Background
On March 13, 2020, the Village Board adopted a Resolution Declaring an Emergency Affecting Public Health due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease in the State of Illinois and this was extended thru June 1. 2020 by Ordinances 20-124 and 20-128. On March 18, 2020, the Village of Oak Park‘s Public Health Director issued a Shelter in Place Order for Oak Park residents and businesses. On March 20, 2020, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued COVID-19 Executive Order No. 8 which ordered Illinois residents to stay at home causing many individuals to lose their employment. Governor Pritzker has subsequently issued Restore Illinois, a five-phased plan to reopen the State.
It is anticipated that as early as May 29, 2020 the Village will move to Phase 3 which will allow certain businesses and activities to resume. As businesses move to re-open, the Village seeks to reduce the cost of business licensing by allowing businesses that have been closed to the public to operate as a licensed business without payment of license fees until the next renewal period.
Businesses that have already paid the 2020 renewal license fee are not eligible for a refund. New businesses seeking to open during this time are still required to pay the business license fee.
Alternatives
N/A
Previous Board Action
On March 13, 2020, the Village Board adopted Resolution 20-120 declaring an emergency affecting the public health due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease in the State of Illinois. On April 6, 2020, the Village Board adopted Resolution 20-124 and on April 27, 2020 the Village Board adopted Resolution 20-128 which extended the declaration through June 1, 2020.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A