Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Judiciary Committee met July 7

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Wray called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Brooks

Absent: Coleman, Murphy

I. DISCUSSION OF AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 5, CHAPTER 33 (VIDEO GAMING), TITLE 8, CHAPTER 13 (LIQUOR CONTROL) AND TITLE 12, CHAPTER 11 (SIGNS)

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained the amendments of City Code Title 5, Chapter 33, Title 8, Chapter 13 and Title 12, Chapter 11. Anything that already existed was grandfathered in. There would be a reduction eventually in video gaming. No longer gaming cafés. Convenience, Liquor or Gas Station establishments were no longer licensed with video gaming. Restaurants required full service to obtain a gaming license and elaborated further.

Alderman Wray asked to further explain item I. The Chief of Staff explained.

The Mayor asked if sales were monitored for a restaurant with gaming. The Chief of Staff explained for a year’s time.

Alderman Allen inquired truck stops with video gaming. The Chief of Staff clarified State Law was automatic and additional terminals.

Chief of Staff Jackson elaborated further with all businesses applying for gaming licenses. The distance between the video gaming establishments was a buffer of 150 ft. If unable to obtain the Liquor License the Video Gaming would follow accordingly. Required to be licensed by the Gaming Board for video gaming. There was a new application process with strong strict criteria for renewals.

The Mayor questioned if the City could regulate the signs for video terminals. The Chief of Staff acknowledged it was included in the ordinance.

Alderman Allen asked to explain the Push Tax Ordinance. Attorney Silverman noted that Push Tax needed to be approved prior and North Chicago had done so.

Alderman Wray questioned clarification. The Chief of Staff explained an actual push with the terminals, the players had to pay 1 cent per push of the button. The Mayor added the operators vs. owners needed to regulate the pushes per machine.

The Chief of Staff strongly stated there was more activity outside of the City vs. within.

Alderman Brooks questioned if owner relocated the business would they be allowed gaming at new facility. Attorney Silverman explained the owner would need to follow the entire process and licensing was not transferable.

The Chief of Staff explained the ordinance would change the proximity of the terminals.

The Mayor questioned clarification on a scenario presented for an existing gas station establishment.

The Chief of Staff acknowledged. He also recognized the support of the City Attorney and the Economic & Community Development Department.

He asked for directions. The City needed to draft an ordinance before the moratorium and end of August 2025.

There was a General Consensus to move forward.

This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, July 21, 2025.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks that Judiciary Committee Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Brooks

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Murphy

The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

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