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.

Okay, a proclamation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Americans in rural areas are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer than Americans in urban areas.

American Indian Alaska natives, black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more likely to die from the disease than other groups.

And colorectal cancer is expected to account for 12% of cancer deaths among Hispanic men and 9% of cancer deaths for Hispanic women.

Now therefore I, Terry Darcy, Mayor of the City of Joliet, Illinois, on behalf of the Jolie City Council, do hereby proclaim March 26th as colorectal cancer awareness month, dated March 3rd, 2026, and signed by Terry Darcy, Mayor of Joliet.

And I might add, I know people, I'm a nurse, okay, Swordton department.

People are afraid of colonoscopies, okay.

But there's another test that can you can take before that.

It's called coligar.

So ask your doctor, you say you want the test, you take it at your home, and then you mail your sample in.

And a lot of times that's that's early detection as well.

Now, a colonoscopy, very simple procedure.

You go in, they give you some nice happy drugs, put you to sleep.

After you do the little prep, not a big deal.

And if there's something there, they'll take biopsies and they can take it out right away.

I, for one, have a family history of colorectal cancer.

So I have to go every three years for a colonoscopy because the cola guard won't help me because I am a polyp breeder.

And the polyps are the ones that grow out and end up cancer, and it's once it's too late.

Good luck.

So this could be prevented, so people, why not?

It's just they save it for yourself, save your family from all the terrible things that happen when it gets to stage four.

So I will relinquish the council.

Good station.

And you should know.

I should know.

And what I love to do is just take three minutes of your time to really bring home that message.

And um used to work for us too.

It's all yours, my dear.

Thank you.

So good evening, mayor, members of the city council, city staff, community partners, and residents of Joliet.

My name is Winore Johnson, and I'm deeply honored to stand before you today to say thank you.

On behalf of patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, and families who whose lives have been touched by colorectal cancer.

Thank you to the City of Joliet for issuing this proclamation recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month for the third year in a row.

You see, consistency matters.

It tells this community that awareness is not a one-time gesture.

It tells people who are quietly worried about symptoms, people delaying screenings, and families navigating a diagnosis that their city sees them, supports them, and stands with them.

As a three-time cancer survivor, patient and research advocate, I know firsthand that proclamations like this are more than words on paper.

They are a call to action, and sometimes they are the push someone needs to make a life-saving appointment.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early.

Yeah, it remains one of the deadliest.

And what makes this moment especially urgent is this.

Colon cancer is killing more young people in the United States more than ever.

This year it was declared that individuals under the age of 50, it is the number one cause of death.

And if that isn't a wake-up call, we all should be sending out that message.

In fact, colorectal cancer, because it is a leading cause of death among men under 50 and a second leading cause of women under 50.

That's why I'm standing before you.

I was under the age of 50 when I was diagnosed myself.

This is no longer a disease that is affecting older adults.

It is impacting people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, parents, professionals, caregivers, and community leaders.

Many who never thought screening applied to them.

And too often their symptoms are dismissed, delayed, or overlooked.

That is why screening matters.

That is why education matters.

And that is why leadership from cities like Joliet matters.

Tonight I want to acknowledge the role local governments play in shaping public health conversations.

When a city takes a stand like this, it sends a powerful message that prevention is a priority.

That saving lives starts at the community level.

So thank you, City of Joliet, for your continued commitment.

And thank you again for recognizing that colorectal cancer awareness is not just a month, but it's a mission.

So thank you again.

And I'll be back again next year bugging you.

And my children and grandchildren here who are always supporting me, are also holding a proclamation from the state of Illinois that uh Governor J.B.

Are also holding a proclamation from the state of Illinois that uh Governor J.D.

Prisker also put into play.

So I'm thinking both.

And uh appreciate the recognition.

Well, Nori one with the council.

Okay, well I'll get out.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'd like to call a friend of ours up to the podium, Jojo Howen Gaia.

Uh tell us a little bit about what you've been up to.

I know you've been traveling to Europe and uh doing a great job for Joliet and for your family, and appreciate everything you're doing.

Yep, so uh uh good evening for everybody today.

And uh I'm very very happy to come here today.

I thought we came back from Bulgaria.

When uh when I was going to Bulgaria, I don't know what to expect.

Everybody in the country, even the outside the whole world, everybody wanna sign Joseph.

Everybody's throwing money into me, they want to give me millions to send to them professional.

But uh when I was going to Bulgaria, I don't know what to expect.

I don't know because now he's our dog, it's 18 years old, he's gonna be fighting man, 36 years old, 35 coming down to from 20, going up.

So I was asking myself.

The people that have a belief on Joseph gonna go to Olympus, should I go back and tell them that maybe we're gonna tend to go to professional.

And when I got there, and the five started fought the first guy from Cuba.

He beat him.

The second guy, he fought from Kazakhstan, he used to be number one in the world, he's he came back, he came up to heaven with Joseph did good against him.

Then I start asking myself a question.

I said, I think we're gonna go to Olympics.

I say I know Joliet, the spirit of Joliet.

There's a couple of people here who went to Olympus.

So we're gonna sit down, we're gonna take that spirit from Joliet to get to Olympus.

And I want to say thank you for everybody who is supporting the mayor, everybody over here, Roy, always in the gym with me, forcing me to get to where I have to get.

And Joseph is doing really great.

Now I know for sure we're gonna be in Olympus in uh uh uh in California 2028, and I believe that hundred percent.

We're gonna say people that we fought them, we're gonna be fighting them again.

We're gonna meet them in Bulgaria, we're gonna meet them in China, and the last tournament is gonna be in Mexico.

So we're gonna find a way to prepare him.

He's supposed to go to camp on the eighth.

I told him that he can't come to on the 16th.

I have something that I have to work on it.

So he's gonna go with back to camp on the 16th, and then from there it's going to so he's going to everywhere around the world to go and fight.

And I know the spirit of Joliet is gonna take him to the Olympus.

So thank you guys a lot.

Uh so basically, as he just said, uh, we have our next tournament coming up uh, I believe April 4th.

And that's going to be the next one in Brazil, where I'll be facing against the same opponents I just went against.

So this past uh February 18th, we left off to Sofia Bulgaria, where we went against about 40 different countries.

I was able to place top three within the weight division, went against some of the best in the world, and it's just a whole new space where I'm able to go ahead and see what I'm able to do as a uh grown adult now.

So we have multiple different opponents all being ranked from the top one to whatever it may be, but I was able to go ahead and come out with top three and then being able to showcase in my first international tournament that I'm able to accomplish something great.

So now going into the next one, Aiming for Gold in Brazil, and then from there going ahead and winning the Pan Ams and doing well in uh what is it, China?

So it's just it's going to be a great venture this year, and uh just want to have to say thank you to all of you guys for the continuing support and knowing that I do have Joliet behind me, so thank you.

Thank you.

Can you see the mayor?

I can ask it.

Can you see the mayor now?

Congratulations.

I forgot the lessons.

Okay, next is the approval of the agenda.

Is there a motion to approve the agenda as written?

So move.

Second.

It's been motion and second and to approve.

Councilman Cardinus.

Aye.

Councilman Clement?

Aye.

Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Councilwoman Abarra?

Aye.

Councilman Marino.

Aye.

Councilman Mudron.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quillman.

Aye.

Councilman Burden.

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Next is citizens to be heard on agenda items.

Is there anyone who would like to speak on an agenda item this evening?

This is on an agenda item.

Okay.

Seeing none.

Under appointments.

The mayor is recommending Kenneth Spiegel and Aaron McCodis to be reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Is there a motion to approve?

So moved.

Second.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve.

Councilman Clement?

Aye.

Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Councilman of Barra?

Aye.

Councilman Moreno.

Aye.

Councilman Mudrin.

Aye.

Councilman Quillman.

Aye.

Councilman Rodin.

Aye.

Councilman Cardinus?

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

The mayor is recommending Rita Renwick, Mary Shaneheider, and Betsy Statcher be reappointed to the tree advisory board.

Is there a motion to approve?

So move.

Second.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve.

Councilman Hug?

Councilwoman of Barrow?

Aye.

Councilman Marino.

Aye.

Councilman Mudron.

Aye.

Councilman Quillman?

Aye.

Councilman Rudin.

Aye.

Councilman Cardinals.

Aye.

Councilman Clement?

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Next are council committee reports.

Land use and economic development will start.

Land use and economic development committee met Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 here at 3:30 in City Hall of Council Chambers.

In attendance was uh councilwoman Ibarra and myself.

Councilman Mudra was unable to attend.

Uh we have the approval of the minutes, and then we reviewed agenda item TNP 9510, honorary street name designation for Michael Austin Clark Way, whereas Glenwood Avenue between Hames Avenue and Market Avenue.

We had public comments where public comments were made by family members and friends in school support of it.

After following our review and discussion, the committee recommended advancing this item to the full council for approval for approval with our support, which is on today's agenda item.

Anyone add anything else, Councilman Barr?

No, I think that's that.

Thank you.

Public assets.

So the public assets committee met on Wednesday, February 25th at 5 p.m.

in the executive conference room.

In attendance were Councilman Clement, Councilman Marino, and myself, along with Blake Klein facilities director, Night Train Back, Joliet Slammers, and Greg Preebolt, Jolet Area Historical Museum.

We approved the minutes from December 15th, 2025.

There were no citizens to be heard on agenda items, and there were two agenda items.

The first was an approval of the Jolia Slammer structural steel painting project as a part of the four-year capital improvement plan.

This is a three, this is year three, and the largest phase of the plan.

This year's painting will be for all of the concourse level and the front of the suite level.

This is done to protect the durability and longevity of the structural steel.

The second item was an amendment to Allied Universal Security Services, and that term.

And before this season gets going in May, most importantly is the special exhibition game held at the old Juliet Prison on April 30th.

Tickets go on sale March 11th.

Interest is a very high for this game, and people are very excited about this game.

It has been featured on podcasts all over the country, LB.com and Yahoo Sports, including, I'm sure many, many more since last week.

A new exhibit is being featured called Rebel Music.

Women uh women of color who changed the B.

Stop by to check this out.

The museum staff is working closely with the slammers on the big house ball game and Route 66 Centennial Celebration.

So many great things happening in the city of Joliet.

Do you have anything to add, Councilman Clement or Councilman Marina?

Okay, that is my report, Mayor.

Thank you.

And public service.

Public service met yesterday.

March 2nd, Monday, 2026 here in the council chambers at 430 in the afternoon on the committee in attendance with Councilwoman Meredith and Councilman Mudron and myself, Councilman Hudd.

We have six contracts and three change orders pass and final payments to review.

Half of the contracts were no surprise related to the ongoing alternative water project.

Um we looked at one contract.

Uh there was a uh well 23D that needed to be removed and then had it replaced and repaired 218,300.

We looked at our professional services agreement for the district metering, meaning right now we have we've divided the city into six district meters so that we can locate leaks more easily, but we're actually expanding that to 26, kind of subdividing it.

It'll be 26 meters.

So the company that we looked at, the contract with is uh uh McKinnon Creed.

They specialize in this type of stuff, and that was for a contract of 168,000.

Um we also looked at an agreement uh for Kavanaugh Associates specializes in water loss control to continue on as our uh consultant moving forward in 26, 2026, and that was a uh professional services agreement contract worth 668,000.

Um we looked uh at uh extend you know the extent extending into 2026 our sanitary sewer investigation and rehabilit rehabilitation program to RJN group has been working on that for quite some while some time for about 410,000.

Um there was nothing we did close out the Marquette Park water main improvements and the change order was a subtraction of 360 grand, and so that lowered the final payment to close that out to 515,000.

We looked at all six contracts, we looked at three of the uh of the items on the change orders.

We found them all to be routine and in order, and uh unanimously voted to send them forward to the full council with committee recommendation to approve.

Um, under ordinance and resolutions, we have some housekeeping.

Whenever you spend more fuel tax, you have to actually go through the exercise of approving that expenditure.

So again, we looked at the four items under ordinance and resolutions that you'll find all of these items on the agenda for the council meeting, and those two were unanimously approved for recommendation to be approved by the full council.

And I think that's all I have, unless I missed something, folks.

Let's go.

That's my report then, ma'am.

Thank you.

I show no other reports.

Under consent agenda, approval of minutes.

It is recommended the minutes of the pre-council meeting February 2nd, 2026.

Council meeting February 3rd, 2026, and the combined council meeting February 17th, 2026, stand approved as recorded.

Invoices to be paid.

It is recommended this report be approved.

Council Memo number 140-26, award of contract number 2962-0226 for the well 23D rehabilitation to Great Lakes Water Resources Group and the amount of 218,300.

Council Memo number 141-26, the word of professional services agreement for the district metered area management to McKimmon Creed Incorporated in the amount of 168,000 dollars.

Council Memo number 142-26, award of professional services agreement for the 2026 water loss control technical assistance program to Kavanaugh and Associates PA in the amount of 668,355.

Council Memo number 143-26 award of professional services agreement for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Investigation and Rehabilitation Program to RJAN Group Incorporated in the amount of 409,595.

Council Memo number 144-26, award of 2026 Public Utilities Department Leak Detection and Meter Testing Services Agreement to ME Simpson Simpson Company Incorporated in the amount of 595,440.

Councilmember number 145-26 approval of amendment number one to the professional services agreement for the geotechnical services for the West Side Wastewater Treatment Expansion Project to CO Consultants Incorporated in the in the amount of $6,110.

Councilmember number 146-26 approval of change order number one for the Marquette Park Watermane Improvements Project to construction by Camco Incorporated for deduction in the amount of 359,1937 and pay estimate number six and final in the amount of 515,575 and 25 cents.

Councilmember number 147-26 approval of payment to Julie Illinois one call system services to Julie Incorporated in the amount of $30,591 and 25 cents.

Councilmember number 148-26, award of payment for the Juliet Slammer Stadium structural steel painting to Cosgrove Construction Incorporated in the amount of 409,660.

Councilmember number 149-26 approve a contract amendment with borderless studios for work associated with the choice neighborhood initiative grant.

It is recommended Councilmemos 140-26 through 149-26 be approved.

Is there a motion to approve all said consent agenda items?

Moved approved.

Second.

Mayor?

Yeah.

Just a question clarification on item 149.

Um the grant amendment with borderless approved.

That entire project that is uh being paid for by um the federal housing and urban development department grant yes sir.

Okay, thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve.

Councilman Barra?

Aye.

Councilman Moreno?

Aye.

Councilman Mudron?

Aye.

Councilwoman McQuilman?

Aye.

Councilman Rudin.

Aye.

Councilman Cardinus.

Aye.

Councilman Clement?

Aye.

Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Agenda items.

Council Memo number 151-26.

Award of contract number 2938-0126.

For the J O Lero Eight-04 Distribution System Upgrades Project to PT Farrow Construction Company in the amount of $15,196, $257.72.

It is recommended Council Member number 151-26 be approved.

So moved.

Second.

Any comments or questions?

It's all part of the Grand Prairie Water Project.

So these are big numbers, but it's all accounted for.

And Mayor, have you noticed?

I'm sure you did.

Came way under the estimate.

Way under.

The estimate was like 28,000 28 million.

We came in at a very competitive 15 million.

Yeah, we're doing a lot of it.

That's really good.

I don't think so.

No.

All right, thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve.

Councilman Marino.

Aye.

Councilman Mudrin.

Aye.

Councilwoman McComan?

Aye.

Councilwoman Rudin.

Aye.

Councilman Cardinals.

Councilman Clement.

Aye.

Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Councilman Abarra.

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Licenses and permit applications.

Council Memo number 153-26.

Issuance of Class K liquor license at one Mayor Art Schultz Drive.

Joliet Baseball Concessions LLC.

Is there a motion to approve the issuance of said liquor license?

So moved.

Second.

Any comments or questions?

Question Mayor, but just for clarification.

On this one, too.

Anyone watching, we're not giving another liberal license.

It's because they've subdivided and they have a new company, so a different name on the unliqual license just for concessions.

But they've always had the same license.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you.

It's been motion and seconded to approve.

Councilman Mudron.

Aye.

Councilwoman McQuillen.

Aye.

Councilman Rudin.

Aye.

Council McCartanus.

Aye.

Councilmanclement.

Aye.

Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Councilwoman Navarro.

Aye.

Councilman Moreno?

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Councilmember number one fifty-four-26.

Issuance of Class B liquor license at 113 North Ottawa Street.

The Matisse.

Is there a motion to approve the issuance of said liquor license?

So moved.

Second.

Any comments or questions?

Uh I have a comment, Mayor.

I'm very excited about this venue.

That's all I have to say.

Thank you.

It's been motion and seconded to approve.

Councilwoman McQuillman.

Aye.

Councilman Rudin.

Aye.

Council McCartanus.

Aye.

Council McClement?

Aye.

Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Councilman of Barra?

Aye.

Councilman Moreno?

Aye.

Councilman Mudron.

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Under resolutions.

Council Member No.

156-26.

Resolution appropriating supplemental motor fuel tax funds for the Bridge Street, Nicholson Street to Center Street, Roadway Improvement Project.

MFT section number 24-00562-00-FP.

It is recommended that resolution be adopted.

Second.

Sorry.

Okay.

Any comments, questions?

It's been motioned and seconded to approve.

Councilman Rudan.

Aye.

Councilman Cardinals.

Aye.

Councilman Clement.

Aye.

Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Councilwoman of Barra?

Aye.

Councilman Moreno?

Aye.

Councilman Mudron?

Aye.

Councilman McCloman?

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Councilmember number 157-26 resolution accepting a grant of public utility easement from Larkin Village Apartment, DBA Larkin Village LP for the Larkin Avenue Water Main Improvements Project.

It is recommended said resolution be adopted.

Motion approved.

Second.

Any comments, questions?

Thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve.

Councilman McCartanist?

Aye.

Council McClement?

Aye.

Councilman Hugg.

Aye.

Councilman Barra?

Aye.

Councilman Moreno?

Aye.

Councilman Mudron?

Aye.

Councilman Coleman?

Aye.

Councilman Rudin.

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Councilmember number 158-26 resolution approving easement agreement for water transmission main with Plainfield Community Consolidated School District number 202, Plainfield South High School, 7800 Caton Farm Road.

It is recommended said resolution be adopted.

So moved.

Second.

Any comments or questions?

Thank you.

It's been motioned, seconded to approve.

Councilmanc Clement?

Aye.

Councilman Hug?

Aye.

Councilman Abarra?

Aye.

Councilman Moreno?

Aye.

Councilman Mudrin.

Aye.

Councilman McQuillman?

Aye.

Councilman Rudin.

Aye.

Councilman Cardinals?

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Councilmember number 159-26.

Resolution approving an honorary street name designation for Michael Austin Clark Way.

It is recommended said resolution be adopted.

So motion second.

Any comments or questions?

We're very glad to do this.

Thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve.

Councilman Hugg?

Aye.

Councilwoman of Barra?

Aye.

Councilman Moreno?

Aye.

Councilman Mudron.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quillman?

Aye.

Councilman Rudin.

Aye.

Councilman Cardinus?

Aye.

Councilman Clement?

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Councilmember number one six zero-26.

Resolution accepting a grant of permanent easement for 652 Collins Street parking lot on the 652 Collins Street Alley Improvements Project.

It is recommended said resolution be adopted.

So moved.

Second.

Any comments or questions?

Thank you.

It's been motioned and seconded to approve.

Councilwoman of Barra?

Aye.

Councilman Moreno?

Aye.

Councilman Mudron.

Aye.

Councilwoman McQuillman.

Aye.

Councilwoman Rudin.

Aye.

Councilman Cardinus.

Councilman McClellan.

Aye.

Councilman Hugg.

Aye.

Mayor Darcy.

Aye.

Motion carried.

Next is the city manager's report.

Good evening, everyone.

This past Thursday, I attended our second community workshop at Joliet Public Library, where we gathered input from residents on the direction of our comprehensive plan.

We'd like to thank everyone who participated.

We really want to hear from as many people as possible at these workshops, and we've been satisfied with the turnout we've seen thus far.

For anyone curious about what we've learned from the public so far and how this feedback is being used to craft the comprehensive plan.

We have a vision, goals, and objectives report available on Joliet.gov that outlines the backbone of the comprehensive plan, providing direction on land use, housing, mobility, infrastructure, economic development, and more.

I'd encourage everyone to take a look at that document.

I also want to highlight some upcoming programming at Billy Lee Mecker Bicentennial Park and Theater for the months of March and April.

In addition to a variety of local theater poetry and youth arts opportunities, we're particularly excited about the theater performance being staged by Providence Catholic High School and Juliet Catholic Academy.

Providence Catholic High School will be performing Little Shop of Horrors, but they're calling it Small Store of Terror right now because Little Shop of Horrors is on Broadway.

And apparently, if they're playing on Broadway, you can't use the real name.

So it's called Small Store of Terror.

That will play on March 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th.

And Julie Catholic Academy Drama will be performing the musical comedy anything goes on March 26th, 27th, and 28th.

We'd like to wish our young performers good luck as they prepare for their opening nights and encourage anyone who's interested in attending.

Lastly, I would like to recognize this week that is employee appreciation week.

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every City of Juliet employee for the dedication, professionalism, and hard work they demonstrate every day in service to our community.

I am also proud to share that the City of Joliet was recognized in the 2025 Will and Grunley County's Top Workplaces Awards as a number one top municipality to work for by the Herald News Shaw Media.

This distinction is a direct reflection of the commitment of our employees and the strong culture they help create across our organization.

That's all I have for tonight.

Next, we have public comments.

So you know the generators.

I indicated to him like where I lived in proximity, and I asked him, be honest with me.

Like what do I have to worry about here?

Okay.

And we talked for a little bit, and then he said, you need to push for tier four generators, not tier two.

And you know what?

I had not started researching the difference between the two yet.

So I was kind of concerned.

Okay.

And um, I'm not the only person that lives around there.

Um, I don't know which of you has your district that's around there, but um maybe you should start talking to those people.

Okay.

Um I was looking online at your website, and at both websites actually, because you know, there's this plea out there that everybody's being transparent for public protection.

Um, we are 48 hours out now from the planned votes on Thursday, and all of the documents are supposed to be posted within 48 hours.

Okay.

On your FAQ, which was on there.

I can't find any evidence that talks about what types of generators are going to be used.

It's not listed.

Doesn't talk about if they're tier two or tier four.

It doesn't talk about how many there will be.

My understanding with an 1800 megawatt facility, that's could be anywhere between 550 and 600.

It doesn't talk about how often they will run, which could be weekly, monthly, we don't know how they're going to be tested, or like for what duration, if it would be 15 minutes or an hour.

So knowing that air quality greatly affects mostly like small children and pregnant women because of the rate of which they absorb oxygen.

Um, and being a mom myself, I just find that like very alarming, and I think that even if you are considering voting for this, you really need to be having those conversations about your quality and generators and how it's going to affect your community.

Thank you.

Rick Norman.

We can live without data centers.

Well, we can't live without fresh, clean, unpolluted water and air, farmers, agriculture, and land.

It's time to build communities, not data centers.

I already have cancer.

I can't risk or afford another cancer diagnosis.

When I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017, I saved almost 30 grand to put towards a down payment on the house.

Nothing on reach, nothing modest to begin with.

By the end of the following year, the entirety of my savings were gone because of medical bills.

I'm disabled.

Our seizures, and since my brain surgery, a left field vision cut blind on my left peripheral.

I'll never be able to drive again.

Though they removed over 50% of my brain tumor, finished radiation and chemo, they couldn't remove the remaining in the areas of my brain where it's inoperable.

Jen Quillman.

Earlier you spoke of advising for cancer screenings.

Why would you vote to approve this data center with its cancer-causing pollution?

I'm currently looking to be a homeowner again, but I'm not going to move forward with it until data centers have been banned from Joliet.

Approving of this, I would have to at least Joliet likely Illinois altogether.

A great majority of area residents would.

This town would become a ghost town like happened in Wooddale, Illinois, and countless other towns.

Why?

I don't know where I'd go to get away from data centers.

I surely don't want to go anywhere less black than Joliet.

And these data centers do target poor black and brown communities.

I possibly have to hit the road and become a nomad.

Moving out of state or becoming a vegan bond either, which is feasible.

Y'all were voted in office to protect the best interests of Joliet residents.

What are y'all doing to uphold that duty to represent the Joliet area community residents and talks with these despicable data center pins?

Approving this data center proposal shows that this council not only doesn't care but hates the very residents of the community.

Y'all are beholden to vote for voting you all into office.

Susanna Ibalra informed me she's voting no on the proposed data center.

The rest of this council needs to follow her lead and vote no on this proposed data center.

Marjorie McNichols.

Hi.

Hi everybody, and thank you all for giving us this chance to express ourselves.

So I have questions, primarily questions.

Why such a big data center?

Why are you moving so fast?

Is this the best developer?

Is this the best data center?

Is any other company under consideration?

How is the development of this data center going to weather the inevitable changes in AI and data technology in general?

You make a decision now that has a footprint for 40 or 50 years.

None of us will be here.

Some of us may live long enough.

None of us may be here.

But the decision truly, truly matters.

I looked at an article in Data Center magazine today that listed 10 sustainable developers of data centers.

Arcadis was listed.

Interestingly enough, not every data center has to use diesel fuel in their generators.

Some use HVO, which is the food product, biofuel.

That eliminates the issue of nitrous oxide.

I've got to give you my asthmatic cloth.

Okay?

And I've got to remind you that we may not just affect Joliet.

The wind blows from the west typically, so you could expect the asthma rate to raise, rise in Lennox, right?

There are data centers that use the waste heat.

They put a greenhouse on the top.

And this is not just once, there are several.

And they're not all located in exotic locations like Finland or Denmark, you know, where they have natural built and cooling.

So they put green houses on the top floor because the heat rises.

Then they raise vegetables.

Okay.

I'm enchanted by the idea that you could link Joliet Junior College tech students to a facility where they could get hands-on true tech experience.

But I'd be even more enchanted if the horticulture guys could come over and then the culinary arts people could cook with the vegetables.

Joliet, I love Joliet.

I came to Joliet 45 years ago, and I've never loved.

I love Juliet.

Joliet is a world-class city.

Joliet has location.

Joliet has people with heart, fabulous people.

Why go for a mediocre product that's really obsolete before it's built?

They want power lanes.

They want to use grid.

Many of these sustainable developers create their own energy for this.

Water is a concern.

We have aquifers that we need to cherish and protect.

And so I simply want to ask you, why rush?

And why commit to such a huge development when you could try something smaller, like what Minuke is doing?

Manooka is working with one of these sustainable developers.

I wish I could arouse the curiosity curiosity and creativity that I think this council possesses to truly give us a data center that would make Joliet even better than this current plan.

And so I thank you so very much.

Joe Jenkins.

So the reason why I came here today is because they finally cleared they finally closed Middlesdale Road.

And I just want to say thank you for you know making that possible because it has made a big difference out there with the traffic and stuff.

You know, they're they're finishing up the construction part of it, but that's mainly why I wanted to come here and just say thanks for getting that done because before that it was a total disaster with all those trucks and cars and all the madness out there, and now the way it is, it's almost like a ghost town out there, but that's mainly why I want to come here to say thanks for making that happen.

Thank you.

Larita Vargas.

Um we're the owners at uh 337 Third Avenue.

Uh we rent that uh place and the family behind me, uh, you know, it's the uh um couple and then the baby.

Um they've been living there for three nine months, I'm sorry, and uh it's been three shootings to the house.

Uh so we're very, you know, uh we're losing the our, you know, they're they're no longer wanting to live there anymore.

And you know, we uh put police reports, um, I mean, and they, you know, we want to come here to see if there's something you can do uh to help us, as you can see, there's you know, they have a baby, it's the uh it's the third time that they you know they shoot the house.

And you know, it's the the house.

It's not like the name, you know, that the street, it's it's the house.

Uh so we're ready to current sign, and we're just here to see if there's somebody you can do to help us.

Thank you.

Okay, that is everybody that I have signed up.

Is there anyone else who would like to address the council this evening?

Good evening, good afternoon, good morning, depending on your time zone and state of mind.

Um, is the data centers go?

I've been studying data centers for quite some time all over the world.

Not just states, they're not what you think they are at all.

I went to the JJC Expo.

Nobody there from Hillwood or anybody else had a business car.

Nobody could answer one question about a technical specification.

They couldn't even tell me who the occupants were going to be and who actually was going to run it.

And as far she mentioned the diesels, uh, the generators.

When I went by the guy with the air quality sign, and I looked at his air quality sign.

And I said, you know what?

I'm not even going to address that line.

I said, I worked at a six-hole cotton station.

Burn six or next nastiest thing you can burn the coal.

And on their side, they said, Oh, it emits less pollution than your car.

And I said, I'm not even going to address that.

As far as the switch yard substation, I talked to the carmade guys.

I told them what I did for 48 years.

And I said now.

You know the residents are going to pick up the tab for this, the switch art, a substation.

I looked at the plants.

There's quite a few substation tools for it to do the maintenance.

I talked to the Hillwood guys, and they used to be ex utility guys, and they just smile.

Yeah, and I said, I know what that means.

I looked down here and I said Joliet Technology Center subdivisions, B, engineering review fee.

$9,775?

What?

There's no technical details.

When I was talking to the guy with the water, I asked him how many gallons per hour we want to do this thing.

He looks at me.

What?

Like, yeah, gallons per hour.

So you're gonna have Glycall chillers, you're gonna have some kind of chillers.

Where's the words to water recycle?

What do you do for water for Glycall leaves?

Nobody could answer anything.

Who's going to do the testing of the substation?

Switch yard.

No answers.

Mm-hmm.

You need to press them for some questions in that 95?

You need to demand a reform.

You guys know me.

Okay, they are this.

One of the things I want to say is I did try to go to that comprehensive plan meeting over there at the library last week.

And when I ran into trying to find, and even just calling, trying to call the library and trying to find out where am I supposed to park.

You know, because I don't go down there every much.

They took away the parking, the free parking lot they had to do that improvement, do that beautation, stuff up Joey at, but they took away the parking for the library.

And I'm handicapped and disabled, and I was trying to call the library.

Now, how many times do you think you should have to call the library to get somebody to answer a phone?

I call the library and calling the library 16 times while I'm driving to the to the trying to get to that comprehensive meeting.

My phone's on my dash, I'm driving my two hands on the wheel.

I'm trying to get these people at the library to pick the phone up and tell me where am I supposed to be able to park to get in their library for this meeting.

And nobody would tell me.

We had one guy that called me back after the ninth call from the library.

I'm trying to find out where do I go.

He ends up hanging the phone up.

He hung the phone up.

So I'm trying another another uh seven times to try to get somebody to answer that phone.

And when I finally got to the got there, I end up finding my own parking spot in the in the garage, parking garage just uh south of the library there.

I seen Sherry when I was come coming in.

Sherry was walking out.

Sherry says, Hey, get up there, share their ideas.

I tried to do that.

I tried to, you know, ask questions at the library who is responsible for answering the phone.

So how many times I got a call to get somebody to answer a phone?

I don't know what was that I did wrong just by doing that.

I end up calling the library and showing them whoop.

I'm calling the library, and you got all these people at these desks at the library, and not one phone is ringing.

When I'm calling the library, you got all these workers, got these phones right at their desks, and these phones are not ringing.

And nobody's modern yellow course, but the phone's not ringing, nobody's gonna pick the phone up and answer it.

So we got all these phones just sitting there lighting up on people's desks just for pretty lights, just decoration.

Well, nobody will answer the phone for you.

Not to, you know, all I went through that night, the stress level and everything.

I felt like I said, I have a heart attack.

Then I get trapped in the parking garage trying to leave because I don't have a debit card credit card to get out of it.

It was just the soul politeness of a citizen using her debit card to pay to get me out of that garage.

So this parking garages and the parking issues are still a big thing and need to be addressed.

We need more parking for people with handicap.

And if you're gonna have this comprehensive plan, meeting meeting, have it somewhere else where it's more accessible to people.

Where do you got plenty of parking for it?

And lastly, I want to say about these data centers.

I am trying to find a home.

And a homes, I've been looking at a couple homes that are right over there in that area.

I'd like to buy a home and get out of this motel that I'm living in.

But if the guys are gonna vote that data center in, the homes I wanted, I want to buy over one of the homes I want to buy over there, which is right by it.

What's gonna be useful me buying a home?

Should I meant let this data center come in?

You know, I'm trying to live my life, I'm trying to go out with my life, but if you guys vote this data center in, how do you let people go out their lives?

You know, what more do you want to have happen me?

I'm trying to find reasons to live, and you guys are keep taking it away.

So don't vote for the status center for my my sake and anybody else's sake.

We don't want anybody else to suffer.

Please don't vote for it.

Is there anyone else who would like to address the council this evening?

Okay, seeing none, we will move on to mayor and council comments.

Okay, I just have one comment.

Um I just want to bring up the um fact that yesterday morning we had a swearing in at um the bicentennial park for nine new firemen.

So um congratulations to all of them.

Welcome and good luck.

And that's all I have.

On Sunday, I attended the UCP Tasting Chef's Tasting.

It was their 29th anniversary to raise money for nerd cerebral palsy.

Um Councilman Cardins was there as well.

And uh as always, it was very well attended, and they raise a lot of money.

I'm not sure what the final count was just yet, but as always, a very good time and um very enjoyable and a lot of exposure for some new residents and restaurants as well.

So that's all I have.

Thank you.

I'd like to congratulate Mike Hanson, who last week was being duct was d inducted into the Joy Catholic Academy business hall of champions with eight other people, one of which is our former judge Diana Harshample.

Congratulations.

During this employee appreciation week, I want to take a moment to thank every single person who works for the city of Joliet.

From our incredible East Side Road crew who do a fantastic job and are all always responsive to District 5, to our traffic enforcement officers who work closely with me to address traffic concerns, and our neighbor or neighborhood oriented officers who are constantly striving to strengthen and protect our communities.

Your dedication does not go unnoticed.

To all of our police officers who put uniforms on each day at risk, your lives to keep this city safe.

Please know that we see your sacrifice, and we deeply appreciate your service and commitment to our residents.

To our fire department, and especially the community cares program.

Thank you for transforming the relationship between residents and the fire department through compassion, care, and genuine human connection.

You have truly made a difference in people's lives.

To our IT department, thank you for your patience, kindness, and study support whenever I need technical help, which is a lot.

To our city managers, thank you for being responsive and attentive to the needs of our residents, corporation council, Todd Lindsay.

Thank you for always giving me the information I need, whether I like it or not.

I appreciate you.

Dustin Anderson, thank you for patiently walking me through ordinances time and time again.

Thank you.

Lauren O'Hara, you're super responsive, positivity, bright ray of sunshine, kindness and willingness to accommodate my demanding schedule, and ensure I am always informed and supported.

Thank you.

Christa Desidero, you were the first person at the City of Jolia who is both knowledgeable and incredibly kind.

Thank you.

City manager Beth Beatty, when I asked you for transparency and information for residents, you made it happen within two days.

Thank you so much.

I don't have my classes on, so I lost my spot.

But to all my colleagues on this council, each and every one of you is so unique, knowledgeable, and deeply caring about your districts or the city as a whole.

And to the mayor, you are the glue that holds this council together.

The study and patient presence, always ready with wisdom, a story, or even a prayer.

Really, really appreciate you.

You are all the heart and soul of what keeps this city of Jolia running strong.

Happy employee appreciation to every one of you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I just want to say what she said.

No, I just want to say thank you to all the residents that did show up that we're able to attend the comprehensive plan workshop.

It's very important.

I know sometimes it may seem like when we sit up here, we're not listening, but we really are, and we're trying to do the best we can is to do the research and to really get informed on all the uh the important decisions that we have to make.

And uh but it it's you know we focus on four key areas during this comprehensive plan workshop, and there was a lot of great feedback and a lot of participation.

There's been a lot of online participation, so I just want to encourage everyone to continue to participate.

Again, sometimes it may feel like it's falling on deaf ears, but believe me, I'm telling you it's not.

Uh we are listening, so just want to say thank you and thank you to the team for everything they do.

Thank you.

Dr.

Suzanne, I'm gonna be completely boring.

I'm sorry.

Um the only thing I've got last week I traveled to Washington, DC with uh a few mayors, Mayor De Bold from Shorewood, Mayor Schumacher from Shanahan, Allison Swisher was with us, uh Hugh O'Hara from the Will County Governmental League.

We went there to meet with our congressional delegates to emphasize the importance of our regional water project and the need for federal support.

Every Dow they give is brings down the cost of this project.

Last year we got a million dollars out of uh Congresswoman Underwood.

Uh this year we met with Senators Durbin and Duckworth, Congresswoman uh Congressman Darren Lahood, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood.

And we we uh offered ideas on projects anywhere from ten five to ten million dollars on different needs of this project to uh to make this thing happen.

So they're very receptive receptive, and I I really think that um we're gonna see more help from our federal friends.

So that's all I got.

God bless you and have a great night.

Okay.

Is there a motion to adjourn?

Some of Second.

All in favor?

Aye.

Aye.

Meeting adjourned.