TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Beth Beatty, City Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Resolutions Associated with the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Grant Agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Joliet and Joliet Township Concerning the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Joliet and Lockport Township Concerning the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Joliet and Will County Concerning the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
end
BACKGROUND:
The State of Illinois’ Certified Local Government (CLG) matching grant program annually provides preservation and heritage planning opportunities for 83 Illinois municipalities that have been certified by the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office. The City of Joliet-by having a qualified historic preservation commission, Historic Preservation Ordinance, and system for the survey and inventory of local historic resources-is a CLG.
In June of 2023, the City of Joliet, through its Historic Preservation Commission, sought a CLG grant to fund a historic context study that documents the history and culture of the Joliet area Black community. The purpose of this project is to document Joliet area Black history in an accurate narrative, acknowledge racial injustice using history, recognize historic properties important to the Black community, challenge misinformation about the Black experience, and record Black voices for future generations. Historic Route 66 also runs through the south side of Joliet, where many Black residents initially settled. As the City and its partners move closer to the Route 66 Centennial in 2026, a related goal for this project is to have a more comprehensive understanding of the complex history of Route 66.
The City requested $21,000 in grant funding and pledged $9,000 through its Planning Division Professional Services Budget to meet the required 30% local match. In recognition that this project should include areas outside of the City limits to be comprehensive and meaningful, such as the Fairmont neighborhood in Lockport Township and Preston Heights in Joliet Township, the grant application also indicated that Joliet Township and Will County would each contribute $5,000 to project costs. The grant application also received endorsements from State Representative Walsh, State Senator Ventura, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Chris Parker with the African American Business Association, and the Joliet Area Historical Museum.
DISCUSSION:
recommendation
The City of Joliet was recently notified that it was awarded the requested $21,000 in CLG grant funding for this project. With this notice, the City and its project partners have decided to commit additional funds for this important project. To date, the following entities have committed funding for this project:
• State of Illinois - $21,000(Certified Local Government Grant)
• City of Joliet - $20,000 (Planning Division and City Manager’s Office)
• Joliet Township - $20,000
• Lockport Township - $5,000-$10,000 (amount pending Township board approval)
• Will County Historic Preservation Commission - $10,000
The context study will include traditional historical research as well as input from the Joliet area African American community. The final context study report will contain a comprehensive history of the Joliet area’s African American community from the first residents through the late 20th century. It will also contain defined historical themes connected with the African American experience in Joliet. Associated places connected to this history will also be compiled in the report. Some places or areas may no longer be extant but will need to be included. A comprehensive bibliography will be a deliverable. A consultant would be hired to conduct research and prepare the report. The selected consultant will deliver two public presentations, hosted at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, on topics derived from the findings of this context study. Anticipated project completion date is December 2025.
end
CONCLUSION:
Approval of the Intergovernmental Grant Agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the agency that administers funding for the Certified Local Government Grant program, will allow the project to proceed. Next steps include the formation of a steering committee and the preparation of a RFQ so that the City can engage a consultant to undertake the project. The City Council will authorize the execution of the contract with the recommended consultant at a later date.
The project period begins on the date of the signed Grant Agreement and includes expenditures incurred through January 31, 2026.
The City has the funds to meet the required local match for this reimbursement grant program through its Planning Division Professional Services budget (Org # 02024000; Obj # 523300; $9,000) and City Manager’s Professional Services budget (Org # 00501000; Obj # 523300; $11,000).
Approval of the attached Intergovernmental Agreements with Joliet Township, Lockport Township and Will County, which outlines funding support and participatory support, will further the objectives of this historic context study project.
The Grant Agreement with IDNR as well as intergovernmental agreements are included as attachments.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
The Administration recommends the Mayor and City Council approve the attached Resolutions associated with the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study:
• Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Grant Agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
• Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Joliet and Joliet Township Concerning the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
• Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Joliet and Lockport Township Concerning the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
• Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Joliet and Will County Concerning the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study
end