Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for February 10, 2026

Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026

Meeting Summary
The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to continue its comprehensive review of the County Code. The committee focused on Title XI: Business Regulations, working through a packet of ordinances designed to update, repeal, or clarify county regulations. Assistant State’s Attorney Phil Mock led the review, noting that the committee is nearing the end of its work on Title XI and will soon move to Title XIII and Title XV (Land Use).

While several chapters were approved to move to the Executive Committee, the committee postponed action on four significant chapters due to the length of the meeting and the need for further review. The meeting highlighted the constraints placed on county government by state statutes, particularly regarding the deregulation of stunt events and the prohibition of solicitor fees.

News Briefs

Raffle and Poker Run Ordinance Approved
The committee approved Ordinance #26-4246, updating Chapter 116 regarding Raffles and Poker Runs. The ordinance maintains the license fee at $10 for a single event (prize limit of $250,000 for a year) for an annual license (up to 52 drawings). Assistant State’s Attorney Phil Mock confirmed that while 50/50 raffles technically require a license, enforcement is generally focused on regulation rather than punishment. The ordinance includes a bond requirement for managers to prevent fraud, though the bond can be waived by a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee. The update passed unanimously.

Bid Contractor Definitions Clarified
Ordinance #26-4247, regulating Bid Contractors (Chapter 117), was approved for advancement. The ordinance requires general contractors to pay a registration fee of $250 (with tradesmen) or $150 (without tradesmen) and post a $10,000 bond. A “Homeowner” engaged in repairing their own residence is exempt from the contractor definition. Member Mica Freeman questioned the definition of “Family Member” on page 1, which lists specific relations but excludes nieces and nephews. Mock explained the list provides a broad definition of “family member or friend” to allow unpaid help on personal residences.

Cable TV Ordinance Updated
The committee approved Ordinance #26-4245, a minor update to Chapter 115 regarding Cable Television. The amendment updates the language to refer to the “Division of Transportation” rather than the “Highway Department” regarding permits to cross county roads. The substance of the ordinance, which adopts the Cable Television Ordinance by reference, remains unchanged.

Food Sanitation Ordinance Moves Forward
Ordinance #26-4244, updating Chapter 114 (Food Establishment Sanitation), was approved. The update incorporates the 2022 FDA Food Code and current Illinois Department of Public Health standards. Discussion arose regarding “pop-up” food giveaways. Mock clarified that even temporary food operations open to the public are subject to inspection to ensure safety, though fees may be waived for certain charitable groups.

Adult Entertainment and Gaming Ordinances Postponed
Due to the length of the meeting and the complexity of the remaining items, the committee voted to postpone the review of Chapter 119 (Adult Entertainment Establishments), Chapter 120 (Tobacco Products), Chapter 121 (Video Gaming), and Chapter 122 (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) until the March meeting. Chapter 119 involves extensive regulations on adult cabarets and stores, while Chapter 121 imposes a $250 fee per video gaming terminal in unincorporated areas.