Lake County Gazette

Village of Cary Committee of the Whole met Sept. 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order This meeting was called to order at 6:25 p.m. by Mayor Kownick.

Roll Call 

Present: Mayor Kownick, Trustees McAlpine, Betz, Covelli, Weinhammer, Kraus and Collier 

Absent: None

Others present included Village Administrator Rife, Community Development Director Simmons, Public Works Director Morimoto, Police Chief Finlon, Management Analyst Sage, Village Attorney Uhler and members of the audience per the sign-in sheet.

III. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kownick led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

V. Public Comments 

There being no comments from the public, Mayor Kownick closed Public Comments at 6:26 p.m.

V. Discussion Regarding Number of Video Terminals Allowed Per Establishment 

Mayor Kownick provided an overview of the recent changes the State of Illinois passed increasing the number of video gaming terminals per establishment from 5 to 6.

Trustee Covelli stated she was concerned about where to draw the line at the number of terminals allowed and possible configuration changes to the interior of an establishment wishing to add another terminal.

Administrator Rife stated the Village Board could discuss limits regarding the number of gaming terminals allowed if the State chooses to increase the number of gaming terminals in the future. Administrator Rife also stated the regulations in the current video gaming ordinance regarding visibility and oversight of machine terminals would still apply.

It was the consensus of the Committee of the Whole to forward on to the October 15, 2019 Village Board Meeting the consideration for approval to Increase the Number of Video Terminals Allowed Per Establishment.

VI. Discussion Regarding Recreational Cannabis 

Administrator Rife provided an overview of the previous meeting's discussion regarding the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.

Director Simmons provided information regarding possible location restrictions.

Mayor Kownick supports restricting dispensary locations from the downtown area.

Trustee Covelli would like more information regarding how other municipalities and states have proceeded as well as any issues they have encountered.

Brad Zerman, 330 N. Wabash, Chicago, stated he has operated dispensaries in other Illinois municipalities. Mr. Zerman agreed with Trustees Betz and Collier that industrial parks are not good locations for dispensaries due to inadequate lighting and spaces that are typically too large for the business. Mr. Zerman encouraged the Board to consider business areas that have good visibility and lighting. Mr. Zerman stated the Illinois Department of Financial Professional Regulation has done an excellent job monitoring dispensaries. Mr. Zerman provided information regarding the tight regulations regarding inventory control and security within a dispensary.

Director Simmons will draft additional maps to illustrate different buffer zone restrictions.

It was the consensus of the Committee of the whole to forward the Consideration of Recreational Cannabis on to the Board of Zoning, Planning and Appeals for discussion.

VII. Annual Stormwater Public Meeting 

Director Morimoto provided an overview of the Village's stormwater program.

VIII. Update Regarding the Park Property 

Administrator Rife stated the closing documents are prepared for completion on Friday, September 20th. Administrator Rife stated the Rotary Club approached the Village to propose a partnership with the Village that would benefit the park property.

Chuck Barrett of the Rotary Club provided an overview of the proposed partnership with the Village.

Trustees Weinhammer and Covelli asked about the suggestions from residents regarding the naming of the park property. Administrator Rife stated this was part of the larger discussion to obtain feedback from residents about the park. Administrator Rife discussed the benefits of partnering with the Rotary and other parks in the area that are named for non-profit organizations.

Administrator Rife stated all are invited to the dedication and ribbon cutting scheduled for Tuesday, September 24th at 5:00 p.m.

IX. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)

Executive Session: Personnel: Collective Bargaining Mayor Kownick stated Executive Session was canceled.

X. Adjourn There being no further items to discuss, a MOTION was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

MOTION: Trustee McAlpine 

SECOND: Trustee Kraus

The Voice Vote noted all ayes and the motion carried.

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