Joliet City Council met Dec. 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Mayor Robert O'Dekirk, Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilman Terry Morris, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, Councilwoman Sherri Reardon, Councilman Michael F. Turk.
ABSENT: Councilwoman Bettye Gavin.
ALSO PRESENT: Interim City Manager Steve Jones, Corporation Counsel Martin J. Shanahan, Jr.
II. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS:
Christopher Greenwood with Posh Hospitality spoke in opposition of the proposed hotel/motel tax increase.
Kate Barrett, General Manager of the Best Western Plus, spoke in opposition of the proposed hotel/motel tax increase.
Dan Scott, president of the Will County Lodging Association, spoke in opposition of the proposed hotel/motel tax increase.
Jennifer Lorenz with Raymond Management spoke in opposition of the proposed hotel/motel tax increase.
Councilman Hug left the meeting at 6:41 p.m.
III. DISCUSSION ON CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED 2020 BUDGET
The Interim City Manager invited Bob Filotto and Valerie Devine to come before the Mayor and Council concerning the Rialto Square Theatre.
Bob Filotto, Chairman of the Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority, gave a brief summary of the changes at the Rialto then introduced and thanked Valerie Devine for her dedication and hard work for the Rialto.
Valerie Devine gave a presentation overviewing the FY2019 vs. FY2018 Actual Financials, Sponsorship and Development, Event Comparison 2018 vs. 2019, 2019 Programming Variety, Facility Improvements, Partnerships with Corporate Neighbors, and Community Outreach. She also discussed the average per person audience expenditures, and social footprint,
The Interim City Manager briefly discussed documentation he provided to them as a result of their questions at the previous budget meeting. He also identified and explained the main components driving the proposed expenditure increases in the budget, He also gave an overview of proposed new revenue - use of new hotel/motel tax (City Cultural Asset), new fuel tax (fleet replacement), contract registration permit fees (increase building inspection staffing), and cannabis tax (previously adopted by Council). He briefly discussed deficits, revenues, and expenses that can be adjusted by staff with direction by the Council.
A brief discussion was held regarding 2019 revenue sales taxes (including internet sales tax), utility taxes, and gaming revenue shortfalls.
Council and staff briefly discussed fire department expenses: overtime, implementation of a drafted revised sick leave policy to address overtime, and specialized team member replacement, training, and schooling for members of the fire department.
Mayor O'Dekirk discussed a break in protocol for presenting the budget to the Council and previous years revenue projections and increase in reserves. He also discussed the replacement of city vehicles and proposed tax increases.
A discussion was held regarding an increase in the general fund, the deficit experiences by the City in the past few years, aging fleet, condition of city owned properties, and parking decks.
A brief discussion was held regarding pension contribution increases.
A brief discussion was held regarding the bond for the Public Library.
A brief discussion was held regarding taxation on diesel fuel by neighboring communities.
A brief discussion was held regarding tourism promotion/marketing and the proposed hotel/motel tax.
A brief discussion was held regarding the possibility of the passage of a new federal law concerning minority participation and the distribution of Motor Fuel Tax.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None
V. CLOSED SESSION to discuss the following subjects:
VI. ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Sherri Reardon.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.
Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilman
Terry Morris, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, Councilwoman Sherri Reardon, Councilman Michael F. Turk.
NAYS: None.
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