Local Government Law Bulletin
Congratulations from ZRFM to All Newly Elected Officials!
Congratulations to all newly elected local government officials! In the coming weeks our office will be conducting a training seminar for all newly elected local government officials. Stay tuned for the upcoming date and time. In the interim, our office along with the...
Twice a Week Court Filing Is Grounds to Dismiss Tickets
An Appellate court, in People v. Geiler, upheld the dismissal of a traffic ticket issued by the City of Troy’s Police Department because the Department routinely failed to file their tickets with the circuit court within 48 hours. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 552,...
Protecting Municipal Interests in Springfield
With the Governor’s recent proposal to significantly reduce municipal LGDF revenues, protecting municipalities against unfunded mandates and increased regulation and costs has become increasingly important. An astounding number of bills have been introduced in...
Lobbying and Legislation in 2015: A Critical and Candid Analysis of the LGDF
Earlier this month, groups from the Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) and McHenry County Council of Governments (MCCG) met with various state legislators to express concerns with pending legislation. Undoubtedly the primary focal point was the Local...
New Regulations to Prevent Fencing at “Cash for Gold” Stores
The rise in popularity of precious metal resale stores, often known as Cash for Gold stores, over the last several years created a new problem for law enforcement officials seeking to trace and stop the fencing or resale of stolen goods. While Cash for Gold stores...
Recent Case Raises Concerns in Handling FOIA’d Police Reports
The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act is a federal law that prohibits knowingly obtaining or disclosing “personal information” from motor vehicle records. Personal Information includes an individual’s photograph, social security number, driver’s license number, name,...
Recent Case Discusses Age Discrimination During Closed Executive Sessions
An Illinois Appellate Court recently decided a case involving age discrimination and closed executive meetings. In Cipolla v. Village of Oak Lawn, a village employee was terminated after the village board met in a closed executive session. During the meeting, the...
Proposed Change to Special Service Areas
Currently, the Illinois Legislature is faced with a bill that could affect the law concerning Special Service Area taxes. Specifically, this proposed law would allow municipalities to establish “Green Special Service Areas.” The purpose of such areas would be to...
A Shot Heard Round the World — Governor Rauner’s Executive Order 15-13
Earlier this week, Governor Bruce Rauner made national news by signing Executive Order 15-13 directing the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (“CMS”) to “cease enforcement of [union contract] Fair Share provisions” and prohibiting all state agencies...