TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dustin Anderson, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT:
title
Ordinance Approving an Intergovernmental Cooperative Planning and Boundary Agreement Between the Village of Elwood and the City of Joliet
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Joliet and the Village of Elwood share a substantial area of unincorporated territory within one and one-half miles of their respective municipal boundaries. Both municipalities are experiencing ongoing and planned development in this region, which is expected to increase demands for transportation, utilities, public safety, stormwater management, recreation, and other municipal services. The Illinois Intergovernmental Cooperation Act authorizes municipalities to enter into agreements regarding jurisdiction and the exercise of municipal powers in such territories. Joliet and Elwood have previously addressed these issues through a boundary line agreement entered on April 20, 2004, and approved by Joliet Ordinance 14661. That agreement expired on December 31, 2019. Considering continued growth and development pressures, Joliet and Elwood have determined that a new formal boundary line agreement (“Agreement”) is necessary to provide logical municipal boundaries, efficient governance, and coordinated economic development in the area between their communities.
CONCLUSION:
The Agreement establishes a clear jurisdictional boundary in the unincorporated territory lying between and near our existing boundaries and defines a new boundary for annexation, planning, zoning, subdivision control, and other municipal purposes for our respective municipalities.
Each municipality agrees not to annex or exercise municipal authority in the area designated to the other, except as specifically provided for in the proposed agreement. The Agreement also provides for the transfer of subdivision control authority when necessary, ensuring that development is managed appropriately within each municipality’s designated area. Both parties waive the right to challenge each other’s annexations within their designated areas and agree not to encourage third parties to do so. The Agreement addresses the annexation and use of roadways along the boundary - including provisions for utility easements and cooperative service arrangements.
The Agreement is set to remain in effect for twenty years and may be amended only by mutual consent. Procedures for enforcement and notification are established to ensure compliance and cooperation. This agreement is the result of careful consideration and negotiation reflecting the mutual interests of both communities in managing growth, providing services, and preserving resources. It is designed to prevent jurisdictional disputes, facilitate planned development, and promote intergovernmental cooperation.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Ordinance Approving an Intergovernmental Cooperative Planning and Boundary Agreement Between the Village of Elwood and the City of Joliet.
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