===== PDF PAGE 2 ===== WHERE HISTORY & PROGRESS MEET 475 Main Street West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T 630.293.2200 F 630.293.3028 westchicago.org Daniel Bovey MAYOR Viviana Ramirez CITY ADMINISTRATOR Economic Development Commission DRAFT MEETING MINUTES Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 10:30 a.m. 1. Call to Order Commissioner Espinosa made a motion to elect Commissioner Sabathne as Chairman Pro Tem, which was seconded by Commissioner Harms. The motion carried by voice vote. Chair Pro Tem Sabathne called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. 2. Roll Call Roll call found Commissioners Omar Espinosa, Dave Sabathne, Sarah Harms, and Mark Moran. A quorum was established. Business & Community Relations Director Kelley Chrisse and Business Support Specialist Sarahy Castro were also in attendance. 3. Public Comment None 4. Approval of April 28, 2026 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Espinosa made a motion to approve the April 28, 2026 meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Harms. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. 5. Business Regulations Review (Continued) The Commission continued its review of Chapter 3 of the City Code, focusing primarily on liquor licensing regulations and opportunities to modernize the ordinance to better support economic development. Discussion included whether the current prohibition on bars remains appropriate given today's business environment. Commissioners noted that surrounding communities offer greater flexibility, which may make West Chicago less competitive in attracting new businesses. The Commission discussed creating a "pour license" to allow liquor retailers to offer tastings while maintaining packaged liquor sales as their primary business. Additional discussion focused on food requirements for liquor establishments, with Commissioners expressing support for allowing light food service and accommodating food trucks as complementary business opportunities. The Commission also discussed ensuring the ordinance supports evolving business models, including activities such as sip-and-paint events and other modern entertainment concepts. ===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== Staff noted that additional review with other City departments, including the Police Department, will be necessary before recommendations are finalized. Commissioners also encouraged reviewing ordinances from neighboring communities to identify best practices and maintain competitiveness. The Commission reviewed Section 3.8(a) regarding liquor license renewals and discussed revising the language to clarify that renewals should only be denied or revoked when cause exists. Commissioners expressed concern that the current language could be interpreted as granting overly broad discretion. The Commission also reviewed Section 3.12 regarding the maximum number of liquor licenses. Commissioners discussed providing clearer standards by identifying prohibited uses while allowing all other eligible businesses equal opportunity to obtain a license. Additional discussion addressed the provision prohibiting liquor licenses for applicants indebted to the City. Commissioners questioned whether denial of a liquor license is the most appropriate enforcement mechanism, while staff clarified that the indebtedness requirement currently does not apply with the City's business registration process. Staff recommended consolidating the City's numerous liquor license classifications into broader categories, such as Annual, Temporary, and Special Event licenses. Commissioners also discussed brewery, wine bar, microbrewery, and similar license types to determine whether they could be simplified under a revised licensing structure. The Commission also briefly discussed Chapter 9 regulations related to cannabis cultivation facilities, noting that any future consideration would require zoning amendments. Commissioners further discussed the structure and authority of the Liquor Control Commission. Staff explained that while the Commission is established in the City Code, the procedures for application review, license denial, suspension, appeals, and reinstatement are not clearly defined. Commissioners recommended developing a more transparent process that clearly outlines the Commission's membership, authority, responsibilities, and procedures to provide greater consistency for applicants and the public. Staff will continue reviewing the ordinance and return with additional recommendations at a future meeting. 6. Consideration of a Revolving Loan Fund Due to timing, the discussion was deferred to a future meeting. 7. Adjournment Commissioner Harms moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Espinosa. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.