OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting (June 16, 2026): Houbolt Road, Rialto Loan, Budget, and Public Comments

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, June 16, 2026
BodyJoliet, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, June 16, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:32:14

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

Good evening, everybody.

0:06

This is the June 16th meeting of the Joe City Council held in the council chambers.

0:14

With Mary Terry Darcy residing, and I'm Jan Quilmanus Pro Temp.

0:20

And would you call a roll and then we'll call invocation?

0:24

Or you want to do the other way?

0:25

Okay, invocate.

0:26

Okay.

0:26

The invocation night will be said by the founder of prayer of Mr.

0:30

Jeff De Breeze with Pray Joliet 1741 S and 10.

0:35

And with that, we call the role after the Pledge of Allegiance in the prayer.

0:40

Pledge first.

0:45

Well, I represent more than the 50 churches in this area that have uh come to pray for our city and pray for you all.

0:51

And so with that, let's pray.

0:53

Lord, thank you for the stay.

0:55

Thank you for all that you've given us.

0:56

Lord, we thank you for all the blessings that you have bestowed upon our city.

1:00

Lord, we pray for uh a smooth uh meeting here tonight.

1:04

We pray for efficiency and we pray for clear minds and pray for wisdom, Lord.

1:08

We pray for each uh person on the city council here.

1:11

We pray for the mayor that uh they would uh be blessed by you, Lord, and I just pray that uh the city would prosper further into the future and give them wisdom in order to help that happen.

1:22

We ask this all in Jesus' name, amen.

1:24

Amen.

1:27

Pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, an individual with liberty and justice for all okay.

1:45

We'll begin with roll call.

1:47

Mayor Darcy, Councilman Cardinals, Councilmanclement?

1:50

Here, Councilman Hugo.

1:52

Councilwoman Abarra here, Councilman Moreno here, Councilman Mudron.

1:55

Here, Councilwoman Quoman.

1:57

Here, Councilwoman Rurden here.

2:01

Before we begin, I'd like to have uh Krista Desiderio approach and say a few words.

2:07

Tonight is her last city council meeting after 26 years serving the city of Joliet and um we'll be sad to miss her, but uh excited for her future endeavors.

2:19

Thank you.

2:20

Mayor, members of the council, Beth, colleagues, thanks for giving me a few minutes tonight to say a few words.

2:26

I wrote it down because I knew it's gonna be a little hard for me.

2:29

So after 26 years with the City of Joliet, it's hard to believe that this chapter is coming to a close.

2:35

When I first walked through the doors of City Hall, I could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead.

2:41

I realize looking back that the most rewarding part has never been the accomplishments, it's been the people.

2:56

To the city managers I've worked for over the years.

2:59

Thank you for your leadership and support.

3:02

Each one challenged me to grow, and there were many, and taught me valuable lessons.

3:07

To my colleagues and fellow employees, thank you for your commitment to improving the lives of the residents of Joliet.

3:15

We've celebrated successes together, worked through challenges together, and occasionally persevered through crises.

3:23

The relationships built over these years are what of what will be what I will miss the most.

3:29

I also want to thank the residents.

3:32

Serving this community has been both a responsibility and a privilege.

3:38

Every decision we made, every project we undertook, and every challenge we faced was ultimately about improving the quality of life for the people who call this place home.

3:50

Most importantly, I want to thank my family and friends.

3:54

Through it all, their support and understanding made it possible for me to do the work I loved.

4:01

As I reflect on everyone who has been part of this journey, I'm reminded that strong communities are built on this foundation.

4:09

Encouragement, respect, and kindness.

4:14

As leaders of the community, each of us has a unique opportunity to set the tone for the entire city, choosing understanding over division and collaboration over conflict.

4:26

Resulting in a culture which can foster trust, strengthen community relationships, and create an environment where collaboration can thrive.

4:36

As I retire, I leave with a tremendous sense of gratitude.

4:40

Gratitude for the opportunities I was given and the people who made every day meaningful.

4:45

It truly has been an honor to serve.

4:47

So thank you all.

5:01

I'd just like to take the opportunity to say a couple words and we'll invite the council to do the same.

5:06

Krista, I can't believe you've been here for 26 years.

5:09

I feel like it's been 26 years for me too, but really two and a half or three.

5:14

But I'm just I'm joking.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Zoning And Land Use█████████████13%
Personnel Matters███████████11%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Public Safety███████████11%
Historic Preservation██████6%
Economic Development██████6%
Pending Litigation█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Joliet City Council met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a retirement tribute to Deputy City Manager Christa Desiderio after 26 years, approval of several consent items, liquor licenses, a public hearing and ordinances for a 31-acre development at 23656 S. Houbolt Road, a $2 million loan and grant extension for the Rialto Square Theatre, a budget amendment for litigation settlement, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of June 1 (Pre-Council) and June 2 (City Council), and invoices to be paid.
  • Approved Change Order No. 1 for Traffic Management System Phase B to H&H Electric ($11,226.75) and final payment ($250,569.11).
  • Approved Change Order No. 2 for Electrical Maintenance Assistance Contract to Meade Electric ($35,229.94) and Payment Request No. 7 ($35,229.94).
  • Awarded Professional Services Agreement for land acquisition for South End Neighborhood Shared Use Path to Santacruz Land Acquisitions (not to exceed $70,500.00).
  • Approved payment of 2026 Wastewater Discharge Permit Fees to IEPA ($152,500.00).
  • Approved Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement for 2027 Water Main Rehabilitation Program to Baxter & Woodman Inc. ($181,200.00).
  • Authorized Fund Draw 16 for TIF District #7 ($3,402,923.50).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On Agenda Items: Kathy Garthus spoke on items 319-26 through 323-26 (Houbolt Road), expressing concerns about the developer's past actions and her personal experience with a neighboring trucking company.
  • On Non-Agenda Items:
    • Sabrina Frieh raised concerns about an abandoned, hoarded property at 1609 Autumn Drive.
    • Brian Frieh expressed displeasure with city building ordinances limiting driveway width; his contractor said 29 ft but the city approved only 23 ft.
    • Mindy and David Bigley described chronic backyard flooding and lack of response from the city.
    • Jeremy Michael Jones presented a patent-pending traffic light system (Apex) and requested a feasibility review by Public Works.
    • Kathy Garthus again spoke during non-agenda public comments, thanking Christa Desiderio and recounting issues with a personal protection order and alleged police inaction.

Discussion Items

  • Retirement Tribute: All council members and the mayor thanked Deputy City Manager Christa Desiderio for 26 years of service.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Appointment: Councilwoman Sherri Reardon was appointed Mayor Pro Tem for July 1 – September 30, 2026.
  • Public Hearing & Ordinances – 23656 S. Houbolt Road:
    • Public hearing held for annexation agreement (A-1-26). John Argoudelis (city staff) answered questions. Kathy Garthus spoke in opposition, citing negative experiences with the adjacent property owner.
    • Agenda item 319-26 (Annexation Agreement Resolution) passed 7-2, with Councilwoman Ibarra and Councilwoman Quillman voting nay.
    • Ordinances 321-26 (Annexation and Zoning Classification to I-1) passed 7-2 (same nay).
    • Ordinances 322-26 (Special Use Permit for Truck Parking with CNG fueling and Variation for Above-Ground Fuel Tanks) passed 7-2 (same nay).
    • Ordinances 323-26 (Special Use Permit and Variation for Container Storage and Stacking up to three-high) – a motion to deny was made and carried unanimously (9-0). Councilman Moreno noted leaving the door open for future use after residents are gone; Councilwoman Quillman stated "anything more than two is too high."
  • Ordinance 324-26: Repealed a previously approved variation to reduce a 5-unit to 4-unit residence on Ward Street. Passed unanimously.
  • Ordinance 325-26: Amended the 2026 budget for litigation settlements related to overweight vehicle tickets (approximately 5,500 tickets at $750 each, covering 2018-2023). Interim Corporation Counsel Todd Lenzie provided explanation under pending litigation. Passed unanimously.
  • Ordinance 326-26: Authorized an intergovernmental loan agreement with Will County Exposition and Auditorium Authority (Rialto Square Theatre) for up to $2 million to cover HVAC renovation costs after asbestos mitigation expenses. Councilman Hug voted nay, citing lack of guarantee; Rialto Executive Director Wade Welsh and Board President Bob Filotto presented the need. Passed 8-1.
  • Resolution 328-26: Approved a new $475,000 grant and extension of a previous grant to the Rialto Square Theatre. Councilman Hug clarified that the extension was for 2024 funds not yet used. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolutions 329-26 to 335-26: Passed unanimously: designating financial institutions for city deposits; appropriating motor fuel tax funds for Traffic Management System Phases A and B; accepting $26,000 State Fire Marshal grant for turnout gear; IGA for water service connection to Joliet West High School; subrecipient agreement for CDBG water/sewer improvements in Southeast Joliet Sanitary District; and collective bargaining agreement with FOP Police Supervisors Association.
  • Liquor Licenses:
    • Love’s Travel Stop #777 (Class C): Approved 8-1, Councilwoman Ibarra voted nay.
    • Six Corners Tavern (Class B): Approved unanimously.
    • El Sabor Latino (Class D): Approved unanimously.
    • Cork Lounge & Kitchen (Class B): Approved unanimously.
    • Lagos Grill and Lounge (Class E): Resolution to deny adopted unanimously.
  • City Manager Report: Beth Beatty addressed recent storm cleanup, two Urban3 public presentations on June 17, McDonald's 35-foot apple pie statue at Route 66 Park (kickoff June 23), and Joliet Freedom Weekend (July 2-4) celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
  • Mayor and Council Comments: Thanked city staff for storm response; announced City Square/Unity Dome dedication on June 18; noted Joliet named City of the Year by REjournals; wished Happy Father’s Day and Fourth of July.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
  • Liquor License (Love’s Travel Stop): Approved 8-1 (Ibarra nay).
  • Annexation and Zoning for 23656 S. Houbolt Road: Approved 7-2 (Ibarra, Quillman nay).
  • Special Use Permit for Truck Parking & Fuel Tanks: Approved 7-2 (same nay).
  • Container Storage/Stacking up to three-high: Denied unanimously (motion to deny carried 9-0).
  • Budget Amendment (Litigation Settlement): Approved unanimously.
  • Rialto Square Theatre Loan ($2M): Approved 8-1 (Hug nay).
  • All other resolutions and ordinances: Approved unanimously.
  • Public Comments: Noted for follow-up by city staff (property complaints, drainage, traffic light proposal referred to Public Works).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everybody. This is the June 16th meeting of the Joe City Council held in the council chambers. With Mary Terry Darcy residing, and I'm Jan Quilmanus Pro Temp. And would you call a roll and then we'll call invocation? Or you want to do the other way? Okay, invocate. Okay. The invocation night will be said by the founder of prayer of Mr. Jeff De Breeze with Pray Joliet 1741 S and 10. And with that, we call the role after the Pledge of Allegiance in the prayer. Pledge first. Well, I represent more than the 50 churches in this area that have uh come to pray for our city and pray for you all. And so with that, let's pray. Lord, thank you for the stay. Thank you for all that you've given us. Lord, we thank you for all the blessings that you have bestowed upon our city. Lord, we pray for uh a smooth uh meeting here tonight. We pray for efficiency and we pray for clear minds and pray for wisdom, Lord. We pray for each uh person on the city council here. We pray for the mayor that uh they would uh be blessed by you, Lord, and I just pray that uh the city would prosper further into the future and give them wisdom in order to help that happen. We ask this all in Jesus' name, amen. Amen. Pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, an individual with liberty and justice for all okay. We'll begin with roll call. Mayor Darcy, Councilman Cardinals, Councilmanclement? Here, Councilman Hugo. Councilwoman Abarra here, Councilman Moreno here, Councilman Mudron. Here, Councilwoman Quoman. Here, Councilwoman Rurden here. Before we begin, I'd like to have uh Krista Desiderio approach and say a few words. Tonight is her last city council meeting after 26 years serving the city of Joliet and um we'll be sad to miss her, but uh excited for her future endeavors. Thank you. Mayor, members of the council, Beth, colleagues, thanks for giving me a few minutes tonight to say a few words. I wrote it down because I knew it's gonna be a little hard for me. So after 26 years with the City of Joliet, it's hard to believe that this chapter is coming to a close. When I first walked through the doors of City Hall, I could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead. I realize looking back that the most rewarding part has never been the accomplishments, it's been the people. To the city managers I've worked for over the years. Thank you for your leadership and support. Each one challenged me to grow, and there were many, and taught me valuable lessons. To my colleagues and fellow employees, thank you for your commitment to improving the lives of the residents of Joliet. We've celebrated successes together, worked through challenges together, and occasionally persevered through crises. The relationships built over these years are what of what will be what I will miss the most. I also want to thank the residents. Serving this community has been both a responsibility and a privilege. Every decision we made, every project we undertook, and every challenge we faced was ultimately about improving the quality of life for the people who call this place home. Most importantly, I want to thank my family and friends. Through it all, their support and understanding made it possible for me to do the work I loved. As I reflect on everyone who has been part of this journey, I'm reminded that strong communities are built on this foundation. Encouragement, respect, and kindness.

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