Joliet City Council considers expansion of downtown SSA

By Wadi Reformado

Jul 14, 2016

Joliet City County met Monday, June 20.

Joliet is a home-rule city with a council-manager form of government.

Here are the minutes as provided by Joliet:

PRE-COUNCIL MEETING of the Council of the City of Joliet, Illinois was held on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 5:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Joliet Municipal Building, 150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois.

I. ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Mayor Robert O’Dekirk, Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Councilman John E. Gerl, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilman Jim McFarland, Councilman Terry Morris, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, Councilman Michael F. Turk.

ABSENT: None.

ALSO PRESENT: City Manager James D. Hock, Corporation Counsel Martin Shanahan, Jr.

II. MAYOR:

The Mayor and City Manager briefly discussed the Evergreen Terrace case and verdict. The City Manager stated the Mayor and Council have 14 days to decide whether to add reimbursement for litigation costs to the $3.3 million CDBG money already earmarked toward the purchase of the property.

III. PRESENTATION: Steve Jones / Jim Hock - Consideration of Expansion of Existing Downtown Special Service Area (SSA)

EXPANSION OF DOWNTOWN SSA

The City Manager and Deputy City Manager gave a brief presentation concerning the expansion of the existing downtown Special Service Area. The City Manager stated the City Council, in conjunction with the City Center Partnership, approved a list of downtown plan priorities. He gave an update on the downtown plan priorities established by the City Council. He stated some of these priorities include, design and installation of streetscape improvements for Chicago Street; extend the life of the downtown TIF District; reorganize stakeholder responsibilities for effective downtown improvements; improve on-street parking management/operations; improve the homeless / vagrancy problem; stimulate residential development; redesign Chicago Street as an urban, multi-modal street; build downtown square / park; complete negotiations on the new County Courthouse.

Deputy City Manager, Steve Jones gave an overview of potential projects for funding consideration: Chicago Street design and installation of streetscape improvements, Van Buren Plaza Improvements, supplement of CDBG Section 108 Program to provide matching grants for business improvements within eligible corridors, artificial turf at Silver Cross Field for expansion of field uses and additional events, entryway streetscape improvements on commercial corridors entering SSA area, modernization of parking meters to provide smart technology options, street signage and implementation of recommended improvements, maintenance expenses regarding installation/repair of brick pavers, tree grates, trees, street furniture, etc., maintenance and installation of public art within SSA territory, new parking facilities, maintenance of public spaces (power washing, gum removal, etc.) within SSA territory, and economic development / marketing of properties within SSA territory.

Mr. Jones informed the Mayor and Council of the proposed expansion land areas and the timeline for the SSA process with a September 20th deadline to proceed in order to receive funds in 2017.

The City Manager stated the City's Strategic Plan demonstrated a need for economic development on the east side of the City and this will help facilitate that development.

Councilwoman Quillman and Steve Jones briefly discussed the possibility of converting some of the one-way streets to two-way streets.

A brief discussion was held regarding reaching out to the stakeholders and engage them in the process of expanding the downtown SSA. A brief discussion was held regarding a medical TIF around the Presence Medical Center on Glenwood Avenue.

IV. PRESENTATION: Information Technology Survey Results - Sam Fergusen

Interim IT Director, Sam Ferguson, gave a brief presentation on results of an internal survey and assessment of the Information Services Department. In the assessment, four major components were evaluated: Infrastructure, Business Applications, Staffing, and IT Processes. He stated all IT Staff, the City Manager's Office, and Department Heads were interviewed. He stated the key findings were: more help needed, helpdesk ticket system is not customer focused, better communication, GIS and Asset Tracking Applications needed, lack of end user training.

Mr. Ferguson stated the Survey was sent to all City of Joliet Employees via email and 30% of employees responded. Results showed Joliet needs to improve on all categories measured: Business Enablement, IT Communications, Applications on IT Services, and especially service desk and overall customer service.

Mr. Ferguson discussed the current infrastructure, business applications, staffing, and business processes. The following recommendations were proposed after the IT Assessment: Hire a new CIO, hire additional staff, update and revise ticketing system, document process and review other processes, audit applications and compile application portfolio, evaluate staff and contractors, understand the strategic direction of the City, train staff and employees on tools in use, and develop policies and procedures to conduct business. He stated, since January, the Help Desk service has improved, staffing of key positions, the Communication Team (website process), infrastructure improvements, ERP continuation, plan for de-commissioning of AS400, and GIS Process has progressed.

V. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS:

VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: VII. MAYOR PRO-TEM:

VIII. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A. Finance Committee

B. Public Safety Committee

C. Public Service Committee

IX. CONSENT AGENDA:

A. Approval of Minutes

1. Pre-Council Meeting – June 6, 2016

2. Regular Meeting – June 7, 2016

B. Invoices Paid Report

C. COUNCIL MEMO #287-16: Position Vacancies

The City Manager stated this Memo is for two patrol officer positions due to pending requirements.

X. LICENSES AND PERMIT APPLICATIONS:

A. COUNCIL MEMO #289-16: Issuance of a Class “D” Liquor License at 1536 Illinois Route 59 – Starbucks Coffee #8918

Deputy Liquor Commissioner Jim O'Connell explained Council Memo #289- 16: Issuance of a Class “D” Liquor License at 1536 Illinois Route 59 – Starbucks Coffee #8918.

B. COUNCIL MEMO #290-16: Issuance of a Class “D” Liquor License at 2410 W. Jefferson Street - Wingstop

Deputy Liquor Commissioner Jim O'Connell explained Council Memo #290- 16: Issuance of a Class “D” Liquor License at 2410 W. Jefferson Street - Wingstop.

XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

A. COUNCIL MEMO #292-16: Public Hearing Approving the Annexation of 7.6 Acres at the Southeast Corner of Briggs Street and Rosalind Street (A- 3-16)

1. Resolution Approving an Annexation Agreement of 7.6 Acres at the Southeast Corner of Briggs and Rosalind

2. Ordinance Approving the Annexation of 7.6 Acres at the Southeast Corner of Briggs and Rosalind

3. Ordinance Approving the Classification of 7.6 Acres at the Southeast Corner of Briggs and Rosalind to I-1 Zoning