The Joliet City Council recognized employees soon entering retirement at its March 20 meeting.
Director of Public Utilities James Eggen and Director of Building Inspections Dave Mackley were among the list of persons on hand to receive recognition.
Eggen started working for the City of Joliet in 1992 as civil engineer I and went on to be promoted to civil engineer II, utilities administrator, and director of public utilities.
“It’s been an honor to serve Joliet,” Eggen said. “I’ve enjoyed helping people in this town, and that’s really what it’s all about.”
Mackley, who has worked for the City of Joliet the last 32 years, served as a building safety inspector and building services director more recently.
The council, mayor, and city manager took time to applaud and thank everyone for their service to the City over the years.
Other employees set to leave their posts include Liz Klein, John Dillon, Kevin Gahr, Valeria Hall, Linda Johnson, Shawn Murphy, Sharon Offermann, Mildred Rowe, Zelda Scott, Andrea Sinchak-Cap, Margaret Thomas, and Alfred Weihofen.
Hawk Motors relocation approved
Also at the meeting, the Joliet City Council took time to consider a series of measures involving Hawk Motors and its desire to relocate two of its dealerships.
Hawk Mazda and Hawk Volkswagen, currently located off Jefferson Street, have been in talks with the City to continue their operations at the northwest corner of Route 59 and Caton Farm Road.
Council action enables Hawk Motors to work toward satisfying franchise requirements and meeting space needs. A site plan shows the two dealerships are to be housed under one roof with a shared customer service bay.
The approximate 7.7-acre property off Route 59 and Caton Farm is owned by the Joliet Park District, and it is home to Wedgewood Golf Course. Currently, Hawk Motors is under contract to purchase about 4.5 acres of the land, and the remainder of the estimated 3.1 acres to the north of the proposed dealership could become home to another commercial development.
Joliet’s Plan Commission offered a positive recommendation to the Joliet City Council.
In an 8-0 decision, city officials approved a series of measures to advance the project.
Upon finalizing a land deal with Hawk Motors, the Joliet Park District intends to modify the layout of its golf course to accommodate proposed commercial development.
Round up
A brief recap of action and discussion March 20 at a regular meeting of the Joliet City Council:
A motion was passed to authorize a five-year, 50 percent tax abatement and impact fee waiver agreement with Cadence Premier Logistics. A resolution was previously approved in August 2015, and the developer’s attorney has now provided documents to provide for abatement in tax years 2016-2020.
A motion was passed to authorize a five-year, 50 percent tax abatement and impact fee waiver agreement with Project Osprey—Mars. A resolution was previously approved in October 2015, and the developer’s attorney has now provided documents to provide for abatement in tax years 2016-2020.
Officials tweaked an economic development agreement with Mickey Oil/Liquor Express to have the benchmark/termination provisions removed. Council action provides certainty that rebate eligibility remains in full effect through the contract’s 2024 expiration date, and it levels the playing field for this business and nearby fuel businesses in Crest Hill. The agreement, as previously approved in September 2014, stipulates that Mickey Oil receives a rebate of 0.75 percent of Joliet’s 1.75 percent home-rule sales tax.
The City approved an incentive agreement with Joliet Bulk Barge & Rail for development fee waivers.
A motion was passed authorizing the execution of a $3.5 million sales tax rebate agreement with West Jeff Auto Sales, LLC and Jo Hawk, LLC. Council action aims to help facilitate the relocation and development of the new sales/service facilities for Hawk Mazda and Hawk Volkswagen.