Joliet Pre-Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

The City of Joliet Pre-Council meeting convened on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Terry D'Arcy presided, with eight council members present and Councilwoman Sherri Reardon absent. The meeting served as a discussion forum for items slated for the following day's City Council meeting, including major development agreements, zoning matters, and new ordinances. No final votes were taken on agenda items; they will be considered at the May 5, 2026 City Council meeting. A motion to enter closed session for personnel, collective bargaining, land acquisition, and pending litigation passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the April 20, 2026 Pre-Council Meeting and April 21, 2026 City Council Meeting.
• Invoices to be Paid: May 5, 2026 invoices.
• Award of Professional Services Contract (233-26): $190,950.00 to Cyclomedia Technology Inc. for roadway mapping and pavement analysis/condition classification on all city streets.
• Award of Contract No. 2975-0426 (234-26): $349,302.00 to Metropolitan Industries for a Public Utilities Department generator purchase (replacement of two standby generators for lift stations).
• Award of Contract No. 2976-0426 (235-26): $327,600.00 to Dynamic Industrial Services for Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant final clarifier repaint.
• Award of Contract No. 2977-0426 (236-26): $68,888.00 to Dahme Mechanical Industries Inc. for Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant final clarifier slide gates installation.
• Award of Contract No. 2979-0426 (237-26): $220,907.00 to Great Lakes Water Resources Group for Well 18D rehabilitation.
• Approve Payment of 2026 Membership Dues (238-26): $25,140.08 to the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition.

Public Comments & Testimony

On Agenda Items:

• Susan Vanlandingham (resident of 800 block of Corus Street) opposed the proposed automotive repair facility at 370 Ruby Street (Council Memo 257-26). She cited existing parking congestion, safety concerns, and the burden on neighbors, noting that the area already has a successful residential parking program.
• Georgene Williams (resident of 811 Elizabeth Street, 79 years) opposed the facility, describing it as a used car lot and mechanic shop. She raised concerns about traffic, parking violations, and a prior similar situation on Broadway Street that she said became a "total disaster."
• Tiffany Hernandez (representative of the proposed automotive repair shop) spoke in support, stating the facility will provide sufficient on-site parking, work with the city on signage and enforcement, and offer affordable auto repair services. She committed to being a good neighbor.
• Emmanuel Lopez (Executive Director, Joliet City Center Partnership) spoke in support of the Social District pilot program (Council Memo 252-26), calling it a smart, controlled way to increase downtown foot traffic, especially given past construction impacts. He noted the six-month pilot allows for evaluation.

On Non-Agenda Items:

• Christine Johnson (citizen and heritage corridor ambassador) reported being escorted out of the Joliet Slammers game on Thursday, April 30, 2026, by order of Greg Peerbolt, who she says targeted her despite others present. She also noted that the Joliet Area Historical Museum was closed during the Red Carpet Corridor weekend, while the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum (where she works) welcomed 686 guests. She urged the council to address the situation.
• Kathy Garthus thanked Police Chief Bill Evans for addressing drag racing issues and for his personal support, expressing concern about his upcoming retirement.
• Mary Montgomery (Executive Director, Will County Continuum of Care) spoke about the importance of ensuring that the new City Square ordinance does not negatively impact people experiencing homelessness. She highlighted a 70% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since 2023 and offered to help communicate changes.

Discussion Items

Rock Run Crossings Development Agreement (242-26)

• City Manager Beth Beatty and Finance Director Kevin Sing presented an amended and restated development agreement with Cullinan Joliet, LLC. The amendment reduces the city's risk by $16.2 million, adds performance-based incentives, and is projected to generate $234 million in tax revenue through 2044. Key anchor tenant: Dick's House of Sport, an experiential retailer with outdoor fields, rock wall, and skate rink. The store is expected to create 140-150 construction jobs and 5,000 permanent jobs (200 million in annual wages). The agreement requires retail to perform at $350 per square foot and ties incentives to store openings and vertical construction. Councilman Hug encouraged public attendance at the next day's meeting for a full presentation.

TIF Incentive Agreement with Matise Events LLC (243-26)

• A five-year forgivable loan of $79,500 to close the funding gap for a fire suppression system at 113 N. Ottawa Street, enabling a venue that will bring pedestrian traffic and generate property/sales tax revenue. Councilman Hug clarified that sufficient TIF funds exist.

Easement Agreements for Water Delivery Structures (244-26, 245-26)

• Two resolutions approving easements between the Grand Prairie Water Commission and the City of Joliet for the Quaternary and Secondary Delivery Structures.

ARPA Funded Projects Amendments (246-26)

• Amendments to three agreements with Will County reallocating unused balances from the Fairmont Extension and Rosalind Culvert projects (completed under budget) to the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Watermain Improvement Project.

Joint Improvement Agreement with Grand Prairie Water Commission (247-26)

• Intergovernmental agreement for construction of water mains on McDonough Street.

Easement for Railroad Street Water Main Improvement (248-26)

• Acceptance of a $40,000 easement from Hawkeye Land Company.

City Square Ordinance (250-26)

• Assistant Corporation Counsel Stephanie Silkey and Lieutenant Bob Desiderio presented an ordinance governing the newly opened City Square. It establishes operating hours (May 1-Sept 30: 7 AM-10 PM; Oct 1-April 30: 8 AM-9 PM), restricts conduct (no fighting, alcohol, weapons, sleeping, panhandling beyond harassment), prohibits skateboarding/rollerblading, and bans drones within 300 feet. The City Manager may close the square for safety or maintenance. Councilman Hug questioned why panhandling restrictions are not citywide; counsel explained First Amendment limits. Councilman Mudron asked about weekend start times; the 4 PM start was chosen for clarity.

Social District Pilot Program (252-26)

• Silkey and Desiderio presented a six-month pilot (June 1 to Dec 31, 2026) allowing businesses on Chicago Street (from Jefferson to Cass) and City Square to sell one to-go alcoholic beverage between 4-10 PM (May-Sept) or 4-9 PM (Oct-April). Eligible businesses must have a full kitchen and alcohol sales ≤40% of total. Banners and to-go cups with date/time stamps will be used. The Liquor Commissioner may end the program early. Councilman Clement suggested including more businesses like the plant shop (Internode Greenery and Home) and Rialto Square; counsel noted crossing state highways complicates expansion. Councilwoman Ibarra also supported including Internode. Councilman Moreno requested clarification on why panhandling is limited; Silkey explained it targets harassing conduct.

Rock Run Crossings Subdivision Plats (253-26, 254-26, 255-26)

• Ordinances approving preliminary and recording plats for the Lifestyle Center, Rock Run Crossings Drive Phase 2, and Shale Road subdivisions, plus a plat of vacation for 1.7 acres of Quartz Drive.

Variation of Use at 749 Houbolt Road (256-26)

• Ordinance to allow an indoor/outdoor commercial recreation facility (scuba dive business) in a Restricted Business district. The City Manager provided an overview.

Special Use Permit at 370 Ruby Street (257-26)

• Extensive discussion on a proposed automotive repair facility. Community Development Director Dustin Anderson outlined six conditions, including site improvements, oil separator, and repairs inside the building. Council members expressed concerns about enforcement and past failures (e.g., Broadway Street). Councilwoman Quillman opposed, citing parking congestion and unfulfilled promises. Councilman Hug noted enforcement is the city's responsibility. Councilman Cardenas supported but emphasized enforcement. Councilman Moreno asked about cap on cars; Anderson said no legislative cap but only 12 parking spaces. The item will be voted on the next day.

Removal of Item 251-26

• The City Manager announced that the ordinance on Offenses on Public Property (banning individuals from city-owned property) was pulled from the agenda to address concerns and will be considered at the May 19, 2026 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items were discussed in preparation for the May 5, 2026 City Council meeting; no votes were taken on ordinances or resolutions.
• Council Memo 251-26 (Offenses on Public Property) was removed from the agenda and will be heard on May 19, 2026.
• A motion to enter closed session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, land acquisition or conveyance, and pending litigation was made by Councilwoman Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Moreno, and passed unanimously (8-0, with Reardon absent). The meeting adjourned thereafter.