The city of Joliet Land Use & Legislative Committee met Nov. 28 to discuss abandoned properties.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the committee:
1
Proceedings of the City of Joliet Land Use / Legislative Committee held on November 28, 2016
AUDIO IS HEREIN INCORPORATED INTO THE OFFICIAL MINUTES
DRAFT MINUTES SUBJECT TO COMMITTEE APPROVAL
The LAND USE & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING of the City of Joliet, Illinois was held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Joliet Municipal Building, 150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilman Terry Morris, Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez
Brewer, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.
ABSENT: None.
2. ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (AM)
AbandonedPropertyRegistration-Memo
Mr. Melesio, Director of Neighborhood Services, spoke to the Committee regarding the ordinance. He said this has been a response to the abandonment of houses in the community.
Councilwoman Quillman is in agreement with the ordinance.
Councilwoman Hernandez Brewer had a few comments and concerns regarding it. Mr. Melesio responded to her concerns.
There was further discussion regarding abandoned properties.
Mr. Gideon Blustein with Three Rivers Association of Realtors appeared before the Committee. Mr. Blustein said he and other realtors agree with the goals in terms of rehabilitating the properties however they are concerned that the ordinance would have the opposite of the intended effect.
Mr. Matt Persicketti, Managing Broker of TLC Real Estate Services in Joliet, appeared before the Committee. Mr. Persicketti had concerns regarding the fines.
Councilwoman Quillman asked if they could make the banks more accountable and Mr. Shanahan said the proposed ordinance would do that.
Councilwoman Hernandez Brewer spoke about an abandoned property experience in her neighborhood. She also feels the City has the means currently to fix the problem but what they do not have is the program or the staff in place to enforce the issue.
Councilman Morris asked Mr. Melesio about the enforcement. Mr. Melesio said the ordinance is actually a response to the community concern about what will happen to the bank and he said nothing happens other than they get to pay the fine.
Councilman Morris would like to have more dialogue to find a solution.
Motion to table Abandoned Residential Property Registration Ordinance to the next meeting was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. NAYS: None.
3. CONSOLIDATED PLAN UPDATE (AM)
ConPlan Update
Mr. Melesio updated the Committee on the Consolidated Plan with a PowerPoint presentation.
4. AMENDMENT TO INSPECTOR GENERAL ORDINANCE (MS)
16-11-01 Inspector General 01
Mr. Chris Regis, Inspector General, spoke to the Committee regarding the proposed amendment. He said that it cleans up some of the language in the original ordinance which makes it more compatible with other city ordinances and it brings the city's Inspector General Ordinance in line with others which are nationwide.
Councilwoman Quillman was in agreement with the revisions.
Councilman Morris and Councilwoman Hernandez Brewer had a few questions that Mr. Regis answered.
Motion to recommend the Amendment to Inspector General Ordinance go before the full City Council for approval was made by Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer,
Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. NAYS: None.
5. TEXT AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE ADDING SEC. 6-10, - KEEPING OF DANGEROUS ANIMALS, EXOTIC ANIMALS AND FARM ANIMALS (MS)
16-11-17 potbellied pigs
Mr. Shanahan, Corporation Counsel, reviewed the ordinance with the Committee. Mr. Shanahan said the reason for this topic is because there has been an issue with a resident keeping a pot belly pig.
Ms. Joann Flannery, 813 Kelly Avenue, Joliet, owner of pot belly pig Tasha, appeared before the Committee. She spoke to the Committee about what the pig has to go through as far as vet appointments, vaccinations against parasites, etc. Ms. Flannery said she would like to see some type of registry that if someone has a pot belly pig that they are required to go to the City and show that the vet has made sure it is a healthy pig.
Councilwoman Hernandez Brewer asked what is required for dogs in Joliet. She feels if it is not required for a dog then it should not be required for a pot belly pig, such as size etc.
Councilwoman Quillman agreed that clipping the tusks is fine but not declawing. She thinks that for the protection of the pigs there should be a fenced in yard.
Mr. Shanahan said he can update the ordinance according to fence/leash guidelines that were recommended by the Committee.
Motion to recommend the ordinance with requested revisions go before the full City Council for approval was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer,
Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. NAYS: None.
6. REMOVAL OF THE HALF PRICED FEES FOR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
(DM)
Charitable Organizations
Mr. David Mackley, Director of Building Inspections, spoke to the Committee about the request. It was originally questioned by Mr. Hock, City Manager, when he started as to why the City provides the same level of service for everyone and yet the charitable organizations were only charged a half fee. As the Building Division got into the new permit software it was determined that the only way they could manipulate half fees for the software is if they completely build an entire different system that accommodates just half fees. Therefore it becomes very labor intensive for the handful of permits that they give out for half fees. It was then proposed that they leave the pricing ability open so that employees can manipulate the fees to accommodate this but Mr. Hock did not want the employees to be able to manipulate the fees.
Councilman Morris asked if a charitable organization or a contractor comes in for a permit, will they be informed that they can come to the City Council and request modification. Mr. Mackley said they can recommend to them that they can go before the City Council to have their fees modified.
Councilwoman Hernandez Brewer said she would rather see how many permits Staff gives and how much they come to. She is against saying the City will get rid of the charitable organization discount. She likes the idea of the employees being able to manipulate the fees.
Councilman Morris is fine with only the Directors being able to manipulate the fees. Mr. Mackley said he can go back to Mr. Hock with the Committee's recommendation.
Ms. Susan Klen, 2504 Richmond Street, appeared before the Committee. Ms. Klen asked if the request goes before the full City Council that it be tabled until at least Springfield pays their back bills.
7. CONTRACTOR LICENSE (discussion-DM)
Mr. Mackley, Director of Inspections, is proposing to put together an ordinance for the Committee’s review for the registration of contractors. He is requesting that the City impose a fee of $100 per year on the contractors. Every municipality and the County already charge the contractors a registration fee. It would be an annual fee which would help offset the employee costs of maintaining the insurance files for the contractors. It will also reduce the amount of certificates that Staff receives annually. Councilman Morris requested that Mr. Mackley bring the proposed ordinance back to the Committee when it is ready.
8. FIRE WORKS FINES (discussion- KJ)
Mr. Shanahan, Corporation Counsel, said the current ordinance makes it unlawful to dispense fireworks however there is no fine in place. He said the maximum fine can be $750.00.
Councilwoman Quillman read into the record from Mr. John Sheridan, President of the Cunningham Neighborhood Council, is requesting the City increase the fine to a minimum of $500 and possibly $750 for repeat offenders. Councilwoman Quillman said she has no problem making it a $500 minimum fine with zero tolerance but the fine can go up to $750.00.
Motion to recommend the City Council approve the revised ordinance by adding the fines to it was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. NAYS: None.
9. MOBILE FOOD VENDORS (discussion-M. Schwarz)
Food Vendors
Mr. Mike Schwarz, Director of Planning, appeared before the Committee with some information regarding mobile food vendors. Mr. Schwarz said the City has been approached by a vendor who would like to park a stationary food truck vehicle in the industrial areas that are south of I-80 which would include the CenterPoint Intermodal Center. Currently the city does not allow that. He reviewed two parts of the code that he summarized for the Committee regarding that restriction. He submitted a memo to the Committee with the different larger communities in the area that do allow it.
Councilman Morris said he would like to look at doing something in the industrial areas. Councilwoman Hernandez Brewer said she is opposed to the food trucks for the most part but having them outside of a college or the courthouse at certain times is not that bad. She would like to see some ideas and see what the community thinks. Mr. Schwarz said he will go to a City Council meeting and discuss the topic with everyone to get some feedback.
10. SEASONAL FARM STANDS (discussion-M. Schwarz)
Mr. Schwarz, Director of Planning, is requesting feedback from the Committee regarding seasonal farm stands. He informed the Committee what the other communities require for farm stands.
Mr. Jackson said currently there is nothing on the books that would allow seasonal farm stands. However the City does allow seasonal display sales by businesses that are on site.
Councilwoman Hernandez Brewer likes the idea of allowing farm stands and having the product be from the community rather than bringing outside product in. Mr. Schwarz will do further research on locations and zoning and will take a look at the site specific items pertaining to parking etc.
11. FLAG DISPLAY ORDINANCE (discussion-MS)
Mr. Marty Shanahan, Corporation Counsel, said this matter has been dealt with administratively so there is no legislative action that has to be taken at this time.
12. BLIGHT REDUCTION PROGRAM UPDATE (AM)
Blight Reduction Update to Land Use
Mr. Alfredo Melesio, Director of Neighborhood Services, displayed a Power Point presentation update on the Blight Reduction Program. There was minor discussion regarding the program and demolitions.
13. OLD/NEW BUSINESS—NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION
Mr. Jackson said there are two budget requests for 2017. One is for the Quality of Life plan update as well as a city wide Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Shanahan said a formal agreement between United Way and the City of Joliet will be on the next agenda which will provide a way for United Way to manage and distribute funds after a disaster.
Councilwoman Quillman would like to discuss Advance Auto pertaining to the ongoing parking issues. Mr. Jackson said the business is Specialty Auto and it is being leased to the current operator. Staff has looked into this and at one time the city did require the owner to shut off one of the driveways to the neighborhood behind the business. There is still one exit/entrance that has remained open which has been the source of some complaints in the neighborhood. Mr. Jackson said Staff will look into the issue again.
14. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 17, 2016 LAND
USE/LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
081716
Motion to approve the minutes of the August 17, 2016 Land Use/Legislative Committee meeting was made by Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer,
Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. NAYS: None.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. NAYS: None.
Minutes taken by: Karen Mackley
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