Joliet Arts Commission Meeting - June 17, 2026

The Joliet Arts Commission met on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Four commissioners were present, and the meeting addressed membership changes, approved the previous meeting's minutes, received updates on communications and the comprehensive plan, and established subcommittees to advance public art policy and community engagement.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (May 20, 2026): The minutes were approved unanimously by a voice vote of the four present commissioners (Simpson, Grotovsky, Filotto, Romero).

Key Outcome – Commission Membership Changes

• Removal of Commissioners for Non-Attendance: The commission voted unanimously (4-0) to remove Julia Russotti and Debra Volling from the board, citing the bylaws that state missing three meetings results in removal. Commissioner Peg Stoiber was noted as already off due to term expiration. This left the commission with five members, of which four were present, establishing a quorum for the meeting.

Discussion Items

Communications Update

• Webpage vs. Social Media: Luke Gundersen, Special Events Coordinator, reported that after consulting with Communications Director Sydney Thompson, the city cannot support a dedicated social media page for the Arts Commission due to limited staff capacity. Instead, a dedicated webpage on the city website will be created. Commissioners expressed frustration, noting that other cities manage such pages, but acknowledged the staffing constraints. Suggestions included a short URL (joliet.gov/arts) and prioritizing events and news at the top of the page to attract visitors.
• Artist Registry: Luke proposed an online artist registry form to connect artists with opportunities, which commissioners supported.
• Publicity and Attendance Tracking: Commissioners discussed the recent "Remembering the Fallen" display, questioning how attendance was tracked and how to better promote events. Ann Sylvester, Cultural Affairs and Special Events Director, noted that attendance tracking clickers are now being used for City Square events and that press releases are sent, but they will be shared with the commission in the future. Commissioners stressed the need for proactive positive promotion and tracking attendance to demonstrate community interest.
• Timeline: Luke aimed to have the webpage operational by the next Arts Commission meeting (July 15, 2026).

Comprehensive Plan Update

• Summary of Arts-Related Content: Luke presented highlights from the draft comprehensive plan, which is not yet adopted by the city council. The plan reflects public feedback from workshops: residents want more public art, live music, festivals, cultural programming, reuse of historic buildings, and beautification through murals and landscaping. The plan also identifies downtown as a cultural destination and includes recommendations for public art, cultural trails, and partnerships.
• Commissioner Reactions: Commissioners expressed strong support for the plan’s arts and culture components but voiced frustration with the slow pace of implementation. They requested monthly updates from the city on progress and asked to be put on record as supporting the plan. Commissioner Ron Romero noted that a negative online review of Joliet highlighted the need for visible public art and better coordination among attractions. Commissioners emphasized the economic development potential of arts and culture, citing examples like Paducah, Kentucky.
• Next Steps: Luke will provide commissioners with a link to the full plan. The commission will advocate for a city council liaison to help advance the arts agenda.

Staff Comments

• Grant Update: Luke met with Grants Coordinator Becky DeGroate, who applied for the Illinois Arts Council (IACA) grant (amounts range from $2,500 to $25,000, depending on number of applicants). A decision is expected in August or September. Becky will attend the July 15 meeting to discuss other grant opportunities.
• Subcommittees: Luke proposed two subcommittees: (1) Public Art Policy and Guidelines, to review and update the draft policy created years ago, and (2) Community Engagement, to develop the website content and artist registry. Commissioners volunteered: Ron Romero for the public art policy subcommittee, Deborah Filotto for the community engagement subcommittee, with Tom Grotovsky and Donna Franks-Tapley also interested. The goal is to hold bi-weekly meetings to speed progress.

Member Comments

• Open Commissioner Positions: There are currently four vacancies on the commission. Commissioner Simpson asked about recruitment; the city is actively seeking applicants.
• Parking Garage Mural: Commissioner Simpson inquired about a mural on the side of the parking garage. Ann Sylvester confirmed that the city is exploring options with North Point and hopes to include an artistic element, but no final decision has been made.
• IACA Grant Funds: Commissioner Romero asked about the remaining balance from the previous IACA grant ($2,500) and stressed the need to spend it wisely before the August 1 reporting deadline. He suggested using funds for an artist-in-residence program at the Joliet Library, which had requested support. Luke will look into the remaining funds.
• Poet Laureate Program: The commission discussed whether to extend the program. Ann Sylvester noted that outgoing Poet Laureate Uxmar has exceeded expectations and a report is pending. A decision on the next term will be made after review.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Motion to remove commissioners Russotti and Volling: passed unanimously (4-0).
  • Motion to approve May 20, 2026 minutes: passed unanimously (4-0).
  • Motion to adjourn: passed unanimously (4-0).
• Directives:
  • Luke to work with Sydney Thompson to create the Arts Commission webpage by the July 15 meeting, including events, photos, and an artist registry.
  • Luke to provide commissioners with the comprehensive plan link and schedule a subcommittee kickoff for the public art policy and community engagement groups.
  • Becky DeGroate to present on grants at the July 15 meeting.
  • Commissioners to recruit new members to fill four vacancies.
• Next Steps: The commission will continue to advocate for a city council liaison and monthly updates on the comprehensive plan implementation. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2026.