Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Committee on Citizens with Disabilities met April 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL

Present Billie Jo Adams, Chairperson Tony Arellano, Pam Heavens, Kim Hudgens, Gary Jones, Veronica Pollard, Riley Spreadburry , Sherry Voight, Steven Voight and John Jamontas

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Steven Voight, seconded by Kim Hudgens, to approve the Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Minutes-February 20, 2024. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Adams, Chairperson Arellano, Heavens, Hudgens, Jones, Pollard, Spreadburry, Voight, Voight and Jamontas

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.

DISCUSSION: UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED, ARREST AND PRISON STATISTICS, NUMBER OF DISABLED PARKING VIOLATIONS ISSUED

Officer Charles Mascolino, Joliet Police, appeared before the Committee regarding the needs of the disabled, arrest and prison statistics. There was brief discussion about interactions between the disabled and the police.

Ms. Spreadbury asked if the police has connections with social workers or mental health professionals. Officer Mascolino responded.

Ms. Hudgens spoke about the Connect and Protect Program.

Officer William Otis, Joliet Police, spoke about his experiences with issues on disabled parking violations. There was brief discussion about the cost of fines for parking violations.

DISCUSSION: INCREASING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Chairman Arellano said he would like to get the meeting information out to different agencies and organizations to have more public participation. He would also like to have the meetings on Channel 6.

Ms. Pollard suggested the Committee look into possibly having the meeting at a later time during the day to allow more people to be able to attend.

DISCUSSION: MOVING MEETINGS TO EVERY OTHER MONTH

Chairman Arellano spoke about appointments to the Committee and whether they would be 2 year appointments or 3 year appointments. He asked that the Committee members think about it and get back to him with their thoughts. He also spoke about possibly having meetings every other month during the winter. He asked that the members think about that as well.

Ms. Spreadbury requested that the Chairman send the agenda in a group e-mail instead of separately. Mr. Sinnett said he can start sending the agendas in a group email.

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR

RECOMMENDATION

UPDATE: JJC MEETING

Chairman Arellano spoke about the meeting that he will be having with Joliet Junior College on Wednesday.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Jamontas inquired about the Committee having a presence on social media. Chairman Arellano responded. Ms. Spreadbury said social media would be a good thing for the Committee.

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 Steven Voight, seconded by Riley Spreadburry , to adjourn. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: Adams, Chairperson Arellano, Heavens, Hudgens, Jones, Pollard, Spreadburry, Voight, Voight and Jamontas

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2024/4/2117_M_Committee_on_Citizens_with_Disabilities_24-04-16_Meeting_Minutes.pdf