OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026: Historic Preservation, Self-Storage, and Public Concerns

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, May 19, 2026
BodyJoliet, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, May 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:11:40

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Good evening, everybody.

0:05

This is the City of Joliet Council meeting with Mayor Terry Darcy presiding.

0:11

And I am Jan Klman, Mayor Pro Tem, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Larry Hugg, Councilwoman Susan Ibera, Councilman Juan Moreno, Councilman Pat Mudron, and Councilman Sherry Reardon, the City Manager Beth Batty, and our City Clerk Lauren O'Hara and a cast of others.

0:35

So tonight, this is Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and we're going to have the invocation today by Father Chris Grove, the chaplain for the City of Joliet fire and police departments.

0:54

Let us pray.

0:56

Almighty God, you generously bestow your gifts in abundance, and we are most grateful for all that you continue to do for us and for the many favors you grant.

1:07

We gather tonight in your name, enlighten the members of our council so that everything they do may begin with your inspiration and wisdom.

1:16

God of wisdom and justice.

1:19

Through you all authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.

1:24

Guide and support our mayor, the members of our city council, our city manager, and our city staff.

1:31

Give them the strength to know your will so that all decisions may be done with a desire to please you.

1:38

As we prepare to honor the memory of the members of our Will County law enforcement community who have died in the line of duty, and also for the many men and women of our military who have laid down their lives to preserve our precious freedom, give comfort and solace to their families.

1:56

Keep in your care all who keep us safe in our cities, within our nation, and around the world each day.

2:04

Watch over them and protect them with your care.

2:07

We likewise commend to your care all the residents of our city, that they too may be blessed and sanctified, so that together we may work for the betterment of our community and enjoy the many blessings promised to those who remain faithful to you.

2:22

For we pray to you our one Lord and God now and forever.

2:26

Amen.

2:28

I pledge your leaders to the night.

2:35

One nation under God, an indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:53

Thank you.

3:10

Okay.

3:10

We'll begin with roll call.

3:12

Mayor Darcy.

3:12

Here.

3:13

Councilman Cardinus?

3:14

Here.

3:14

Councilman Clement?

3:15

Here.

3:15

Councilman Hug?

3:16

Here.

3:16

Councilwoman of Barrow?

3:17

Here.

3:17

Councilman Moreno?

3:18

Here.

3:18

Councilman Mudron?

3:19

Here.

3:20

Councilwoman Quoman?

3:21

Here.

3:21

Councilman Ridden.

3:22

Here.

3:25

If the council will allow, I'd like to go a little out of order today and bring up our Chief of Police, Chief Evans.

3:31

This will be his last City Council meeting here with us in Joliet.

3:44

Good evening, members of the Council, Mayor Darcy, City Manager Beatty, and all of our city leaders.

3:52

As my time here at the City of Joliet has come to a close, I wanted to express formally my deepest appreciation for the support you have all shown the Joliet Police Department and specifically me as your chief of police.

4:08

When I arrived here over four years ago, I made two promises to you.

4:13

I told you that I would put my heart and soul into this position, and the second was that I would leave the place better than I found it.

4:23

I hope, in your eyes, that I've succeeded in accomplishing these goals.

4:30

At times my job was tough.

4:34

But in the words of Teddy Roosevelt, nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, and difficulty.

4:45

But nevertheless, over the last four years, we've accomplished a great deal, including lowering the crime rate, succeeding and successfully addressing a handful of high profile events, and providing the rank and file officers with state of the art technology and viable essential law enforcement equipment.

5:11

These accomplishments would not in any way be possible without your undying support of the men and women at the Joliet Police Department.

5:22

I do believe that our partnership has made the city of Joliet a better place and definitely a safer place to live.

5:30

While my retirement will be bittersweet, I am very proud of our collective efforts and hope that we continue to create cynicism and a culture moving forward into our future.

5:46

Let me tell you this.

5:59

So thank you for contributing to that.

6:03

If Jeff Kerry was a little nicer to me, I probably would have stayed long.

6:11

Lastly, I would like to publicly thank the residents of our city for not only the level of care and support that they have shown the men and women in blue, but for welcome me into your community.

6:24

God bless all of you, and thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

6:30

Thank you.

6:49

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████19%
Historic Preservation██████████████████18%
Procedural██████████████14%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Personnel Matters█████████9%
Urban Planning██████6%
Zoning And Land Use█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure████4%
Veterans Affairs███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026

The City Council met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting began with a recognition of retiring Police Chief William Evans, followed by a presentation on historic preservation, the presentation of three historic preservation awards, appointments to boards and commissions, committee reports, a consent agenda, several ordinances and resolutions, public comments on multiple agenda and non-agenda items, and council comments. Notable actions included split votes on two self-storage facility approvals, the passage of a tattoo studio permit, and the removal of a business district ordinance from the agenda.

Recognition of Chief William Evans

Chief Evans addressed the council, reflecting on his four years of service, noting a reduction in crime rates and the provision of state-of-the-art technology to officers. Joliet Junior College President Dr. Kline Namuo and Police Chief Brandon Campbell offered remarks. Council members expressed gratitude for his professionalism, responsiveness, and community engagement. The City Manager and Mayor also thanked him for his dedication.

Presentation

Planning Director Jayne Bernhard presented the annual update on historic preservation. Key initiatives included: the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study (funded by a 2024 CLG grant, with a 2025 CLG grant for oral histories), the Interstate 80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan Project (oral history collection), the Joliet Comprehensive Plan (Arts, Culture and Heritage Workshop held January 21, 2026, with over 50 attendees), Route 66 Centennial planning, and the May "Places Matter" Facebook campaign. The city has 11 designated historic properties, 9 buildings on the National Register, and 4 National Register Historic Districts.

Consent Calendar

All consent agenda items (Council Memos 258-26 through 268-26) were approved unanimously (9-0):

  • Purchase of interior wall painting and sanding for Fire Stations 1 and 9 from Smith Painting Services ($67,062.00)
  • 2026 Streetlight Assembly Painting Project contract to Cosgrove Construction Inc. ($84,300.00)
  • 2026 Pavement Marking Program contract to America’s Parking Remarking, LLC ($307,416.00)
  • Purchase of traffic barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC ($126,344.06)
  • Professional Services Agreement with Strand Associates, ICC, and HR Green for on-call development review for Rock Run Collection Development (explained as necessary due to aggressive timeline; not a new policy; city staff retain final inspection authority)
  • Change Order No. 3 for Lead Service Line Replacement Phase 4 contract to Stip Bros. Excavating Inc. ($89,410.00)
  • Five-year renewal of Genetec Advantage Support Agreement with VideoTec ($83,872.00)
  • Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure subscription and hardware support renewal with CDWG ($101,687.68)
  • VMWare annual renewal with Heartland Business Systems ($66,014.08)
  • Three-year renewal of ProjectDox Premium Bundle with Avolve ($129,210.00)
  • City Square AV Background Music System project contract to Forte ($554,742.00, including $225,000 from Heritage Corridor grant and remainder from capital budget)

Appointments

All appointments approved unanimously (9-0): Robert D. Casey to Historic Preservation Commission; Elaine Bottomley, Katie Gulas, Kelly Rohder-Tonelli, and Gail Gawlik reappointed to Joliet Public Library Board; John Jamontas reappointed to Committee on Citizens with Disabilities; Karen Fonte and Jim Testin reappointed to Tree Advisory Board.

Licenses and Permits

  • Application for Drive Thru Permit for Zaxby’s Restaurant at 110 S. Larkin Avenue (former Wendy's building): Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

  • 272-26 (1701 Drauden Road self-storage facility): Included a special use permit (ZBA 2025-51) and variation of use (ZBA 2025-52) to allow a self-storage facility and B-3 use in B-1 district. Adopted 5-4 (Ayes: D'Arcy, Cardenas, Clement, Moreno, Mudron; Nays: Hug, Ibarra, Quillman, Reardon). Public comment from Nate Washburn (KGG, LLC) expressed the developer's efforts to find alternative uses and compliance with city design standards.
  • 273-26 (201 N. William Street three-unit residence continuation): Variation of use to allow R-4 use in R-2 district. Adopted 8-1 (Nay: Quillman). Councilwoman Quillman noted efforts to downzone multi-family in single-family neighborhoods.
  • 274-26 (2450 W. Jefferson Street self-storage facility): Special use permit (ZBA 2026-16). Adopted 5-4 (same split as 272-26).
  • 275-26 (Vacation of 76,289 sq ft of Breen Road and utility easement): Adopted unanimously (9-0). Councilman Hug clarified this is part of a closed loop system for development. Public comment from Kathy Garthus opposed vacating public roads, citing inconvenience.
  • 276-26 (Plat of vacation for 3.788-acre drainage and city utility easement along former Bridge Road): Adopted unanimously.
  • 277-26 (81 N. Chicago Street tattoo studio): Included special use permit (ZBA 2026-13) and variation of use (ZBA 2026-14) to allow a tattoo studio in B-2 district. Adopted 8-1 (Nay: Quillman). Public comment: George Zabala (owner of Lifestyle Inc., 27 years tattoo artist) opposed, citing lack of experience and safety concerns; petitioner Joseph Spillie (6 years tattooing) supported, stating he passed health department inspections and works in a niche style. Councilman Hug confirmed county health department oversees biohazard disposal.
  • 278-26 (Rock Run Collection Business District): Removed from agenda by motion to be voted on later.
  • 280-26 (Collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 440): Adopted unanimously. Council members thanked all parties.
  • 281-26 (Accepting Historic Preservation Commission Annual Report for 2025): Adopted unanimously.
  • 282-26 (MOU between Joliet Fire Department and East Side Joliet Fire Protection District): Adopted unanimously. Councilman Hug clarified it is a mutual aid agreement with a separate fire district.
  • 283-26 (Justice Assistance Grant IGA with Will County): Adopted unanimously.
  • 284-26 (License plate reading cameras on county highways IGA): Adopted unanimously.
  • 285-26 (Motor Fuel Tax funds for 2026 Pavement Marking Program): Adopted unanimously.
  • 286-26 and 287-26 (ComEd easements for Glenwood and West Acres Water Main Improvement Project): Both adopted unanimously.
  • 288-26 (IGA with Pace regarding transit shelters): Adopted unanimously. Agreement since 2011; third-party advertiser Titan removed; city receives 50% of advertising revenue; Pace cannot build new shelters without city approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On Agenda Items: Nate Washburn (KGG, LLC) supported 272-26; George Zabala opposed 277-26; Joseph Spillie supported 277-26; Kathy Garthus opposed 275-26.
  • On Non-Agenda Items: Trista Brown supported the tattoo studio. Ron Sefcik requested a grandfather clause for rental inspection egress window requirements, noting his duplex built in 1991 passed initial inspections. Diane Matter, Kaley Matter, and Tammy Coughenour expressed concerns about Love's Truck Stop: tree root damage (citing Illinois Urban Manual and Timber Law), loss of privacy, light intrusion, truck noise, safety, and lack of staff response. Kaley Matter criticized city leadership for not addressing formal grievances. Tammy Coughenour said a promised berm and fence were not installed. Kathy Garthus also thanked Chief Evans and mentioned previous negative development experiences.

Key Outcomes

  • Police Chief William Evans retired after four years; council expressed appreciation.
  • Three historic preservation awards presented: 408 Whitney Avenue owners, George Werden Buck Boys & Girls Club, and St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church.
  • All consent agenda items, appointments, and most resolutions passed unanimously.
  • Two self-storage facilities approved with 5-4 votes each.
  • Tattoo studio at 81 N. Chicago Street approved 8-1.
  • Rock Run Collection Business District ordinance removed from agenda for later vote.
  • Council directed staff to follow up on Love's Truck Stop concerns (tree damage, privacy, berm) and the egress window issue raised by Ron Sefcik.
  • Upcoming events noted: Memorial Day commemoration (May 20), Remembering Our Fallen Tribute (June 11-14), City Square dedication (June 18).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everybody. This is the City of Joliet Council meeting with Mayor Terry Darcy presiding. And I am Jan Klman, Mayor Pro Tem, Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Larry Hugg, Councilwoman Susan Ibera, Councilman Juan Moreno, Councilman Pat Mudron, and Councilman Sherry Reardon, the City Manager Beth Batty, and our City Clerk Lauren O'Hara and a cast of others. So tonight, this is Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and we're going to have the invocation today by Father Chris Grove, the chaplain for the City of Joliet fire and police departments. Let us pray. Almighty God, you generously bestow your gifts in abundance, and we are most grateful for all that you continue to do for us and for the many favors you grant. We gather tonight in your name, enlighten the members of our council so that everything they do may begin with your inspiration and wisdom. God of wisdom and justice. Through you all authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. Guide and support our mayor, the members of our city council, our city manager, and our city staff. Give them the strength to know your will so that all decisions may be done with a desire to please you. As we prepare to honor the memory of the members of our Will County law enforcement community who have died in the line of duty, and also for the many men and women of our military who have laid down their lives to preserve our precious freedom, give comfort and solace to their families. Keep in your care all who keep us safe in our cities, within our nation, and around the world each day. Watch over them and protect them with your care. We likewise commend to your care all the residents of our city, that they too may be blessed and sanctified, so that together we may work for the betterment of our community and enjoy the many blessings promised to those who remain faithful to you. For we pray to you our one Lord and God now and forever. Amen. I pledge your leaders to the night. One nation under God, an indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Okay. We'll begin with roll call. Mayor Darcy. Here. Councilman Cardinus? Here. Councilman Clement? Here. Councilman Hug? Here. Councilwoman of Barrow? Here. Councilman Moreno? Here. Councilman Mudron? Here. Councilwoman Quoman? Here. Councilman Ridden. Here. If the council will allow, I'd like to go a little out of order today and bring up our Chief of Police, Chief Evans. This will be his last City Council meeting here with us in Joliet. Good evening, members of the Council, Mayor Darcy, City Manager Beatty, and all of our city leaders. As my time here at the City of Joliet has come to a close, I wanted to express formally my deepest appreciation for the support you have all shown the Joliet Police Department and specifically me as your chief of police. When I arrived here over four years ago, I made two promises to you. I told you that I would put my heart and soul into this position, and the second was that I would leave the place better than I found it. I hope, in your eyes, that I've succeeded in accomplishing these goals. At times my job was tough. But in the words of Teddy Roosevelt, nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, and difficulty. But nevertheless, over the last four years, we've accomplished a great deal, including lowering the crime rate, succeeding and successfully addressing a handful of high profile events, and providing the rank and file officers with state of the art technology and viable essential law enforcement equipment.

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