Joliet City Council Meeting – April 8, 2026

The Joliet City Council met on April 8, 2026, at approximately 20:30 UTC to approve several routine resolutions, a zoning change, and tax abatements, and to hear public comments including a retirement tribute, a hero award presentation, and concerns about a previous data center vote. All items on the agenda were passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Council Memo 199-26: Approval of an amendment to a contract for security services with Universal Protection Services LP (DVA Allied Universal Security Services) in the amount of $80,516. The mayor clarified that once the police department reaches near-full staffing (at least 285 officers), security services will be brought back in-house. Passed unanimously.
• Council Memo 201-26: Ordinance approving the reclassification of 717 Henderson Avenue from R3-1 & 2 Family Residential to R2 Single Family Residential (Z-1-26). Passed unanimously.
• Council Memo 204-26: Resolution approving a property tax abatement at 3835 Young's Road, Joliet, for Hyundai Translate Incorporated. The abatement is a five-year, 50% tax abatement. Council members expressed concern about giving any abatements, but the mayor noted that this is minimal compared to other communities offering up to 100% for ten years. Passed unanimously.
• Council Memo 205-26: Resolution authorizing a property tax incentive with Supermercados Aguero Inc. at 118 East Jackson Street for tax year 2025. Passed unanimously.
• Council Memo 206-26: Resolution authorizing an intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the City of Joliet and the Joliet Park District. Passed unanimously.
• Council Memo 207-26: Resolution approving an easement agreement for water facility construction with Plainfield Park District (Robe Airways Soccer Complex, southeast of Caton Farm Road and Ridge Road). Passed unanimously.
• Council Memo 208-26: Resolution accepting a grant of public utility easement from Burton Place Apartments DBA Burton Place JLLC for the Larkin Avenue Water Main Improvements Project. Passed unanimously.
• Council Memo 209-26: Resolution authorizing an encroachment stipulation letter with Kinder Morgan Inc. for the 2026 Glenwood and West Acres Water Main Improvements Project. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brent Frazier Retirement: City employee Brent Frazier, Chief Operating Engineer (Local 399) retiring after 25 years of service, addressed the council. He thanked the city and his family, noting his father's 43 years of service. Multiple council members praised his dedication and work. A group photo was taken with the council.
• Magdalena Council (HLM Recovery/HERO): Ms. Council, program coordinator for HLM Recovery, presented a Hero Award to Councilwoman Susanna Ibaro for administering naloxone (Narcan) to an individual at the Riverwalk community in March 2026, saving their life. Ibaro had received training through HLM Recovery/HERO. Ms. Council highlighted the importance of naloxone training and availability.
• Fabian (Resident): Fabian, a first-time speaker, expressed that many residents (particularly younger generations and rural areas) felt unheard regarding the council's previous vote on a data center project. He requested that the council provide a public explanation of their decision. Council members acknowledged his concerns and invited further discussion.

Discussion Items

• Property Tax Abatement (Memorandum 204-26): During discussion, the mayor explained that the abatement is minimal compared to competing communities (some offer 100% for 10 years or 50% for 20 years). Joliet’s strategic location (canal, highways, airports) allows it to offer less incentive. The abatement is five years at 50% of taxes. A council member thanked the company for investing in Joliet.
• Scam Alert: City staff announced a fraudulent utility customer refund letter circulating by mail/appearing to be from the City of Joliet. Residents were warned not to respond. A council member later demonstrated a similar phone scam during his comments.

Key Outcomes

• All eight agenda items (resolutions/ordinances) were approved by unanimous vote, with vote tallies recorded for each (all ayes).
• The council directed the city manager to arrange a lobbyist update for the next meeting (requested by Councilwoman).
• The city will continue to publicize the utility refund scam.
• Public comment was accepted on non-agenda items; no further action taken on the data center comment.
• Council recognized the upcoming opening of City Square (announcement next week).
• Moments of silence were observed for community figures Karen Ward (historian) and Roger Powell (basketball player).
• Councilman noted his mother’s 100th birthday celebration on April 18.

Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.