The city of Joliet Land Use & Legislative Committee met March 1 to amend food store ordinances.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the committee:
The LAND USE AND LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING of the City of Joliet, Illinois was held on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in the Planning Conference Room, Joliet Municipal Building, 150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilman Terry Morris, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman,
Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer.
ABSENT: None.
2. HAWK AUTO—NW CORNER OF ROUTE 59 AND THEODORE (JT)
Mr. Jim Torri, Planner, gave the Committee a brief Power Point presentation with back ground information on the subject site.
Mr. John Crane, President of Hawk Auto Group, appeared before the Committee. Mr. Crane said the reason they need to make the change is from the demand from the Subaru manufacturer for a new building. Subaru demanded to be on Route 59. Mr. Torri said this is before the Committee because it will take an amendment to the Planned Unit Development that was previously approved as well as an amendment to the Annexation Agreement and possibly a Special Use Permit to allow the auto dealership at that location. Therefore they did not want to get too far down the line if the Committee was opposed to the project.
Councilwoman Quillman asked about the property across the street from the proposed location. She feels that would be a much larger space for Hawk Auto. Mr. Torri responded that property is still Unincorporated Will County. Mr. Dan Hiffman, Agent, said they did see the property across the street that is for sale and they did change brokerage on it. It is not in line with what the dealership would like to do.
Mr. Crane gave the Committee a summary regarding their pursuing the Route 59 area and how they came to the property in question.
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Proceedings of the City of Joliet Land Use / Legislative Committee held on March 1, 2017
AUDIO IS HEREIN INCORPORATED INTO THE OFFICIAL MINUTES
DRAFT MINUTES SUBJECT TO COMMITTEE APPROVAL
Councilman Morris asked if Councilman Hug was aware of this project because it is his district. Mr. Jackson responded it went to the Development Team meeting several months ago but this is the first Committee meeting that they are presenting at.
Councilman Morris asked what will happen to the old dealership on Jefferson Street. Mr. Crane said that is a leased space with an option to buy. At that point in time it would be reverted back to its owner for development.
Councilwoman Brewer wanted to know if anyone had reached out to LA Fitness at this point. The owner is in contact with LA fitness.
Councilwoman Quillman texted Councilman Hug and he had some questions but he was unable to attend the meeting. Hawk Auto is looking for feedback so they can decide if this is the site they want to pursue. Councilwoman Quillman spoke with Councilman Hug on the phone during the meeting and she feels that rather than voting on this as a Committee, it should go before the full City Council for review and opinions.
Mr. Jackson said either they can go forward with a formal PUD amendment and all of the other zoning approvals or there could be a presentation at a City Council meeting by Hawk.
Mr. Shanahan, Corporation Counsel, clarified a few things pertaining to the process. Hawk Auto decided they would attend the Pre-Council meeting on Monday to give a presentation to the full City Council. Councilman Morris suggested they speak with Councilman Hug before Monday.
3. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING Chapter 13, Article III, Division 3, FOOD STORES, LICENSES, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF JOLIET CODE OF ORDINANCES (MS)
16-03-31 Food store emergency shut down
Mr. Shanahan, Corporation Counsel, explained the proposed ordinance as well as the Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Article I, Licenses, Ordinance of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances. Both ordinances were tabled from a meeting last year. Currently the City Manager can revoke a license after a hearing. Having the Mayor being able to go and shut the business down balances out the power. Councilman Morris wanted to know who will be the one who checks and balances these issues. Mr. Shanahan said the court system would be the check. Councilwoman Brewer asked why this is coming up. Mr. Shanahan explained.
Motion to recommend giving the Mayor power to shut down a business before a hearing after consulting with the City Attorney 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 Jan Hallums Quillman,
Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. NAYS: None.
4. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING Chapter 18, Article I, LICENSES, ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF JOLIET CODE OF ORDINANCES (MS)
16-03-31 Business License emergency shut down
This ordinance amendment was voted on with the Chapter 13 ordinance amendment.
5. ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (AM)
Mr. Alfredo Melesio and Mr. Jeff Sterr appeared on behalf of the ordinance. Mr. Melesio gave the Committee some background information about the ordinance.
Councilwoman Brewer asked about the liens. There was minor discussion regarding the liens on properties.
Councilwoman Quillman asked about the foreclosure part of the ordinance. Mr. Sterr explained the process if it is abandoned.
Mr. Gideon Blustein, Three Rivers Association of Realtors, appeared before the Committee. Mr. Blustein said Neighborhood Services did a good job of walking them through the ordinance. The new ordinance will focus on the bank and give them the ability to go after the bank instead of that imaginary occupant.
Mr. John Sheridan, President of Cunningham Neighborhood Council, said they would also like to work with the City on abandoned properties and also with realtors. He asked to see the changes attached to future agendas for his review.
Mr. Sterr said the responsibility for the posting would either be the bank or the service provider. Mr. Blustein said the key aspect of the ordinance is that it provides administrative mechanism to start noticing the bank which was lacking before.
Councilwoman Quillman asked who determines the fees and the costs for the violations. Mr. Sterr responded.
Motion to approve the Abandoned Residential Property Registration Ordinance 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 Jan Hallums Quillman,
Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. NAYS: None.
6. ABOVE GROUND POOL SEASONAL CLOSURE AND ABANDONMENT
REGULATION
Mr. Jackson said Mr. Sterr mentioned that there is a provision in the abandoned residential property registration ordinance and also language was adopted in 2015 that gives the City the ability to regulate it through the property maintenance. Therefore there are regulations currently on the books and with the upcoming ordinance there will be regulation as well.
Councilwoman Quillman talked about some pools that she has recently seen. Mr. Sterr said in the International Property Maintenance Code there are 2 sections that address this issue.
7. UPDATE ON DOG ORDINANCE
Councilwoman Quillman asked for an update because people have been asking her about the court case. Mr. Shanahan said this was tabled from a couple of meetings ago. There were 2 cases that were currently being litigated in Cook County and the City of Chicago. The City of Chicago case has been resolved and the Cook County case is still pending. This will come back to the Committee once the Cook County case is finalized.
8. ABSENTEEISM OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mr. Shanahan explained the code of ordinance pertaining to the subject and how it can be revised to prevent long term absenteeism.
Councilwoman Quillman said the reason she brought this up is because in the past there have been problems with Council people missing meetings and then there is no representation for their district.
Mr. Shanahan said he will finalize the document and present it at the next meeting. This is for discussion and then to go before the full City Council for their opinion.
Mr. Sheridan said he has spoken with Corporation Counsel about this matter in the past.
There was minor discussion between the Committee members on how many meetings could be missed before they will go without pay.
Mr. Shanahan will finalize the document and present it at the next meeting.
Motion to approve the absenteeism of council members with discussed revisions 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 Jan Hallums Quillman,
Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. NAYS: None.
9. TEMPORARY SUMMER FARM STANDS AND POTENTIAL EXPANSION OF SAME (MS)
Mr. Shanahan explained to the Committee that right now the farm stands are prohibited. This topic was briefly discussed at the November 2016 Land Use/Legislative Committee meeting. The Committee decided they would like something written that will allow the farm stands. Mr. Shanahan will draft something and bring it back at the next meeting for further review and discussion.
10. JOLIET RENTAL INSPECTION PROGRAM (MS)
Mr. Jackson said the Joliet Rental Inspection Program was pulled from this agenda.
11. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE SALE, DELIVERY, AND POSSESSION OF
DRUG PARAPHERNALIA (MS)
Paraphernalia ordinance
Mr. Shanahan said there is not anything on the books for an ordinance or civil violation of possession of drug paraphernalia. This ordinance will give the Officers the option to write it as an ordinance violation ticket.
Motion to recommend the ordinance prohibiting the sale, delivery and possession of drug paraphernalia to 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 Jan Hallums Quillman,
Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. NAYS: None.
12. OLD/NEW BUSINESS—NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION
1. Mr. Shanahan informed the Committee about an agenda item on the upcoming City Council agenda regarding an intergovernmental agreement with the Forest Preserve and Village of Shorewood for connecting the path from Rock Run over the expressway and over the river.
2. Councilwoman Quillman spoke about Specialty Auto and said it has been an ongoing problem. She has been receiving many calls from the neighbors regarding parking issues etc. She feels this should be declared a public nuisance.
Mr. Jackson spoke about his conversation with the property owner as well as the business operator there. The corner is starting to be monitored because there have been other complaints about vehicles for sale on other lots.
Mr. Schwarz wanted to know if the business operator would be open to some type of signage to deter people from cutting through the lot into the neighborhood. Mr. Jackson said he would be open to that.
3. Councilwoman Brewer requested an extra set of agenda attachments available for audience members at future meetings.
4. Councilwoman Quillman asked for an update on handicap signs. Mr. Shanahan said there have been Staff meetings on the best solution to get the signs changed out between now and the end of the summer is the goal.
13. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 28, 2016 LAND
USE/LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
112816
Motion to approve the minutes of the November 28, 2016 Land Use/Legislative Committee 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 Jan Hallums Quillman,
Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. NAYS: None.
14. 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 Jan Hallums Quillman,
Councilwoman Brooke Hernandez Brewer. NAYS: None.
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