Kendall County Times

City of Joliet Land Use & Legislative Committee Met July 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Pursuant to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's Guidelines recommend best practices that limit an in-person meeting to 50 people or less (Council Chambers allows for 18 members of the public) while adhering to social distancing guidelines. During meetings, any member of the public physically present in the Council Chambers in excess of the limit will be asked to wait in another room with live feed to the meeting until the Citizens To Be Heard on Agenda Items section or Public Comments section of the meeting.

Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's Guidelines, it is recommended that any individual appearing in-person wear a face-covering to cover their nose and mouth.

Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov.

1. Roll Call

PRESENT: Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

ABSENT: Councilman Don "Duck" Dickinson.

2. Approval of Minutes – June 25, 2020

Motion to approve the minutes from the June 25, 2020 meeting was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman.

Motion carried by the following vote:

AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

NAYS: None.

3. Citizens to Be Heard on Agenda Items NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding items listed on the agenda. Anyone speaking on an agenda item is entitled to speak for a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff and the Land Use & Legislative Committee do not generally respond to public comments. Please note speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Land Use & Legislative Committee shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

Mr. Matthew Kennedy appeared regarding the single-family home rental inspection program. Mr. Kennedy spoke in opposition to the program. He asked the Committee to not consider the program and stated there is not enough staff to carry out the program.

Mr. Jeff Sterr, Joliet, spoke in reference to the proposed single-family rental ordinance amendment. He stated this is the same proposal that CAPA has been bringing to the Committee for the last 6 years. Mr. Sterr said that Staff knows what works in Joliet and knows what is needed in Joliet. There is no need for the amendment and no basis and fact to consider it. It will not benefit anyone in the city except for CAPA. He gave several examples of why the City should not consider the amendment.

Mr. Jeff Vickery from Shorewood appeared in opposition to the single-family rental inspection program.

Mr. John Scholtes, Three Rivers Association of Realtors, appeared in opposition to the single-family rental inspection program. The bottom line goal should be to encourage property upkeep beautification and discourage code violations and nuisance.

Mr. Quinn Adamowski, Joliet resident, appeared in favor of the single-family rental inspection program. The issue has been discussed for 20 years. He listed several examples of why he is in favor of the program. He requested this discussion be moved to the full City Council for discussion and a vote.

Mr. Gabe Friend, Property Maintenance Coordinator, Neighborhood Services Division, appeared before the Committee regarding the single- family rental inspection program. He stated they have given the Land Use Committee, multiple times, presentations on the numbers and the facts on what the program does, how many properties are in the program and the dozens of hours of research that went into other communities as well as how many rental properties there are in the city of Joliet. He said they receive roughly 5,000 complaints a year for property maintenance issues and roughly over 100 of those complaints reference that it is a rental property. He gave the Committee further background information about the existing procedures.

Mr. Gil Care, Downers Grove, said he owns 21 homes in the area and 8 of them are in the Cathedral District. He stated he is in favor of the single- family rental inspection program.

Mr. Mark Wallace, landlord in Joliet, appeared before the Committee and stated his opposition to the single-family rental inspection program.

Mr. Care shared a photo presentation of the properties that he owns in Joliet.

Ms. Tonya Rand, Joliet resident and realtor, appeared before the Committee and stated her concern about the thought process of having to log or target one group of people. If Joliet elected to have every person in the city register that would be one thing. She stated her opposition to the single-family rental inspection program.

Mr. Bob Nachtrieb, CAPA board member, appeared before the Committee. He stated they are interested in making it as painless as possible especially for landlords who do comply and maintain their properties. The latest proposal to bring some single family homes into the program is to do it when the properties are vacant in between tenants.

4. CDBG Public Hearing

Notice of Public Hearing 2020 (ConPlan)

Joliet Consolidated Plan 2020-2024 (Draft)

Mr. Keith Jorstad, Director of Neighborhood Services, gave background information for the Consolidated Plan for 2020-2024.

Mr. Bill Kubal, Usona Development, appeared before the Committee with further background information about the Consolidated Plan.

Ms. Veronica Gloria, Spanish Community Center, explained their main need is an ADA accessible entrance to their building.

Ms. Jackie Holsten and Elizabeth Protich spoke about the social service component at Riverwalk Development and explained their needs for the funds. Ms. Protich spoke about the needs for their pantry, programs and screenings.

Mr. Jeff Sterr, Joliet, recommended the Committee pass the Consolidated Plan and especially the action plan for this year. The things that will be funded with that money are very much needed as evidenced in the Consolidated Plan and it also fulfills the promise that was made in the settlement agreement that the City continue to provide a community center for the entire community at Riverwalk Homes.

Councilman Morris asked if other organizations are aware that they may be able to receive some of these monies and how can they be reached out to.

Mr. Jorstad said there is an application period every year. The two organizations are the only two that applied this year. There is a public service cap of the money. Only 15% of the money on a yearly basis can be spent on public services. He explained more about the community facilities money.

Mr. Jorstad said the public comment period is open until this Saturday.

Motion to refer the Consolidated Plan to go before the City Council for full consideration after the public comment period ends was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman. Motion carried by the following vote: 

AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. 

NAYS: None.

5. CDBG Substantial Amendment Approval

6-16-2020 CM and Resolution Approving the Substantial Amendment CDBG

Mr. Jorstad gave background information about the CDBG substantial amendment to the Committee.

Ms. Jackie Holsten explained more about what they want to do at the Community Center which is currently being used as administrative offices. There was further discussion about the Community Center.

Motion to recommend for approval the CDBG Substantial Amendment Approval at the full City Council with the HUD approval letter and explanation was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman. Motion carried by the following vote: 

AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. 

NAYS: None.

6. Revisions to the Responsible Bidder Ordinance

Mr. Chris Regis, Inspector General, asked that the proposed revisions to the Responsible Bidder Ordinance be tabled to the next Committee meeting.

Motion to table the Revisions to the Responsible Bidder Ordinance was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman. Motion carried by the following vote: 

AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. 

NAYS: None.

7. Amendments to the Ethics Ordinance

Mr. Regis explained the amendments to the Ethics Ordinance.

Motion to Table the Amendments to the Ethics Ordinance to a future meeting was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman. Motion carried by the following vote: 

AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. 

NAYS: None.

8. Single Family Home Rental Inspection

Mr. Regis explained the revisions that were added to the ordinance.

Councilwoman Quillman explained the single-family inspection program is needed because she receives complaints all of the time in many different neighborhoods.

Councilman Morris inquired about the fees. There was further discussion about absentee landlords.

Mr. Jackson said the current ordinance has provisions for inspection of single-family homes that are problems. Staff has done some analysis and there are a number of single-family homes that are currently in the rental inspection program. Overcrowding is an issue not only for single-family homes but for multi-family as well. Mr. Jackson said in terms of funding and support for that type of program there are too many unknowns at this point. With the current budget he is not sure how high the fees would have to be set to support the program.

Councilwoman Quillman spoke about the vacant single-family homes that have been in foreclosure and are owned by the banks. She wanted to know what the recourse there would be. Mr. Jackson responded.

Mr. Nachtrieb spoke about the same issues and the need for the program.

Mr. Mark Wallace spoke about the program and how it would punish the good landlords. He agrees there needs to be accountability but the program that will punish the good landlords is not the way.

Councilman Morris wanted to review the amendments in further detail. Mr. Regis explained in greater detail. There was further discussion between the Committee members.

Mr. Wallace spoke again and feels that the good landlords would be punished.

Mr. Rob Care added that he does not envision the cost being that much. He understands cost but requested to make the cost minimal. He said they have to think about the people that live near the rentals and the renters, not just the landlords.

Mr. Quinn Adamowski asked what the costs are going to be that will be passed onto the tenant. Councilman Morris said that is not known as this time. Mr. Adamowski inquired why is it an argument right now because it is unknown.

Mr. Jeff Sterr spoke about vacant properties and foreclosures to the Committee as well as overcrowding concerns. He mentioned the parts of the existing ordinance that already address absentee landlords etc.

Councilman Morris said the number is going to change every day. He feels that the single-family owners that are renting their property should not have to pay a registration fee. Mr. Sterr responded.

Councilwoman Quillman said it is not up to the city to teach people how to care for their home. It should be up to the landlord or the real estate agents to offer those classes for people.

Mr. Wallace agreed with Councilwoman Quillman that it is up to the landlord to make certain the tenants know how to care for the home. There is a system already in place therefore maybe the communication about it should be broader.

Mr. Friend, Property Maintenance Coordinator, spoke about the substantial update to the program that was done last year, including fee structures that were increased as well as numerous regulations and requirements.

Councilwoman Quillman gave some examples of the complaints that she receives.

Mr. Regis said there seems to be a consensus that quantifiable data is necessary and there also seems to be an understanding that no one has a problem with registering single-family rentals. There is concern about cost, so a possible first step in that direction would be to advance an ordinance that requires registration of all rentals properties within the City which would include single-family. After a time there would be a concrete number of single-family rentals. If Councilwoman Quillman wants to form a group to look at practical solutions then that is something that can be done. The breakdown of the inspections schedule and structure, the cost and/or fines or fees associated with those inspections is one thing that the group can address moving forward.

Mr. Regis said there are revisions and ordinances that can be moved to City Council if the Committee wishes or they can move a lesser version to the City Council if they wish.

Motion to refer the Single Family Home Rental Inspection ordinance with the revisions to the full City Council was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman. Motion carried by the following vote: 

AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman. 

NAYS: None.

9. Old/New Business—Not for Final Action or Recommendation

Councilwoman Quillman said there needs to be a special combined meeting with the Public Safety Committee to work on police reform and body cams.

10. Public Comments NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. 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 Land Use & Legislative Committee do not generally respond to public comments. Please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Committee shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

None.

11. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman. Motion carried by the following vote: 

AYES: Councilman Terry Morris, Chairman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.

NAYS: None.

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