TO: Public Safety Committee
FROM: Jeff Carey, Chief of Fire
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of Lease Agreement Between the University St. Francis and the Joliet Fire Department for Training and Office Space for the Silver Cross-Joliet Fire EMS Academy in the amount of $7,041.66 per month for the term beginning November 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027
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BACKGROUND:
The Joliet Fire Department and Silver Cross Hospital have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Silver Cross-Joliet Fire EMS Academy. The University of St. Francis (USF) has agreed to lease 6,500 square feet within the Franciscan Learning Center for Academy Operations and EMS Division use. The lease term runs November 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, at a monthly cost of $7,041.66. Silver Cross will provide free EMT-B and Paramedic tuition for the Joliet Fire Department employees, effectively offsetting the cost of the USF lease.
CONCLUSION:
The leased space at USF will allow the Joliet Fire Department to house the new Silver Cross-Joliet Fire EMS Academy and support EMS Division operations. The facility meets the Department’s instructional and administrative needs, while tuition assistance provided by Silver Cross offsets the lease cost.
The negotiated lease rate is $7,061.66 per month beginning November 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The facility has approximately 6,550 square feet of office space. The facility is located in Joliet within 10 miles of Joliet Fire Department Station 1.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinances states that purchases over $25,000.00 may be awarded without written specifications or bidding under certain circumstances. One (1) of these circumstances applies:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council.
Funds will be charged to the Employee Training / Conference Budget Fund (Org 07001000, Object 513200).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Lease Agreement between the University of St. Francis and the Joliet Fire Department in the amount of $7,041.66 per month for the term beginning November 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.
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