Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Diversity & Community Relations Committee met Oct. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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.

Amy Sanchez, representing Collins Street Neighborhood Council reads a statement on behalf of their President Tanya Arias - speaking to the cultural, social, and economic importance of Mexican Independence Day Parade. The importance of community and diversity is referenced, as well as the importance of the support of the businesses within the Special Service Area. Ms Sanchez expresses the importance of nurturing inclusive and resilient neighborhoods.

PRESENTATION

Special Events Permitting TMP-7774

A powerpoint Presentation is given by Lori Carmine - Cultural Affairs Manager, Bicentennial Park Manager/Events Liaison. This presentation outlines the process of applying for all Special Events within City of Joliet, what is required as part of the Application process, which departments evaluate the application, and a timeline of processing the application. It is also clarified that the 4th of July and Santa Send Off are the only 2 city-organized events. Chairman Guerrero translates each of the slides and process into Spanish for attendees.

AGENDA ITEM

None

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR

RECOMMENDATION

None

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.

Marge Franchini, of the Mexican Independence Day Parade requests clarification on Food Truck use on private property, and whether or not a permit is needed. Lori Carmine, of Bicentennial Park confirms the ordinance rules that only Food Trucks that are on public right of way require permits. Ms Franchini also questions the application process and the inability to save the application to continue. Ms Carmine responds that she is able to assist in work-around methods and acknowledges the application is not as user friendly as preferred. Ms Franchini requests clarification about Save the Dates while the application is processing, and expresses situations in the past that she was not allowed to promote events that were not yet approved. The question is also posed how an organization may get funded by the City. Ms Carmine defines the difference between events that the City is already a stakeholder in.

Erika Holmes, of the National Hook up of Black Women speaks to the organizations interest in bringing back the Black Pride parade, and the concerns for being held accountable for past issues caused by other organizations that held the event previously. Ms Carmine states that they are not able to hold one organization responsible for the past of another, as long as everyone follows the safety protocols and requirements in place. Ms Holmes speaks to the difficulty of planning a parade route around the City's current construction. Ms Carmine confirms the challenges around a parade including routes, public safety, and length of time to plan/approve. Ms Holmes asks how much notice is given to deny an application. Ms Carmine states that she has not had to deny any applications, but speaks to flexibility and adjusting to acts of nature, safety concerns, etc. Ms Holmes requests more information about City sponsorship and funding. Ms Carmine alludes to other State, arts commissions, or tourism grant opportunities.

Councilman Cesar Cardenas (attending as a Resident) makes a statement regarding businesses and non profits being vetted for their standing prior to the City approving applications or giving consideration to support/sponsorship.

Amy Sanchez, on behalf of herself comments on the effect the time and funds required to complete a permit have on smaller non profit agencies - such as paying for event insurance on an event that has no guarantee of approval. Statements are also made regarding the wishes the City were more proactive about reaching out to create diverse events throughout the year.

Paola, representing the organization that hosted a pan-Latinx Carnivale event at Bicentennial comments on the lack of response/request made to have police presence at the event and other hesitations about the current application portal.

Councilwoman Ibarra comments on the need for more Diversity within the City, and speaks to the DEI office within City of Aurora - and the previous conversations within Joliet to have DEI staff.

Diana Viveros, of Latino Economic Development Association - which has hosted several events this year and previous years. Ms Viveros speaks to the ease of the application process and the assistance Ms Carmine has provided at all times.

Priscella Cordero, of the City Center Partnership joins the conversation to speak on the Special Service Area within Joliet, and the economic development their organization does within the City. They also host "Light up the Holidays", Strolling, Salsa, Kidzfest. Ms Cordero suggests all events be planned and on the City calendar almost a full year prior in order to plan a successful event.

ADJOURNMENT

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2024/10/2208_M_Diversity___Community_Relations_Committee_24-10-03_Meeting_Minutes.pdf