Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Committee on Citizens with Disabilities met Nov. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL

Present: Gary Jones, Kim Hudgens, Chairperson Pam Heavens, Sherry Voight, Billie Jo Adams, Steven Voight and Chairperson Tony Arellano

Absent: Kevin Huckfeldt

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

None.

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

INTRODUCTION OF COMMITTEE

Chairman Tony Arellano introduced the Committee members. Members present were Billy Jo Adams, Pam Heavens, Co-Chair, Kim Hudgens, Gary Jones, Sherry Voight and Steven Voight. Mr. Kevin Huckfeldt was absent.

UPDATE ON CITY TRANSITION PLAN

Chairman Arellano gave background information and an update on the city transition plan.

Mr. Matt Wilson, Economic Development Specialist, stated that on the transition plan Staff is preparing a top 3. This will be scouting what the most important issues in Joliet are at this moment.

OMA TRAINING UPDATE

Chairman Arellano expressed the importance of OMA training.

Mr. Wilson reminded the Committee members if they have not completed the training yet to please do so or send him the certificate from the completed course.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Chairman Arellano said the grievance procedure is something they need to develop with the City of Joliet with a copy on the website that can be downloaded. He explained what the procedure is.

PROMOTION OF HIRING RESIDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Chairman Arellano explained the importance of promoting hiring of residents with disabilities.

Ms. Pam Heavens, Co-Chair, feels they can reach out to agencies who actively look for employment for citizens with disabilities.

Ms. Kim Hudgens stated the Department of Rehabilitative Services for the State of Illinois would be the first stop for anybody with a disability looking for employment. It would be nice to see the City duplicate the efforts that the State of Illinois is putting forth.

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS

Chairman Arellano explained why he would like to get more members on the Committee. He does have 1 more member joining the Committee in January.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION

Chairman Arellano spoke about mental health. He is a member of the board at the University of St. Francis and the big issue there is mental health problems. They contracted with a mental health service to take care of the students that are having problems. Once they made that service available the number of people requesting that service skyrocketed.

Ms. Hudgens said there are several things in motion. Nationwide there is a 988 number that went live this summer that is for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. In Joliet, the Fire Department and the Police Department received grants for different agencies.

Ms. Hudgens said transportation is a large issue.

Chairman Arellano spoke about the snow removal plan that can be located on the City's website. He had some concerns. Ms. Kristi McNichol, Neighborhood Services, spoke to the Committee about the snow removal program. She also spoke about a weatherization grant right now that is hosted at Will County Center for Community Concerns.

Chairman Arellano spoke about the transition plan again.

Ms. Voight inquired about the snow program and if they go by income. Ms. McNichol responded.

Mr. Jones asked how often the snow program can be used. Ms. McNichol responded.

Ms. Heavens asked about the transition plan and if there is a certain outline that should be followed. Mr. Wilson responded that as of right now he is accumulating everything he can and going with the big issues.

Chairman Arellano would like to get literature put into city hall on ways that hiring can take place with people with disabilities such as accommodations etc.

There was brief discussion about citizens with disabilities wanting to volunteer.

Chairman Arellano said December 1st will be the Christmas party at City Hall in the Planning Conference Room from 11:30 to 2 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned.

Aye: Jones, Hudgens, Chairperson Heavens, Voight, Adams, Voight and Chairperson Arellano

Absent: Huckfeldt

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