City of Joliet Land Use & Economic Committee met Nov. 19.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
ROLL CALL
Also Present: Economic Development Direct Paulina Martinez, Community Development Director Dustin Anderson, Planning Director Jayne Bernhard, Economic Development Specialist Emily McGuire, Development Administrative Assistant Lauren Helland
Present Councilman Cesar Cardenas, Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra and Councilman Pat Mudron
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
10-22-2025 Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by
Councilman Pat Mudron, to approve 10-22-2025 Meeting Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Councilman Cardenas, Councilwoman Ibarra and Councilman Mudron
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
NONE
This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
AGENDA ITEMS
Award a Business Continuity Grant for the Total Amount of $63,733.50 to Cut 158 Inc.
Paulina Martinez, Economic Development Director Spoke about the Continuity Grant for Cut 158 in the amount of $63,733.50 for 2025. Mr. Dimitroulas as present and able to answer any questions of the council members if they had them.
Rebecca Sutor a citizen of Joliet had a public comment and questions about the continuity grants going to a high end restaurant that “no one in Joliet can afford” She wanted to know why the grant would go to that restaurant and what is considered a small business and why are we giving taxpayer dollars to the businesses. She wanted to know how many businesses took money from the grant.
Ms. Martinez explained that the grant defines a small business as any business that earns under 2.5 million a year and pays taxes to the city. The reason for the grants is because of the continuous closure of Chicago St so that we don’t have all the businesses along the Chicago st corridor closed due to the construction.
We don’t want to open City Square and have no businesses left open. Of the 16 eligible businesses in the corridor 10 have taken grant money.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by
Councilman Pat Mudron, to approve Award a Business Continuity Grant for the Total Amount of $63,733.50 to Cut 158 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
Councilwoman Ibarra wanted to know if anyone knew about the 7-11 at Larkin and McDonough St and if they had any idea how long it would be empty.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilwoman Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Mudron, to adjourn.. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Councilman Cardenas, Councilwoman Ibarra and Councilman Mudron
https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2025/11/2486_M_Land_Use___Economic_Development_Committee_25-11-19_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
