For the purpose of this code of ordinances, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AGENT. A person acting on behalf of another.
CITY. The City of Mount Carroll, Carroll County, Illinois.
CODE. The words CODE or THIS CODE, unless otherwise specifically stated, shall mean this city code.
EMPLOYEES. Whenever reference is made in this code to a city employee by title only, this shall be construed as though followed by the words “of the City of Mount Carroll”.
FEE. A sum of money charged by the city for the carrying on of a business, profession or occupation.
KNOWINGLY. Imports only a knowledge that the facts exist which brings the act or omission within the provisions of this code. It does not require any knowledge of the unlawfulness of such act or omission.
LICENSE. The permission granted for the carrying on of a business, profession or occupation.
MISDEMEANOR. Any offense deemed a violation of the provisions of this code which is a lesser offense than a felony as defined by state law.
MUNICIPAL YEAR. Begins on May 1 of the calendar year, and ends on April 30 of the next succeeding calendar year, both inclusive. The commissions of the several city officers, whether elected or appointed, shall be worded to expire on April 30. All licenses or contracts made to expire with the MUNICIPAL YEAR shall end on said day. The wages and salaries of employees and officers of said city shall be received by the calendar month from May 1 of one year to April 30 of the next succeeding year.
NEGLIGENT. The word NEGLIGENT as well as NEGLECT, NEGLIGENCE and NEGLIGENTLY imports a want of such attention to the nature or probable consequences of the act or omission as a prudent human ordinarily bestows in acting in his or her own concern.
NUISANCE. Anything offensive or obnoxious to the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the city; or any act or thing repugnant to, or creating a hazard to, or having a detrimental effect on the property of another person or to the community.
OCCUPANT. Applied to a building or land shall include any person who occupies the whole or any part of such building or land whether alone or with others.
OFFENSE. Any act forbidden by any provision of this code or the omission of any act required by the provisions of this code.
OFFICERS. Whenever reference is made in this code to a CITY OFFICER by title only, this shall be construed as though followed by the words “of the City of Mount Carroll”.
OFFICIAL TIME.
(1) Central standard time shall be the official time within the city for the transaction of all city business; provided that from 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March in each year, official time for the city shall be advanced one hour. At 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November each year, such official time shall, by the retarding of one hour, be returned to central standard time.
(2) All legal or official proceedings of the City Council and all official business of the city shall be regulated as to time in accordance with the provisions of this definition. When by ordinance, resolution or action of any municipal officer or body, an act must be performed at or within a prescribed time, it shall be performed according to the official time as herein prescribed. When the words
DAYLIGHT SAVING or DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME are used in any official document or contract, it shall be understood to have reference to the time herein fixed for the period from the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October; provided further, that when the federal or state government provides by law that certain times shall be in effect, then said times so specified shall be the official times of the city.
OPERATOR. The person who is in charge of any operation, business or profession.
OWNER. Applied to a building or land shall include any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, joint tenant or lessee of the whole or a part of such building or land.
PERSON. Includes the singular and the plural and shall also mean and include any person, firm, corporation, association, partnership or any other form of association or organization.
PERSONAL PROPERTY. Includes every description of money, goods, chattels, effects, evidence of rights in action and all written instruments by which any pecuniary obligation, right or title to property is created, acknowledged, transferred, increased, defeated, discharged or diminished and every right or interest therein.
RETAILER. Unless otherwise specifically defined shall be understood to relate to the sale of goods, merchandise, articles or things in small quantities direct to the consumer.
STREET. Includes alleys, lanes, courts, boulevards, public ways, public squares, public places and sidewalks.
TENANT. Applied to a building or land shall include any person who occupies the whole or any part of such building or land whether alone or with others.
WHOLESALER. The words WHOLESALER and WHOLESALE DEALER as used in this code, unless otherwise specifically defined, shall be understood to relate to the sale of goods, merchandise, articles or things in quantity to persons who purchase for the purpose of resale.
WILLFULLY. When applied to the intent with which an act is done or omitted, implies simply a purpose or willingness to commit the act or make the omission referred to. It does not require any intent to violate law, or to injure another, or to acquire an advantage.
WRITTEN, IN WRITING. May include printing and any other mode of representing words and letters, but when the written signature of any person is required by law to any official or public writing or bond required by law, it shall be in the proper handwriting of such person, or in case he or she is unable to write, by his or her proper mark.
(1974 Code, § 1-3-2)