Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Prison Committee met Sept. 10.

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

1. ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson, Councilman Terry Morris.

ABSENT: None.

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor O'Dekirk, David Hales - City Manager, Steve Jones - Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Director, Chris Regis - Inspector General, Jan Nahorski - Graffiti Abatement for the City of Joliet, Greg Peerbolte - Executive Director, Joliet Area Historical Museum, Quinn Adamowski - Vice President, Joliet Historical Museum Board of Directors,

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JULY 9, 2018 MEETING

Motion to approve the MINUTES of the JULY 9, 2018 PRISON COMMITTEE MEETING was made by Councilman Terry Morris.

Motion seconded by Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson, Councilman Terry Morris. NAYS: None.

3. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

None

4. STAFF UPDATE

Old Joliet Prison Committee Agenda - 9.10.2018

A. Great Joliet Prison Break-In Event Results

Steve Jones, Deputy City Manager/Economic Development Director, gave a summary of the Great Joliet Prison Break-In Event, including the results of the fundraising efforts.

Greg Peerbolte, Executive Director, Joliet Area Historical Museum, and Steve Jones briefly discussed the origin of tickets purchased for this event and planning for next year's event.

A brief discussion was held regarding feedback received regarding this event.

B. Prison Tours

Mr. Peerbolte explained the schedule for Prison Tours (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday 2 tours each day 11:00 a.m. and 2 p.m.). He briefly discussed souvenir sales at the gift shop, scheduled group (school and motor coach) tours, and feedback received during tours.

C. Empire Agreements – September Filming

Mr. Jones briefly discussed the use of the Prison for filming by Empire, how this is helping the fundraising efforts, and reaching out to the Illinois Film Office for additional filming interests.

D. Frisbee Golf Tournament – October 13

Mr. Jones and Mr. Peerbolte discussed the Inparcerated - Frisbee Golf Tournament

E. Paranormal Tour – Vendor Search

Mr. Peerbolte brief discussed a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued for a west prison paranormal Halloween tour.

A brief discussion was held regarding the fee process for the various uses of the prison.

F. Prison East – Vendor Status

A discussion was held regarding the possibility of the prison being considered a concert venue and issuing an RFP for concert promoters to hold a determined number of concerts.

Mr. Jones discussed the search for a new vendor to host a haunted house at the prison this year and the agreement with Evil Intentions.

A brief discussion was held regarding the possibility of a long-term vendor, the intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Corrections, and possible ownership.

G. NEA Grant

Mr. Peerbolte discussed issues encountered when applying for the NEA grant. He also discussed the lack of ownership of the property and definitive plans has created roadblocks when seeking grants.

H. Site Improvements

Old Joliet Prison Committee Agenda - 9.10.2018

A brief discussion was held regarding the clean-up efforts, including graffiti removal.

(i) Condition Assessment Study per State Grant

Mr. Jones briefly discussed the increase in State Grant funding.

(ii) Electrical Connection

Mr. Jones briefly discuss the electrical connection.

(iii) Environmental - North Seg

Mr. Jones stated Chris Regis is working with the trades to organize an environmental clean-up, such as lead paint. Chris Regis, Inspector General, stated the trades schedule opens up in the fall.

(iv) “Spa” Building

Mr. Jones briefly discussed the renovations taking place. He stated this area will eventually become the gift shop and potential ticket sales.

(v) Identification of Capital Funding Priorities

Mr. Jones briefly discussed revenues generated to date, reimbursement to the City, and identifying the next five priority projects needing accomplished; then, create a strategic plan and budget to achieve those priorities.

Mr. Peerbolte briefly discussed the continued dedication and support by the trades of time and material.

I. Forest Preserve District Open Space

Mr. Jones briefly discussed efforts being made to define the portion of the property that will be designated as the open space for the Forest Preserve District.

Mayor O'Dekirk thanked everyone for their hard work with the prison project.

The Mayor and Mr. Peerbolte discussed building winterization, scheduling control for rental space at the prison, and carry over from prison events/tours to the museum.

Mayor O'Dekirk asked the Committee to give an events and finance update to the Council.

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

6. NEW or OLD BUSINESS, not for final action or recommendation

7. ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson, Councilman Terry Morris. NAYS: None.

https://joliet.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=joliet_3f6e9055-4279-4595-b713-bd5b6fcba31b.pdf&view=1