Committee on Citizens with Disabilities

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday, February 18, 2025 1:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Committee Members Anthony Arellano Pam Heavens Billie Jo Adams Kim Hudgens John Jamontas Gary Jones Veronica Pollard Riley Spreadbury Sherry Voight Steven Voight Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2025 Page 1 of 1 Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2025 Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. ROLL CALL Present: Pam Heavens, Kim Hudgens, John Jamontas, Gary Jones, Riley Spreadbury and Chairperson Anthony Arellano Absent: Billy Jo Adams, Sherry Voight, Steven Voight, Veronica Pollard. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of Minutes - November 19, 2024 TMP-8240 Attachments: Meeting Minutes Nov 19 2024.pdf A motion was made by Riley Spreadbury, seconded by Kim Hudgens, to approve Memo #TMP-8240: Meeting Minutes Nov 19 2024. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Heavens, Hudgens, Jamontas, Jones, Spreadbury, and Chairperson Arellano. Absent: Adams, Voight, Voight, and Pollard CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. None. NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION Discussion: Addressing Mental Health Concerns - with TMP-8239 Caitlin Daley of the Will County Health Department Caitlin Daly of the Will County Health Department discussed Mental Health resources, statistics, and programs offered at each Will County site. She also discussed grant funds that enabled the Health Department to expand services, renovate, and expand two facilities to accommodate more staff. A lengthy discussion was held regarding the significant reduction in overdose fatalities, patient’s costs for Health Department mental health services, the benefits of the Health Department’s services, including the return of mobile crisis units. Discussion: Committee Pamphlet Information TMP-8241 Attachments: Mayor's committee phamplet.docx Page 1 of 3 Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2025 Deputy City Manager Christa Desiderio discussed drafting a pamphlet to raise awareness of the Committee's duties within the community and explained the Committee's mission statement and purpose is available on the City's website in the meantime, with the option for residents to sign up for notifications. Discussion: JCTV Access TMP-8242 Chairman Arellano requested to have the Committee meetings available for viewing on JCTV. Ms. Desiderio explained there are only two Committees with access to JCTV, meeting agendas are sent out with a press release, and the audio recordings are available on the City’s website. A brief discussion was held regarding ways to increase public awareness of the Committee. Discussion: City of Joliet ADA Transition Plan Update TMP-8244 Committee Liaison Jacqueline Lozada reminds the Committee that there is no update since the September meeting, as the City's 2025 fiscal budget was just recently approved and the winter season has paused the start of any new projects. Ms Lozada has ensured to keep the Committee informed of the prospective projects as they are able to get prioritized. Chairman Arellano expresses the importance of having the transition plan in effect and to have regular updates. Discussion: Celebrating "Americans with Disabilities Act" TMP-8243 with July Volunteer Opportunities The Committee had a lengthy discussion regarding the creation of a volunteer event to bring awareness and commemorate the 35th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act in July. The Committee and City staff liaison Jacqueline Lozada briefly discussed the possibility of the event being held at Bicentennial Park including the requirements needed to hold such event. Ms. Desiderio reminded the Committee that the Open Meetings Act policies requires any additional planning discussions/meetings would have to be announced with a press release. Chairman Arellano discussed the correlation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the current changes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. PUBLIC COMMENT This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. Page 2 of 3 Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2025 Caitlyn Daly spoke regarding resources available from the Health Department Equity Team that may be able to assist with planning a prospective event in July. ADJOURNMENT This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact The City Clerk Office, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780. A motion was made by Jamontas, seconded by Spreadbury, to approve adjournment . The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Heavens, Hudgens, Jamontas, Jones, Spreadbury, and Chairperson Arellano. Absent: Adams, Voight, Voight, and Pollard Page 3 of 3