River Forest trustees discuss putting term‑limits referendum before voters

River Forest's Village Board spent its Dec. 16 meeting addressing residents' calls for term limits and whether to place a binding referendum on the April ballot. Residents attending the meeting delivered multiple public comments urging the board to let voters decide, citing a petition with hundreds of signatures and urging the board to act on language in time for election deadlines.

Kathy Corus, a 28‑year resident, told trustees: "I would strongly suggest and support the idea then people can vote if they want it or they don't want it fine but give them the opportunity." The village attorney explained the difference between an advisory question and a binding referendum and said the board has a governmental‑action pathway to put a binding question on the ballot, with an action‑by deadline of January 13, 2025 for this calendar to meet that specific timetable. The attorney also stressed that any referendum must be prospective and not retroactive to avoid statutory and litigation issues.

Trustees debated scope and timing: some urged drafting language narrowly to match the original petition (limiting the Village president to two terms), while others said residents have voiced interest in extending limits to trustees and the clerk. Trustees discussed alternatives — drafting by January 13, convening a special meeting before the deadline, or placing a clarified question on a later ballot — and asked staff and counsel to prepare draft ordinance or referendum language for board consideration and wider public notice. No final vote was taken to place a question on the ballot; the board directed staff and the village attorney to draft options and return for further consideration.