The Village Board passed resolution 20-11 declaring a State of Emergency for the Village of Pleasant Prairie at the board meeting on Monday, March 16. Pleasant Prairie continues to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely and is working to ensure the needs and concerns of the community are met. The Village understands the situation is becoming disruptive to many residents; however, to ensure the Village is able to provide critical Village services to the community and protect the employees who deliver those services, Pleasant Prairie is making the following changes to Village operations:
• Village Offices: Starting Wednesday, March 18, all Village facilities will be closed to the public with the exception of limited use of the Village Auditorium and Municipal Courtroom for elections and municipal court proceedings. This change is being made to adhere to the National, State, and County Health Departments’ guidelines to maintain social distancing and limited public gatherings. Residents are encouraged to submit online payments, make phone calls, and send emails.
• Public Meetings Update: All scheduled public meetings are being suspended until further notice. The March 30 Public Hearing for Chateau Eau Plaines storm water improvements will be postponed. The April 2 Information Meeting for Village Green Center will also be postponed. Residents will be notified when new meeting dates are determined and public meetings resume.
• Spring Election: Residents are encouraged to vote by absentee ballot. In-person absentee voting begins March 23 until April 3 in the Village Auditorium, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At this time the polling locations on Election Day will be at Village Hall, RecPlex, and Caterpillar College. The online voter registration deadline is Wednesday, March 18. Voters may also register during in-person absentee voting and on Election Day, April 7.
• RecPlex Operations: The RecPlex will be closed starting Wednesday, March 18 and memberships will be put on hold until further notice. The decision to close is being made as a commitment to the health and well-being of the public, members, and staff. During the closure, the RecPlex will continue to update their members as COVID-19 updates becomes available and the risk to the public changes.
• Police Department: Effective immediately, citizens requesting a police response will be asked a series of triage questions in order to determine if a medical emergency or condition exists at the response location. Callers requesting a police response may be asked to meet the officer outside of their residence or business. The Pleasant Prairie Police Department has temporarily discontinued tours and group gatherings at the Police Department. The fingerprinting service provided by the Pleasant Prairie Police Department is temporarily discontinued. People wishing to pay citations or request copies of reports are encouraged to utilize the online option.
• Fire and Rescue: All semi-annual inspections are suspended, along with canceling visitors, tours, and job shadowing at stations. All burn permit applications are suspended. Residents that call and speak with dispatchers are encouraged to provide as much detailed information as possible. When appropriate and able, individuals should meet responders at the door. For anyone seeking non-emergency information, please utilize the 211 information number or visit https://211wisconsin.communityos.org
• Pleasant Prairie Municipal Court: Court Wednesday, March 18 is still scheduled; however, residents may be excused from appearing in court by calling, 262-694-8923, or emailing,
[email protected], to arrange for the appearance to be held by telephone or adjourned to another date. The remaining March court appearance dates are being re-scheduled for mid and late April. At this time, court appearances will resume on April 15. Those wishing to plead not guilty or have citations for no proof of insurance or driver’s license are excused from appearing in court and can mail, 9915 339th Avenue, or email a copy of the citation and proof of valid license or insurance. Citations may be paid by mail, village drop box, credit card by phone, or online.
These measures are being taken to ensure the health and welfare of our community and Village employees while still delivering the quality public services. As updates and changes occur related to COVID-19, the Village will communicate with residents accordingly.