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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Nicholas Richard-Thompson, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: May 12, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the appointment of Jennifer Hopkins, Allaneddy Barajas, Ghousia Wajid and Harnek Bhachu to the Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission.
PURPOSE:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
Staggered Terms: The dates are intentionally staggered by lottery to ensure board continuity and prevent all terms from expiring at the same time. Currently we have 1 board member expiring in 2026 and 4 members expiring in 2027 so two appointees will have an expiration date of 2028 and two an expiration date of 2029
Future Terms: Following this initial "start-up" period, all members will be appointed for standard 3-year terms.
DISCUSSION:
The nominations brought forth today represent four new candidates.
Jennifer Hopkins - Ward 5 term to expire in 2028
Allaneddy Barajas - Ward 3 term to expire in 2029
Ghousia Wajid - Ward 8 term to expire in 2028
Harnek Bhachu - Ward 5 term to expire in 2029
With these two appointments this board will have no vacancies
IMPACT STATEMENT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff respectfully request approval of this appointment.
cc: Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the appointment of Jennifer Hopkins, Allaneddy Barajas, Ghousia Wajid and Harnek Bhachu to the Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission.
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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, Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances provides that the Mayor, shall, with the approval of the City Council, appoint the members of the advisory boards and commissions of the City; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances, the Mayor has notified the City Council of the appointment of the individuals listed in Exhibit A through D of this resolution to the advisory board or commission and to the terms therein enumerated, and has requested the City Council’s approval of said appointments; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the appointees set forth in Exhibit A through D of this resolution possess the necessary qualifications to serve in the position to which they have been nominated.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the appointment of the individuals listed in Exhibit A through D of this Resolution shall be and hereby are approved.