New measures prioritize safety and efficient visitor management with a stop at the new Visitor Services Desk, pictured here at the main entrance to City Hall when it was a work in progress. (PN Photo, Sept. 4, 2024)
City of Naperville Report
The City of Naperville has implemented a new check-in process at the Municipal Center to improve visitor management and enhance safety. Effective as of Tues., Nov. 12, 2024, this procedural change follows other recent security enhancements at the Municipal Center, including the installation of controlled access doors, a new speaker and video system and a new Visitor Services Desk. Visitors are now required to stop at the Visitor Services Desk before proceeding into the building.
The Naperville Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle St., is open from 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. This building houses the City Council Chambers and public meeting rooms along with several city departments and service counters for utility bill payments, permit filings, document requests and more.
“We take the safety and security of our employees and visitors very seriously. Since 2020, we’ve steadily added security improvements, and the goal is to balance safety with a welcoming experience,” said City Manager Doug Krieger. “These new security procedures will increase safety and make it easier to navigate the building.”
Check in Procedures for All Visitors and Meetings
Visitors entering the Municipal Center during regular hours of operation must use the main entrance. Upon entry, visitors need to check in with the security guard at the Visitor Services Desk near the vestibule. The security guard will greet visitors, verify appointments, and provide directions to the appropriate office, service counter or meeting location.
For City Council and board and commission meetings, the building access procedures depend on the meeting time:
- Before 8AM: The board or commission contact will provide instructions for accessing the building, such as posting information on the window next to the main entrance.
- During general hours of operation (8AM – 5PM): The guard will direct visitors to the meeting room.
- After 5PM: The main entrance doors will remain open for the duration of the meeting, allowing attendees to enter and exit without check-in requirements, though security personnel will be available.
Appointments Procedures
To schedule an appointment, people can contact the employee or department to receive the necessary information and assistance. The guard will verify each appointment and provide directions to the appropriate department, helping visitors reach their destination easily and quickly.
Procedures for Visitors Without Appointments
Individuals arriving without an appointment will receive assistance from the guard, who will contact a representative from the relevant department to confirm availability. If a staff member is available, the visitor will be directed to that department; if not, the visitor will receive contact information to follow up and schedule an appointment. Utility customers and those seeking to visit a service counter will be directed to the appropriate area.
Organizers of outside meetings (e.g., community groups and organizations) utilizing the Municipal Center’s meeting rooms may assign a greeter to assist visitors in the lobby or provide the Visitor’s Services Desk with an attendee list.
Visitors will not need to show an ID, sign-in or pass through a metal detector. The Municipal Center is fully Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant with ramps, elevators and other accommodations.
For more information, including the Visitor Management Policy and FAQs, visit www.naperville.il.us/government/municipal-center.
