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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Nydia Molina, Assistant Corporation Counsel-Law Dept
DATE: October 30, 2024
SUBJECT:
An ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances.
PURPOSE:
This amendment to Section 29-126 will provide the Aurora Police Department (APD) the ability to address specific serious issues in more expeditious manner than what is currently provided for in the city code.
BACKGROUND:
The APD has been working to address matters specific to massage parlors and similar business in Aurora. There are several massage parlors in Aurora that are currently and/or have in the past advertised additional services as an available option. This business model creates an environment easily conducive for prostitution as well as human trafficking.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed code amendments to expand the activities defined as aggravated nuisance activities included in Section 29-126 will expedite the current enforcement mechanisms in the in the city code to address these concerns. Currently, if there were citations or arrests for prostitution, any sex offense, or human trafficking, the code requires two of such incidents within a one-year period to be documented for a property to be declared a nuisance. There are other avenues that may be explored in the near future if this, paired with other existing codes, are not effective. The goal is not to shut down massage parlors, but rather to clearly establish tools for APD and other affected City Departments to address these serious issues in a timely manner.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This amendment will have a positive impact on public safety with minimal disruption to other city departments while utilizing existing rules and regulations.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff respectfully requests approval of this ordinance amendment.
cc: Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances.
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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, there are reports of serious incidents in massage parlors and similar business in Aurora that the Aurora Police Department has been investigating and addressing that require more expeditious enforcement; and
WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of public health, safety and welfare of the City of Aurora residents to expand the activities that currently are defined as aggravate nuisances activities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
Section One: That Section 29-126 of Chapter 29 of the Code of Ordinances shall be and hereby is amended as set forth in Exhibit A.
Section Two: That this Ordinances shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon passage and approval;
Section Three: That all Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed insofar any conflict exist.