City of Joliet Land Use & Economic Committee met Jan. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
ROLL CALL
Also Present: Community Development Director Dustin Anderson, Economic Development Director Paulina Martinez, Planning Director Jayne Bernhard, Planner Helen Miller, Planner Franciso Jimenez, Corporation Council Todd Lenzie, Legal Assistant Katy Fyksen
Present Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra and Councilman Pat Mudron
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Special Meeting Minutes 12.17.25
A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by
Councilman Pat Mudron, to approve Special Meeting Minutes 12.17.25. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Councilman Cardenas, Councilwoman Ibarra and Councilman Mudron
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
Trista Brown- (who is the petitioner for the Honorary Street Name Designation for Reverend Larry Ellis Way (Wallace Street between Joliet Street and Ottawa Street)- ) Spoke about Reverend Ellis and talked about his legacy and some of the organizations the reverend was part of. Ms. Brown talked about all the things Reverend Ellis did to help the city and people of the community.
Dorothy Arrington- The Sister of Reverend Larry Ellis spoke about the legacy of her brother, he love of religious life and his love of helping the community and love of God. Ms. Arrington is grateful to SpeakUp for the betterment of the community and the love of the city, and the city for honoring her brother.
Sandy Costa – member of SpeakUp Joliet spoke about the Reverend Larry Ellis and how much she loved how he listened to everything and gave what worked and didn’t. She thanked the city for renaming the street for him.
Trista Brown spoke in Conclusion to Councilwoman Ibarra who knew the Reverend Ellis, about he would call the city in a charismatic way. He was a man of few words but a lot of action. Ms. Brown wants to thank Councilwoman Ibarra for being there and opening doors and she was the catalyst for a lot, she thanked her for her district.
Councilwoman Ibarra spoke about the Reverend Ellis, she did over 365 citizens views in her first 3 years as a Council person and he contributed to at least half of them, and things that needed to be done. It was always fun and entertaining. He was very involved in community, helping make sure things got done. Councilwoman Ibarra wrote a letter in support of the Street name designation; he was very important to her district.
AGENDA ITEMS
Honorary Street Name Designation for Reverend Larry Ellis Way (Wallace Street between Joliet Street and Ottawa Street)
The Public comments by the petitioner Trista Brown and others talked about the Reverend Larry Ellis and the street Dedication.
Councilwoman Ibarra also Spoke about the Rev Larry Ellis.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Pat Mudron, to approve: Honorary Street Name Designation for Reverend Larry Ellis Way (Wallace Street between Joliet Street and Ottawa Street). The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Councilman Cardenas, Councilwoman Ibarra and Councilman Mudron
Resolution Conveying Twelve Properties to the Will County Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
Community Development Director Dustin Anderson spoke about the surplus properties and how the city is trying to strategically divest of some of these properties we have partnered with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat has gone through and identified 8 parcels that found to be readily buildable. The city would like to have a resolution that will allow us to convey those parcels to Habitat for Humanity at a Council Meeting in February.
Councilman Mudron asked about the Surplus lots and if they would be open for the public to bid on.
Mr. Anderson answered that they would not be open for the public to bid on or purchase that these properties. The decision was made that would be halting sales of the surplus properties until the comprehensive plan was completed. Most of the surplus properties were being sold to adjoining property owners, who were for the most part just using them for additional parking, and we are hoping we can incentivise people to build accessory dwellings once the zoning code is updated.
Councilwoman Ibarra asked what the value of the properties is. Mr. Anderson answered that we did not have the properties appraised, but that other properties have appraised at seven to eight thousand dollars each. So 50 to hundred thousand dollars in total for all 8 parcels. Councilwoman Ibarra would not be opposed to a few of the surplus lots be used for community gardens for more green space. Mr Anderson said there were many many lots.
Councilman Mudron asked if Habitat had looked at these lots, and Mr. Anderson said they were vacant lots suitable for building.
Councilman Cardenas said that Habitat does amazing work and that it’s good to see a plan moving forward.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by
Councilman Pat Mudron, to approve: Resolution Conveying Twelve Properties to the Will County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. . The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Councilman Cardenas, Councilwoman Ibarra and Councilman Mudron
NEW OR OLD BUSINESS – NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilwoman Ibarra, seconded by Councilwoman Ibarra,to adjourn.. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Councilman Cardenas, Councilwoman Ibarra and Councilman Mudron
https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2026/1/2565_M_Land_Use___Economic_Development_Committee_26-01-21_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
