Joliet Pre-Council Meeting – June 15, 2026

The Joliet City Council held a pre-council meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a public hearing and discussion on the annexation and development of 23656 S. Houbolt Road (Whimsy Trucking), multiple liquor license applications, a proposed loan and grant extension for the Rialto Square Theatre, a collective bargaining agreement with police supervisors, and other routine business. No final votes were taken; all actionable items are scheduled for the regular council meeting on June 16, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Argoudelis (petitioner representative) spoke on the Whimsy Trucking proposal (Items 319-26, 321-26, 322-26, 323-26). He requested approval of container stacking up to three high, arguing that a gas pipeline cuts off a rear portion of the site and a large roadside setback reduces usable land. He cited prior council approvals for three- and five-high stacking in other industrial areas (e.g., 3751 Cedar Creek Drive, 3350 Shanahan Road) and stated stacking would be short-term (one to two days).
• Kathy Garthus (former resident of 23656 S. Houbolt Road) opposed the Whimsy Trucking project, alleging unfair eviction, lack of transparency in the property sale, theft of personal property, and improper handling of the eviction by Whimsy and their attorney. She asked the council to deny the annexation and associated permits.
• Owner of Lagos Grill and Lounge arrived late and inquired about speaking on the proposed denial of their liquor license (Item 317-26). The mayor informed them they could provide public comment at the regular council meeting on June 16.

Discussion Items

Houbolt Road Annexation and Development (Whimsy Trucking) – Items 319-26, 321-26, 322-26, 323-26

• The city manager provided an overview: the proposal includes annexation of 23656 S. Houbolt Road, zoning to I-1 (Light Industrial), a special use permit for a truck parking facility with mobile compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling, and a variation of use for above-ground CNG tanks. Also sought were a special use permit for container storage and a variation to allow stacking up to three high.
• Community Development Director Dustin Anderson noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted 5–0 against the three-high stacking request, citing nearby residences, but supported other components. Staff and ZBA recommended stacking be limited to one high.
• Councilman Clement asked about resident opposition at the ZBA hearing. John Argoudelis confirmed that only Kathy Garthus spoke in opposition at the meetings; no other residents appeared.
• Councilman Moreno and Councilman Hug expressed support for three-high stacking, noting that other industrial sites in the area (e.g., Conglobal, G4) stack up to five high. Mayor D’Arcy and Councilwoman Ibarra cautioned that those sites are in purely industrial areas, while the Whimsy site has two large residential homes nearby. Mayor D’Arcy suggested the ZBA’s decision may have been driven by those residential neighbors.
• Councilman Clement and Mayor D’Arcy noted that staff will verify compliance at other stacking sites and issue violation notices if applicable.
• Councilwoman Reardon asked if the council would vote separately on the stacking issue; the city manager confirmed yes.

Rialto Square Theatre – Loan (Item 326-26) and Grant Extension (Item 328-26)

• The city manager explained that the Rialto seeks a $2.5 million intergovernmental loan to continue HVAC replacement delayed by asbestos remediation. A separate resolution extends a previously approved $475,000 capital grant (2024) that was not used due to the delay.
• Finance Director Kevin Sing stated that banks declined to lend because the Rialto is a unique government unit without taxing authority and lacks traditional collateral. The loan would be repaid via $475,000 annual capital grant forgiveness over six years and any proceeds from the Rialto’s asbestos lawsuit.
• Councilman Hug questioned why the city should take on risk that banks rejected. Councilwoman Ibarra and the city manager argued the Rialto is an essential downtown economic driver and that the loan is effectively an advance on future grants. The loan carries interest.
• Councilman Hug and Mayor D’Arcy expressed concerns but acknowledged the need to keep the theatre operational. The Rialto representative is expected at the June 16 meeting for further discussion.

Liquor Licenses (Items 313-26, 314-26, 315-26, 316-26, 317-26)

• Deputy Liquor Commissioner Jim O’Connell presented recommendations: approval for Love’s Travel Stop (Class C), Six Corners Tavern (Class B), El Sabor Latino (Class D), and Cork Lounge & Kitchen (Class B, new ownership). He recommended denial of a Class E license for Lagos Grill and Lounge.
• Councilwoman Ibarra asked why Lagos Grill applied for a license for which they do not qualify; O’Connell clarified they applied but staff is recommending denial.
• Councilman Moreno asked about Cork Lounge & Kitchen’s change in ownership requiring a new application.

Other Items

• ZBA Reappointment (Item 319-26) : No discussion.
• Budget Amendment (Item 325-26) : The city manager noted the ordinance amends the 2026 budget; no questions.
• Police Supervisors Collective Bargaining Agreement (Item 335-26) : No discussion.
• Water Main Pothole Issue : Councilman Clement raised potholes on New Avenue north of Osgood after a water main replacement. Public Works Director Greg Ruddy said he would inspect.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on any substantive items. All ordinances, resolutions, and licenses will be voted on at the regular council meeting on June 16, 2026.
• A motion by Councilwoman Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Moreno, to enter closed session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, land acquisition, and pending litigation passed unanimously (9–0).