Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Meeting – May 12, 2026

The Committee on Citizens with Disabilities of Joliet, Illinois, held its first meeting in several months on May 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included election of a chairperson, approval of prior minutes, discussion of committee membership, meeting schedule, outreach efforts, and planning for the 2026 Disability Pride Fair. One member was absent, and one former member provided public comment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (August 19, 2025): A motion by Chairperson Riley Spreadbury, seconded by John Jamontas, carried unanimously (5 ayes, 1 absent) to approve the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tony Arello (former committee member): Expressed happiness that the committee is restarting. He stated that the committee's work is important for all Joliet citizens with disabilities and noted that 80% of people in the prison population have disabilities, a fact he said most people do not know. He also mentioned that he could share information about the committee at a neighborhood watch meeting the next day.

Discussion Items

• Election of Chairperson: John Jamontas nominated Riley Spreadbury, seconded by Kim Hudgens. The nomination was accepted, and Riley Spreadbury was elected chairperson by acclamation (unanimous vote, 5 ayes, 1 absent).
• Committee Member Departures and Potential New Members: The committee discussed absent member Travis Brown, noting that his contact information was recently obtained and would be sent to the committee. Members identified two potential new members: Veronica (previous interest but time conflict) and Maryam (a paraprofessional who also had a time conflict). Since the meeting time changed to 5:30 PM, members agreed to reach out to both. The committee emphasized the need to publicize vacancies, with a target of 9–13 members (currently 5 active). Requirements for membership: resident of Joliet or representative of an agency that serves Joliet.
• New Meeting Time: The committee confirmed that future meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month, quarterly, at 5:30 PM. Legal Assistant Katy Fyksen explained that special meetings can be added as needed. Members expressed concern that quarterly meetings might be insufficient for planning events like the Disability Pride Fair, but noted that special meetings are possible.
• New Outreach Efforts: Members discussed using their own organizations' social media and lobbies to publicize meetings and vacancies. Riley Spreadbury offered to create a consistent flyer for sharing. Using platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook was suggested. Pam Heavens noted she had already posted meeting notices on UCP's Facebook page. The committee agreed to make flyers and handouts available.
• 2026 Disability Pride Fair Discussion and Update: The tentative date for the second annual fair is October 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, to be held indoors (location TBD, possibly JJC Field House). The July date was moved to October for consistency and to avoid weather cancellations. Last year's fair had 24 vendors, three legislators, a food truck, and was organized in six weeks. This year, the committee aims to expand attendance, especially by advertising in schools. A planning Zoom meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026. The committee will not publicize or recruit vendors until the location is confirmed.
• Other Business: Kim Hudgens requested that the city's progress on the ADA transition plan be a standing agenda item. The committee agreed to include it on future agendas.

Key Outcomes

• Riley Spreadbury elected Chairperson (unanimous vote, 5–0, 1 absent).
• Minutes of August 19, 2025 approved (unanimous vote, 5–0, 1 absent).
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously (5 ayes, 1 absent).
• Next steps: Katy Fyksen will reach out to Travis Brown, Veronica, and Maryam. Riley Spreadbury will create a flyer for the committee. The committee will include the ADA transition update as a standing agenda item. The Disability Pride Fair planning will proceed after the May 21 Zoom meeting, with a goal of securing an indoor venue.