Panhandling, police policies, mannequins and village visitor strategies were the topics discussed at the Gurnee Village board’s regular meeting 7:00 p.m. Jan. 11 at Gurnee Village Hall.
Mayor Kristina Kovarik called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Officials in attendance were Patrick Muetz, village administrator; David Ziegler, assistant village administrator and Community Development director; Bryan Winter, village attorney; Brian Gosnell, finance director; Christine Palmieri, director of Human Resources; Chris Velkover, Information Systems director; Fred Friedl, fire chief; Kevin Woodside, police chief; Saundra Campbell, deputy police chief; Willie Meyer, deputy police chief; Ellen Dean, Economic Development director; and Jack Linehan, assistant to the administrator.
After the Pledge, the board approved the Consent Agenda as presented along with an omnibus vote, including approval of Dec. 21, 2015, meeting minutes and ordinances allowing easements, contracts, payroll authorizations and bills.
Fire department officials introduced mannequins for Gurnee’s Citizen CPR Program, which is sponsored by a local auto dealership and Warren Township High School’s football program.
Jan. 18 was declared Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Gurnee.
In petitions and communications, Ty Bonds was appointed chairman of the Civil Service Commission following Lori Hubbart’s resignation.
Maureen Riedy, president of Visit Lake County, gave a Convention and Visitors Bureau update and introduced Six Flags General Manager Hank Salemi who characterized the season as successful due to the newly added Friday night fireworks and thanked the village for its support.
Riedy also offered a PowerPoint presentation about marketing Lake County as a premier visitor destination, discussing funding and advertising strategies.
In reports, the board reviewed data on social media, blogs, PR videos and other facets of tourism.
Old business consisted of approval of ordinances regarding website design, authorizing an agreement between AmericanEagle.com and the Village of Gurnee for website design and hosting services, and, in new business, the board approved an amendment of the Gurnee Municipal Code.
Trustee Wilson praised the village’s accomplishments and reputation, encouraging the Police Department to increase its interaction with individuals needing assistance at intersections. In response, Mayor Kovarik said Wilson’s comments were inappropriate for public comment and wished to discuss an ordinance regarding panhandling directly with the Police Department.
With no further comments or business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
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