OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting – April 8, 2026: Security Contract, Zoning, Tax Abatements, and Public Comments

Meeting PortalWednesday, April 8, 2026
BodyJoliet, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateWednesday, April 8, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
26:35

Councilman Hub?

26:36

Aye.

26:36

Councilman Avara.

26:37

Councilman Moreno?

26:39

All right.

26:39

Mayor Darcy.

26:40

Aye.

26:40

Motion carried.

26:43

Council Memo number one ninety-nine-26.

26:45

Approval of an amendment to contract for security services to universal protection services LP DVA Allied University Security Services in the amount of $80,516.

26:58

It is recommended Council Member number 199-26 be approved.

27:02

So moved.

27:04

Second.

27:04

Any comments, questions?

27:06

Mayor.

27:07

Just to be clear, uh, our goal is, and I think you outlined it yesterday, Mayor.

27:10

Our goal is once the police department gets back up to somewhere near full staffing, at least at 285, that we'll bring it back in-house with our own police officers as they've done in the past.

27:20

Um that's all dependent on hiring new officers, which uh I think you've got a good crop coming up.

27:25

Yes.

27:26

So just wanted to let the folks know that.

27:28

Thank you.

27:31

Okay.

27:32

It's been motion and seconded to approve.

27:34

Councilwoman Quillman.

27:35

Aye.

27:36

Councilman Rurden?

27:37

Aye.

27:37

Councilman McCartanus?

27:38

Aye.

27:39

Councilman Clement?

27:40

Aye.

27:40

Councilman Hugs?

27:41

Aye.

27:41

Councilman of Barrow?

27:42

Aye.

27:43

Councilman Moreno?

27:44

Aye.

27:44

Councilman Modern?

27:45

All right.

27:46

Mayor Darcy.

27:46

Aye.

27:47

Motion carried.

27:51

Under ordinances.

27:53

Council Ammo number two oh one-26.

27:56

Ordinance approving the reclassification of 717 Henderson Avenue from R3 1 and 2 Family Residential to R2 single family residential zoning Z-1-26.

28:07

It is recommended that ordinance be adapted.

28:11

Second.

28:16

It's been motion and second and to approve.

28:18

Councilwoman Rudin.

28:19

Aye.

28:20

Councilman Cardinals.

28:21

Councilman Clement?

28:22

Aye.

28:22

Councilman Hodge.

28:24

Aye.

28:25

Councilman Moreno?

28:26

All right.

28:27

Councilman Mudron?

28:28

All right.

28:28

Councilman McQuillman.

28:29

Aye.

28:30

Mayor Darcy.

28:31

Aye.

28:32

Motion carried.

28:37

Under resolutions.

28:38

Council Ammo number two zero four-26.

28:42

Resolution approving a property tax abatement at 3835 Young's Road, Jilly, Illinois, 60434 for Hyundai Translate Incorporated.

28:52

It is recommended that resolution be adapted.

28:54

So moved.

28:56

Any comments or questions?

28:58

Mayor, if you don't mind.

29:06

That's minimal.

29:07

Um myself, I think other members.

29:09

I think uh Councilman expressed that too.

29:12

We don't want to give it a uh abatements at all.

29:16

We understand you know the that position.

29:19

But you'll have no development if you don't.

29:21

It's a very minimal.

29:22

We lost projects because we won't really generally go above that unless they're they're gonna put it in golden roads.

29:27

We've lost them because other communities have given a hundred percent tax abatement for ten years, 50 percent tax abatement for 20 years, uh in cases where it applies, there's other communities that have given 50 to 75 percent.

29:38

Um tax abatements for five, ten, fifteen, and twenty years.

29:42

We won't get into that level of abatement.

29:45

This is a minimum abatement.

29:47

And uh the reason we can do it on a minimum and not have to compete with uh some of these other communities that have in the past taken from us is because we are Jolie is situated in an area where industry really does want to move.

30:00

percent tax abatement for 10 years 50 percent tax abatement for 20 years um in cases where it applies there's other communities that have given 50 to 75 percent um sales tax abatements for five ten fifteen and twenty years we won't get into that level of abatement this is a minimum abatement and uh the reason we can do it on a minimum and not have to compete with uh some of these other communities that have in the past taken from us is because we are Joliet is situated in the area where industry really does want to move and you've got the canal you've got the highway you've got the airports in Chicago you've got a lot going on for Joliet and um so I want to let people know that's that's really a very very minimum tax abatement five 50% of taxes for five years I hope that clarifies for anybody thank you thank you mayor mayor I just want to say uh thank you for investing in Joliet and welcome that's it it's been motion and seconded to approve councilman carterness aye councilmanclement aye councilman hug aye councilman barra aye councilman moreno aye councilman mudrin aye councilman quoman aye councilman aye mayor darcy aye motion carried council member number two zero five twenty six resolution authorizing the execution of a property tax incentive with supermercados Aguero incorporated at 118 East Jackson Street for tax year 2025 it is recommended that resolution be adopted second any comments or questions thank you councilman clement aye councilman hug aye councilman aye councilman moreno aye councilman mudrin aye councilwoman quilman aye councilman rudin aye councilman cardinus aye mayor darcy aye motion carried council member number two zero six dash twenty six resolution authorizing execution of an intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the city of Joliet and the Juliet Park district it is recommended said resolution be adopted so moved any comments or questions thank you it's been motion and seconded to approve councilman hug aye councilwoman aye councilman marino aye councilman mudrin aye councilman quoman aye councilwoman rudin aye councilman carterness aye councilman clemen aye mayor darcy aye motion carried council member number two zero seven twenty six resolution approving easement agreement for water facility construction with plainfield park district rob air soccer complex southeast of Caton Farm Road and Ridge Road it is recommended that resolution be adopted so I'll move any comments or questions thank you it's been motioned seconded to approve councilman of barra aye councilman marino aye councilman mudrin aye councilman quillman aye councilwoman murder aye councilman carterness aye councilman clemen aye councilman hug aye mayor darcy aye motion carried council member number two zero eight twenty six resolution accepting a grant of public utility easement from Burton Place apartment DBA Burton Place J L L C for the Larkin Avenue Water Main Improvements Project it is recommended said resolution be adopted so moved any comments or questions thank you it's been motion and second and to approve councilman aye councilman mudrin aye councilwoman quillman aye councilwoman rudin aye councilman carterness councilmanclement aye councilman hug aye councilman of our aye mayor darcy aye motion carried council memo number two zero nine-26 resolution authorizing approval and execution of an encroachment stipulation letter with Kinder Morgan incorporated for the 2026 Glenwood and West Acres water main improvements project it is recommended said resolution be adopted so moved second any comments or questions it's been motion and second and to approve councilman mudron aye councilwoman quoman aye councilwoman murder aye councilman carterness councilmanclement aye councilman hug councilwoman of barra aye councilman moreno aye mayor darcy aye motion carried next is the city another support I just want to make everyone aware of something that looks like a Joliet utility customer refund information it is um a scam it's not coming from the city of Joliet it has like approved amounts for your refund and um refund ID number on it so we just want to make sure that all residents please be cognizant of this it did not come from the city of Joliet um and is a scam so it's all over our social media right now police department also put it on their social media just want to make sure that everyone knows anything that says um customer refund information from utilities did not come from the city of Joliet can I ask you is it coming by mail or how is it being delivered to people I believe by mail but Sydney what do you think yeah that's what it looks like you can pass it down and we have some exciting things coming up with the opening of city square soon so we'll have some announcements on that next week otherwise I have no further comments okay next we have public comments we do have um Brett Frazier who is here to first speak up evening uh mayor city council city manager me

35:00

And we have some exciting things coming up with the opening of City Square soon, so we'll have some announcements on that next week.

35:06

Otherwise, I have no further comments.

35:09

Okay.

35:10

Next we have public comments.

35:13

We do have Brett Frazier who is here to first speak.

35:25

Hello, good evening.

35:28

City Manager Me, Deputy City Manager, Dariel, City staff.

35:34

April 16th, I'm retiring from my position of chief operating engineer, local 399 after 25 years of service to the city of Joliet.

35:45

I have joined the projects, challenges, accomplishments, and most of all the people that I have met along the way.

35:54

My father, Robert Fraser, served the city for 43 years as director of management and budget and city treasurer.

36:03

Ironically enough, today's his birthday.

36:06

He retired at the age of 74, and he taught me how to love this city.

36:12

I was fortunate enough to have worked with him for seven years.

36:16

He cast a big shadow, and his name still comes up daily in conversations with city staff, contractors, and citizens.

36:33

I can only hope that I've made them both proud, and I have left my own imprint on the city of Champions.

36:42

Shelby and Peyton are the fifth generation of the Fraser family to be born, raised, educated, and living in Joliet.

36:53

My wife Michelle is a longtime seventh grade math teacher for the Troy School District.

36:59

My responsibilities with the city require that I often work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond to call-outs all hours of the night.

37:10

Michelle's been patient, understanding, and supportive when it came to my unpredictable schedule, and how obsessed I was with my job.

37:21

I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to have served the city of Joliet.

37:26

I'm extremely proud of our city's rich history, and very excited to see the direction we're heading as we move into the future.

37:35

So thank you.

37:37

Thank you.

37:37

Thank you.

37:53

Mayor, if I may, before he leaves.

37:56

Brent, um, you'll be sorely missed.

37:59

You're a great asset around here.

38:01

I knew your mom and your dad, and when I first came on board, your dad was nothing but kind to me.

38:06

He showed me the ropes and kind of took me as his dad under his wing and showed me all the ropes to get through to this place, especially on the city council and being the first woman in very, very long time.

38:20

Um I went to you when your dad retired, and anything we needed at City Hall, especially the Vietnam pictures that we have down there by the city manager's office.

38:35

You help with that, and so many other things.

38:37

Jolia Catholic High School over here, you were in that all the time.

38:42

I mean, you were constantly, constantly working, and anything we would ask you would do it.

38:47

So congratulations on your retirement, well deserved, but you will be sorely missed by me, and I hope others as well.

38:55

Happy life, and good luck and safe travels and good health to you.

39:01

Thank you.

39:01

Thank you, Jim.

39:03

Thank you, brother.

39:07

You have been fantastic all the time I've known you since I've been on this council.

39:11

You have been you do whatever anybody asks at any time, any time, any place, anywhere.

39:17

Um I don't know how we're gonna do it without you.

39:20

You know, you have just been a the most amazing person to work with and have for the city.

39:26

And thank you.

39:27

I know you deserve this retirement, but we don't want to see you go.

39:31

But congratulations.

39:33

Thank you.

39:33

Thank you.

39:43

Can I go next?

39:43

Oh, I'm sorry, you go next, you asked.

39:46

I just want to say I went to school with you and your brother.

39:50

You it has been such a joy to work with you here.

39:53

You are so completely obsessed with your job, and you are nothing short of amazing, no matter what time I called you, early morning, day, night.

40:00

No matter what time I called you, early morning, day, night, you are the first person to jump in and help us.

40:05

And that was a super awesome ride you arranged for me on the gator.

40:08

I'll never forget that.

40:10

I was holding on for dear life, but I got to tour all the facilities and see everything I needed to see as uh the chairman of the public assets committee.

40:18

So thank you so much.

40:20

Now we want you to go and be obsessed with your retirement.

40:23

Fish, have a great time, and thank you so much.

40:26

And your beautiful wife, who is amazing.

40:29

Thank you so much for all the understanding that it has uh you have put in over all of these years.

40:34

Thank you so much.

40:36

Thank you.

40:37

Thank you.

40:39

Brent, just congratulations on your retirement.

40:41

Uh we have a history.

40:43

I knew your day very well, 99.

40:45

Never forget that.

40:46

Um, but uh thank you so much for uh everything you've ever done for the city and everything whenever I asked you to do something or help me out.

40:55

You're always there, and uh you have three beautiful children, beautiful wife, and uh you're gonna be sorely missed.

41:01

But thank thank you so much for everything you ever did for me and the city.

41:04

So thank you.

41:06

Brent, are you sure you want me to comment?

41:09

We're good now.

41:11

Hey, my friend, and I don't use it.

41:14

Thank you.

41:15

My friend, and I don't use that term loosely.

41:17

I'm a hard case when it comes to that stuff.

41:19

Um, one word from the first time we met you.

41:22

I was impressed.

41:23

And it was a quick, quickly developed and smooth relationship.

41:28

You were a consummate professional, you knew your stuff.

41:32

And uh you were always there when we needed it.

41:34

So congratulations to you, even more so.

41:37

Congratulations to Mrs.

41:38

Frazier.

41:39

You get to have a full time now.

41:40

Thank you.

41:41

It'll be like having one of your seven graders at home full time.

41:43

Right?

41:44

Thank you.

41:45

So again, congratulations on the retirement and enjoy it.

41:48

Thank you, Councilman.

41:49

Thank you.

41:51

Brent, I too uh knew your dad.

41:52

I've been in business 35 years here, and I've always been engaged in City Hall, and your dad was always a bright light when I come down here and talk to him.

42:01

And the love that he had for the city is the love you had for the city.

42:05

I want to thank your wife because I know that you took a lot of time for your family to do what you did for this community.

42:12

You know, your smile's infectious, and they say that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.

42:17

And I know you love what you've done here, and your knowledge is gonna be missed.

42:22

Your ambitions are gonna be missed, and we really really we love you, we appreciate you.

42:27

Thank you.

42:28

Thank you, Mayor.

42:29

Thank you.

42:34

Brent, I only got to work with you for a few months, and I loved it.

42:38

And thank you for all the work you've done here.

42:41

Um I really appreciate it, and even the help that you've given me.

42:45

So thank you for all you've done for the Joliet and for this community.

42:49

Thank you.

42:49

Thank you, Councilman.

42:50

Thank you.

42:50

Can I ask the city manager if they can come up and get a picture with the council?

42:54

Absolutely.

42:55

Okay.

42:55

Would you guys like to come up and get a picture of the country?

42:59

So everyone, thank you.

43:02

Uh is everyone here as Rui indicated.

43:05

Anytime any of us had an issue that we needed some help for, you were there, so appreciate it.

43:12

Thank you, Councilman.

43:13

Thank you, Brent.

43:14

Also, as well.

43:15

I might my time here was short with you as well, but it was very well uh you showed me around with a lot of things that we needed right off the gate to learn things.

43:22

And uh just thank you and enjoy retirement.

43:24

Thank you, sir.

43:24

Thank you.

43:26

Picture time.

43:27

Yeah.

43:52

Thank you.

43:54

Thank you.

44:03

Thank you.

44:04

Thank you.

44:05

Thank you.

44:06

We're gonna hug it out in a minute.

44:07

Okay, wait for me.

44:10

Mr.

44:11

Mayor, thank you.

44:12

Thank you.

44:12

Thanks.

44:17

You are going nowhere.

44:18

Thank you.

44:21

Thank you.

44:23

Thanks, Lauren.

44:24

Of course.

44:25

Congratulations.

44:35

You're welcome.

44:46

Thank you.

44:55

Okay.

44:56

Is there anyone who would like to address the council this evening on a non-agenda item?

45:02

Okay.

45:15

Good evening, everyone, councilman, councilwoman.

45:18

Mayor Darcy.

45:20

My name is Magdalena Council.

45:22

And I serve as the program coordinator for HLM Recovery.

45:26

And we are in charge or to service Grundy, Kankakee, and Will County through the Illinois Department of Food Services ROSC, which is recovery-oriented systems of care.

45:38

We also partner up with HERO, which is the heroin epidemic relief organization.

45:44

We have Lassandra here who is from the board.

45:46

I am an educator there, and what I do with Hero as a collaboration is we provide naloxone or Narcan training.

45:54

And we do this virtually.

45:58

Five years ago, the city of Joliet, through the fire department, saved my life through naloxone, Narcan administration.

46:07

So because of that, I am here today.

46:09

And now in turn, I get to educate people on the importance of naloxone and Narcan administration to be able to help those that are still struggling with addiction and those who may be prescribed opioids that do not know or um may not know how to use opioids that may be in at risk of also overdosing from opioids.

46:32

On March 10th of this year, I received a call from Councilwoman Susanna Ibaro.

46:38

Um she was overwhelmed, and she told me that she had just administered naloxone to somebody at the Riverwalk community.

46:46

And that person is um she said that because of the training she received through us, she was able to get the courage to go and administer, and this person is alive today because of that.

46:57

This person was not breathing.

46:59

She administered the naloxone.

47:01

The paramedics came and took him, and when the paramedics got there, he was breathing again.

47:06

So I want to thank her for that for being a hero for our community because in turn we get to do this and we get to save more people, and I am very proud of her.

47:15

So we are here on behalf of Hero to present her with a hero award.

47:35

Thank you.

47:36

Thank you so much.

47:48

Thank you.

48:06

Yes, I got to have some is there anyone else who would like to address the council this evening on a non-agenda item.

48:32

Yes, yes, yes.

48:34

Uh hello, uh council.

48:37

Um as I stated before, um was something I wanted to talk about, a non-agenda issue.

48:43

I would just like to keep in mind um with uh previous votes on uh specifically data center.

48:51

Um it is something I would like to keep you uh you guys keep in mind that people within my generation and those in the rural area are very unpleased with the votes.

49:03

And I'm sorry, I'm nervous because first time here.

49:07

But um I would like to address it and keep in mind that you know uh the people of Joliet with that vote in particular have felt unheard and very um very sources of um social media have put out their uh outcry on uh this vote that uh would seemingly for the people of Joliet feeling like they've been unheard, and I would like for you to keep in mind that people would um maybe like to hear a comment from the city of Joliet, maybe given their perspective on why why the vote was passed, um, if you could um it would be very much appreciated.

49:45

Um again, I'm also one of the individuals who are upset with the vote, but it's not something that I would like to bring up like um big issue with and instead would like to hear from the council on um why why it was approved.

50:02

Um maybe I'm this uh under underinformed, but again, I would just like to hear from you guys from social media, it would be fine as well.

50:11

Thank you.

50:15

Is there anyone else would like to address the council this evening on that agenda item?

50:22

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

50:27

I have nothing to say.

50:30

Yes, uh I was uh fortunate enough uh this past Monday to be at the swearing in ceremony for the seven new police officers, and I just want to wish them all the luck in the world over this next, I guess approximately a year of training before they actually get out in the street, and we need them and great job, Chief, and hope we can keep them coming.

50:56

I understand we have quite a number of applicants for the next round.

51:02

So that's it.

51:05

Yeah, I just wanted to uh congratulate uh well, Brent Fraser one more time for your retirement.

51:11

Thank you.

51:12

And Julia Fire Department, Captain Michael's banner.

51:16

And Jolia Police Department, Tony Lakota for uh his retirement as well.

51:22

And I think you have a chance earlier to speak on the on the one of the items 186, the axe 26.

51:31

Uh Joel was able to get in there and speak on it real quick.

51:35

Um we also I know we share the same um views as far as making sure we try to do this in-house.

51:43

I was a little late to speak on it now, but I'm still speaking on it.

51:46

So those are my comments for that.

51:48

And also it's uh construction season, so please slow down.

51:51

You see orange, slow down.

51:53

Uh get on phones, pay attention to the road and be careful out there and thank you, and be patient.

51:58

Uh everybody's working as as hard and soft and hard and safe as they can.

52:03

So thank you guys.

52:05

Was there no comments?

52:10

Okay.

52:11

So my goddaughter was here and she left, but I want to say hi to her.

52:15

Um, I want to know if we could possibly at the next council meeting um get a lobbyist update for the lobbyists that we all hired.

52:25

I'm hoping that is gonna be possible at the next council meeting, just so we know where we stand with that or what productivity they have.

52:32

I don't know how many months it's been.

52:34

I think it's been about three.

52:35

Yeah, it hasn't been many, but I'm sure they'd be happy to come council update even if they gave it to you and you give it to us, that would be good too.

52:42

I'm happy to have them come as well.

52:44

They're they're happy to do that.

52:45

Thank you.

52:45

I appreciate that.

52:46

Also, I want to mention to everybody how beautiful St.

52:50

Joe's church is looking.

52:52

If you haven't seen it all lit up at night, they have outdoor lights for that church now, and it looks so beautiful and majestic to the downtown.

53:03

It's beautiful anyway, but with the lights, it is just breathtaking.

53:07

So if you have a chance to get to downtown at night, please look at the lights from St.

53:12

Joe's Church.

53:13

They have done a great job with that.

53:14

I also would like to thank Hero.

53:18

It was not necessary at all for you to do that.

53:21

I really do appreciate it.

53:23

It's almost like a movie the way it plays over in my head right now.

53:27

I only know it really happened because I don't know how um people got video or pictures of it or something.

53:34

It was very weird how that happened.

53:36

But when you trained me, I promise you, I didn't think there was ever a single day I would use it.

53:44

But I have it at home, I have it in the car.

53:47

I gave it to all my nieces and nephews one year for um Easter in their basket because you want to be safe than sorry.

53:55

And from a teaching perspective, if you have pain medicine in your home, this is something you should have.

54:00

You can have an elderly mom that may have thought she took her pills, may have not taken her pills, may take three times more of the pills than is necessary because she forgot.

54:11

Also, I don't think a lot of people know this, but it if your pet accidentally gets into your pain meds, in addition to it saving the life of human beings, which we always want to do.

54:23

You can also save the life of your pet with Narcan.

54:27

And not to go into too much detail, but at the time I was doing it, you taught me so well, it was a reflex.

54:36

I didn't even think about it.

54:37

And people around me were screaming, no, no, no, they didn't know what I knew that this was gonna be no harm.

54:44

So if all of the signs that you taught me were not there, or I was over reading the signs, it was not gonna harm the person at all.

54:52

It was it was my luck and that person's luck that it was what I thought you trained me for, it was what I thought I was seeing, and it was very simple to administer without any hesitation.

55:00

It was what I thought I was seeing, and it was very simple to administer without any hesitation.

55:03

Is everyone around me is screaming, no?

55:05

I'm like, done.

55:07

So and then our heroes from the fire department showed up, and the paramedics showed up and took over from there, and I was so happy when I got past that along, and it it of course was a good outcome.

55:22

So I think everybody that has pain medicine in their house should have should have this in their car in their house.

55:28

You should have it just as a standard, rather be safe than sorry.

55:32

I also want to congratulate Brett Fraser and his wife.

55:38

It's gonna be such a beautiful life for you now.

55:41

And you put in so much hard work and service.

55:43

Like, let's see pictures of the fish you catch and you know the trees you cut down and everything you're doing, maybe a water ski, possibly.

55:51

Like, let's see.

55:52

Okay, well, we won't go that far, but let's see what you're doing.

55:56

We'll be overjoyed and thrilled to see that.

55:59

And then just I'm not gonna belabor the point, but I definitely will address the data center question just to say that whether you were for the data center or against the data center, I feel like the public feels like they weren't heard.

56:17

So seven and a half hours of public comment, but that wasn't a back and forth exchange.

56:24

JJC, what it was reported to me that a lot of people there were not qualified for the highly technical questions that were asked there.

56:35

So that wasn't the opportunity for a back-and-forth exchange.

56:39

And this is just my opinion from my district's perspective and what my district is telling me, because these are the people that put me here, and I'm gonna have to listen to them.

56:49

That they felt like maybe we belabored points on liquor stores longer than I feel like we did this.

56:58

Um, we've had town halls for smaller issues.

57:01

So I'm I'm echoing and uplifting the voices of my district.

57:06

I hear you when you say you feel like you weren't heard or there wasn't a real back and forth exchange.

57:12

Public comment is not even a back and forth exchange.

57:15

That's a we're hearing you, and we're taking it in.

57:19

So I do feel and understand what you're saying.

57:22

And again, I'm not gonna belabor the point, but I understand what you're saying, and thank you.

57:25

Have a good night.

57:29

Um, first, I'd like to thank the young man who spoke tonight.

57:32

Don't be nervous, just be yourself.

57:34

You did a good job doing that.

57:35

If you look at the screen right now at the monitor, you see that cell phone number up there?

57:40

That's my personal cell phone number.

57:41

I don't give a city number, it's my personal cell phone number.

57:44

I it is open to anybody watching it on TV.

57:47

I kind of started a trend about eight years ago by putting my cell phone number up there.

57:50

Um, call me and we'll talk.

57:52

As you may have heard, were you here at the uh the the two different meetings we had?

57:57

Okay.

57:58

We had one one, a couple of young uh young ladies who said they had called me and one said we spent an hour and 40 minutes talking.

58:04

That's absolutely true.

58:05

So certainly, what was your first name?

58:07

Uh Fabian.

58:08

Fabian, call me.

58:10

Anybody else that has questions?

58:11

I'll we'll talk.

58:12

We'll talk, I'll explain my position, the research I did and all that.

58:15

Always remember that if somebody disagrees with you, it doesn't mean they didn't hear you, it just means they heard what you said and they don't agree.

58:22

And some and we we can't agree to this agree, you know, and be pleasant like you and I are being now.

58:27

So certainly call me.

58:29

I'm I'm willing to you know to talk as long as you would like.

58:32

And again, thank you for coming here tonight.

58:34

Don't be nervous.

58:35

We're just we're we're just residents up here just like you.

58:37

We just were dumb enough to get you know, put our name on a ballot.

58:40

So with that said, I want everybody to hear this.

58:47

Okay.

58:52

I'm wrapping up my follow-ups, and your record still shows unresolved black issues that could lead to additional charges or potential collection activity and not reviewed because the extension period is still active.

59:03

There are relief programs available that may reduce postpone or remove certain amount vote entirely.

59:09

Every case is different, but many individuals are qualifying for reduced payments or full settlement, depending on their filing status.

59:16

Their review only takes a few minutes, and once verified, we can't.

59:19

I'm not gonna make you listen to the whole thing.

59:21

Can you anybody want to describe that with one word?

59:24

Scam.

59:26

Sounded pretty professional, didn't it?

59:28

Yeah.

59:28

I I called them back and I did star 6-7, and uh I won't say what I said.

59:33

Um I let them talk.

59:34

I played well, I played a little bit like dumb.

59:37

I played a little dumb on it.

59:38

What do I have a problem here?

59:40

And then I went into them after they, you know, I said, Are you with the IRS?

59:43

And they just say, No, we're a private company.

59:45

Um, the number, anybody that sounds like that call.

59:48

I'm gonna give you the number that it came from.

59:50

The number it came from is 833 962 1587.

59:55

You see that number?

59:56

You got a scam.

1:00:00

The number they want you to call back at is 888-905-3401.

1:00:03

And uh, yeah, it's a scam.

1:00:06

I I thought of that.

1:00:07

Beth when you brought up that scam, there's probably too many to list right now.

1:00:11

Look, most serious people when it comes to finances and personal, you know, the delicate information, don't do it by text or by voicemail.

1:00:21

They'll contact you in a traditional manner.

1:00:23

So do not fall for it.

1:00:24

You say you would have fallen for it, Mom.

1:00:25

Yeah, I think it would have fallen.

1:00:26

No, don't, because they'll own your own your accounts in no time at all.

1:00:30

With that said, um, thank you for bringing that up about the city, Beth.

1:00:35

We got to keep telling people, especially those that are older.

1:00:38

Right.

1:00:38

It seems to be, although I stand corrected.

1:00:47

You're right.

1:00:47

Um so uh with that said, I just hope everybody had a happy and blessed Easter and they carry the spirit of Easter and what Easter is about for the rest of the year.

1:00:56

Thank you.

1:00:58

Thank you.

1:00:59

Uh Suzanne, I'm gonna jump on board with your St.

1:01:01

Joseph's church.

1:01:02

Um that was done by Dave Sloan at Accents Lighting.

1:01:06

Um beautiful.

1:01:07

It's it's I mean, I saw photos, but you have to see it in person, which I did.

1:01:11

He's done work for me in the past, he's a good guy, and he does great work.

1:01:15

But um on a sad note, um, I think all of us here at one point or another spoke and knew of uh Karen Ward.

1:01:23

Karen Ward uh uh passed away a few days ago.

1:01:27

Uh she had deep roots here in the City of Joliet historian, and um she always advocated for the city of Julius.

1:01:35

I didn't, Ms.

1:01:36

Mayor, we just have a moment of silence for uh Karen Ward, please.

1:01:47

Thank you.

1:01:49

Those are my cats.

1:01:50

Thank you.

1:01:51

No comment.

1:01:53

Uh speaking of losing some of the uh champions of our community, we lost Roger Powell, who is a unbelievable basketball player, brought a lot of recognition to the city, played worldwide, and uh he was just a heart of champions from here in Joliet.

1:02:12

We'd like to take a moment of silence for him.

1:02:21

On another note, um, and I know you're not supposed to talk about women's ages, and I may get in some big trouble for this one, but a very important person in my life is crossing the line into three figures.

1:02:37

My mother.

1:02:40

She is uh we're gonna celebrate another year of her journey to heaven.

1:02:46

Deservedly so.

1:02:47

She's not only raised her eight kids who've all turned out pretty well, she's still working on me.

1:02:54

She told me that one day.

1:03:00

You know, I grew up in a house of uh there was nine of us in a two-bedroom, one bathroom house.

1:03:05

And being Irish Catholic, they had another kid.

1:03:08

So you had ten people in a two-bedroom, one bathroom house, and they put on two more bedrooms.

1:03:12

And I thought, why don't you put on two more bathrooms?

1:03:15

I can sleep standing up awake in the morning was difficult.

1:03:19

So I just want to say thank you to my mom.

1:03:21

I can't thank her enough for the wisdom and the love she shared with her family, her friends, and this community.

1:03:29

So happy birthday on the 18th, mom.

1:03:32

I love you.

1:03:33

Thank you for all you've done.

1:03:34

With that, I wish peace and blessings to everyone here enjoy it.

1:03:38

And have another great weekend.

1:03:41

We thank you.

1:03:42

Okay, is there a motion to adjourn?

1:03:44

So moved.

1:03:45

Thank you.

1:03:46

All in favor?

1:03:46

Aye.

1:03:47

Okay, meeting adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters█████████████████████████████29%
Public Safety███████████████████████23%
Procedural███████████████15%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Miscellaneous█████████9%
Public Health████████8%
Liquor Licensing███3%
Summary of Proceedings

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.

Meeting Transcript

Councilman Hub? Aye. Councilman Avara. Councilman Moreno? All right. Mayor Darcy. Aye. Motion carried. Council Memo number one ninety-nine-26. Approval of an amendment to contract for security services to universal protection services LP DVA Allied University Security Services in the amount of $80,516. It is recommended Council Member number 199-26 be approved. So moved. Second. Any comments, questions? Mayor. Just to be clear, uh, our goal is, and I think you outlined it yesterday, Mayor. Our goal is once the police department gets back up to somewhere near full staffing, at least at 285, that we'll bring it back in-house with our own police officers as they've done in the past. Um that's all dependent on hiring new officers, which uh I think you've got a good crop coming up. Yes. So just wanted to let the folks know that. Thank you. Okay. It's been motion and seconded to approve. Councilwoman Quillman. Aye. Councilman Rurden? Aye. Councilman McCartanus? Aye. Councilman Clement? Aye. Councilman Hugs? Aye. Councilman of Barrow? Aye. Councilman Moreno? Aye. Councilman Modern? All right. Mayor Darcy. Aye. Motion carried. Under ordinances. Council Ammo number two oh one-26. Ordinance approving the reclassification of 717 Henderson Avenue from R3 1 and 2 Family Residential to R2 single family residential zoning Z-1-26. It is recommended that ordinance be adapted. Second. It's been motion and second and to approve. Councilwoman Rudin. Aye.

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