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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 ...
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