(A) In the construction of this code, the following rules shall be observed, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the City Council or repugnant to the context of the code.
(1) All general provisions, terms, phrases and expressions shall be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the City Council may be fully carried out.
(2) Words in the present tense shall include the future.
(3) Words importing the singular number shall extend and be applied to several persons or things, and words importing the plural number shall include the singular.
(4) Words importing the masculine gender apply also to female and neuter genders.
(5) The time within which any act provided by ordinance is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first and including the last, unless the last day is Sunday and then it shall be excluded.
(B) For the purpose of this code of ordinances, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CITY. The City of Belleville, Illinois.
CITY COUNCIL or COUNCIL. The City Council of the City of Belleville.
CODE or THIS CODE. The Revised Ordinances of the City of Belleville, Illinois and all amendments thereto.
COUNTY. The County of St. Clair, Illinois.
COURT. Includes justices of the peace and police magistrates as well as courts of record.
ILCS. Illinois Compiled Statutes.
ILL. REV. STAT. References to the Illinois Revised Statutes mean the 1961 edition thereof or the latest edition, if there is an edition after 1961.
ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CODE. Ill. Rev. Stat. Ch. 24.
MAGISTRATE. Includes justices of the peace and police magistrates.
MONTH. A calendar month.
OATH. Includes an affirmation, and the word SWORN shall be construed to include the word AFFIRMED.
PERSON or PERSONS. As well as all words referring to or importing persons, shall extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate as well as individuals.
STATE. The State of Illinois.
STREET. Includes highway, lane, court, avenue, road or alley or any road or public thoroughfare laid out by public authority.
WRITTEN AND IN WRITING. Includes printing and any other mode of representing words and letters; but, when the written signature of any person is required to any official or public writing or bond, it shall be in the proper handwriting of such person or, in case he or she is unable to write, his or her proper mark.
YEAR. A calendar year, unless otherwise expressed.
(1960 Code, § 1.05)