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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
Deb Lang, Assistant Corporation Counsel
DATE: June 1, 2023
SUBJECT:
Proposed Updates to Chapter 25, Article 25-VIII of the Code of Ordinances Relating to Raffles.
PURPOSE:
To conform the language in Chapter 25, Article 25-VII of the Code of Ordinances with current Illinois law.
BACKGROUND:
The City Raffle Ordinance was last updated in 2014. The Illinois Raffles and Poker Runs Act, 230 ILCS 15 has been updated several times since 2014. The current Illinois Raffles and Poker Runs Act expands the type of organizations eligible to conduct Raffles and Poker Runs beyond what is contained in the 2014 version of the ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
Illinois law identifies the following businesses as eligible for raffle licenses; religious, charitable, labor, business, fraternal, educational, veterans', or other bona fide not-for-profit organizations. The current City code does not specifically identify "business" or "other bona fide not-for-profit organizations" as eligible for a raffle license. The current code also does not define these organizations, therefore, the proposed amendment incorporates the definitions of eligible organizations into the code for clarity. The current code does not reference Poker Runs, however, it is important to define Poker Run because staff occasionally receives questions on the subject. Inclusion of the definition and direction in the code for those wishing to conduct a Poker Run will make the process easier for the public. The proposed amendments will also provide clarity as to the ability for additional non-profit fundraising, law enforcement, and fire protection agencies to obtain raffle licenses, in conformity with Illinois law.
The proposed amendments also provide a mechanism for those applicants with a prior felony conviction to appeal the denial of a raffle license based on said conviction(s).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed changes will make this section of the Code of Ordinances consistent with Illinois law, 230 ILCS 15.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that this ordinance be adopted.
cc: Rules, Administration & Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance Amending Chapter 25, Article VIII of the Code of Ordinances Pertaining to Raffles.
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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's Raffle Ordinance is not consistent with Illinois law on the subject;
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it advisable to amend and clarify those provisions of Chapter 25 regarding the issuance of raffle licenses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that Chapter 25, Article VIII of the Code of Ordinances shall be and hereby is amended as set forth in Exhibit A; and further
BE IT ORDAINED, that the Corporation Counsel and City Clerk shall be and hereby are authorized and directed to correct any scrivener's or other non-substantive errors in Exhibit A upon codification.