Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Judiciary Committee met June 3

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Jackson called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Evans, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: Allen, Coleman

I. DISCUSSION REVIEW OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 4, SECTION 3 – DUTIES OF TREASURER:

Item I was removed.

Alderman Allen returned at 7:03 p.m.

II. DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5, CHAPTER 33 – MORATORIUM ON ISSUANCE OF SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSURE FOR VIDEO GAMING TERMINAL OPERATIONS:

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson asked for an Ordinance Amendment to Title 5, Chapter 33 – Moratorium on issuance of supplemental licensure for Video Gaming Terminal Operations. There were 199 terminals currently in the City; feedback received of too many requests for video gaming; if a business closes observing at locations at Rt. 41, Green Bay Rd. and MLK Dr. to be more strategic and asked permission collaborating with attorneys formalizing an ordinance.

Alderman Jackson asked for possibility of searching what liquor licenses weren’t utilized. Chief of Staff Jackson explained it would be an in-depth study. Alderman January questioned timeline, Chief of Staff Jackson anticipated a year or sooner. He may possibly need additional time to ensure the data was thorough.

Alderman January asked to be informed with the status as the Chair for licenses. She questioned if liquor licenses were separate from video gaming. The City was inundated with video gaming and liquor licenses. She had strong concern with saturation of gaming and felt it had a negative impact to economic growth. North Chicago and the Comprehensive Planner disagreed with liquor and gaming.

Chief of Staff Jackson acknowledged it would be comparable to other communities.

Alderman Evans suggestive an alternative to florescent lighting for attraction to the establishments.

Chief of Staff Jackson agreed was an unattractive appearance and agreed vested with curbing it.

Alderman Evans added each establishment currently was full of gaming machines throughout the City.

Chief of Staff Jackson suggested attempting for a healthier economy.

Alderman Smith questioned if the moratorium would impact the truck stops. Chief Jackson stated wouldn’t prefer a potential misrepresentation. He would refer to legal and the Economic & Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn. He clarified this wouldn’t affect the current establishments, only the forthcoming ones.

Alderman January suggested that the existing businesses were informed accordingly to be honest and transparent. Also, she asked the expected revenue during the study with the moratorium in place.

Treasurer Vance Wyatt directed Alderman January to the Treasurer’s Report for the gaming revenue.

Alderman Allen left at 7:18 p.m.

The Mayor stated based on the Comprehensive Plan that video gaming and liquor licenses had controlled the community. He questioned depending on acreage that truck stops were allowed video gaming regardless. He would refer to the attorneys to confirm. Chief of Staff Jackson assured nothing would be compromised if already approved and granted by the Council members.

Item II will be placed on the next Council Agenda, June 17, 2024.

Alderman Jackson explained Item I was removed due to the sponsor being absent. He recognized Treasurer Wyatt’s belated birthday.

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

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Allen, Coleman

The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

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