VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, December 5, 2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village Board meeting was conducted live remotely
via telecommunications.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gaffino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Mark Gaffino, Trustee Mark Carroll, Trustee Mark Guethle, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Todd Niedzwiedz, Trustee Carolyn Salazar
Staff in attendance: Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Jason Paprocki, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel, Public Works Director John Laskowski, Police Chief Joe DeLeo.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS – None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS – None
DISCUSSION
1. Class A Liquor License for Agave Restaurant & Tequila Bar
Administrator Bosco stated that Agave Restaurant & Tequila Bar will be opening up at the same location that previously housed Blue Agave Restaurant, 19 South Randall Road. They were seeking both a Class A and Class B supplemental liquor licenses. Bosco mentioned that the owner, Irma Lewen, who was on hand for the meeting, has had a restaurant in West Chicago since 2014 and is a resident of North Aurora. The new restaurant was described as upscale Latin fusion cuisine. The business plan indicated that the restaurant would like to have live music via a DJ on Friday and Saturday, as well as mariachi bands on Sundays. Bosco stated that according to the business plan the hours of operation end at 11pm on Friday through Sundays, and 10pm Monday through Thursdays. The restaurant will potentially open in January 2023. The restaurant owner is looking to also have video gaming. Bosco explained that the Village Board had been furnished with the business plan, floor plan and menu for review. Staff saw no issues with the license requests and the restaurant meets the space requirement for video gaming. The restaurant owner will later be seeking a supplemental outdoor liquor license.
The Village Board offered positive feedback on the floor plan, the hours of operations and the concept in general.
The restaurant owner, Irma Lewen stated that she has been a resident of North Aurora for eighteen years and has had her restaurant in West Chicago for nine years. She stated that she is looking forward to being able to serve margaritas for Cinco de Mayo at her new location.
EXECUTIVE SESSION –
1. Collective Bargaining
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session made by Trustee Niedzwiedz and seconded by Trustee Carroll. All in favor. Motion approved.
RETURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Mark Gaffino, Trustee Mark Carroll, Trustee Mark Guethle, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Todd Niedzwiedz, Trustee Carolyn Salazar
Staff in attendance: Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Jason Paprocki, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel, Attorney John Kelly, Police Chief Joe DeLeo.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Trustee Carroll and seconded by Trustee Lowery. All in favor. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jessi Watkins
Village Clerk
