TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Ann Sylvester, Cultural Affairs and Special Events Director
SUBJECT:
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Ordinance Adding Chapter 21, Article XI Governing the General Use and Accessibility of City Square Property
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BACKGROUND:
City Square is designed as a centrally located, high-use civic space in downtown Joliet that supports economic activity by drawing residents and visitors to the area. To keep the Square safe, accessible, and compatible with surrounding commercial uses, it requires regulations that maintain an orderly environment and advance the City’s broader economic development goals.
Establishing an ordinance governing City Square provides the framework necessary to protect public safety, coordinate events, and ensure the Square continues to serve as an anchor for downtown revitalization.
The ordinance authorizes the Joliet Police Department to enforce all applicable provisions of the Joliet Municipal Code and relevant State Statutes within City Square, ensuring clear and comprehensive enforcement authority in a high-use public space. It sets operating hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from May 1 through September 30, and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from October 1 through April 30, with extended hours permitted for City-sponsored or otherwise permitted events. Any event not sponsored by the City must obtain a Special Event Permit, allowing the City to coordinate scheduling, manage safety needs, and avoid conflicting uses.
The ordinance prioritizes pedestrian access and restricts vehicular access to maintain safety and preserve the walkable character of the Square. It also prohibits drone takeoffs and landings within 300 feet, consistent with FAA guidance, to protect public safety during daily use and special events.
Event permitting follows established procedures administered by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which coordinates with relevant departments to ensure safety protocols, required licensure, and post event cleanup are properly managed.
CONCLUSION:
This ordinance grants the City Manager or designee authority to make temporary closures, adjust operations, and approve permits as needed to manage a frequently programmed urban space. It incorporates relevant Joliet Code of Ordinances and State Statutes to ensure officers can address disorderly conduct, obstruction, alcohol- and drug related violations, and other behavior that may disrupt public use or downtown commerce.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Ordinance Adding Chapter 21, Article XIII Governing the General Use and Accessibility of City Square Property.
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