Will County committee forwards several ordinance chapters to executive committee; fireworks chapter repealed
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Summary
The ad hoc committee forwarded multiple chapter revisions — including animal protection, parks, 911 fee, firearms, river wake enforcement repeal and public swimming updates — and approved repeal of the county fireworks chapter (one no vote recorded).
At a single meeting, the Will County ad hoc ordinance review committee reviewed and in most cases forwarded a package of ordinance changes to the executive committee.
Key actions and notes: - Chapter 90 (animal protection services): Staff described minor edits and name cleanups; members asked why ferrets are treated like cats and dogs; staff explained ferrets can carry rabies. The chapter was forwarded to the executive committee. - Chapter 91 (parks and playgrounds): Members asked about confusing table formatting and how cash-in-lieu park contributions are used; staff said such funds are restricted for park purposes and may be transferred to the forest preserve or nearby subdivisions. The chapter was forwarded for executive review and correction of table formatting. - Chapter 92 (public fireworks display): Staff recommended repeal because state statute permits only counties under 400,000 population to license private fireworks displays; the committee approved repeal and Member Butler was recorded as a no vote. - Chapter 94 (Emergency 911 telephone system): Staff corrected the fee to $1 (from $0.75) and said the fee applies to landlines; the chapter was forwarded. - Chapter 95 (firearms): Edits were made to conform to state statute (for example, removal of a prohibition on shooting in railroad corridors that the state has removed); members clarified definitions (BB guns and fireworks are not firearms under the chapter, and 'residential area' is defined by proximity of three dwellings within 300 yards). The chapter was forwarded. - Chapter 96 (river/wake enforcement): Committee approved repeal of an obsolete provision tied to a sheriff boat patrol on the Kankakee River. - Chapter 97 (public swimming facility): Committee agreed to formatting changes in definitions and adopted the chapter as amended; staff noted the county adopts state rules by reference so state changes flow automatically.
Most items were forwarded to the executive committee for final review and scheduling on the county board agenda; the fireworks repeal was approved with one recorded dissent. The executive committee will set dates for further consideration.