Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Committee of the Whole met March 3

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Rockingham, Jr., called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

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

Absent: Allen

I. DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 8, CHAPTER 13, SECTION 8A, INCREASING NUMBER OF B-W2 LIQUOR LICENSES, (REQUESTOR LUCKY SPIN NC LLC LOCATED AT 1500 SHERIDAN ROAD)

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained was expanding to sell convenient items and packaged goods.

Alderman Murphy questioned clarification with B-W2. Chief of Staff Jackson reiterated.

Alderman Jackson questioned clarification of a moratorium for liquor licenses and had strong concerns.

He suggested initiating the renewals. The Chief of Staff explained only issued with the active licenses.

Any amendments needed to be council approved. The current number of liquor licenses was unknown for liquor licenses.

Alderman Coleman explained the businesses were in his ward (2). He explained there was a video gaming establishment on the south end of the North Chicago Post Office and another one on the north end. It was his understanding that the council members stated no additional liquor licenses and misunderstood. He asked that his constituent reached out to him. The Mayor stated he would.

Alderman January questioned if the number changed when a business closed. The Mayor explained once the business closed, the license was connected to it. Chief of Staff Jackson clarified the liquor license wasn’t transferable. City Clerk Collins explained the process. She, Alderman January questioned clarification, that once the gaming moratorium was reviewed/analyzed on the data, it would be the council’s final decision. Chief of Staff Jackson confirmed it was. She asked in the interim that it should also be explained accordingly. Chief of Staff Jackson explained if gaming previous existed, it would continue.

Alderman January questioned if a cap on the number of video gaming licenses. Chief of Staff Jackson confirmed there was.

II. DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 8, CHAPTER 13, SECTION 8A, INCREASING NUMBER OF B-W LIQUOR LICENSES (REQUESTOR MIA’S PANCAKE HOUSE & GRILL, LLC, 2314 GREEN BAY ROAD)

Alderman Jackson had strong concerns with extending more liquor and gaming. Chief of Staff Jackson clarified that B-W liquor license didn’t allow gaming with current moratorium in place and questioned if it was explained it to the owner. The Mayor clarified the name of the establishment formerly known as the CYOC (Create your own Cheesecake.) Chief of Staff Jackson explained that the owner was currently seeking beer and wine served.

Concerning the B-W2 liquor license, Alderman Coleman asked to receive a consensus with issuing additional liquor licenses. The Mayor suggested addressing each alderman individually. He, Alderman Coleman asked the council members if a possible moratorium on both the liquor and gaming.

Alderman Smith stated no. Alderman Murphy wasn’t aware it was under consideration for both and wasn’t properly prepared to decide.

Alderman January agreed with Alderman Jackson. She questioned if there were requirements for liquor licenses and emphasized additional liquor licenses, which was destroying the city economic growth possibilities. She suggested ceasing both issuances of gaming and liquor licenses. Also, more stronger language amendments to the current ordinance. She was appreciative of Chief of Staff Jackson compiling the data.

Item I & II will be placed on the next Council Agenda, March 17, 2025

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Evans that Committee of the Whole stand adjourned.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

Alderman Allen was absent.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

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