OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

City of Joliet Pre-Council Meeting - August 31, 2026

Meeting Portal — Monday, August 31, 2026
BodyJoliet, Illinois
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, August 31, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 24:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:14

For the city of Joliet, August 31st, 2026 at 530 in the Council Chambers.

0:20

The Honorable Mayor Terry Darcy preside.

0:24

We'll begin with the roll call.

0:26

Mayor Darcy.

0:26

Here.

0:26

Council McCartiness.

0:28

Council McClement.

0:29

Councilman Hugs.

0:30

Here.

0:30

Councilwoman Abarra.

0:31

Here.

0:31

Councilman Moreno.

0:32

Here.

0:33

Councilman Mudron.

0:34

Councilman Queman.

0:36

Here.

0:36

Councilwoman Murden.

0:37

Here.

0:38

Next is citizens to be heard on agenda items.

0:42

Is there anyone who would like to speak on an agenda item this evening?

0:47

Okay, seeing none.

0:49

Next, we will review tomorrow night's actionable items.

0:55

That means I'm on.

0:56

Right?

0:57

Yes.

0:59

Really quickly before I start, and we're gonna make uh more announcements moving forward, but um I just wanna give Rob Brown a round of applause because he's our new chief.

1:16

Um we are getting some details together so we can do an actual pinning ceremony, and his family can come and do all that.

1:22

So that to come.

1:23

Also, um, I'd like to point out that Shar Boyd is here on behalf of Ann Sylvester tonight, and Shar had the main point of contact for the the parade that went so well this weekend, so I just wanted to acknowledge her that great things happening.

1:44

Okay, now on to business.

1:48

We'll hear from public safety and public service consent agenda.

1:56

We'll have approval of the minutes, invoices to be paid, council memo 430 26, approval of bio solids application, spring lease payment to Jackie Stunkel, and the amount of thirty-six thousand six hundred dollars.

2:09

I think we also have Nick Gornick here from Water and not Allison.

2:14

So wave your hand, Nick.

2:16

Awesome.

2:18

Come on.

2:20

Everybody could be here today.

2:21

We clapped for you earlier.

2:24

Take them out, Nick.

2:25

Um council memo 431 26, award of contract for the east side wastewater treatment plant pump replacements project to Aries Inc.

2:35

in the amount of 299,887.

2:40

Council memo 432 26, a water contract for the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District, Water Tower, Wellhouse Demolition Project to National Wrecking Company in the amount of 164,000 dollars.

2:54

Mayor that just yes, remind people that will be reimbursed, repaid by the county.

2:59

Yes, we'll be reimbursed by the county.

3:02

Thank you.

3:06

Council memo 433 26, approval of amendment number one to the professional services agreement for the water meter asset management program to core and main LP in the amount of $95,000.

3:19

Council Memo 43426, authorization to fund draw 17 for tax increment financing district number seven, um, in the amount of three hundred and eighteen thousand five hundred and twenty-four dollars and ninety cents.

3:36

These are all reimbursements um for rock run collection.

3:42

Uh agenda items we'll start.

3:46

Um we have quite a number of these that would normally land in consent, but um councilman Moreno, you'll need to recuse yourself from like the following ones tomorrow at that are under agenda.

3:59

We pulled them out for you.

4:01

Yep.

4:02

So council memo 43626, award of contract for the 2026 MFT resurfacing contract to Austin Tyler in the amount of two million seven hundred and sixty-nine thousand one hundred and eighty-six dollars and thirty cents.

4:17

Council Memo 43726, award of contract for the Des Plains River Tunnel Water Main Improvement Project to Austin Tyler in the amount of five million sixty-three thousand three hundred and twenty-eight dollars and ninety cents.

4:32

Council Memo 43826, approval of change order number one for the upper bluff water main improvement project to Ice Austin Tyler Construction Inc.

4:42

for deduction in the amount of five hundred and fifty-one thousand nine hundred and ten dollars and forty-six cents, and pay estimate number seven and final in the amount of eight hundred and sixty-nine thousand six hundred and eight dollars and thirteen cents.

5:00

Approval of change order number two for the Broadway Street, Theodore Street to Ruby Street Water Main Improvement Project to Austin Tyler Construction for a deduction in the amount of $1,561,954.91 and pay estimate number 11 and final in the amount of $584,633 and 14 cents.

5:28

Approval of change order number two for the North Prairie Water Main Improvement Project to Austin Tyler Construction for a deduction in the amount of $647,156 and 35 cents and pay estimate number eight and final in the amount of 418,270 and 88 cents.

5:50

Yes.

5:55

Greg, we spoke about this in public service.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety██████████████████████████26%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Utilities and Infrastructure██████████████████████22%
Liquor Licensing████████████12%
Zoning And Land Use██████████10%
Urban Planning█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

City of Joliet Pre-Council Meeting - August 31, 2026

The Joliet City Council pre-council meeting on August 31, 2026, reviewed a consent agenda of routine approvals, discussed several agenda items for the upcoming city council meeting, heard public comment regarding utility line cuts by a third-party fiber optic installer, and addressed miscellaneous issues. No closed session was held.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of minutes (Pre-Council Aug 17, City Council Aug 18)
  • Invoices to be paid
  • Approval of biosolids application spring lease payment to Jackie Stunkel ($36,600)
  • Award of Contract No. 2999-0926 for Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant Pump Replacements to Airy's Inc. ($299,887) – noted will be reimbursed by the county
  • Award of Contract No. 3000-0926 for Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Water Tower/Well House Demolition to National Wrecking Co. ($164,000)
  • Approval of Amendment No. 1 to water meter asset management program agreement with Core & Main LP ($95,000)
  • Authorization for Fund Draw 17 for Tax Increment Financing District #7 ($318,524.90) – reimbursement for Rock Run Collection

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Diane Hacker, 3226 Kieran Court, Joliet: Expressed strong concerns about a third-party contractor (ABT) installing fiber optic for AT&T in College Park, Cambridge subdivisions, along Hoboat Road, and Longford. She reported multiple incidents of cutting utility lines: cut Xfinity lines without notifying Xfinity (causing 9-hour outage for her 92-year-old mother); hit a gas line (fire department responded); cut ComEd power twice (once affecting her entire cul-de-sac). She relayed that a ComEd repairman said this is a constant problem statewide and contributes to rate increases. She urged the city to pass an ordinance requiring third-party companies to dig at least one foot deeper than existing lines, impose a $10,000 fine per incident payable within 10 days or revocation of license, and obtain weekly reports from utilities on repair costs attributable to these companies. She also noted piles of mud, unsafe holes, and digging directly next to yellow gas flags.

Discussion Items

  • Announcements: Mayor Darcy acknowledged new Joliet Police Chief Rob Brown (pin ceremony to be scheduled) and thanked Shar Boyd for coordinating the successful recent parade.
  • Agenda Items (pulled from consent due to Councilman Moreno's recusal): The council reviewed several contracts with Austin Tyler Construction, from which Councilman Moreno will recuse himself at the regular meeting:
    • Award of 2026 MFT Resurfacing Contract B ($2,769,186.30)
    • Award of Des Plaines River Tunnel Water Main Improvements ($5,063,328.90)
    • Change Order No. 1 for Upper Bluff Water Main Improvements (deduction of $551,910.46, final pay estimate $869,608.13)
    • Change Order No. 2 for Broadway Street Water Main Improvements (deduction of $1,561,954.91, final $584,633.14)
    • Change Order No. 2 for North Prairie Water Main Improvements (deduction of $647,156.35, final $418,270.88)
  • Liquor Licenses:
    • Issuance of Class B license to Jonny's Bar at 35 E. Cass Street (landlord applicant, $150,000+ renovation, plans for karaoke, DJ, jukebox; manager has experience at Tavern on Rockdown Town).
    • Issuance of Class B license to Judge's Bar moving to 508 N. Chicago Street (purchased the building).
  • Ordinances:
    • Ordinance amending Chapter 28 for municipal use tax: requires businesses to submit supporting documentation (Illinois Department of Revenue return or internal records) when filing municipal taxes; effective January 1, 2027. Heard previously in finance committee.
    • Ordinance approving special use permit for truck repair facility at 608 Railroad Street. Owner discussed improvements; council praised the well-written agreement with safeguards for the city.
    • Ordinance imposing business district taxes (retailers' occupation, service occupation, hotel operators' occupation) within Rock Run Collection Business District – a separate ordinance required by the Illinois Department of Revenue, same boundaries and taxes as previously adopted.
  • Resolutions:
    • Intergovernmental agreement with Forest Preserve District of Will County for Farrell Road over Spring Creek Bridge Replacement.
    • Appropriation of MFT funds for resurfacing contract B ($2,769,186.30) – Councilman Moreno recused.
    • Appropriation of MFT funds for right-of-way expenses for Farrell Road bridge project (housekeeping).
    • Resolution requesting partial closure of Routes 6 and 30 for Joliet Central Homecoming Parade on Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10-11 a.m. (separate from West parade on Friday).
    • Intergovernmental Police Service Assistance agreement with DuPage County Sheriff's Office for security at President's Cup golf tournament at Medina Country Club.
  • Other Discussion:
    • Councilman Mudron requested JPD patrols in city park districts due to a mattress sighting. Chief Brown noted the street department removed a mattress from a trail and asked for coordination with Forest Preserve regarding people sleeping on trails.
    • Mayor asked about online posting of maps showing streets to be resurfaced; staff indicated maps will be available after contract award.

Key Outcomes

  • The pre-council meeting was informational; all items will be voted on at the regular city council meeting on September 1, 2026.
  • No formal votes were taken. Councilman Moreno will recuse from votes involving Austin Tyler Construction.
  • Council directed staff to follow up on public comment: someone from the city will contact Diane Hacker to discuss utility line cut issues.
  • Chief Brown and council members noted the need for increased patrols in parks and coordination with Forest Preserve regarding trail mattresses.

Meeting Transcript

For the city of Joliet, August 31st, 2026 at 530 in the Council Chambers. The Honorable Mayor Terry Darcy preside. We'll begin with the roll call. Mayor Darcy. Here. Council McCartiness. Council McClement. Councilman Hugs. Here. Councilwoman Abarra. Here. Councilman Moreno. Here. Councilman Mudron. Councilman Queman. Here. Councilwoman Murden. Here. Next is citizens to be heard on agenda items. Is there anyone who would like to speak on an agenda item this evening? Okay, seeing none. Next, we will review tomorrow night's actionable items. That means I'm on. Right? Yes. Really quickly before I start, and we're gonna make uh more announcements moving forward, but um I just wanna give Rob Brown a round of applause because he's our new chief. Um we are getting some details together so we can do an actual pinning ceremony, and his family can come and do all that. So that to come. Also, um, I'd like to point out that Shar Boyd is here on behalf of Ann Sylvester tonight, and Shar had the main point of contact for the the parade that went so well this weekend, so I just wanted to acknowledge her that great things happening. Okay, now on to business. We'll hear from public safety and public service consent agenda. We'll have approval of the minutes, invoices to be paid, council memo 430 26, approval of bio solids application, spring lease payment to Jackie Stunkel, and the amount of thirty-six thousand six hundred dollars. I think we also have Nick Gornick here from Water and not Allison. So wave your hand, Nick. Awesome. Come on. Everybody could be here today. We clapped for you earlier. Take them out, Nick. Um council memo 431 26, award of contract for the east side wastewater treatment plant pump replacements project to Aries Inc. in the amount of 299,887. Council memo 432 26, a water contract for the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District, Water Tower, Wellhouse Demolition Project to National Wrecking Company in the amount of 164,000 dollars. Mayor that just yes, remind people that will be reimbursed, repaid by the county. Yes, we'll be reimbursed by the county. Thank you. Council memo 433 26, approval of amendment number one to the professional services agreement for the water meter asset management program to core and main LP in the amount of $95,000. Council Memo 43426, authorization to fund draw 17 for tax increment financing district number seven, um, in the amount of three hundred and eighteen thousand five hundred and twenty-four dollars and ninety cents. These are all reimbursements um for rock run collection. Uh agenda items we'll start. Um we have quite a number of these that would normally land in consent, but um councilman Moreno, you'll need to recuse yourself from like the following ones tomorrow at that are under agenda.

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