Joliet Pre-Council Meeting – September 14, 2026

The Joliet City Council held a pre‑council meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers to review agenda items for the regular council meeting. Councilman Cardenas was absent. The meeting included public comments, an update on the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District, and discussion of numerous ordinances and resolutions. No votes were taken on agenda items; the council only voted unanimously to enter closed session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Delilah Le Grett (Jackson Township Assessor) spoke regarding the Third Coast Intermodal Hub 2A Subdivision (Council Memo 466‑26). She expressed concern that allowing new industrial buildings to be constructed without immediate access (due to pending bridge construction) would increase vacancy rates in the Joliet corridor, lowering the equalized assessed value (EAV) and potentially raising residents’ tax bills. She requested that no building permits be issued until full appropriate access is available.
• Kathy Garthus spoke in opposition to the North Point development, citing inadequate police presence, truck traffic safety issues, and vacant warehouses. She urged the council to stop approving additional warehouse developments.
• Kathy Garthus also spoke during public comments on non‑agenda items about Suicide Prevention Month, emphasizing the need for better mental health support and criticizing the reliance on hospitalization and medication.

Discussion Items

• Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Update – Director Allison Swisher reported that since the major water outages in June/July, service has improved (outages now average 2.5 hours and affect far fewer residents). Actions taken include a community meeting, emergency water outage plan, distribution of 2,500 cases of bottled water, and execution of an IGA with Noel Park for shower facilities. The county has committed an additional $1 million for phase 3 water main improvements.
• Consent Agenda – The City Manager summarized items including approval of minutes, invoices, a $196,000 Phase III structural inspection contract for the Third Coast Parkway bridge (reimbursed by North Point), $601,471.25 in emergency tree/brush removal payments for three 2026 storm events, a $50,000 amendment for Northpoint development plan review (reimbursed), and a $37,710.90 change order for electrical maintenance. Councilman Clement confirmed that storm cleanup costs were drawn from emergency funding, not existing contracts.
• Group Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Renewal (459‑26) – The City Manager explained the 2027 renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield includes expanded options: HMO and HDHP plans for active employees, and the Benestar Medicare Advantage solution for retirees. Councilman Clement clarified the plans are voluntary and provide more choices; dental/vision are now separated, allowing employees to opt out of dental.
• Property, Liability, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Renewal (460‑26) – Noted a roughly 1% increase.
• Drive‑Thru Permit for Savvy Sliders (462‑26) – New construction at 16301 Boulevard Place.
• Box Truck Parking Special Use Permit (463‑26) – Habitat for Humanity Restore at 1395 N. Larkin seeks to park four box trucks (rental for customers). Hours: Tue‑Sat 9 AM‑4 PM. Councilman Moreno asked about truck location; staff said side of building.
• Semi‑Trailer Sales, Service, and Repair Facility (464‑26) – Located at 1720 Workers Court. At the ZBA meeting, area residents (represented by Margie Seapan) supported the petition only if limited to W&B Services Company; the petitioner agreed. Councilwoman Ibarra praised the community engagement and cooperation.
• Automobile Service Station and Accessory Car Wash (465‑26) – Northeast corner of Route 59 and Theodore Street. The council had denied a similar petition in December 2023. Councilman Moreno asked about market studies and traffic; staff indicated no traffic study was required because the subdivision already accounted for B3 commercial use. Councilman Hug noted consistency concerns with the previous denial. The petitioner stated he operates two other gas stations in North Aurora. Several council members expressed reservations.
• Third Coast Intermodal Hub 2A Subdivision (466‑26) – Ordinances for preliminary plat, final plat, and recording plat. The City Manager explained that permits may be issued for warehouse construction, but no occupancy permits until the bridge (closed‑loop truck network) is completed. Councilman Hug questioned whether unoccupied buildings affect vacancy rates; interim counsel noted clarification needed. Councilwoman Ibarra stated she would not associate her name with North Point and cannot support the project. Nate Washburn (applicant) confirmed that bridge construction and building grading will proceed simultaneously, but occupancy requires bridge completion. Right‑of‑way dedications (473‑26) are needed for the Union Pacific and IL 53 bridges to complete the closed‑loop system.
• Watershed Protection Area Special Use Permits (468‑26, 469‑26, 470‑26) – Three separate ordinances to allow development within Cedar Creek and Jackson Creek watershed protection areas. Staff found each meets ordinance criteria.
• Budget Amendment for Castillo Settlement (471‑26) – Interim Corporation Counsel Todd Lenzie explained the settlement of Castillo v. City of Joliet for $12.5 million. The city must fund its $1 million self‑insured retention (SIR); the remaining amount is covered by insurance layers. The budget amendment authorizes funding for the SIR.
• Denial of Variation of Use at 540 Bluff Street (475‑26) – A yes vote at the regular meeting will deny conversion of a single‑unit to two‑unit residence in an R‑2 district. The ZBA recommended denial 4‑0.
• I‑80 Landscaping Letter of Understanding (476‑26) – Consistent with prior IDOT agreements.
• Illinois Arts Council Grant (477‑26) – $2,500 general operating support grant for fiscal year 2027.
• ComEd Easement (478‑26) – Non‑exclusive rights for utility infrastructure across city‑owned property.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items were reviewed and discussed; no formal votes were taken (pre‑council meeting).
• A motion by Councilwoman Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Moreno, to enter closed session for personnel, collective bargaining, land acquisition/conveyance, and pending litigation passed unanimously (9‑0).
• The council will reconvene for the regular meeting on September 15, 2026, where actions on these items will be taken.