Joliet City Council Meeting - November 4, 2026

The Joliet City Council met on November 4, 2026, to discuss committee reports on public safety and public service, approve multiple contracts and the city budget, and hear public comments regarding safety and a disputed ban from city facilities.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes, invoices, the purchase and installation of windows for Fire Station 1 ($96,790), payment for wetland mitigation credits for the Theodore Street bridge project ($43,870), a professional services agreement for a water and sewer rate study with Burns & McDonnell ($179,421), payment for annual census analytics software ($90,252), and an amendment to the water main rehabilitation program contract ($58,976).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christine Johnson addressed the council regarding a ban imposed on her and her husband from events at the old Joliet Prison. She submitted police reports and other documents, accusing former museum director Greg Peerbolt of personal vindictiveness and using city resources for a personal vendetta. She formally requested an immediate closed session with the council.
• Trista Brown raised concerns about safety at the Joliet Public Library. She detailed a previous incident, criticized the police investigation for allegedly identifying the wrong suspect, and expressed concerns about ongoing safety risks from homeless individuals and sexual activity in the bathrooms.
• An unidentified speaker expressed frustration with the Will County State's Attorney's office and Joliet Police regarding her domestic battery and stalking case. She stated she was surrounded by police at a "Take Back the Night" event and treated like a criminal, which she felt was re-victimizing.

Discussion Items

• Public Safety Committee: The committee chair reported on a presentation by Deputy Chief Chris Boatsum on the Real-Time Information Center drone program, describing it as a "game changer" that can reach scenes before officers. The committee approved recommendations for the purchase of 90 ballistic shields ($200,000) and the window replacement project. Councilwoman Ibarra discussed a downtown safety incident.
• Public Service Committee: The committee reviewed and approved sending a $10.75 million contract for the Morgan Street Booster Pump Station upgrades to the full council, along with a water and sewer rate study contract. The committee also reviewed change orders, including the under-budget completion of the Twin Oaks Phase 2 water main project.
• Budget and Tax Ordinances: The council adopted ordinances for the 2026 tax levy (Councilman Hug dissenting) and the 2027 fiscal year budget (unanimous). Several ordinances related to Special Service Areas and bond abatement were also approved unanimously.
• City Manager's Report: The city manager had no formal report but thanked the council for their work on the budget.
• Mayor and Council Comments: Council members discussed the success of Halloween, safety near the library (with the mayor confirming increased police patrols), an inquiry into museum artifacts, the status of the city's staffing study, and congratulations to local youth sports teams.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (Councilman Hug dissenting): Ordinance for the levy and assessment of taxes for fiscal year 2026.
• Approved (Unanimous): 2027 Fiscal Year Annual Budget.
• Approved (Unanimous): $10.75 million contract to Vissering Construction for the Morgan Street Booster Pump Station upgrades.
• Approved (Unanimous): Multiple ordinances and resolutions for Special Service Areas, bond abatement, and infrastructure easements.
• No Formal Action: Christine Johnson's request for a closed session was not acted upon during the public meeting.