Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Committee on Citizens with Disabilities met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL

Present

Billy Jo Adams, Chairperson Anthony Arellano, Pam Heavens, Kim Hudgens, Gary Jones, Veronica Pollard, Riley Spreadbury, Sherry Voight, Steven Voight and John Jamontas

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Approval of Minutes, February 2025

These Minutes were approved.

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.

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION

Discussion: Recommendations for the Consolidated Plan 2025-2029

The Committee discusses the needs of the disabled community and how to ensure the needs are addressed within the CDBG Consolidated Plan. CDBG Program Manager Jacqueline Lozada provides resources to participate in the community surveys, and 1 on 1 consultations. It is discussed that the CDBG public facility improvements mandate all capital improvement projects follow ADA regulations.

Discussion: Resources to Understanding Reasonable Accommodations, and Effectively Communicating with Citizens with Disabilities

The Committee discusses the importance and need for reasonable accommodations and how to effectively communicate with residents with disabilities. Current accommodations are discussed – including the translator services available, audio recordings and visual minutes for each Committee and Council meeting, as well as recent website and application accessibility training.

Discussion: Proposed Disability Fair and Recognition of "Americans with Disabilities Act" July, 2025

The Committee discusses the proposed disability fair in July and how to bring recognition to the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is suggested to host a disabilities fair at Bicentennial Park on July 26th - with resources and art exhibits available. It was requested to have a Proclamation drafted for this to be recognized at Council on July 1st.

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

This adjournment was approved.

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

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2025/3/2369_M_Committee_on_Citizens_with_Disabilities_25-03-18_Meeting_Minutes.pdf