Possession Alcohol Charge, need court advice!

I'm from Tinley Park Illinois and I was recently given a city ordinance ticket for possesion of alcohol. Does this ticket go on my record? Also, on my court date I am going on vacation, can I either change this or have someone stand in for me? If so does this person have to be a lawyer? I clearly am pleading guilty, but the officer who cited me never asked me to sign the ticket he gave me, doesn't this verify the ticket, what does this mean? Any answer to any of the questions would be greatly appriciated.