Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Committee on Citizens with Disabilities met Dec. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL

Present: Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero and Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to approve the Diversity & Community Relations Committee Minutes--11/7/23. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

None.

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.

GIVE SOMETHING BACK, NFP - PRESENTATION

Ms. Shameco Moore, Coordinator of Community & Student Engagement with Give Something Back, appeared before the Committee with a presentation about what the organization, Give Something Back, is about.

Councilwoman Ibarra asked how many students they have from Joliet West and Joliet Central. Ms. Moore responded.

Councilman Clement commented on the phenomenal program.

SPANISH COMMUNITY CENTER – FACILITY IMPROVEMENT, CDBG PROGRAM YEAR 2023

Ms. Kristi McNichol, Housing Finance Specialist, appeared before the

Committee with background information about the Spanish Community Center-Facility Improvement, CDBG Program Year 2023 and the Latino Economic Development Association (LEDA)-Microenterprise, CDBG Program Year 2023.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by

Councilman Joe Clement, to recommend for approval the Spanish Community Center-Facility Improvement, CDBG Program Year 2023 and the Latino Economic Development Association (LEDA)-Microenterprise, CDBG Program Year 2023. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra

LATINO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (LEDA) - MICROENTERPRISE, CDBG PROGRAM YEAR 2023

a. LEDA, Presentation of Accomplishments

This was approved with the Spanish Community Center agenda item above.

Ms. Diana Viveros, Program Manager at LEDA, gave a brief presentation of the accomplishments and updates from the past year.

Councilman Guerrero commented on the importance and the impact of the efforts that LEDA is making.

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION

NOTICE OF DISPLAY OF CAPER & PUBLIC HEARING

Ms. McNichol gave an update on the review of the CAPER.

Councilwoman Ibarra inquired about informational meetings. Ms. McNichol responded.

Councilman Guerrero requested updates for the Consolidated Plan.

Councilman Clement asked for an explanation of CDBG and where it comes from for the people in attendance. Ms. McNichol explained. She also explained the Administration portion of CDBG.

Councilman Clement would like to see a small portion of the money to go to improvements of sidewalks and beautify some homes in the front for people that can not afford to. Ms. McNichol responded.

Councilwoman Ibarra asked what the process will be for a senior resident that can't afford a sidewalk. Ms. McNichol responded.

Councilwoman Ibarra is interested in the sidewalk that goes around the park that is next to the Warren-Sharpe Community Center.

Councilman Clement asked if there can be a map created to outline the areas that need work the most. There was minor discussion.

Councilwoman Ibarra asked for a breakdown how the money has been equitably distributed to District 5. Ms. McNichol responded.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Trista Brown, Speak Up Organization, commented on the viaduct on 4th Avenue that is deteriorating. She also thanked the Joliet Police for finding a missing young woman in Peoria.

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

A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to adjourn. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra

This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at 815-724-3780.

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2023/12/2033_M_Diversity___Community_Relations_Committee_23-12-12_Meeting_Minutes.pdf