City Council Meeting

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:30 PM City Hall, Council Chambers City Council Meeting MAYOR TERRY D'ARCY MAYOR PRO-TEM COUNCILMAN LARRY E. HUG (7/1/2023 - 9/30/2023) COUNCILMAN CESAR CARDENAS COUNCILMAN JOE CLEMENT COUNCILMAN CESAR GUERRERO COUNCILWOMAN SUZANNA IBARRA COUNCILMAN PAT MUDRON COUNCILWOMAN JAN HALLUMS QUILLMAN COUNCILWOMAN SHERRI REARDON Interim City Manager - Rod Tonelli Interim Corporation Counsel - Todd Greenburg, City Clerk Christa M. Desiderio City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Page 1 of 1 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. INVOCATION: Pastor Allen, Greater Bibleway Apostolic Temple, 1214 Brown Street PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon ALSO PRESENT: Interim City Manager Rod Tonelli and Interim Corporation Counsel Todd Greenburg. PRESENTATION: Comprehensive Water & Sewer Rate Study by Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilites Attachments: Approver Report Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities, gave a brief synopsis of the comprehensive water & sewer rate study presentation. Dave Naumann, Senior Project Manager with Burns & McDonnell, gave the financial plan update portion of the presentation. Carol Malesky, Principal with Stantec, gave the affordability assessment and index portion of the presentation. Ms. Swisher discussed water conservation opportunities. A lengthy discussion was held regarding additional revenue streams to ease the burden on residents, connection fees, renter's water rates, frozen or stolen water meter replacement fees, and assistance for lower income households. Riverwalk Homes Presentation by Peter Holsten Attachments: Approver Report Mayor D'Arcy explained that he requested this informational presentation as a result of a requirement to move forward with the Riverwalk Homes project. Councilman Cardenas spoke regarding the proposed improvements, the outdated model of the project, the quality of life for the residents, and the court mandates. Page 1 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Councilwoman Ibarra recused herself from all things related to this project due to her employment. Peter Holsten, President, Managing Broker, Director of Development of Holsten Management Corporation, gave a brief overview of the acquisition and redevelopment of the Riverwalk Homes site. A lengthy discussion was held addressing the soft costs of the project, square footage of the units and the renovation costs per unit, investor's profits, HUD income legal terms, IDA low income tax credit, CDBG and Section 8 funds, and budgetary authority over the 179 remaining units, and redevelopment of the Riverwalk site. A brief discussion was held regarding units at Riverwalk Homes with mold and mildew. MAYOR: Proclamation - Joliet's Rock & Roll Weekend Attachments: IL Rock & Roll Museum - Joliet's Rock & Roll Weekend.pdf Approver Report Councilman Hug read a Proclamation issued by Mayor D'Arcy proclaiming September 15 - 17th, 2023 as Joliet's Rock & Roll Weekend. Jim Murphy accepted and thanked the Mayor and Council for the Proclamation. Proclamations Recognizing Neighborhood Hero Award Winners Attachments: 2023 Neighborhood Award Winners.pdf Approver Report Jayne Bernhard, City Planner and President of Project Acclaim, briefly explained the Neighborhood Hero program and Project Acclaim. Councilwoman Jan Quillman read a Proclamation issued by Mayor D'Arcy recognizing Neighborhood Hero Award Winners and honored each household. Councilman Guerrero recognized his Aunt Maria Lopez as one of the Neighborhood Hero Award recipients. Councilwoman Ibarra thanked the Bruton family for their contribution to the beautification of District 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Page 2 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 APPROVAL OF AGENDA ID-1359-20 A motion was made by Councilman Cesar Guerrero, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to approve the Agenda as written with the following change: Remove Council Memo #436-23: Award of Contract to AVDG for City Council Chambers Audio/Visual Upgrade Project in the Amount of $304,158.28 from the Consent Agenda and vote on it separately. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon Nay: Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS: Jim Lanham spoke in favor of Council Memo #446-23: Transfer of Class "A" Liquor License at 117 N. Center Street - Last Chantz Sports Bar. Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet School District 86, spoke regarding housing vouchers, the lack of available low income housing in Joliet, and what will happen with the 179 displaced families. Larry Crawford spoke regarding the families at River Walk Homes. Jeff Pritz spoke regarding Riverwalk Homes. He also requested a stop sign on Clement Street. Mary Lou Gates Mohalek spoke in opposition of a newly installed fence on Moran Street from Oakland Avenue. Dominic Hamilton spoke regarding mold and water issues at her Riverwalk Homes residence. APPOINTMENTS: COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: Public Safety Councilwoman Quillman gave an overview and explanation of the items discussed at the Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Public Safety Committee Meeting. Link: https://joliet.granicus.com/player/clip/5039? view_id=6&redirect=true&h=edadc1770ffdc3f90ba1c9ddaf1c1ce7 Public Service Page 3 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Councilman Hug gave an overview and explanation of the items discussed at the Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Public Service Committee Meeting. Link: https://joliet.granicus.com/player/clip/5038? view_id=6&redirect=true&h=15c848bae91a1f25614572e18368d332 Note Mayor D'Arcy briefly discussed upcoming structural changes to the City's committees. Councilwoman Ibarra asked for equitable representation on the committees with both eastside and westside residents. CONSENT AGENDA: Approval of Minutes: Pre-Council Meeting - August 14, 2023 Council Meeting - August 15, 2023 Attachments: Pre-Council Meeting - August 14, 2023.pdf Council Meeting - August 15, 2023.pdf Approver Report Invoices to be Paid Attachments: Invoices to be Paid 09.05.23 Approver Report Award of Contract to AVDG for City Council Chambers 436-23 Audio/Visual Upgrade Project in the Amount of $304,158.28 Attachments: Approver Report AVDG - Contract Documents AVDG - Quote Approver Report A lengthy discussion was held regarding the cost for the audio/visual upgrade project, the labor scope for installation, and giving a presentation to Council on the proposed project. A motion was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, seconded by Councilman Larry E. Hug, to table COUNCIL MEMO #436-23: Award of Contract to AVDG for City Council Chambers Audio/Visual Upgrade Project in the Amount of $304,158.28 to the September 19, 2023 Council Meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 4 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Aye: Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra and Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman Nay: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Pat Mudron and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon COUNCIL MEMO #436-23: Award of Contract to AVDG for City Council Chambers Audio/Visual Upgrade was tabled to the September 19, 2023 Council Meeting. Award of Professional Services Agreement for the Hickory 437-23 Creek Channel Wall Monitoring to Willett Hoffmann & Assoc. in the amount of $100,000.00 Attachments: Approver Report Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement 438-23 for Independent Review for the Alternative Water Source Program with Burns & McDonnel Engineering Co. Inc. in the amount of $1,090,059.35 Attachments: Approver Report Change Order No. 2 for Sidewalk Vault Improvements - 16 W. 439-23 Van Buren & 79 N. Chicago to Lindblad Const Co. of Joliet Inc. in the amount of $225,459.80 Attachments: Approver Report Change Order No. 3 for the Houbolt Road / Hollywood Road 440-23 (US Route 6 - I-80) Roadway Reconstruction Project - MFT Section No. 16-00503-00-PV to D Construction Inc. in the amount of $132,478.75 Attachments: Approver Report Consent Agenda Items Approved A motion was made by Councilman Guerrero, seconded by Councilman Cardenas, to approve all said Consent Agenda Items. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon AGENDA ITEM: Award of Contract for the Olympic Boulevard / Houbolt Road 442-23 Page 5 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Improvements - Section No. 21-00544-00-PV to PT Ferro Construction Co. in the amount of $7,498,539.72 Attachments: Approver Report A motion was made by Councilman Larry E. Hug, seconded by Councilman Pat Mudron, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #442-23: Award of Contract for the Olympic Boulevard / Houbolt Road Improvements - Section No. 21-00544-00-PV to PT Ferro Construction Co. in the amount of $7,498,539.72. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon LICENSES AND PERMIT APPLICATIONS: Issuance of Class “B” License at 406 N. Scott Street - 444-23 Sunshine Mexican Cafe Attachments: SUNSHINE MEXICAN CAFE - 406 N. SCOTT STREET - LIQUOR HEARING FINDINGS REPORT Approver Report A motion was made by Councilwoman Sherri Reardon, seconded by Councilman Cesar Guerrero, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #444-23: Issuance of Class “B” License at 406 N. Scott Street - Sunshine Mexican Cafe. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon Issuance of Class “E” Liquor License at 2953 W. Jefferson 445-23 Street- Tonto Burrito Attachments: TONTO BURRITO - 2953 W. JEFFERSON STREET - LIQUOR HEARING FINDINGS REPORT Approver Report A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Cesar Cardenas, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #445-23: Issuance of Class “E” Liquor License at 2953 W. Jefferson Street- Tonto Burrito. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 6 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon Transfer of Class “A” Liquor License at 117 N. Center Street 446-23 - Last Chantz Sports Bar Attachments: LAST CHANTZ SPORTS BAR - 117 N. CENTER STREET - LIQUOR HEARING FINDINGS REPORT Approver Report A motion was made by Councilman Joe Clement, seconded by Councilman Cesar Guerrero, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #446-23: Transfer of Class “A” Liquor License at 117 N. Center Street - Last Chantz Sports Bar. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon Transfer of Class “BG” Liquor License at 1987 W. Jefferson 447-23 Street - Jefferson BP Attachments: JEFFERSON BP - 1987 W. JEFFERSON STREET - LIQUOR HEARING FINDINGS REPORT Approver Report Councilman Hug gave a brief explanation of a Class "BG" liquor license. A motion was made by Councilman Cesar Cardenas, seconded by Councilman Cesar Guerrero, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #447-23: Transfer of Class “BG” Liquor License at 1987 W. Jefferson Street - Jefferson BP. The motion failed by the following vote: Aye: Councilman Cesar Cardenas and Councilman Cesar Guerrero Nay: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilwoman Sherri Reardon, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron and Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman COUNCIL MEMO #447-23: Transfer of Class “BG” Liquor License at 1987 W. Jefferson Street - Jefferson BP. was denied. Issuance of Class “B” Liquor License at 307 N. Chicago 448-23 Street - Azul Celeste Bar & Grill Page 7 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Attachments: AZUL CELESTE BAR & GRILL - 307 N. CHICAGO STREET - LIQUOR HEARING FINDINGS REPORT Approver Report A brief discussion was held concerning the notifications sent and the posting at the location for the issuance of this liquor license. A motion was made by Councilman Cesar Guerrero, seconded by Councilman Larry E. Hug, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #448-23: Issuance of Class “B” Liquor License at 307 N. Chicago Street - Azul Celeste Bar & Grill. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon PUBLIC HEARINGS: ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: ORDINANCES: Ordinance Adding a Chapter for a “Lateral List” to the Board 450-23 of Fire and Police Commissioner Rules Attachments: Ordinance.docx Approver Report Bill Evans, Police Chief, explained an independent list will be created with police officers that are currently in another jurisdiction that would like to transfer over to the Joliet Police Department. A motion was made by Councilwoman Sherri Reardon, seconded by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, to adopt COUNCIL MEMO #450-23: Ordinance Adding a Chapter for a “Lateral List” to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioner Rules. (ORDINANCE NO. 18538) The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon Ordinance Amending the 2023 Annual Budget for the City 451-23 Council Chambers Upgrade Project Page 8 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 Attachments: Ordinance.pdf Approver Report A motion was made by Councilman Larry E. Hug, seconded by Councilman Cesar Guerrero, to table COUNCIL MEMO #451-23: Ordinance Amending the 2023 Annual Budget for the City Council Chambers Upgrade Project. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon COUNCIL MEMO #451-23: Ordinance Amending the 2023 Annual Budget for the City Council Chambers Upgrade Project was tabled to the September 19, 2023 Council Meeting. RESOLUTIONS: Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement and 453-23 a License Agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Will County (Isle a La Cache Preserve) for the Alternative Water Source Program Attachments: Resolution WCFPD-Joliet IGA Monitoring Wells at Isle A La Cache-For City Approval 08-21-23 (with Ex A).pdf WCFPD-Joliet License Agreement-COJ Monitoring Wells at Isle A La Cache-For City Approval 08-21-23 (with Ex A).pdf Approver Report A motion was made by Councilman Cesar Guerrero, seconded by Councilman Pat Mudron, to adopt COUNCIL MEMO #453-23: Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement and a License Agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Will County (Isle a La Cache Preserve) for the Alternative Water Source Program. (RESOLUTION NO. 7916) The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon CITY MANAGER: The Interim City Manager congratulated VNA Health Care center on their grand opening of their new facility at 1501 W. Jefferson Street. He highlighted a Business Enterprise Program Workshop at the Joliet Public Library on September 7, 2023. He informed the Council the consultant working on the downtown parking study will give a presentation on October 2nd. Page 9 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 PUBLIC COMMENTS: Zachary Wenzel spoke regarding issues he encountered with renting the old Joliet prison . Jim Lanham spoke regarding sidewalks in his subdivision, releasing inspector general reports, window tint issue, strengthening local ordinances, Historical Museum firing employees, HUD, and Riverwalk Homes. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Cardenas highlighted Fiesta en la Calle and wished his wife a happy birthday. Councilman Clement discussed the sidewalk in the 1300 block of Loral Avenue, snowplowing and salt. He thanked Laurie Malloy for her years of service. Councilman Guerrero concurred with Councilman Cardenas regarding the Fiesta en la Calle and expressed his condolences to Ms. Hernandez's family. Councilman Hug spoke regarding the separation of new business and Council comments on the agenda, sidewalk repair update, and invited Greg Peerbolte with the Museum and the prison to present an update to the Council. Councilwoman Ibarra thanked the Mayor and Council and Greg Ruddy all their hard work. She wished her father a quick recovery. In response to Councilwoman Quillman's question, Mayor D'Arcy said there is a pause in the acceptance of applicants for the City Manager position and the current applications will be vetted and applications will be shared with the Council. Councilwoman Quillman highlighted the last concert in the park at Bicentennial Park. She welcomed a new baby boy into her family. In response to Councilwoman Reardon's question, the City Manager will contact the resident concerning off street parking during snow events when the residents do not have driveways . Mayor D'Arcy highlighted a Community Care Program initiative meeting starting a process to bring the community together for a safe, non-violent city, 18-24 month process for the 2050 project long-term Comprehensive Plan, community family reunion at Varnado Park, AABA Round Table - economic conversation, City Center Partnership Owners and Managers Round Table, and ribbon cutting VNA Health Care for low income residents. CLOSED SESSION to discuss the following subjects: A motion was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, seconded by Councilman Cesar Guerrero, to enter into closed session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, land acquisition or conveyance, pending or threatened litigation after which the meeting will be adjourned. Page 10 of 11 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final September 5, 2023 The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Terry D'Arcy, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon ADJOURNMENT: Page 11 of 11