Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Judiciary Committee met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Jackson called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy (RP), January (RP)

Absent: None

I. DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5 REGARDING BUSINESS LICENSE REGULATIONS:

Taylor Wegrzyn, Economic & Community Development Director explained the Ordinance amendment transfers duties to his department and new fees within the ordinance.

Alderman Coleman addressed to recognize the Building/License Chair. Alderman January expressed her opinion with the procedures. She asked Mr. Wegrzyn what would ensure the businesses follow the hours of operation submitted on the application.

He explained there could be enforcement of the hours; he suggested time educating the business owners during inspections sending a friendly reminder appropriately posting the hours. Alderman January emphasized the City was losing sales tax when businesses are closed especially with liquor license or gaming. She asked if some component could be included to hold accountability to the hours. Attorney Silverman focused more on the closure that affected surrounding properties. The opening hours were dependent upon the owner. He agreed with the proactive approach from Mr. Wegrzyn discussed with the Chief of Staff and attorneys. Attorney Silverman suggested reaching out to the owner(s).

Alderman January partially agreed with the education aspect; reiterated the city was losing revenue and it was the owner’s responsibility for any unforeseen occurrences.

Alderman Allen added the business owner paid city taxes and was the owners right to when the establishment opened. Alderman Coleman agreed with concerns of the needed flexibility; echoed Alderman January’s sentiments with businesses who opened consistently late. More continuity was needed with the hours and stronger ordinance if chosen to amend it.

Alderman January asked if there was a final attachment for council review before approval.

This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, March 18, 2024.

II. DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 4, SECTION 3 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING DUTIES OF CITY TREASURER:

Treasurer Vance Wyatt explained there were (2) Sections: H and I. Treasurer Wyatt continued he attended a money management course in 2023. On April 19, 2022, section H was approved by Attorney Simon with ordinance amendment, and he had been awaiting since then.

Alderman Coleman asked to reschedule item II for further review. City Clerk Collins debated that attachments were sent several times.

This will be placed on the next Committee Agenda, March 18, 2024.

III. DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF ORDINANCE AMENDING 2-2-2; SECTION F OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING REMOTE PARTICIPATION:

Chief of Staff, Greg Jackson explained the ordinance amending 2-2-2 – Section F regarding remote participation. It was amended language to the remote participation policy.

Chief of Staff Jackson acknowledged it complied with the State Statute as requested. Alderman January suggested when an Ordinance item was to be reviewed for discussion, that an attachment was provided with final wording before it was approved.

Alderman Coleman had commented that the policy had facilitated those zoom meeting(s).

He asked if the council members could receive the final agenda with attachments no later than Thursday before the next meeting. This allowed ample time for everyone’s review.

The Mayor would make strong attempts to provide everything by Thursday though there may be hiccups. Chief of Staff Jackson has also informed staff of the changes. Treasurer Wyatt added he may be later since the State confirmed their deposit in the middle of the month.

Alderman Coleman understood there were others with different circumstances of more control. He asked for a collective effort from everyone.

Alderman January agreed to place the item(s) on Council for approval. She just asked for a copy to review if needed.

This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, March 18, 2024

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the Judiciary Committee Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy (RP), January (RP)

Nays: None

Absent: None

The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

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