OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting - August 20, 2026

Meeting Portal — Thursday, August 20, 2026
BodyJoliet, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateThursday, August 20, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 50:00
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

We are on track to meet that goal.

0:02

I want to thank all the city council, all the members of the staff who have been involved in working on the count on this budget.

0:09

That would be in my report.

0:10

Mayor, unless Larry.

0:14

Thank you.

0:16

And public service.

0:18

And the public service committee met uh yesterday at 4 30 here at City Hall in the council chambers.

0:25

Um included myself, Councilwoman Meridan and Councilman Mudrin.

0:32

We got a short agenda.

0:34

We have four items under contracts.

0:36

Uh one item was for a uh technical rescue team vehicle.

0:41

Uh NAP High specialty body is referred to for the fire department's technical rescue team vehicle.

0:46

Um this is one of a number of vehicle purchases that are already in the budget, so it is budgeted for.

0:51

We looked at it for 77,600, and uh it looks good.

0:56

Um we also looked uh at approval of a bulk uh road salt sales agreement between the city of Joliet and Midwest Salt LLC.

1:03

This year, a major player in the salt game called Cargill is no longer providing salt.

1:10

This is impacted the state of Illinois joint purchase agreement where we normally get our salt.

1:14

Of the four facilities that we store salt at, they all only came through on two of them.

1:20

The other two just was nothing to deliver, so we had to go on on our own.

1:23

Our public works department did.

1:25

And uh, you know, where we used to pay 85 to maybe uh 100 per ton, um it's as high as 140, 160, 180 a ton now because of this short shortage created for several reasons, the largest being the big player cargo getting out of the game, at least for now.

1:43

Um our staff was able to find with uh Midwest salt, uh our needs to be filled at 117 a ton.

1:51

So we were happy to hear that.

1:52

We we minimize the increase.

1:54

That could have been much more catastrophic, and we'll have plenty of salt in two delivery dates prior to September and then after September.

2:01

So the salt we're gonna use before January and then the salt we'll need after January, plus a little extra to have it on hand because the salt industry is apparently becoming a little unstable.

2:11

So remember that when you're seasoning your chili.

2:17

Um then we looked at a water professional service agreement for the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District, uh the backstrown wood woodman um for engineering services for 65,400, all of which will be paid by the county, not by the city.

2:31

And then we looked at um the approval of amendment number five to the professional services agreement for the alternative water source program to Stan Tech Consulting Service Incorporated in the amount of $34,792,000.

2:44

Um of that paid is paid solely by the city because that's for city centric improvements.

2:50

The rest of it is part of the all overall um alternative uh water supply, which is governed now by the um oh, what's the name of the commission?

2:59

I forgot now.

3:00

I'm not sure.

3:01

Thank you, Mayor.

3:02

The Grand Prairie Water Commission.

3:03

Um we are a 60% partner in that.

3:05

We're the biggest boy on the block.

3:07

And uh, so we'll pay 60% of the remainder, and the other communities have to pay their share.

3:11

So we looked at it and we sent all four of those items forward with a recommendation to approve.

3:15

Um we had no change order to pass from some final payments.

3:18

That's the first time in a long time, so that was nice.

3:21

And then we had uh a resolution declaring certain city property or Joliet property, a surplus.

3:27

Again, we sent that forward with recommendation to approve.

3:29

And finally, we looked at an application for a drive-through permit for a Hawaiian brothers restaurant at 1351 Shale Road.

3:36

That will be built out at what we all know as the Rock Run Collection, the Cullen Project.

3:40

Um, so there really are no traffic concerns and things that we've had with other coffee houses in the old section of the Joliet because that's out of the new development, and uh we saw no problem with that.

3:52

Uh I know some people are excited about the Hawaiian brothers, me I I'm a cup of joe guy.

3:56

I I would I went somewhere to specially coffee house with some people on the weekend on Saturday, and they I don't know.

4:01

One guy ordered a twisted double backflip, and it came to me and they're like, what would you like?

4:06

Is it a cup of coffee?

4:07

A cup of coffee?

4:07

Can you give me a cup of coffee?

4:09

Um, but I know a lot of people like the special.

4:11

My wife and my daughter loves specialty coffees, this whole thing.

4:14

So that's kind of exciting.

4:15

Hawaiian brothers will be building out there, so if you need your Hawaiian brothers fix, you can drive out there, and it won't be a lot of traffic around it.

4:22

Um that's it.

4:23

That's all I have unless I miss something, Sherry or Pat.

4:25

No, that would make it the report then, Mayor.

4:28

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety█████████████████17%
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Data Centers█████████9%
Procurement Practices███████7%
Utilities and Infrastructure███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Zoning And Land Use████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Joliet City Council Meeting - August 20, 2026

The Joliet City Council met on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM local time. The meeting covered a wide range of routine approvals, public comments on community safety and housing, and key votes on contracts, ordinances, and resolutions. Public comments highlighted concerns about the Riverwalk housing complex, the Attorney General report, and a proposed data center. The council approved all consent agenda items, passed several ordinances and resolutions, and received reports from the city manager.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of minutes from August 3 pre-council and August 4 city council meetings.
  • Approval of invoices for payment.
  • Council Memo 407-26: Purchase of one NAPD Specialty Body for Fire Department technical rescue team vehicle for $77,600.
  • Council Memo 408-26: Bulk road salt sales agreement with Midwest Salt LLC at $117.37 per ton (noting a national salt shortage due to Cargill exiting the market).
  • Council Memo 409-26: Professional services agreement for Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Phase 2 Water System Improvements (Baxter & Woodman, not to exceed $65,400, paid by county).
  • Council Memo 410-26: Award of contract to Sierra ITS for professional services funding ($275,000).
  • Council Memo 411-26: Award of contract to CDWG for renewal of Cradlepoint NetCloud Mobile Router Licensing ($49,270.09).
  • Council Memo 412-26: Award of contract to Lenovo for 2026 PC lifecycle program ($85,000).
  • Council Memo 413-26: Award of contract to SHI for three-year Microsoft Enterprise Licensing Agreement (not to exceed $1,278,214.47).
  • Council Memo 414-26: Award of contract to Video Tech for access control and surveillance at 9 Osgood ($72,927).
  • All consent items were approved unanimously (9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

  1. Trista Brown (Speak Up organization) urged the council not to forget victims of the Attorney General report, called for accountability regarding police lawsuits and suggested pension taxation, and raised concerns about safety at Riverwalk for seniors and residents. She offered her organization's assistance to bridge gaps.
  2. Timothy Antell (Joliet resident) presented detailed concerns about the proposed Powerhouse Hillwood data center development. He stated that COMEd canceled a previously approved Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) with the developer due to non-compliance with tariff terms and failure to provide required credit support, citing a FERC filing. He questioned whether council members were aware of the cancellation.
  3. Dominique (Riverwalk resident) described severe housing issues: black mold, a ceiling collapse on her son, safety concerns from a recent shooting, and lack of communication from management. She pleaded for help for her family and children who cannot play outside. Councilman Cardenas agreed to meet with her after the meeting.
  4. Tamaya Hamer (Joliet Job Corps) introduced the Job Corps program (federally funded workforce development for ages 16-24) and invited the council to a community luncheon on September 11, 2026.

Discussion Items

  • Council Memo 416-26: Alternative Water Source Program Amendment #5 (Stantec Consulting, $34,792,038) — Approved 9-0. The mayor clarified that the city pays a portion for city-centric improvements; the rest is shared via the Grand Prairie Water Commission (60% city share).
  • Council Memo 418-26: Drive-through permit for Hawaiian Brothers restaurant at 1351 Shale Road — Approved 9-0. Discussion included confusion about whether it is a coffee shop or full-service restaurant; the mayor later clarified it is an island cuisine restaurant.
  • Council Memo 420-26: Ordinances for Joliet Catholic Academy subdivision (PUD-6-26 and RP-8-26) — Approved 7-2. Councilwoman McQuillman and Councilman Hug voted no. Councilwoman McQuillman explained she voted no due to lack of rental restrictions, but noted it will be a beautiful stadium.
  • Council Memo 421-26: Special use permit for a resale boutique (Mason Mariana) at 124 North Ottawa Street — Approved 9-0. The owner spoke briefly describing the boutique's focus on bridal, special occasion, professional attire, and giftable keepsakes.
  • Council Memo 422-26: Reclassification of 303 South Ottawa Street from R2 to R3 zoning — Approved 9-0. Councilwoman Rudin expressed support, noting the intended development.
  • Council Memo 423-26: Ordinance authorizing amendment to 2026 budget (fire department grant of $26,000 from the state) — Approved 9-0. Mayor clarified this is not a new expense but a formality to accept grant funds.
  • Council Memo 425-26: IGA with Will County 911 Emergency Telephone System Board for 911 surcharge grant funds — Approved 9-0.
  • Council Memo 426-26: Resolution declaring certain city property surplus — Approved 9-0.
  • Council Memo 427-26: Resolution authorizing purchase of vehicles and declaring surplus for Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force — Approved 9-0.
  • Council Memo 428-26: Resolution approving a grant to Joliet Area Historical Museum — Approved 8-1 (Councilman Hug voted no). Councilwoman Rudin expressed frustration that plaques honoring donor Mr. Sapanziak had been removed during remodeling and not replaced, and requested the museum restore them. The mayor made it a formal request.
  • Council Memo 429-26: Resolution approving a banking services agreement — Approved 9-0 (two members voted reluctantly, but all aye). Discussion noted the city will continue relationship with Old National Bank despite a staff recommendation to move to a new provider (Chase). Council members thanked Old National for their community contributions (7,000 volunteer hours).

Key Outcomes

  • All consent agenda items and agenda items were approved, with the following recorded opposition:
    • Joliet Catholic Academy subdivision (Memo 420): 2 no votes (McQuillman, Hug).
    • Historical Museum grant (Memo 428): 1 no vote (Hug).
  • A request was made to the Joliet Area Historical Museum to restore donor plaques honoring Mr. Sapanziak.
  • The city manager announced:
    • NASCAR returning to Joliet June 25–27, 2027.
    • Intern appreciation week recognized.
    • Firefighter promotions: Scott Winkles, Michael Kobinsky, Christopher Kinsella, Christopher O'Hara, and Christian Conway.
    • Storm cleanup: over 200 reports of downed trees, nearly all cleared; residents asked to place debris in parkway by tonight.
  • Council members discussed school safety, traffic calming on Reedwood, a tire recycling litter issue at 175 South Desplaines Street (Councilwoman Rudin requested help), and celebrated recent community events (Jesse Barfield plaque, venue 98 renovation, Unity events).
  • The mayor noted a meeting with Senator Durbin regarding the Grand Prairie Water Project and Public Safety Institute, and a $1 million check presentation from Congresswoman Underwood to the Grand Prairie Water Commission.

Meeting Transcript

We are on track to meet that goal. I want to thank all the city council, all the members of the staff who have been involved in working on the count on this budget. That would be in my report. Mayor, unless Larry. Thank you. And public service. And the public service committee met uh yesterday at 4 30 here at City Hall in the council chambers. Um included myself, Councilwoman Meridan and Councilman Mudrin. We got a short agenda. We have four items under contracts. Uh one item was for a uh technical rescue team vehicle. Uh NAP High specialty body is referred to for the fire department's technical rescue team vehicle. Um this is one of a number of vehicle purchases that are already in the budget, so it is budgeted for. We looked at it for 77,600, and uh it looks good. Um we also looked uh at approval of a bulk uh road salt sales agreement between the city of Joliet and Midwest Salt LLC. This year, a major player in the salt game called Cargill is no longer providing salt. This is impacted the state of Illinois joint purchase agreement where we normally get our salt. Of the four facilities that we store salt at, they all only came through on two of them. The other two just was nothing to deliver, so we had to go on on our own. Our public works department did. And uh, you know, where we used to pay 85 to maybe uh 100 per ton, um it's as high as 140, 160, 180 a ton now because of this short shortage created for several reasons, the largest being the big player cargo getting out of the game, at least for now. Um our staff was able to find with uh Midwest salt, uh our needs to be filled at 117 a ton. So we were happy to hear that. We we minimize the increase. That could have been much more catastrophic, and we'll have plenty of salt in two delivery dates prior to September and then after September. So the salt we're gonna use before January and then the salt we'll need after January, plus a little extra to have it on hand because the salt industry is apparently becoming a little unstable. So remember that when you're seasoning your chili. Um then we looked at a water professional service agreement for the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District, uh the backstrown wood woodman um for engineering services for 65,400, all of which will be paid by the county, not by the city. And then we looked at um the approval of amendment number five to the professional services agreement for the alternative water source program to Stan Tech Consulting Service Incorporated in the amount of $34,792,000. Um of that paid is paid solely by the city because that's for city centric improvements. The rest of it is part of the all overall um alternative uh water supply, which is governed now by the um oh, what's the name of the commission? I forgot now. I'm not sure. Thank you, Mayor. The Grand Prairie Water Commission. Um we are a 60% partner in that. We're the biggest boy on the block. And uh, so we'll pay 60% of the remainder, and the other communities have to pay their share. So we looked at it and we sent all four of those items forward with a recommendation to approve. Um we had no change order to pass from some final payments. That's the first time in a long time, so that was nice. And then we had uh a resolution declaring certain city property or Joliet property, a surplus. Again, we sent that forward with recommendation to approve. And finally, we looked at an application for a drive-through permit for a Hawaiian brothers restaurant at 1351 Shale Road. That will be built out at what we all know as the Rock Run Collection, the Cullen Project. Um, so there really are no traffic concerns and things that we've had with other coffee houses in the old section of the Joliet because that's out of the new development, and uh we saw no problem with that. Uh I know some people are excited about the Hawaiian brothers, me I I'm a cup of joe guy. I I would I went somewhere to specially coffee house with some people on the weekend on Saturday, and they I don't know. One guy ordered a twisted double backflip, and it came to me and they're like, what would you like? Is it a cup of coffee?

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