IML COMMITTEE FOR NON-HOME RULE
MUNICIPALITIES SEEKS THOUGHTS AND INPUT
FROM MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

By Co-Chairmen JOHN C. GEILS, Mayor, Bensenville and THOMAS C. CARPER, Mayor, Macomb

A new committee has been formed by the Illinois Municipal League Board of Directors to study issues relating to non-home rule municipalities. The newly created Illinois Municipal League Non-Home Rule Committee is composed of 31 municipalities situated throughout the State. As Co-Chairs we are extremely motivated and plan to conduct a thorough review of non-home rule issues and concerns. Each member of the Committee has agreed to work diligently toward formulating an agenda that responds to the needs of non-home rule municipalities.

The 31 member committee is comprised of the following members:

Co-Chairmen:
Bensenville — John C. Geils, Mayor
Macomb — Thomas C. Carper, Mayor

Members:
Belvidere — Rory B. Peterson, Mayor
Blue Island — Donald E. Peloquin, Mayor
Charleston — Roscoe M. Cougill, Mayor
Collinsville — Rich Mays, Manager
Crystal Lake — Joseph J. Misurelli, Manager
East Moline — Steve Verdick, Administrator
Greenville — Larry Stoever, Manager
Herrin — Ed L. Quaglia, Mayor
Hillside — Joseph T. Tamburino, Village President
Inverness — Donna I. Thomas, Village President
Jacksonville — Ron Tendick, Mayor
Kewanee — Dewey R. Colter, Mayor
Lawrenceville — Gerald C. Harper, Mayor
Libertyville — JoAnn Eckmann, Village President
Lombard — William J. Mueller, Mayor
Lynwood — Barclay W. Fleming, Village President
Morton — Robert D. Ilertenstein, Village President
Ottawa — Forrest T. Buck, Mayor
Pontiac — G. Michael Ingles, Mayor
Prospect Heights — Edward Rotchford, Mayor
Richton Park — David Niemeyer, Manager
Rockford — Charles E. Box, Mayor
St. Charles — Fred T. Norris, Mayor
St. Joseph — B.J. Hackler, Mayor
Sterling — Stephen Berley, Manager
Streator — Richard Conner, Mayor
Swansea — Michael S. Buehlhorn, Village President
Westmont — Jim Addington, Village President
Winnetka — Douglas G. Williams, Manager

The Committee met for the first time on March 10 at IML Headquarters. Our goal was to develop a strategy to enable us to move forward on non-home rule problems. After lengthy debate, the Committee recommended that a legislative package be prepared to re-

April 1994 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 17

flect the Municipal League's membership's suggestions. The Committee felt strongly that the Municipal League members should have direct input into the legislative initiative. A time frame for submission of proposals was established. Non-home rule units will have from April 1 to June 15 to submit their legislative proposals. The Committee will conduct meetings to discuss the proposals, and formulate a working document so that the proposals can be discussed and further modified after meetings in various regions of the State. The Committee will then reconvene to finalise a plan. The final plan will be presented to the IML Board of Directors. Our goal is to have a legislative package for introduction in 1996. All member municipalities have a chance to participate by submitting suggestions. Committee members are local representatives and are willing to take suggestions or discuss issues with you about non-home rule authority.

The Committee will be examining the entire spectrum of non-home rule authority. Some general topics discussed to date include:

1. general authority
2. existing statutory requirements that should be changed or eliminated
3. additional revenue authorization
4. greater administrative flexibility

Please submit your suggestions as soon as possible. The proposal can be general in nature. You may wish to consult your staff for possible ideas. We strongly urge your municipality to participate. The Municipal League staff is always available to assist you in formulating the details of your suggestions.

The primary purpose of the IML is to serve the membership. The Committee's success, as well as the Municipal League's ability to serve your municipality, depends on your participation. Please take the time to submit proposals which your municipality wishes to see discussed and perhaps advanced. Please submit proposals to:

Illinois Municipal League
Non-Home Rule Committee
P.O. Box 3387
Springfield, IL 62708-3387

If you have any questions, call Roger Huebner, Director of Legislative Programs, at 217/525-1220. •

Page 18 / Illinois Municipal Review / April 1994