City Council Meeting - Regular Meeting

2026 630 meeting of the Joliet City Council in council chambers mayor honorable mayor Terry Darcy presiding we will be led in an invocation by pastor Karen Williams from Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1015 Winthrop Avenue after which she'll lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Let us pray. Eternal Spirit, source of wisdom and compassion, we gather here tonight as stewards of our community, entrusted with the responsibility to serve with integrity, fairness, and wisdom. Grant each member of this council clarity of thought patience and listening and the courage in decide decision making may our discussions be guided not by personal gain but by the common good seeking solutions that uplift every resident help us to see beyond differences to find unity in our shared hopes for a safe thriving and inclusive city remind us that every choice we make touches the lives of our neighbors families and the future generations amen

Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

We'll begin with roll call. Mayor Darcy? Here. Councilman Cardenas? Here. Councilman Clement? Here. Councilman Hugg? Here. Councilwoman Navarro? Here. Councilman Moreno? Here. Councilman Mudron? Here. Councilwoman Coleman? Here. Councilwoman Reardon?

Here.

City Manager Beth Beatty did let us know that she would not be here this evening. Next is the approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda as written?

So moved. Second.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilman Cardenas. Aye. Councilman Clement. Aye. Councilman Hugg. Aye. Councilman Ibarra. Aye. Councilman Moreno. Aye. Councilman Mudren. Aye. Councilman McClellan. Aye. Councilman Reardon. Aye. Mayor Darcy. Aye. Motion carried. Next is citizens to be heard on agenda items.

Let's see.

I think we do have some speakers this evening. Larry Crawford.

Sometimes I like a nod back so I know that you can hear me. Good evening. Good evening. Hey, I wanted to look at a couple of items that are on the agenda, particularly the item 405.26 and 406.26, those resolutions to change the traffic flow for a couple of parade items. And I'm just saying thank you very much for that. being mindful for the value of contributing to making those events the Joliet Black Joy Parade as well as the Mexican Independence Day Parade. So it doesn't become impeded by anything with people just recklessly being in the parade route and that kind of thing. So thank you very much for being mindful to do that. In addition to that, This shirt is 15 years old. And so I'm really excited that we're having the opportunity to rekindle the Joliet Black Joy Parade and all the cooperation that we've received from you, the council, including Beth Mayley. Anne has been very helpful. Char Boyd has been helpful. I'm excited about it. I'm on the sideline watching this committee do what it does, the Black Joy Parade Committee, and just watching them do what they do. And they've done some really hard work in gaining the resources to make this thing a success. And whatever they've done could not have been complete without what the city did as well, certainly the police department and all of those resources that are necessary to make sure, to assure the safety of everybody involved in that. So thank you very, very much. incidentally there's there's another item on the agenda that I didn't mention is that okay that I that I mentioned that but I don't know how often councilwoman Quillman and I agree on anything no but we generally I do hope that you'll look very closely at the item concerning that the Reid Street an exchange, a variation, whatever that is, because it can open up a really big can of worms in terms of other people who may want to have that same privilege in my neighborhood as it might be. So as much as UCP does some amazing things, and I've had an opportunity to offer volunteer services there, we may be looking at something that opens up something that We may regret if we allow that variation to come forward. I know it's going to be a challenge, and I hope that there will be a way to address that in a way that doesn't open up something of what we call a Pandora's box, as it might be. But we hope that we can work that thing through as well. One other item that I might mention is that I guess I'm being very partial in my watching someone who has been an amazing contributor to our safety in our community and that is I guess I don't know whether he's acting chief or whatever Chief Brown I'm saying don't waste any money just searching for a police chief we have the right one already on the job So I thought I'd throw that in for free. That's an unsolicited endorsement for Chief Brown, as it may be. And I just think it would be something special that Juliet would be in on in naming such a one as Chief Brown as our incoming police chief. Have an amazing day. God bless you all. Success to you.

Thank you.

Is there anyone else who would like to speak on an agenda item this evening? This is for agenda items. Okay, seeing none. Under appointments, the mayor is recommending Scott Ness be appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals to replace John Keller. Is there a motion to approve? So moved.

Second.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilman Clement. Aye. Councilman Hugg. Aye. Councilwoman Navarro. Aye. Councilman Marino. Aye. Councilman Mudren. Aye. Councilwoman Quillman. Aye. Councilwoman Reardon. Aye. Councilman Cardenas. Aye. Mayor Darcy. Aye. Motion carried. The mayor is recommending Debbie Radakovich be reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Is there a motion to approve?

So moved. Second. Second.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilman Hugg? Aye. Councilwoman Ibarra? Aye. Councilman Marino? Aye. Councilman Mudren? Aye. Councilwoman Coleman? Aye. Councilwoman Reardon? Aye. Councilman Cardenas? Aye. Councilman Clement? Aye. Mayor Darcy?

Aye.

Motion carried. Next, our council committee reports. We'll start with public assets.

Thank you. The Public Assets Committee met on July 29, Wednesday, 4 o'clock, in the Executive Conference Room. In attendance were Councilman Marino and myself, Blaine Klein, Facilities Director, Greg Pierbold, and Steve Wright from the Joy Derrico Historical Museum. We approved the minutes from May 27, 2026. There were no citizens to be heard on any agenda items. There were two agenda items that we talked about and discussed. The first item was the approval purchase for a caterpillar generator. at the public works on Cedarwood facility. This is from Altifer Caterpillar and via Sourcewell pricing. This generally gives staff the ability to use Cedarwood during emergency responses when power outages occur. Cedarwood is crucial to the public works emergency response throughout the west side of Joliet, and we witnessed this a few weeks ago when the power was out. This generator is $163,379.84. THIS WAS VOTED ON AND APPROVED. IT IS ON TONIGHT'S AGENDA. THE SECOND ITEM WAS AN AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE FACILITIES GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT, EXCUSE ME, 2026 THROUGH 2029. SO BASICALLY THREE AND A HALF YEARS TO DUKE'S LANDSCAPE AND SERVICES. THIS WAS A SEALED BID PROJECT. We currently budget every year $250,000 annually. So this bid will save us a little bit of money on extending this contract. There will not be any price increases. Blaine explained that to us. It includes 15 facilities. I won't go through all of them, but it's basically City Hall, both police departments, East and West, City Square, By Park, Transportation Campus, Jewett Area Museum, and others. um this includes uh weekly cutting weeding fertilization mulching and seasonal flower watering this was also we did have a first second approved to bring the full council that's on tonight's agenda in closing uh greg pierbull gave an update on the agility erica museum and mentioned that in a good way they're extremely busy over there and they're in um This is due to the summer with the Route 66 Centennial. They've had visitors from all over the world, and they wanted to thank the city with the partnership. There was no new or old business, not for final action, no public comment, and then we adjourned. Mr. Mayor, that's my report.

Thank you. Public safety.

All right, we'll do it again. Public safety met today here in the council chambers at 5.30. In attendance was Councilwoman Kuhlman, Councilwoman Susanna Alvaro, and myself. We had July Fire Police Chief Jeff Carey and Deputy Chief Matt Baxter, July Police Department Rob Brown, We approve minutes from July 7th, 2026. There were no citizens to be heard on any agenda items. On an agenda item, award of contract for the 2026, 2027, Julia Fire Department medical and fitness evaluations, RFP to Rock Valley Health for 290,000, $376. There were three bids. Chief decided to take the middle bid. One of the bids were the company was out of Pennsylvania and the other bid did not have the doctors to fulfill what the chief needs for this medical and fitness evaluation. So they went with the middle bidder. We did vote on this unanimously to move to full council. An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the 2026 budget for the city of Joliet. Again, this was Chief Gary's item. This is grant money for gear, fire department gear, and it's just a formality. We have to add this money into the annual budget. Again, this was approved unanimously to move to the full council and then under resolutions the resolution authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement with the Will County 911 emergency system board to accept grant funds available under the 911 surcharge grant program and Chief Brown explained, it's a little over a million dollars that can be spent. So we had to, another formality had to approve this. So again, unanimously approved, moved to full council. Under new or old business not for final action recommendation, Councilwoman Suzanne Ibarra Mentioned the building over there on Stryker Avenue. There are numerous vehicles. I would assume some possibly homeless. Some visitors are blocking the parking on the street, blocking the turnabout over there, the drive. And there are also people internally that are allowing some of these people to come into the building and just, I guess, basically run rampant there. So Chief Brown's aware of it. We're going to continue to work with the Housing Authority, and we believe it could be a manager issue. So we're going to keep working on that to alleviate the problem over there for the residents. I spoke briefly, it was a few weeks ago, Chief Brown, about six corners, the panhandling, and in particular, Joe Hot Dogs. We've had a lot of people harassing some of the owners over there, patrons, and the owner did call me. She was looking for a little bit of help, and if you go through there, it has been cleaned up a lot, and I think we took care of the camp over there that was going on. So that's moving in a good direction. There was no public comments, and then we adjourned at 539 hours. That would be my report, Mayor.

Thank you.

public service public service committee met Monday yesterday August 3rd in council chambers on the committee or councilman mudron councilman hug and myself we had two contract items professional service agreement for construction engineering for the Milton road lift station part of this southeast sanitary district for forty nine thousand nine hundred fifty dollars which will be paid for by the congressionally directed spending program The second contract was to Greg W. Dobzek excavating in the amount of $139,900 for the Hickory Spring Creek cleaning project. Under change orders, we had one change order, number two, for $91,700 to Pipe View America for sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection program. Part of that $91,000, $18,200 is going to be pulled out for the Southeast Sanitary District and will be reimbursed through Will County via the community block grant. Under ordinances and resolutions, we had a resolution declaring property surplus, which is all a part of the clean-out and organization of BIPARC. And we also had two resolutions for temporary street closures, which we must approve in order for the permits to be issued through IDOT for the Black Joy Parade route on August 29th and the Mexican Independence Parade on September 12th. We've reviewed all these items voted unanimously to bring them to the full council with our recommendation to approve At the end of the meeting every so often Allison Swisher gives us a brief utilities maintenance update and of that we had a very good takeaway there have been 74 water main breaks so far in 2026 of which 34 were from the sanitary sewer district which we just took over and meaning for the same period last year for Joliet we at the same period till now last year we had 95 water main breaks and for the same area and time this year we've only had 40 so that's excellent we're moving in the right direction and that's my report I shall note other reports

Consent agenda approval of minutes it is recommended the minutes of the pre-council meeting July 20th 2026 and the City Council meeting held on July 21st 2026 stand approved as recorded Invoices to be paid it is recommended this report be approved Council memo number 386 dash 26 a word of contract for the 2026 2027 Joliet Fire Department medical and fitness evaluations RFP to Rock Valley health for two hundred ninety thousand three hundred seventy six dollars Council memo number 387-26, award of professional services agreement for the Minton Road lift station replacement construction engineering services to V3 Incorporated in the amount of $49,950. Council memo number 388-26, approval of change order number two for the 2025 sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection program to Pipe View America in the amount of $91,700 and amendment number one, For the Professional Services Agreement for the 2025 Sanitary Cleaning and Television Program to RJN Group Incorporated for the not to exceed amount of $24,700. Council Memo number 389-26, Award of Contract for the 2026 Hickory Spring Creek Cleaning Project to Greg W. Dobsick Excavating in the amount of $139,900.00. Council member number 390 dash 26 approved the purchase of a caterpillar generator for Public Works Cedarwood facility to Altar for power systems in the amount of 163 thousand three hundred seventy nine dollars and eighty four cents Council member number 391 dash 26 a word of contract two nine nine zero zero seven two six for City of Joliet facilities grounds maintenance 2026 to 2029 Dukes landscape services in the amount of eight hundred seventy nine thousand nine hundred ninety six dollars It is recommended council memos 386-26 through 391-26 be approved. Is there a motion to approve all said consent agenda items?

I move. Second.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilwoman Ibarra? Aye. Councilman Moreno? Aye. Councilman Mudren? Aye. Councilwoman Quillman? Aye. Councilwoman Reardon? Aye. Councilman Cardenas? Aye. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hugg? Aye. Mayor Darcy? Aye. Motion carried. Under license and permit applications, Council Memo number 393-26, issuance of a Class B liquor license at 16336 Boulevard Place, BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse. It is recommended Council Memo number 393-26 be approved.

So moved.

I had a question. Go ahead. Hey, Kevin. Go ahead. To whoever wants to answer. It's not built out all the way yet, right? This building is not, BJ's Brew House is not built out all the way, right?

As far as I know, no, I haven't been there in a brief, I'll say a month, but no. The owners are, I believe, are the representatives.

Yeah, it's not built out all the way yet, right?

Yeah, we're targeting early November for our opening, so we're under construction, but we're racing to beat the holidays right now. Okay.

Yeah. Yeah, because, you know, usually I know... So on the... I was reading on the... On the findings of liquor Commission and the issuance of liquor license. I know we still you know, it's pending building inspections and Hasn't been approved by the Joliet fire department, you know so that you know I was thinking just kind of might make an emotion so that we could table it and come back at a later date Once it's finally built out And ready to go and got the final approval from their building inspectors and Joliet Fire Department. And it's ready to go as well as kind of our other two liquor license, you know, Tacos El Tio and Angelitas. They're already open, almost ready for business, right? And this one's not fully built out. You know, try to wait on that one.

So like after certificate of occupancy?

Yeah, once it's ready, yeah, once it's fully built out. Okay.

Mayor, Kevin, this is typically what we do. Yeah, this is common. They're just putting the liquor license in. We've got to wait for it to fire in place and everything.

If it's approved, it's not going to be issued until all the inspections are done. So if it's approved tonight, it'll be, let's say, November when everything is complete. building inspectors go back in, fire department goes back in, health department. Once they approve everything, then they'll get their license. It can be approved, but they won't get it yet until all of those other things are established and approved.

Mayor, I'm thinking of an establishment right now, it's near my home, that hasn't been opened yet either, and it wasn't finished being completed, and we had already approved it, so it's not, this wouldn't be new.

Prime. Prime, yes. Right, and they, like I said, their license has been approved, but they don't have their liquor license yet, because it hasn't gone through all the final inspections yet.

I'll second to your motion.

Any other comments or questions?

Thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Council Member Moreno?

No.

Council Member Mudren?

Yes.

Council Member Quillman?

Aye.

Council Member Reardon? Aye. Council Member Cardenas? Aye. Council Member Clement?

Aye.

Council Member Hugg?

Aye.

Council Member Nabarro? No. Mayor Darcy?

Aye.

Motion carried. Council memo number 394-26, issuance of class E liquor license at 16301 South Boulevard Place, Angelita's Mexican Bar and Cuisine. It is recommended council memo number 394-26 be approved. So moved. Second.

Any comments or questions?

May I ask a question? Kevin? Just out of curiosity, BJ's Restaurant in Brewhouse and Angelina's Mexican Bar in Perthina, they're both restaurants with alcohol, right?

Yes. Why is one a B and one an E? The one that's a B is because they're going to have a bar where you can sit at, belly up if you will. Okay. And that's a B. The E is service only. Waitress, waiter. Table service. Table service, yeah. Okay. That's the main difference. All right. Thanks.

Thank you. Any other questions? Thank you.

That's my motion and seconded to approve. Councilman Mudren?

Aye.

Councilwoman Quillman? Aye. Councilwoman Reardon? Aye. Councilman Cardenas? Abstain. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hugg? Aye. Councilman Navarro? Aye. Councilman Marino? Aye. Mayor Darcy? Aye. Motion carried. Councilmember number 395-26, issuance of class E liquor license at 1866 West Jefferson Street, Tacos LTO number 11. It is recommended Councilmember number 395-26 be approved. So moved.

Second. Any comments or questions? Thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilwoman Coleman? Aye. Councilwoman Reardon? Aye. Councilman Cardenas? Aye. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hugg? Aye. Councilman Barra? Aye. Councilman Marino? Aye. Councilman Mudren? Aye. Mayor Darcy? Aye. Motion carried. Under public hearing council memo number 397 dash 26 public hearing for the creation of the rock run collection business district. This is a public hearing. So comments would be in order at this time. Is there anyone who would like to speak under the public hearing? Okay. Seeing none. Let the record show the public hearing is now closed. Under ordinances, council memo number 399-26, ordinance approving a business district plan for the Rock Run Collection business district and establishing the Rock Run Collection business district, making a blighted area finding within the business district, and imposing a business district retailer's occupation tax, a business district service occupation tax, and a business district hotel operator's occupation tax within such business district in the city of Joliet, Will, and Kendall counties, Illinois. It is recommended that ordinance be adopted. So moved.

Second.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve councilman ridden Councilman Cardenas Council McClemmon councilman hug councilman Avara councilman Marino Council of Mudron council McClellan mayor Darcy motion carried Councilmember 400-26 ordinance declaring certain public structures certain structures public nuisances It is recommended said ordinances be adapted Any comments or questions, thank you It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilman Cardenas? Aye. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hugg? Aye. Councilman Navarro? Aye. Councilman Marino? Aye. Councilman Mudren? Aye. Councilman Quillman? Aye. Councilman Reardon? Aye. Mayor Darcy? Aye. Motion carried. Council memo number four zero one dash 26 ordinance approving a variation of use to allow administrative offices and RB restricted business Use within an existing residential structure in the r2 single-family residential zoning district located at 317 South Reed Street ZBA 2026 dash 29 it is recommended that ordinance be adopted so moved second any comments or questions

I have a question I didn't get an answer today so the zoning issue here the R2 single family to RV restricted business now once that is done that stays with that property and if anybody else in the city wants to put a business in an R2 single family home place it's we cannot fight that correct

That is not correct counselor.

Why didn't you call me today and tell me that you never called me today?

Counselor Coleman I apologize if you thought I should call you and I didn't I This was discussed last evening. And if I missed that, I apologize. It's my mistake. If you choose as a body to grant this variation of use this evening at this particular location, it does not grant any other parcel anywhere in the city of Joliet additional or new rights to acquire a variation of use. Every variation of use that's issued in the city of Joliet must come before council individually each case to be considered by you Just to confer on that process so the process would be someone would apply to have a variance in any jurisdictional property

and then the neighbors are all notified correct yes sir and then it comes before the zoning board of appeals and anybody can come in the public and then consider or not consider it at that level. And they can turn it down at the Zoning Board of Appeals. The only way it can get overridden is with a super majority of the council at that point. So it had been filtered a few times before we would give a final approval. So it's not just a blanket approval, from residential to business, it's got several filters in it before we even get there. And the public has an opportunity, and I've seen some get turned down in situations like this, in other situations. So that's kind of the long and the short of it.

You have denied in the past.

May I have a question? If I understand the question, I was unable to attend yesterday.

That is accurate, sir.

Is there a reason why they don't just absorb it into one property?

Absorbing it into one property is a longer process and a more expensive process. You could conceptually consolidate the two parcels. We would consider that a minor subdivision. To go through that would be a public notification process. You would require them to engage with a civil engineer, so for example, geotech or someone else, they would have to prove that firm would have to prepare a preliminary plat and a recording plat which is additional funds then they would have to go through the whole entitlement process not dissimilar to this but with the added expense of the engineering and the surveying

uh i did call yeah i i did call around and you know on the high side it was 12 5 on the low side it was around 7 000. yes sir now if ucp decides five years from now or seven years from now that no longer wants to use this former house as an office can they sell it and does this is this a special use travel with the property or it belongs to the owner the next owner would

It's it's this particular use That's incorrect So if I may

when this came to light last night and brought to my attention I was trying to get this parcel as one so that the UCP could have one pin number instead of two pin numbers instead of one and a two so they could have one whole prop like you were suggesting Mr. Hogg about bringing the whole parcel together and in the past it's been our business thing and our two it's never been It used to stay with the property, so whatever. But anyway, I was here. I was trying to, I didn't want precedent to be set because it was my understanding that once you change the zoning to RV, anybody can put a business anywhere in the city. But they'd have to get approval, and they couldn't approve it. But anyway, so I want to be very clear on this. The Cathedral Area Preservation Association and myself, we have nothing against UCP. I talked to Mr. Patel at length last night to try to find a way to combine the two properties for them so it would be easier. I even looked to raising some money and I raised about half of it today. I couldn't get the $12,000 of which we were told because I just thought this was a good fit for you guys. So that's where I ended up trying to help you guys have one PIN number instead of two PIN numbers. But with all that being said, I'm still not quite sure about the business because, not that there's anything with UCP, I'm talking about the zoning. So just to bring an example up, a few years back, the Thornton gas station wanted a license at the gas station. And it was not a good spot, but they decided that they made a deal with the mayor and liquor commissioner that if they moved the historic building on that property, at no cost would we give them the liquor license. And so the deal that they made, it passed. But then they wanted a gambling license. So once you have a liquor license, you can have a gambling license. And so a lot of the other... stores around there wanted to put a liquor license, and they wanted a gambling license, and so we could not say no. Under the advice of the attorney, he said, once you grant it to one, you have to give it to all of them. So it'd be a losing battle to try to sue. And this is what I was concerned about last night with the two different zoning issues. But again, I work hard for UCP. I make a lot of money for you guys every year. And so it wasn't about them at all. And I wanted that to be very clear because there was a lot of different rumors and nasty sayings around there that I hate UCP or CAPTA wants to run everything. And that's not true. We're just looking out for neighborhoods and want to make sure that the right fit goes in the right place at the right time. So other reasons I said yesterday, this is how I feel.

thank you one last question um yeah i believe the uh parallel that the councilman is drawing bg license which is special for gaming which i have voted against exactly for that reason and what happened is some of the other succeeding ones that was done for a historic presentation reason as you alluded to and then other ones when we said no I think that's different person. I haven't heard from is the gentleman looking at me right now our attorneys standing there does this any kind of president that retire hands and individually saying yes or no to future situations

So, and thank you. Anytime that a variation is sought, it's very fact-specific. I think the reports are narrowly tailored, well-written by staff, and the findings are such that it's unique to this property in the sense that it is the accessory administrative building for their current programming building so it's a property that's contiguous to the same property that's the reason that it's been sought and bought and looking to incorporate administrative function of UCP so I think you do have what is a unique situation and it will not create that snowball slippery slope that you're alluding to

well deserving non-profit doing exactly the same thing you might have a leg to stand on saying because what this doesn't open up for for profit well the only thing i would say there uh council members that you already have that you sitting right next door so that in of itself is unique and i understand dustin now that you've given me the number 12 5 on the high end ucp is a non-profit nonprofits have seen some of their funding in the last seven to nine years go way down They're always on a shoestring budget, even more so now. And UCP does do a wonderful job. They do, as the councilman said. So I'm satisfied. And thank you, attorney. I'm sorry, I don't know your name.

No, Mike Castaldo. Mike, thank you.

You're welcome.

Thank you, Terry. Thank you. I don't want to relegate this point. This is Reedwood neighborhood. The Reedwood neighborhood council, excuse me, met with the people from UCP for months. The Reedwood neighborhood council in district five is extremely excited about this congruent use. It was a very blighted building that was vacant. The weeds were Very tall there was squatters living in it off and on for the past several years So the people in this neighborhood in district 5 in Redwood are thrilled of this use They all agree with it. There is nobody in this neighborhood That's an opposition to it and they could not be happier that you're taking it over. Thank you. Thank you mayor Okay, thank you

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hugg? Aye. Councilman Navarro? Aye. Councilman Marino? Aye. Councilman Mudren? Aye. Councilwoman Pullman?

Are you absolutely sure that this can't happen anywhere else? Because if that's the case, why didn't you tell me that last night or this morning when you should have called me like I asked you to? Because I wanted to be very clear on this. I'm just trying to protect our citizens and our properties.

I would reiterate what myself and Mr. Castaldo said last night and again today, that every variation of use that is granted by the city shall and must come before the city council for consideration.

But what about the Me Too clause?

I have not read a Me Too clause in our code of ordinances.

No, we don't have that, but the federal government does. There's a thing called the Equal Protection Clause and the Interstate Commerce Clause. So if somebody else wants to do it, they could do it under these things. So correct me if I'm wrong. That should have been told me last night, because this is research that I did.

Yeah, and I'm happy to jump in, even though the vote's going on at this point in time. They're waiting for my vote. Right, and discussion's over. But happy to jump in. Again, what I would reiterate is that variation that would be sought would be fact specific there are unique facts to this property which support the variation and which would limit that proverbial snowball slippery slope that you're alluding to so I don't I don't see this creating that open door to anybody else

Well, I have nothing against. I know what the problem was. I did try to get the two plots together. So we talked at length. So in that case, it's on record here. I will vote aye for it.

Council Member Brady. Aye. Council McCartaness. Aye. Mayor Darcy. Aye. Motion carried. Under resolutions, council amendment number 403-26, resolution authorizing a lease extension agreement for the snack bar at Gateway Transportation Center, 90 East Jefferson Street with GG Suites, LLC. It is recommended that resolution be adopted.

So moved.

Second.

Any comments or questions?

It's a motion and seconded to approve. Councilman Hugg?

I don't know. I'm draining from that last one. I don't have the strength. Aye.

Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Second. Any comments or questions? Thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilwoman Navarro? Aye. Councilman Marino? Aye. Councilman Mudren? Aye. Councilwoman Quillman?

I'll vote aye, but I'll have some questions later. I wasn't informed of this.

Councilman Verdon? Aye. Councilman Cardenas? Aye. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hugg? Aye. Mayor Darcy? Aye. Motion carried. Council Memo number 405-26, resolution requesting the closure of Route 6 and 30 for the 2026 Black Joy Parade Route. It is recommended that the resolution be adopted. So moved.

Second. Any comments or questions? Thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilman Marino? Aye. Councilman Mudren? Aye. Councilman McQuillan? Aye. Councilman Verdon? Aye. Councilman Cardenas? Aye. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Councilman Navarro? Aye. Mayor Darcy? Aye. Motion carried. Councilmember number 406-26, resolution requesting the closure of State Route 171 for the 2026 Mexican Independence Day Parade. It is recommended that resolution be adopted.

So moved.

Second. Any comments or questions? Thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve. Councilman Mudren? Aye. Councilman Coleman? Aye. Councilman Reardon? Aye. Councilman Cardenas? Aye. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hugg? Aye. Councilman Navarro? Aye. Councilman Marino? Aye. Mayor Darcy? Aye. Motion carried. Next is public comments.

Do have somebody signed up for non-agenda items Adrienne Can't really read Sorry See you remember me you suppose that maybe 90 days ago Liz is still waiting on you to set up that meeting There Darcy Caesar I gotta know this why did you guys I tell the people of Riverwalk slash Evergreen that they were leaving that property in September of 2026. Holston did what he was supposed to do, but you didn't sign off on the paperwork. But then, the neighbors, they're leaving starting this month. Now this is the second time this has been put back. First it was 2025. Then they send a letter telling us 2026, okay? In the meantime, I'm thinking about everything that you say that he said, that you and he went to Washington to talk to the head of HUD for the people of Riverwalk. No, sir. You went to Washington to talk for the people of Housing Authority. And yet again, we push back again. You know how many times I've had mold poisoning, sir, in the last seven years? Twice. The mold counts are so high in those apartments that the outside is lower than the apartments. We know that that's a high concentrated area of black people. If you want them gone, give them what they need. They'll go back to where they come from. 312 should have never crossed into 815 into public housing in the beginning. That's where your problem is coming from. So how are you guys going to explain to us that, oh, once again, we're going to pass you over again. Everybody over there is not that. I am from Joliet. I have lived here all my life. I've been working since I was 14. So at my age, it's been 50 years. There are some decent people over there. But a lot of those people that are running over there now, those are residents of people that work in the office. They're not running background checks on them. But what you need to tell Joliet is who owns Riverwalk? You guys do. So you two are like deadbeat parents. I've never seen you in that community except at St. Peter's, and you will tell me a lie every time I encounter you. And we've been going back and forth for two years. All you got to do is answer a straight question. And you never do. It's always around the world in 30 days. But it never comes to fruitation. Because I check every Thursday from May with Liz. Did Caesar set up a time for a meeting? Well, Caesar, here we are. We're all chuffed right now, huh? 90 days later, and you're still right there now. But you want everybody to vote you as the next mayor? I don't think so, brother. It's time off. It is. All these lies and bull. Mm-mm. You have lied to me every time I have encountered you. And you know what? I've come to the conclusion that's who you are.

Ma'am, I'm going to stop you right now. I'm sorry. We don't direct at each other, but Nicole, you get her information, and we can set her straight on this operation of Riverwalk. I'd love to have you come in and we'll talk. Not up here, downstairs.

I don't have no problem with that. Is there anyone who would like to address the council this evening on a non agenda item I

So I want everybody to give prayers as there was another accident down Route 53 over here by all the warehouses over there. A guy on a motorcycle being hit by a car coming out of one of the warehouse compass areas. I ask that we pray for that motorcycle rider as he was airlifted away to the hospital in Donner's Grove. So I hope and pray that everybody could get on board and pray for the I just hope that people could start understanding and start being more careful out there on the streets when you're driving. I mean, when you keep pulling these warehouses in and these drivers out of these warehouses, we all complain about the trucks. Well, this time there was no truck involved there, so, but everybody needs to just pay attention and stop being like in a hurry, just leave their work or get to work. You know, we don't even know if that guy's going to survive. Last I've heard of it, he's lost one of his legs already is what I've heard on Facebook. So, you know, this shouldn't happen. You know, we've got to stop this from happening, you know. We've got to have more police presence out there. When you vote in more warehouses, obviously you're going to need to have more. I keep asking the question, who's going to police it? And apparently we don't have enough police out there to police it. Not just about the trucks, but all the warehouse workers too, because they drive like idiots too. You know, so I hope he prayed it. We have no more accidents like this. You know, everybody just, I don't know what everybody's hurry is. But I want everybody to pray for that motorcycle rider. And hope that he makes it without any more injuries to his body. Because we know he's not going to be the same again. i hope and pray that when you guys vote more stuff in that you guys take this stuff in consideration and start really thinking about the public safety thank you is there anyone else would like to address the council this evening on a non-agenda item okay we will move on to mayor and council comments please

The surplus stuff, is there going to be a garage sale? What's going to happen to that stuff that you're talking about?

I don't know. That's why I said I'd have to talk later about it because I was not informed of that.

We can get you an answer on that, Larry.

Just curious. The other thing is that certainly this gentleman talking about the variation and some of the questions that the councilwoman is concerned about whether it still opens up a Pandora's box. And you're looking, you're saying that there's a process that says you do this, you do this, you come before a commission who listens to it, and then ultimately it comes to the council. That sounds, is that the same process that was used in terms of establishing the data center? when you start talking about people that was filled up a room saying no, I think using the same process that I think you're describing and seemed like the consensus at that level was no, but still that committee said we're going to approve it and it came to the council and it walked through in what looked like something that was very much opposite to the wishes of the people. So I'm kind of questioning whether the process that you described is suitable for meeting the needs of all the people who may be concerned about that. And it's a fair question to ask. Are you sure this is not going to be something that will impose itself throughout the community? with the Me Too stuff and whatever the feds say. Are we gonna be overrode by the wishes of the feds because we make a decision that we say we're gonna make an exception to the rule that Mr. Menzies is describing is a very specific process. So I'm just asking those kinds of questions in terms of what you described as a process that will address the needs and the concerns in a healthy way. Does that apply, or is that something different altogether? So in some way, I would ask that you would certainly consider that. She's asking some great questions, and your answers don't really settle well with me either.

Good evening.

Amy Sanchez, I won't take four full minutes, I promise. We have some exciting stuff happening in Joliet. Thank you guys for approving the resolutions this evening. Every weekend in August, there's some amazing events happening. We welcome you all as city staff as well as mayor and council to join this Saturday, August 8th. We're having the House Music on the River, House Music Festival. There are some very well-known events like national-wide DJs that are coming in for that event. So it's down at Bipart. We've had an excellent experience with the folks down there getting that set up for the leadership that is leading that event. August 15th, we are kicking off year 14 for Joliet Unity Movement's 815 Youth Day Festival. We're really excited. We've got a lot of great things coming, and a lot of our original members coming, even as far as Atlanta, to come and give back to the kids. So please come and join us for 815 Youth Day on the 22nd. Riverwalk Homes, actually, when we rephrase that, HHCD will be hosting their back-to-school fair. And there's a ton of us tabling to make sure the kids are sent back to school the right way. And then, of course, the Black Joy Parade, August 29th. I'm so glad to see that coming back. Then it's Labor Day weekend, and then we're celebrating Mexican Independence Day. So please come out, enjoy, be with the residents, celebrate. We have a lot to celebrate. Sitting here tonight has made me realize how far we've come over the last decade and a half. And I really appreciate all the time and the questions being asked I just wanted to get some clarity With I know the City Council and public meeting agendas are posted the Thursday before a public meeting. Is that correct? If I'm not mistaken the Thursday prior to and your agenda packets are available that time frame to usually Friday Friday Thursday or Friday before so At the pre-council meetings, you guys pretty much already know what's going to be discussed. City staff, I know you guys have went through a lot lately, and especially over the last decade, but thank you for answering the questions and being responsive to not just the council, but also the public. A well-informed public allows us to celebrate a little bit more with joy and with peace. So I hope you guys all come out, celebrate with the people. We've got a lot to be grateful for. We've come a long way. Thanks.

Is there anyone else who would like to address the council this evening on an agenda item? We will move on to mayor and council comments.

So I know we're not supposed to go back and forth. And I just want to publicly say that I'm not mad at her comments. They're just comments on how she feels of her situation at Riverwalk. And I just want the public to know that the last three years that I've been on this council, I've been fighting hard to find a resolution to Riverwalk Homes and the people of Riverwalk Homes, getting them homes. I'm just not angry I heard I'm hopeful that I just wish that they feel that her frustrations are my frustrations and we will continue to do the work to hopefully soon find a resolution for the people that are living that are looking for a home not just housing so with that those are my comments but also happy birthday Lauren no I won't take too much time so you can get out of here

I just want to bring up briefly my thoughts. Prayers are with the Tom Charlie family. Tom Charlie owned O'Charlie's Pub over there on Center Street. He passed away yesterday. I'm sure a lot of people know Tommy and the whole family, but I just wanted to say that and then also say happy birthday, Warren.

Yes, I just visited the council tonight with the comment you just made, as well as a former city employee, long-time city employee, Mike Mackey. I went to high school for the Providence, and he worked for the city for over 30 years, and he passed away last night, or yesterday. So, thoughts and prayers to his family on that loss. Is it just me, because how many heads nod? We're talking about people that are at least 50 or older, 45 or older. Are we having a lot more traffic accidents? And I mean accidents between cars, cars rolling over on Essington Road, cars rolling over on Route 55. This is something that, you know, people say police can solve it. No, police can't solve it. They can come there after it happens, but they can't. If we want to hire 1.7 million police officers, they can sit next to every person that drives through Joliet when they're driving. No, this is a societal shift. Is it just me? Are people noticing that stuff in the recent two or three years? Man, people, slow down. Rules of the road, they do apply. There are rules of the road for one reason, so that we don't roll over cars and T-bone another vehicle on 59 or go through the wall on I-55. There's rules of the road that if you drive smart, you're not going to kill yourself or somebody else. It's really gotten out of hand. It's just my societal observations.

You know, just to answer that part of that, some of those accidents were not driver's fault. They were having a medical issue. And then right away, it was, oh, you're old, you're drunk, you're doing this, you're doing that. But you don't get the rest of the story after you hear the accidents. But I know a couple of them were medical issues, unfortunately.

I'm done. Thank you.

I just want to thank everyone for the prayers, calls, texts during my dad Weatherman Bob's medical emergency. It was very serious. I want to say thank you so much, Councilman Joe Clement, for running the Public Assets Committee while I was with my dad. My family thanks everyone. Also, Joliet Catholic Academy is having a varsity football fundraiser. No excuse not to go this Saturday, August 8, at Oberweiss Dairy Store on Route 59 to 200 Route 59 Plainfield. 1030 a.m. To 10 p.m. And 20% of all ice cream sales go towards the team football dinners end of the year banquet and the football mom Sherry Torrance Thanks all of you for your support. I want to say happy birthday Lauren. You are a rock star We appreciate you so much everything you do also Happy birthday to councilman Joe Clement whose birthday was over the weekend. Thank you so much for everything and Related to the data center. I just want to make it clear. I voted no. So thank you so much Have a great night.

God bless Happy birthday Lauren and Joe Clinton happy birthday and I had a little story, but then I started rambling, right? So I'm trying not to ramble for our economic development director. Go for it. Just go for it. I know, right? So over the week, no, like two weeks ago, we're sitting at home. And one of my youngest, his name is Josh, he's like, hey, dad, let's go to Naperville Beach. I'm like, I look at him. I'm like, there's no beach in Naperville. And then so I go on. I'm like, and then it clicked to me. I'm like, oh, shoot. He's talking about the Centennial.

Yeah, Centennial.

And then I'm like, okay, but I don't want to drive that far, right? So I go on my phone, I look around, see what's around in our area. There's nothing close by other than Yorkville. And so whatever, we went above our day. We went out there, had fun, spent some money, right? Because kids want to eat all the time, right? Like all of us. So we have a good time. But on my way home, I was thinking, why can't we have that here in Joliet? Why can't we have a big water park either on the far west side or east side? Obviously, we're not going to put it in the cathedral area. Been there, done that.

It's gone.

I know, but see, I think, Paulina, if you could help me out on this one, just knock on the doors for those organizations, those private investors, come on out. Obviously, the city government is not in the business of opening water parks, but we can do site packages, or we can incentivize them so they can bring, so people that want to do stuff or have fun, they have fun and spend money. Joliet they don't have to go out to other communities so so yeah you got some homework so that's it thank you I got nothing I can say to all that

Anyway, get out, enjoy your families in the nice weather. And if it's too hot, drink a lot of water. But anyway, everybody be safe. And as far as these accidents on the cars, I've noticed on these expressways, these people are out of control. They go 100 miles an hour in and out of the traffic. Then the motorcycles are behind them. It's just like you have to be so careful when you're going anywhere. And I pray for everybody going somewhere when they have to go on the expressways. And unfortunately... It is what it is, but they're not being stopped. But anyway, they can do what they can do. Anyway, enjoy your family because you never know how long they're going to be here or what's going to happen the next day after that. So just let's be kind to everybody. Thank you.

I could have followed you because I'm a card-carrying member for Centennial Beach. But I wish it was here. Yeah, no, why not? Anyways, I want to say thank you to Mike for filling in for Todd. You did an excellent job. And just happy birthday to Joe and happy birthday to Lauren. Enjoy. That's it.

Happy birthday, Joe. Happy birthday, Lauren. I won't try and keep everybody too long. I went and attended a few things in the last week. On Wednesday the 29th, I attended the Joliet Grocery and Resource Fair. Ann Grooms and the folks from NICOR put that together. It was well attended. Several hundred people. There was free groceries handed out. There was information on energy assistance, bill payment support, health care resources. A myriad of tables were set up to help people understand better how they can navigate in these tough times. Also, myself, Councilman Marino, Councilman Cardenas went to the ribbon cutting for the All About You Barber College. What a great lady. I mean, she just really helps a lot of people. It's not just about teaching the barber skills, but helping people on the inside as well. So that was a great one. Let's see, what was the date? Last Thursday, there was a forum regarding the Southeast Sanitary District and many of the residents came out along with Alison and her utilities team. I got to tell you, they did a great job making sure that we clearly communicate what we can do to continue to help make that transition for them. And it was really well attended. Councilwoman Ibarra was there. Emergency management, Mr. Lucancic was there and handed out apparatus to help people and cases of water. And so we're doing our best. We have contacts in the community so that we can communicate together. If something happens, we're on it right away. So we're really doing our best to make sure we can get that done smoothly. Last Friday was another fun event. It was the rededication of Jesse Barfield's statue. You know, I referred to him as humble strong. He is such a gentleman. He's just one of the nicest guys I've ever met. A 12-year major leaguer, had a lot of great stories, but his heart's in Joliet. And what we did here was create a storyboard in front of that statue so people now can understand who is behind that statue, and he's just a great guy. And I know we've got more of these around town, and we need to do more rededications. You know, this is the city of champions. There are 40 great people dedicated in our community, but this is the start of trying to make sure everybody understands their story. So it was a great night, and I was just so proud to be there. With that, there's some upcoming events winding down this summer. Anne's done a great job of keeping everything going, and it's all listed right there. So I want to wish everyone a great night. God bless you all, and thank you.

Is there a motion to adjourn? So moved. All in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Meeting adjourned.