Joliet City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025

The Joliet City Council met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of items including the designation of the Joliet River Edge Redevelopment Zone, the annexation and zoning of the DeLeon Subdivision, a lease agreement with Casa Catrina Mexican Heritage Cuisine, a property tax levy discussion, and numerous consent agenda items. Public comments highlighted concerns about a murder investigation, river deaths, truck stop impacts, and development displacement.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved (9-0) the following items:
  • Approval of minutes from October 6 and October 7, 2025.
  • Invoices to be paid.
  • Change Order No. 3 for Bridge Street Roadway Improvement Project (deduction of $11,139.97; final payment of $33,566.80) to PT Ferro Construction Co.
  • Purchase of one Ford F250 Service Truck from Rod Baker Ford for $66,063.70.
  • Purchase Order No. 1 for 2025 Bulk Roadway Sign Materials to High Star Traffic for $42,128.75.
  • Change Order No. 1 for 2025 Hickory-Spring Creek Cleaning Project to Gregg W. Dobczyk Excavating ($20,000 change order; $150,000 final payment).
  • Purchase of replacement waste pumps for Aux Sable Wastewater Treatment Plant from Boerger LLC for $60,000.
  • Contract with MMA Rx Solutions for prescription drug rebate management.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on Joliet River Edge Redevelopment Zone: The only speaker, Quinn Adamowski (Regional Advocacy Manager, Landmarks Illinois), expressed strong support, noting $646 million in private investment in historic properties across the five original RERZ communities and encouraged adoption.
• Public Hearing on DeLeon Subdivision Annexation: No public comments were made.
• Public Comments (non-agenda):
  • Doris Jones (godmother of Raven Littlejohn) detailed alleged failures in the investigation of her goddaughter's 2021 death, linking it to other deaths along the Des Plaines River and calling for justice.
  • Robin Anderson echoed concerns about the Des Plaines River, referenced a 2020 death, and alleged a police cover-up and misconduct.
  • Theresa Collins (History on Wheels representative) announced a Thanksgiving turkey dinner giveaway for veterans and families on November 15, 2025, and thanked the city for support.
  • DiAnn Matter pressed for a cul-de-sac and concrete barrier on New Lenox Road near the Love's Truck Stop, citing safety and health concerns given the truck stop's proximity to homes (30 feet from residences).
  • Kathy Garthus spoke about the negative effects of development on residents, stating she had been displaced and suffering, and urged the city to consider quality of life.

Discussion Items

• Property Tax Levy Discussion (Council Memo 588-25): Finance Director Kevin Sing presented the 2025 tax levy. The recommended levy is expected to keep the tax rate the same as the previous year, marking the second consecutive year without a rate increase. The rate paid in 2025 had actually decreased by 6.5 cents from 2024. Councilwoman Quillman confirmed no increase; Councilman Hug asked for clarifications. The levy will be formally voted on December 2, 2025.
• DeLeon Subdivision Public Hearing: Councilman Hug asked Greg Ruddy about drainage and utilities; Ruddy confirmed the preliminary plat reviews such items.
• River Edge Redevelopment Zone: Council members discussed the scope of the zone, incentives (sales tax rebate, historic preservation tax credits up to 45%), and concerns about historic preservation restrictions. Paulina Martinez (Economic Development Director) explained the zone does not create new historic districts and that the incentives are designed to make historic redevelopment feasible. Councilman Hug expressed concern about overly strict guidelines but was assured the program is flexible.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (9-0): Council Memo 586-25 – Change Order No. 2 for Rosalind Street Culvert Replacement (deduction of $2,704.50; final payment of $188,191.67) to Austin Tyler Construction Inc. (Councilman Moreno abstained on the next item).
• Approved (8-0-1): Council Memo 587-25 – Change Order No. 2 for Spring Creek Phase 1 Water Main Improvements (deduction of $1,145,302.94; final payment of $1,302,885.60) to Austin Tyler Construction Inc. (Councilman Moreno abstained).
• Approved (9-0): Council Memo 591-25 – Resolution approving annexation agreement for 8.1 acres east of Thoroughbred Lane, south of Old Renwick Road (A-3-25) (Resolution 8216).
• Approved (9-0): Council Memo 593-25 – Ordinance designating the Joliet River Edge Redevelopment Zone (Ordinance 18797).
• Approved (9-0): Council Memo 594-25 – Three ordinances for DeLeon Subdivision: annexation (Ordinance 18798), zoning to R-1B (Ordinance 18799), and preliminary PUD (Ordinance 18800).
• Approved (9-0): Council Memo 595-25 – Ordinance vacating 0.028 acres of a public drainage easement at 1715 Terry Drive (Ordinance 18801).
• Approved (9-0): Council Memo 596-25 – Fourth Amendment to Development Agreement for Senior Suites of Joliet, LLC (Ordinance 18802), extending the agreement to allow time to apply for an IHDA grant to preserve 84 affordable senior housing units.
• Approved (9-0): Council Memo 598-25 – Resolution authorizing lease agreement with La Sociedad, Inc., DBA Casa Catrina Mexican Heritage Cuisine, at Union Station (Resolution 8217). Lease terms: $7,000/month base rent with 5% annual increase, 5-year term with two 5-year renewal options, tenant responsible for utilities and property taxes. The tenant aims to also operate a brewpub using existing equipment; brewing must commence within 6–12 months or the city may reclaim the brewing space.
• Approved (9-0): Council Memo 599-25 – Resolution approving MOU with Regional Transportation Authority for Transit Oriented Development Zoning Regulations (Resolution 8218).
• Approved (9-0): Consent Agenda (8 items).
• Closed Session: The council entered closed session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, land acquisition, and pending litigation. The meeting adjourned following the closed session.