OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026: Approvals, Public Opposition to Data Center, and Proclamations

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, March 3, 2026
BodyJoliet, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, March 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:01:33

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Welcome everyone to the City of Joliet City Council meeting this evening, March 3rd, here in the City Hall Chambers at 6 30.

0:14

Presiding over the meeting is our mayor, Terry Darcy.

0:18

We will have an invocation from Pastor Lanny Posley of the New Canon Land Christian Church at 225 East Quinton Street.

0:32

Before we pray, we want to also lift up Brian Lewis, who's one of the first officers that we work with.

0:39

And I just got the news, so we want to keep him in prayer as well.

0:43

And we thank God for this great opportunity.

0:45

And then I want to acknowledge the mayor for his great support during our super solo bowl celebration.

0:51

The community came out in big numbers, and we want to tell you thankfully.

0:54

Thank you publicly.

0:55

Let us pray all heads about, eyes closed.

0:58

You talk about what you are in God, our father from everlasting to everlasting.

1:01

We come to tell you thank you.

1:03

Thank you, God, for your goodness, your mercy, and your grace.

1:07

God, our prayer is those that stands in the leadership role, God, that they will do justice and the righteousness, God.

1:14

Mindful of their decision making.

1:17

Everyone God that sits on this on the roster tonight, God.

1:21

I pray you bless them individually and collectively.

1:25

God, I pray that your will be done, the same will that's being performed in heaven that it'll be performed down here on earth.

1:31

And God, we pray that we'd be mindful to do all things in decent and order.

1:35

For it is in Jesus' name we pray.

1:38

And all God's people said together, Amen.

1:41

Amen.

1:42

Amen and amen.

1:46

College of allegiance.

1:53

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

1:59

Thank you so much.

2:00

Thank you.

2:01

Thank you, Pastor Folk.

2:02

Thank you.

2:02

Good to see you.

2:03

Good to see you everyone.

2:08

Okay.

2:10

We'll begin with roll call.

2:11

Mayor Darcy.

2:12

Here.

2:12

Councilman Cardinals.

2:13

Councilman Clement?

2:14

Here.

2:14

Councilman Hug?

2:15

Here.

2:15

Councilwoman of Barrow.

2:16

Here.

2:16

Councilman Marino.

2:18

Councilman Mudron.

2:20

Here.

2:21

Councilwoman Quillman.

2:22

Here.

2:23

Councilwoman Reardon.

2:24

Here.

2:25

Under Mayor is a proclamation recognizing colorectal cancer presented by Councilwoman Quillman.

2:46

Okay, a proclamation.

2:48

Whereas colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined.

2:57

Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with timely screening.

3:02

But one in three eligible Americans are not up to date on screening.

3:07

Colorectal cancer is increasing at an alarming rate among young people and is the leading cause of cancer death for men.

3:15

Second leading cause of cancer death for women under the age of 50.

3:20

In 2025, there were approximately 154,270 new cases and 52,900 deaths from colorectal cancer in the United States.

3:33

When colon cancer is found at an early age, one or two, the five-year survival rate is 91% cure, and it's 16% when found at stage 4.

3:46

The national goal established by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is to strive to increase timely colorectal cancer screening rates to 80% in every community for all Americans eligible for screening.

4:02

Observing colorectal cancer awareness month during the month of March provides a special opportunity to increase awareness and offer education on the importance of early detection and screening of colorectal cancer.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████████31%
Environmental Protection█████████████████17%
Public Health████████8%
Utilities and Infrastructure███████7%
Public Safety███████7%
Athletic Events██████6%
Parking Issues█████5%
Historic Preservation████4%
Public Transportation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Joliet City Council met on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Lonnie Posley, followed by a proclamation recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, presented by Councilwoman Quillman, with remarks from three-time cancer survivor Wenora Johnson. Mayor D'Arcy also recognized boxer Jojo Awinongya Jr. for his recent international tournament success. The council approved a consent agenda, several contracts, liquor licenses, and resolutions, and heard public comments expressing strong opposition to a proposed data center.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the minutes of previous meetings (Pre-Council Feb 2, Council Feb 3, Combined Feb 17, 2026).
  • Approved invoices to be paid.
  • Approved award of contracts and agreements:
    • Well 23D Rehabilitation to Great Lakes Water Resources Group ($218,300.00).
    • District Metered Area Management professional services to McKim & Creed Inc. ($168,000.00).
    • 2026 Water Loss Control Technical Assistance Program to Cavanaugh & Associates PA ($668,355.00).
    • 2026 Sanitary Sewer Investigation and Rehabilitation Program to RJN Group Inc. ($409,595.00).
    • 2026 Leak Detection and Meter Testing Services to M.E. Simpson Co. Inc. ($595,440.00).
    • Amendment No. 1 for Geotechnical Services for Westside WWTP Expansion to SEECO Consultants Inc. ($6,110.00).
    • Change Order No. 1 for Marquette Park Water Main Improvements (deduction of $359,193.74, final payment $515,575.25).
    • Payment to JULIE Illinois One-Call System Services ($30,591.25).
    • Payment for Joliet Slammers Stadium Structural Steel Painting to Cosgrove Construction Inc. ($409,660.00).
    • Contract Amendment with Borderless Studios for Choice Neighborhood Initiative Grant (funded by HUD).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Andrea Baumhardt raised concerns about the proposed data center, questioning the type of generators (Tier 2 vs. Tier 4), number of generators (550–600 for an 1800 MW facility), and frequency of testing. She urged the council to consider air quality impacts on children and pregnant women.
  • Rick Norman expressed opposition, stating that clean air and water are more important than data centers. He shared his personal health struggles (brain tumor, disability) and argued that the data center would bring cancer-causing pollution. He noted Councilwoman Ibarra has stated she will vote no, and urged the rest to follow.
  • Marjorie McNichols questioned the haste, size, and choice of developer for the data center. She suggested considering sustainable developers that use HVO biofuel or waste heat for greenhouses, and proposed linking the center to Joliet Junior College for tech and horticulture programs. She asked for a smaller, more innovative project.
  • Joe Jenkins thanked the city for closing Millsdale Road, which has improved traffic and reduced congestion.
  • Lerida Vargas, owner of 337 Third Avenue, reported that the rental property has been shot at three times in nine months, causing tenants to leave. She asked for assistance from the city.
  • Kathy Garthus spoke about difficulty accessing the library for the Comprehensive Plan workshop due to parking removal, and criticized the lack of phone service at the library. She also opposed the data center, stating it would harm her ability to find a home.

Discussion Items

  • Award of Contract No. 2938-0126 for JOL-08-04 Distribution System Upgrades to P.T. Ferro Construction Co. for $15,196,257.72. This is part of the Grand Prairie Water Project; the contract came in well under the estimated $28 million. Approved unanimously.
  • Issuance of Class “K” Liquor License at 1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive for Joliet Baseball Concessions LLC (subdivision of existing license). Councilman Hug clarified it is not a new license but a reissuance under a new company name. Approved unanimously.
  • Issuance of Class “B” Liquor License at 113 N. Ottawa Street for The Matise. Councilwoman Ibarra expressed excitement about the venue. Approved unanimously.
  • Resolutions:
    • Resolution appropriating supplemental Motor Fuel Tax funds for Bridge Street roadway improvement project (Nicholson St. to Center St.). Adopted (Resolution 8254).
    • Resolution accepting public utility easement from Larkin Village Apartment for Larkin Avenue Water Main Improvements. Adopted (Resolution 8255).
    • Resolution approving easement agreement for water transmission main with Plainfield Community Consolidated School District No. 202 (Plainfield South High School). Adopted (Resolution 8256).
    • Resolution approving honorary street name designation for Michael Austin Clark Way (Glenwood Avenue between Hames Avenue and Market Avenue). Adopted (Resolution 8257).
    • Resolution accepting permanent easement for 652 Collins Street parking lot on the alley improvements project. Adopted (Resolution 8258).

Key Outcomes

  • All consent agenda items, the main agenda item (contract award), all liquor license issuances, and all resolutions were approved by unanimous vote (9-0) of the council.
  • The council did not vote on the proposed data center; it was not on the agenda. Public comments indicate strong opposition and a future vote may be scheduled.
  • The city manager reminded residents of the second Comprehensive Plan community workshop and upcoming events at Bicentennial Park.
  • Mayor D'Arcy reported on his trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal funding for the regional water project, meeting with Senators Durbin and Duckworth and several Congress members.
  • Councilwoman Reardon noted the swearing-in of nine new firemen.
  • Councilwoman Quillman highlighted the UCP Chef's Tasting event.
  • Councilman Mudron congratulated Mike Hanson on his induction into Joliet Catholic Academy Business Hall of Champions.
  • Councilwoman Ibarra thanked all city employees for Employee Appreciation Week.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome everyone to the City of Joliet City Council meeting this evening, March 3rd, here in the City Hall Chambers at 6 30. Presiding over the meeting is our mayor, Terry Darcy. We will have an invocation from Pastor Lanny Posley of the New Canon Land Christian Church at 225 East Quinton Street. Before we pray, we want to also lift up Brian Lewis, who's one of the first officers that we work with. And I just got the news, so we want to keep him in prayer as well. And we thank God for this great opportunity. And then I want to acknowledge the mayor for his great support during our super solo bowl celebration. The community came out in big numbers, and we want to tell you thankfully. Thank you publicly. Let us pray all heads about, eyes closed. You talk about what you are in God, our father from everlasting to everlasting. We come to tell you thank you. Thank you, God, for your goodness, your mercy, and your grace. God, our prayer is those that stands in the leadership role, God, that they will do justice and the righteousness, God. Mindful of their decision making. Everyone God that sits on this on the roster tonight, God. I pray you bless them individually and collectively. God, I pray that your will be done, the same will that's being performed in heaven that it'll be performed down here on earth. And God, we pray that we'd be mindful to do all things in decent and order. For it is in Jesus' name we pray. And all God's people said together, Amen. Amen. Amen and amen. College of allegiance. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, Pastor Folk. Thank you. Good to see you. Good to see you everyone. Okay. We'll begin with roll call. Mayor Darcy. Here. Councilman Cardinals. Councilman Clement? Here. Councilman Hug? Here. Councilwoman of Barrow. Here. Councilman Marino. Councilman Mudron. Here. Councilwoman Quillman. Here. Councilwoman Reardon. Here. Under Mayor is a proclamation recognizing colorectal cancer presented by Councilwoman Quillman.

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