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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
Amending the Boards and Commissions
Code in Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 13 FILE NUMBER:
Pertaining to the Cultural Arts Commission
COMMITTEE AGENDA DATE: September 15, 2025
Ordinance No. 25-0-0043
COUNCIL AGENDA DATE: September 15, 2025
STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD SIGNATURE
ITEM SUMMARY:
The Cultural Arts Commission was created in 1992 to advise the Mayor and City Council on matters
related to the arts. While the Commission’s work has grown and evolved over the past three dec-
ades, including sponsoring public art, exhibits, performances, and community programs, the original
ordinance establishing the Commission has not been substantially updated since its adoption.
In August, the Cultural Arts Commission reviewed the existing Code as compared to comparable
commissions in other communities noting opportunities to:
e Modernize the purpose to reflect today’s vision for arts and culture in West Chicago.
e Remove outdated provisions that no longer match the Commission’s role.
e Consolidate and streamline functions to focus on areas where the Commission can have the
greatest impact.
At the September 4, 2025 meeting of the Cultural Arts Commission, an amendment to the Code was
presented for consideration. The Commission unanimously approved the proposed revision that
aligns the role of the Cultural Arts Commission with the goals outlined in the City’s Comprehensive
Plan to highlight arts, culture, heritage, and placemaking as integral to West Chicago’s identity and
vitality.
ACTIONS PROPOSED:
Recommend approval of Ordinance No. 25-O-0043 to amend Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 13 of the
West Chicago Municipal Code relating to the Cultural Arts Commission.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
This item is being presented to the Public Affairs Committee for consideration prior to the City Coun-
cil meeting.

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ORDINANCE NO. 25-0-0043
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO - CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VI, DIVISION 13
REGARDING THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the City of West Chicago (hereinafter referred to as the “City”) is an Illinois
home rule municipality organized, operated and existing pursuant to Section 6(a), Article VII of
the 1970 Illinois Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the City, as a home rule unit of government, may exercise any power and
perform any function pertaining to its government affairs; and
WHEREAS, the City possesses the authority, pursuant to the Illinois Municipal Code, 65
ILCS 5/1-1-1 et seq., to adopt ordinances and pass resolutions pertaining to the public health,
safety, welfare and government functions; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City (hereinafter referred to as the
“Corporate Authorities”) desire to update and revise the City’s Cultural Arts Commission Code as
set forth herein to align the Commission role with the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan
and find that so doing is in the best interest of the City and consistent with the health, welfare and
safety of City residents and visitors;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF WEST CHICAGO, DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, IN THE EXERCISE OF
ITS HOME RULE AUTHORITY, THAT THE CITY CODE BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS,
WITH ALL EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE NOT SET FORTH BELOW
CONTINUING IN FULL EFFECT AS PRESENTLY WRITTEN:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are incorporated as though fully set forth
herein.
SECTION 2. Amendment. That Chapter 2 (“Administration”), Article VI (“Boards and
Commissions”), Division 13 (“Cultural Arts Commission”) of the Code of Ordinances of the City
of West Chicago, Illinois, shall be and hereby is deleted and replaced in its entirety as follows:
Sec. 2-435. - Establishment.
There is hereby created a Commission, to be known as the Cultural Arts Commission.
Sec. 2-436. - Membership and appointment.
The Cultural Arts Commission (hereinafter referred to as the “Commission’”) shall consist
of ten (10) Members, all of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and
consent of the City Council.
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(1) All Members shall be residents of or demonstrate a significant connection to the
City of West Chicago and shall possess an interest and/or expertise in the cultural
arts.
(2) All Members shall serve as voting members.
Sec. 2-437. - Terms.
Appointment to the Commission shall be for a term of four (4) years. Terms shall be
staggered to ensure continuity of membership.
Sec. 2-438. - Meetings; by-laws.
(1) The Commission shall have the power to adopt its own by-laws and schedule of
regular meetings.
(2) Special meetings of the Commission may be called by the Chairperson or any three
(3) Members provided that notice is given as provided in the Illinois "Open
Meetings Act."
Sec. 2-439. — Purpose and Functions.
The City of West Chicago recognizes the arts as essential to cultural vitality, community
identity, and the beautification of civic space. The Commission shall serve in an advisory
capacity to the Mayor and City Council and works to enrich the lives of all West Chicago
residents through the support of cultural arts.
The Commission shall have the following functions:
(1) Advise the Mayor and City Council on cultural and artistic matters, including
policies, projects, and programs.
(2) Promote and sponsor cultural arts initiatives such as public art installations,
performances, exhibits, workshops, and special events that enhance community
life.
(3) Foster collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, community partners,
and City boards and commissions to strengthen West Chicago’s cultural landscape.
(4) Encourage education and public awareness of the arts through outreach,
engagement, and diverse programming accessible to all residents.
(5) Support economic development efforts by contributing to placemaking, tourism,
and community identity initiatives where arts and culture play a complementary
role.
(6) Identify, select, and recommend placement of public art in City-owned spaces and
encourage the growth of the City’s public art collection.
(7) Identify and support funding opportunities including grants, sponsorships, and
partnerships to sustain and expand cultural programming.
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Sec. 2-440. - Report to City Council.
The Commission shall submit a written annual report to the City Council at the first City
Council meeting in August of each year. The report shall cover activities and
accomplishments from the previous July 1 through June 30 and include recommendations
for proposed improvements, programs, or initiatives for the coming year.
SECTION 3. Severability. That this ordinance and every provision thereof shall be
considered severable. If any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, provision, section, or part
of this ordinance is found to be void, unconstitutional, or otherwise unenforceable, all remaining
portions of this ordinance not so declared void, unconstitutional, or unenforceable shall remain in
full force and effect.
SECTION 4. Resolution of Conflicts. That all ordinances and resolutions, or parts
thereof, in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are, to the extent of such conflict,
expressly repealed.
SECTION 5. Effective Date. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect
from and after its passage, approval and publication in the manner provided by law.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of West Chicago, DuPage County, Illinois this 15"
day of September, 2025.
VOTE:
Alderman J. Alcantar-Garcia Alderman D. Beebe
Alderman I. Santiago Alderman J. Sheahan
Alderman D. Carreto-Mufioz Alderman A. Hallett
Alderman S. Dimas Alderman M. Birch Ferguson
Alderman C. Swiatek Alderman J. Smith, Jr.
Alderman C. Avifia Soto Alderman R. Stout
Alderman M. Myers Alderman J. Morano
HLTH
APPROVED as to form:
City Attorney
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APPROVED this 15" day of September, 2025.
Daniel Bovey, Mayor
ATTEST:
Valeria Perez, Executive Office Manager
PUBLISHED:
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