Powers, duties of inspector general amended
To ensure residents that city functions and programs are performing well, Joliet is looking to amend the powers of the inspector general.
In a 7-1 vote, the Joliet City Council moved forward with plans to extend the powers and duties allotted under the position to charitable organizations and other governmental bodies that look for financial or other forms of support.
Councilman Pat Mudron cast the lone dissenting vote.
“I feel the inspector general has enough power now, and we are are the elected officials that can give money out or take money back from any of the organizations,” he said. “I feel that too much government is always bad.”
The Land Use and Legislative committee last reviewed the matter on Nov. 28.
The Office of the Inspector General was created in part to investigate for misconduct, inefficiency and waste within the confines of city government.
Fines for illegal possession, sale of fireworks increased
Joliet officials are looking to crack down on illegal possession and sale of fireworks by increasing the city’s fine from $150 to a $500 minimum.
In a unanimous vote, the Joliet City Council amended city rules for illegal firework offenses.
The city said it is common practice for the Joliet Police Department to confiscate illegal fireworks for destruction.
Councilwoman Jan Quillman said she would like to reiterate what was said at the committee meeting level.
“This fine seems steep, but there’s been so many fireworks, and they’re not fireworks, they’re have been horror … of dynamite that just is ridiculous,” she said. “It’s like a warzone anytime there is a holiday or a celebration. We said there would zero tolerance if they’re caught with dynamite, and we would leave it to the hearing officer whether they wanted to impose a $500 or $750 fine depending on the offense of the fireworks that they use.”
Paratransit pact with PACE OK’d, grant funding sought
Joliet officials took action last week to secure a local share agreement with PACE, the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, to allow for continuing paratransit services for persons with disabilities and persons who are age 60 or older and who cannot drive.
City action allows PACE to sub-contract for curb-to-curb advance reservation bus services for eligible riders residing in Joliet.
The program is subsidized by PACE and the communities receiving the service on a 60 percent city and 40 percent township formula, as fare box revenue hasn’t shown sufficient funding to cover the entire operation, officials said.
Joliet is billed a portion of the cost for the transit program in the amount of $142,270, and is looking to offset the cost by applying for available monies under the Title XX grant. Funds are available in the city’s 2016 budget.
-By Megann Horstead for The Bugle
