Council holds first reading to appoint public‑works director as interim zoning administrator; members question dual‑role and compensation

The Lincoln Heights Village Council on July 28 held a first reading of Resolution 2025‑R‑71, which would appoint Christopher Williams, the village’s public works director, to serve temporarily as zoning administrator so property purchasers subject to Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) timelines can obtain required zoning certificates.

Village solicitor Deepak Desai explained the practical need: county building permits require a local zoning certificate and the village lacked a zoning administrator after the retirement of Don Mercer on June 30. "We can't move forward with any of these applications until we get that zoning certificate," Desai said, describing the appointment as a stopgap intended to avoid forcing buyers 'on a shot clock' to wait.

Council members asked whether the resolution provides additional compensation. "Are we paying him, comp are we giving him compensation to do this?" a councilmember asked; Desai said the resolution does not specify extra pay and council would have to authorize any compensation. Members also questioned whether Williams has the qualifications and whether the village needs to establish a zoning board of appeals to cover potential disputes.

Council agreed to treat R‑71 as a first reading only and to return with clarifications. Solicitor noted that if the village hires someone, council must appoint them to make zoning certificates valid for the county. Options discussed included a special meeting in August to finalize an appointment or waiting until the council reconvenes in September.