Shabbona board repeals vacant‑building ordinance and waives fees for multiple properties

The Shabbona Village Board voted to repeal its vacant‑building ordinance and approved a series of resolutions reclassifying properties and waiving fees and fines. Chair opened the item by reading an attorney opinion on conflicts of interest and then described the options for owners to repair, sell or demolish properties rather than face enforcement.

Trustees debated how the ordinance defined “vacant,” with one committee member asking whether vacancy should be tied to delinquent taxes or utility shutoffs rather than exterior appearance. Staff pointed to the property packets in the board packet and noted inspections were limited to exterior reviews. One attendee argued the ordinance was “unconstitutional” and said it deterred small business investment. After discussion the board passed resolutions reclassifying properties 1–13 and waiving associated registration requirements and fines; a roll call showed the motion carried with a majority of yes votes and one no vote. "It is in the opinion of counsel that pursuant to Illinois statute, municipal officers are prohibited from voting or acting on matters in which they have a direct or indirect financial interest," the chair read aloud from the attorney's letter.

The board also approved a separate resolution on a disputed property (resolution 14) where a trustee declared a financial interest and an abstention was recorded. The board later passed a motion to suspend enforcement of the building ordinance and then voted to repeal the ordinance by ordinance vote. The clerk recorded the votes at each roll call and the meeting moved on after the repeal carried.