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Votes at a glance: Joliet council approves loan, contracts and development measures
Summary
On Jan. 7 the Joliet City Council approved several contracts, a $3.5 million loan to the Joliet Public Library, a $2,425,240 biosolids disposal contract, an authorization for a Riverwalk Homes predevelopment draw, zoning and annexation ordinances, and miscellaneous permits and change orders. Consent agenda items were approved as presented.
The City of Joliet City Council on Jan. 7 approved a series of motions and ordinances across budget, procurement and land-use items. Key outcomes from the meeting's votes are summarized below.
Riverwalk Homes predevelopment loan (Council Memo 28-25): The council removed Council Memo 28-25 from the consent agenda and voted to authorize funding for predevelopment Loan Draw 10 to Riverwalk Homes LLC in the amount of $298,366.77. During discussion council members clarified that the initial settlement agreement did not require redevelopment but provided redevelopment options; the 2018 resolution lays out available paths. Vote (as recorded): yes — Councilman Guerrero, Councilman Mudrin, Councilwoman Reardon, Councilman Cardenas, Councilman Clement, Mayor Darcy; no — Councilman Hug, Councilwoman Quillman; abstain — Councilwoman Abarra. Outcome: approved.
Biosolids disposal contract (Council Memo 32-25): The council awarded the 2025 biosolids disposal contract to New Era Spreading, Inc. in the amount of $2,425,240. The public works committee had reviewed the annual contracts and recommended award. Vote: unanimous approval by roll call. Outcome: approved; contract award.
Library loan (Council Memo 42-25): The council approved a $3,500,000 loan agreement with the Joliet Public Library. The motion followed debate about use of reserves, interest-rate comparisons (discussion referenced 20-year Treasury yields and secondary market liquidity), and concerns about reserve levels and competing capital needs for streets and other city obligations. Several council members expressed support for the library project and noted prior successful library work; others said they could not support drawing down reserves for a 20-year municipal loan at this time. Vote (as recorded): yes — Councilman Guerrero, Councilwoman Abarra (recorded as aye at one point), Councilman Mudrin, Councilman Cardenas, Mayor Darcy and others; no — Councilman Hogg, Councilwoman Quillman, Councilman Clement. Outcome: approved; loan agreement adopted.
Annexation and zoning ordinances (Council Memo 36-25 and related ordinances): The council closed a public hearing and approved an annexation agreement and related ordinances for 0.43 acres at the southwest corner of Woodruff Road and McKay Street, including annexation and zoning classification changes and a variation of use. Outcome: ordinances adopted by voice/roll call; no public objections were recorded at the hearing.
Starbucks drive‑thru permit (Council Memo 34-25): The council approved a drive‑thru permit for a Starbucks at 16301 South Boulevard Place, Unit 101. Vote: unanimous. Outcome: permit approved.
Vista Ridge preliminary planned unit development (Council Memo 43-25): The council adopted ordinances approving the preliminary PUD and zoning reclassifications associated with Vista Ridge subdivision (approximate house sizes and price ranges were discussed by the applicant). Vote: approved by roll call. Outcome: ordinances adopted.
Tax abatement for debt service (Council Memo 41-24): The council adopted an ordinance abating certain 2024 taxes to pay debt service on general obligation bonds (series 2020A and 2022). Staff clarified that this action shifts the revenue source and is not an additional tax on taxpayers. Outcome: ordinance adopted.
Termination of lease with Migraine Brewing Company, LLC (Council Memo 44-25): The council approved an ordinance authorizing termination of the lease; city staff explained the tenant invested $2.5 million in improvements and the city will receive the improvements for a net negotiated return of $250,000; contents were appraised in excess of that amount. Outcome: ordinance adopted.
Consent agenda (Council Memos 1–27, 29–30): The council approved the consent agenda, which included multiple professional services awards, chemical supply contracts for the utilities, change orders and closeouts for capital projects, and salt and well repair purchases. Vote: unanimous approval of the consent items as presented.
Appointments: The council confirmed several appointments including the reappointment of Quinn Adamowski to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and approved the mayor’s appointments to the newly created comprehensive plan advisory committee after a failed attempt to table those appointments until Jan. 21, 2025. Outcome: appointments approved.
