Joliet Pre-Council Meeting – June 2, 2026

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript all indicate the meeting took place on Monday, June 1, 2026, but the user-specified date is June 2, 2026. This summary uses the provided date per instructions.

The Joliet City Council held a Pre-Council meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Terry D'Arcy and Councilman Juan Moreno were absent. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Pro Tem Jan Hallums Quillman. The council reviewed items scheduled for the regular City Council meeting the following day, including infrastructure contracts, zoning ordinances, and a sidewalk cafe regulation update. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter closed session on personnel, collective bargaining, land acquisition, and litigation, which carried 7-0.

Consent Calendar

• Appointments: Appointments to the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Police Pension Board were presented for approval.
• Council Committee Reports: Reports from the Diversity & Community Relations, Land Use & Economic Development, Public Assets, and Public Service committees were noted.
• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the Pre-Council Meeting on May 18, 2026, and the City Council Meeting on May 19, 2026, were on the consent agenda.
• Invoices to be Paid: A list of invoices for June 2, 2026, was included.
• Water System Improvements (289-26): Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with Baxter & Woodman Inc. for construction engineering services on the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Water System Improvements Project, in the amount of $94,200.00 (funded by county ARPA).
• Emergency Sewer Repair (290-26): Payment for emergency repairs to the Jefferson Street sewer to Airy’s Inc., totaling $260,545.62.
• Batteries and Support Services (291-26): Purchase order for 2026 automotive and heavy-duty batteries and related support services to FleetPride Inc., in the amount of $60,000.00.
• Fleet Tires and Tire Services (292-26): Purchase order for 2026 fleet tires and tire services, in the amount of $200,000.00.
• Downtown Special Service Area Study (293-26): Award of professional services agreement to SB Friedman Development Advisors for the study and designation of the Downtown Special Service Area (SSA), in the amount of $54,260.00.
• Parking Garage Painting (294-26): Award payment for the Ottawa Street Parking Garage Painting Project to Cosgrove Construction Inc., in the amount of $190,625.00.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Silverman spoke on behalf of Council Memo 299-26 regarding the Autobahn Country Club, stating that representatives were present to answer any questions.
• No members of the public provided comment on non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance (298-26): Business Services Supervisor Dan Mangun presented a proposed ordinance amending regulations for sidewalk cafes, focusing on downtown businesses. Key changes include lowering the maximum fence height for alcohol-serving establishments from 4 feet to 3 feet to improve visibility during events, combining multiple permits into a single application, and establishing guidelines for furnishings (fencing, tables, chairs, umbrellas) rather than mandating identical items. Council members asked about continuity of furnishings, citywide applicability, and fencing requirements. Councilwoman Ibarra and Councilwoman Quillman praised the presentation. Councilwoman Quillman expressed a desire for uniform fencing to maintain aesthetics. City Manager Beth Beatty noted that Dan Mangun had consulted businesses and revised the ordinance multiple times based on feedback.
• Autobahn Country Club (299-26): An ordinance approving a special use permit to allow development on a lot containing the Cedar Creek Watershed Protection Area (M-1-26) and a resolution approving an amendment to the Master Development Plan (M-2-26). The item was discussed briefly; Dan Mangun noted the applicant was present for questions.
• Vista Ridge Phase 1 Resubdivision (300-26): Three ordinances to amend the final plat, approve a recording plat, and vacate a public utility and drainage easement for the Vista Ridge Phase 1 Planned Unit Development. Community Development Director Dustin Anderson explained that the easement vacation would allow townhome owners to extend their lots from 58 feet to 70 feet, enabling patios. Engineering and Public Works had no objections. The council discussed the rationale.
• Cherry Hill Business Park Phase 2 (301-26): Ordinances approving an amendment to the preliminary plat, the final plat, and the recording plat for Cherry Hill Business Park (21) Subdivision, Phase 2. No detailed discussion was recorded.
• Farrell Road Bridge Property Acquisition (303-26): A resolution authorizing the acquisition of a partial property (PIN 30-07-01-200-047) for the Farrell Road over Spring Creek Bridge Improvements Project, in the amount of $3,600.00.
• Kendall County Multi-Use Path Resurfacing (304-26): A resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Kendall County for Kendall County Transportation Alternative Program (KC-TAP) funding to resurface the multi-use path along the west side of Ridge Road between Theodore Street and Black Road. The total project cost is $70,312.00, with the city responsible for $14,062.00.
• Supermercados El Güero Tax Abatement Amendment (305-26): A resolution approving Amendment #2 to the incentive agreement (property tax abatement) for Supermercados El Güero de Joliet, Inc. at 118 E. Jackson Street. The original project was delayed by COVID-19, so the amendment revises the timeline to a five-year abatement covering tax years 2025 through 2029, with the same terms.
• Council Member Comments:
  • Councilman Clement raised concerns about the city's reimbursement policy for mailbox damage caused by snow plowing, noting a resident was offered only $100 for $380 in damage. He requested revisiting the ordinance.
  • Councilwoman Quillman reported complaints about weeds and lack of grass restoration in parkways after street construction projects. The City Manager asked for specific locations to address.
  • Councilman Hug addressed a social media rumor that a strip club was proposed for the closed Anthony's restaurant. He stated it was false, and City Manager Beatty confirmed no such request had been made.
  • Councilwoman Quillman inquired about missing handrails at the Ottawa Street parking deck. Public Works Director Greg Ruddy reported that the handrails had been reinstalled the previous week.
  • Councilwoman Ibarra invited Cultural Affairs and Special Events Director Ann Sylvester to preview upcoming City Square events: a hip-hop workout on Tuesday, June 2, at 7 AM; dancing in the square on Wednesday; cars and guitars on Thursday with a special performance by Laura Braina at 9 PM; Sounds on 66 on Friday with the Righteous Hillbillies; and Star Wars Days on Saturday in partnership with the Joliet Public Library.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items were discussed and are expected to be voted on at the regular City Council meeting on June 2, 2026 (or the next day).
• A motion was made by Councilwoman Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Cardenas, to enter closed session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, land acquisition or conveyance, and pending or threatened litigation. The motion carried 7-0 (Mayor D'Arcy and Councilman Moreno absent). The meeting adjourned thereafter.