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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Alexandra Voigt, Interim City Clerk
DATE: May 20, 2015
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 32 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances titled "Peddlers and Solicitors".
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this memo is to propose changes to Chapter 32 of the City of Aurora's Code of Ordinances for for-profit peddlers and solicitors only. The nonprofit/charitable, religious and political regulations will remain the same.
BACKGROUND:
Chapter 32 of the City of Aurora's Code of Ordinances is dedicated to the rules and regulations relating to peddlers and solicitors in the City of Aurora. Due to an increased number of complaints received by the City Clerk's Office, representatives from the Clerk's Office, Police Department, Neighborhood Standards, Legal and the Mayor's Office met in early April to discuss the current processes and practices as well as potential solutions. The changes proposed will only apply to the for-profit peddlers and solicitors and are intended to clarify sections of the ordinance, streamline the application process and create greater accountability for peddlers and solicitors while working in the City of Aurora.
DISCUSSION:
Utilizing information from resident's complaints as well as feedback from the group, the City Clerk's Office generated a list of proposed ordinance changes. The proposed changes are listed below for review and discussion. A redlined version of the ordinance is also attached.
Proposed amendments to Chapter 32 titled "Peddlers and Solicitors":
· A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 per applicant.
o Currently, there is no fee for peddlers and solicitors.
· The city will issue a laminated photo identification badge to peddlers and solicitors to wear.
o Currently, peddlers and solicitors are issued an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper.
· Badges must be visible to residents and peddlers/solicitors must produce the badge to residents if asked.
· Badges will be non-transferrable.
· There will be a $10.00 badge replacement fee for lost badges.
· Peddlers and solicitors will also be required to provide information on any vehicles used on the application.
· Permits will be valid for up to ninety (90) days, with the option to extend for an additional ninety (90) days for a total of six months maximum per calendar year.
o Currently, licenses may be issued for up to a year.
· A section titled "Refusing to leave" was added to the ordinance, clarifying the language of acceptable practices by peddlers.
o Adding this language will streamline the process of ticketing problem peddlers and solicitors.
· The permitting process will take 5 - 7 business days, permits issued that are not picked up within five (5) business days become void.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed changes, if implemented, are expected to have a positive impact on our neighborhoods as well as professionalize the city's processes and procedures, creating a better experience for our applicants and staff.
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Franco
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 32 of the City of Aurora's Code of Ordinances titled "Peddlers and Solicitors".
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City deems it necessary and appropriate to amend the provisions regarding for-profit peddlers and solicitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that Chapter 32 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances be amended.