Will County Gazette

City of Joliet City Council met Nov. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

I. ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Mayor Robert O'Dekirk, Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson, Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilman Terry Morris, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, Councilwoman Sherri Reardon, Councilman Michael F. Turk.

ABSENT: None.

ALSO PRESENT: Interim City Manager Steve Jones, Corporation Counsel Martin J. Shanahan, Jr.

II. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS:

Shawn Kelly with Engberg Anderson, architect for the Joliet Library remodeling plan, spoke in favor of funding for the Joliet Public Library.

Megan Millen, Executive Director - Joliet Public Library, spoke in favor of funding for the Joliet Public Library Project Burnham. She presented twelve letters of support for funding for the library.

Jim Roolf, Chair of the City Center Partnership, complimented the library on their efforts and spoke in favor of funding the Library remodel in the 2019 budget.

III. DISCUSSION ON CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED 2020 BUDGET

Interim City Manager Steve Jones gave a brief introduction to the proposed 2020 Budget including no property tax increases, but fee and other non-property tax revenue sources are included.

Mayor O'Dekirk stated neither the Mayor or Council met with the Interim City Manager or Finance Director to discuss the proposed budget as has been done in the past.

It is the policy of Mayor O’Dekirk to vote only in the event that the vote of the city council has resulted in a tie, or where a vote greater than a majority of council members is required in order to adopt an ordinance or resolution.

Director of Finance, Jim Ghedotte gave a presentation regarding the City Manager's proposed 2020 budget.

A brief discussion was held regarding options for the City's parking system.

Mr. Ghedotte reviewed highlights of the budget. A brief discussion was held regarding options of funding the library project.

Per the request of the Mayor, Firefighter Eric Matteson spoke regarding the change in legislation regarding police and fire pensions.

Mr. Ghedotte discussed allocated funding for a city-wide comprehensive plan, completion of the county/courthouse parking lot, continued support of the Historical Museum, Will County Courthouse, and Rialto. He also discussed requested Capital projects. Mr. Ghedotte further discussed recommended Revenue Enhancements: Cannabis Tax, Property tax (from growth and new construction), hotel tax increase, contractor registration, ambulance fees increase, increase in gas tax and foreclosure registration, increase in building permit fees and other over the counter fees, and increase in garbage collection fee. He also discussed items that were not included in the 2020 budget. He briefly discussed items being recommended for bonding.

A brief discussion was held regarding the proposed gasoline tax increase. Mr. Ghedotte reviewed departmental highlights. A brief discussion was held regarding the legal dept. request for an additional assistant corporate counsel.

A brief discussion was held regarding the Loves Truck stop.

Mr. Ghedotte highlighted the water and sewer fund operating budget and the parking fund. Councilman Hug requested an estimate of the revenue we can bond - an analysis over the last four years.

It is the policy of Mayor O’Dekirk to vote only in the event that the vote of the city council has resulted in a tie, or where a vote greater than a majority of council members is required in order to adopt an ordinance or resolution.

Interim City Manager stated he asked the Finance Director to work on a five-year budget to help with projections and trends.

A brief discussion was held regarding body cameras and the need for in car cameras prior to the body cameras.

A brief discussion was held regarding the budget planning procedure.

2020 Budget Presentation City Council

IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS:

None

V. CLOSED SESSION to discuss the following subjects:

VI. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

Motion seconded by Councilman Michael F. Turk. Motion carried by the following vote:

AYES: Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson, Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Councilman Larry E. Hug, Councilman Terry Morris, Councilman Pat Mudron, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, Councilwoman Sherri Reardon, Councilman Michael F. Turk.

NAYS: None.

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