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4 days ago

Kankakee City committee hears housing program progress; residents urged to start storm-relief applications with United Way/KCCSI At its April 6 meeting, the Kankakee City Community Development Committee reviewed housing-program progress — including reductions in long wait lists and HUD-funded work — and staff directed residents seeking immediate storm-relief to apply with United Way funds administered locally by KCCSI. Staff warned funding deadlines could put some projects at risk.

Kankakee City is making strides in housing programs, but residents impacted by recent storms need to act fast for crucial emergency relief funds!

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1 month ago

Kankakee committee advances zoning changes to regulate dumpsters and recycling collection The Kankakee ordinance committee voted to forward zoning text amendments that allow centralized dumpsters for four-unit multifamily buildings, require collection pads of concrete/asphalt (or approved equivalents), and require screening for dumpsters adjacent to single-family homes; compliance and reading dates were set for council consideration.

Kankakee's ordinance committee is shaking up dumpster regulations, proposing new zoning changes that could transform waste collection for multifamily buildings!

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1 month ago

Parents and therapists praise Easterseals Joliet early-intervention services Families and therapists described how Easterseals Joliet’s early-intervention programs — including home visits, equipment clinics and outpatient services — supported children with disabilities and helped some former clients pursue careers.

Parents and therapists share inspiring stories of how Easterseals Joliet's early-intervention services transformed lives, helping children with disabilities thrive and pursue their dreams.

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2 months ago

City crews respond to large foam discharge at Stone Street; industry forced main traced as source, investigation ongoing A heavy foam discharge from a manhole at Stone Street and Kennedy Drive prompted a multi-agency response; staff traced the flow to a factory forced main, applied defoamer, removed foam and are tallying costs while pursuing potential MS4 enforcement and further investigation.

A bizarre bubble bath of foam erupted from a buried manhole in Kankakee City, prompting emergency crews to spring into action and investigate the source!

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2 months ago

City wins $990,000 state grant to advance West Riverwalk work Mayor announced Kankakee received a $990,000 OSLED grant to continue West Riverwalk planning and engineering; funding will support schematic and engineering work alongside ongoing East Riverwalk construction and Legion Park schematics.

Kankakee just scored a monumental $990,000 grant to elevate the West Riverwalk project, paving the way for stunning riverfront enhancements!

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3 months ago

Kankakee police report December staffing, credit technology in shots-fired arrest; council approves $429,087.63 in bills Kankakee City police told the Public Safety Committee on Jan. 6 that staffing is at budgeted strength, technology including ShotSpotter and camera systems helped track a recent shots-fired incident leading to two arrests, and the council approved $429,087.63 in police bills.

Kankakee's police chief reveals how cutting-edge technology led to two arrests in a recent shots-fired incident while also reporting the department is fully staffed at 67 officers.

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4 months ago

ECDA says Harbor House $2M project is progressing but Davis‑Bacon rules and paperwork will delay city's bid timeline ECDA told the committee Harbor House’s larger project has broken ground, but the city’s $2 million portion has not gone to bid pending state reviews and Davis‑Bacon/Section 3 wage and hiring notices; staff warned the award requires substantial administrative work not budgeted for as admin costs were prioritized for construction.

Harbor House's ambitious $2 million redevelopment is underway, but red tape surrounding state regulations could delay the city's bid until February.

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4 months ago

Kankakee council approves fire-department amendments to Chapter 14, adding battery-storage standard and aligning fees The Kankakee City Council approved amendments to Chapter 14 of the municipal code to add NFPA 855 for stationary battery storage, standardize elevator-control keys for new installations, align inspection and permit fees with existing codes, and allow cost-recovery fees for certain training. The motion passed subject to legal review.

Kankakee City Council just approved critical amendments to enhance fire safety standards, including new regulations for battery-storage systems and standardized elevator keys!

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4 months ago

Kankakee reports S&P upgrade and nearly $1 million in bond interest savings, officials say Bernardi Securities told the Kankakee City Council the city's recent bond sale benefited from a Standard & Poor's upgrade to A-minus and favorable market timing, producing lower rates than projected and roughly $1 million in aggregate interest savings across general obligation and sewer bonds.

Kankakee just scored a major financial win with an S&P upgrade and nearly $1 million in bond interest savings, paving the way for improved roads and public safety!

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4 months ago

Kankakee budget committee hears financial report; ARPA balance under $2M, $300,000 IDNR reimbursement noted Comptroller Rogers told the City of Kankakee Budget Committee that tax-levy collections are about 96% complete and the city received a $300,000 IDNR reimbursement for the East Riverwalk. ARPA allocations are under $2 million with a federal deadline next year; staff flagged a $300,000 youth-empowerment item tied to District 111 that needs invoicing.

Kankakee's financial outlook is bright as tax collections hit 96% and a $300,000 IDNR grant boosts the East Riverwalk project, but the clock is ticking on ARPA funds!

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5 months ago

ECDA reports lead remediation, CDBG projects and demolition progress; camera incentive popular ECDA staff told the committee they have 12 lead remediation projects in progress, 14 Healthy Homes cases in progress, seven CDBG housing rehab projects and three MIRROR projects; demolition permit is ready and the private security incentive (camera) program has more funds after reconciliation.

Kankakee City is making strides in community safety and housing with innovative programs, including a popular security camera incentive and multiple lead remediation projects!

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5 months ago

Police chief reports staffing shortfalls, spike in auto thefts; council approves $132,843 in police bills Police leadership told the council the department is budgeted for 67 officers but is effectively short due to academy assignments, training and leaves; overtime is high and auto thefts are up roughly 45% year-over-year. Council approved $132,843.54 in police-department bills.

Kankakee's police chief reveals alarming staffing shortages and a staggering 45% rise in auto thefts, all while the city approves over $132,000 in police bills.

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5 months ago

Kankakee staff map homeless services, urge agencies to join HUD Continuum of Care City and ECDA staff presented an updated Continuum of Care system map identifying gaps in emergency shelter, medical respite and reentry services, and urged local providers to attend CoC meetings to improve access to funding and the by-name list used for weekly case coordination.

Kankakee City is mapping out a new approach to tackle homelessness, but urgent gaps in services could leave many without help—how can local agencies step up?

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5 months ago

Kankakee City Council approves multiple ordinances, development incentives and firefighters’ letter of agreement At its Nov. 3 meeting, the Kankakee City Council approved a slate of zoning and administrative ordinances, development incentives including a $10,000 grant for a new wine bar, renewals of two insurance policies, and a labor letter of agreement with the firefighters’ union following executive session.

Kankakee City Council just greenlit exciting new developments, including a $10,000 grant for a local wine bar and new zoning changes to enhance your community!

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5 months ago

Kankakee police report rising calls, firearms recoveries and staffing gaps; fire/EMS warn of aging ambulances; council approves bills At the Oct. 7 Kankakee City public safety meeting, police reported 66 sworn officers on the roster, roughly 6,101 calls for service in September, 24 shots-fired incidents and a recent month tally of firearms recovered. Fire and EMS leaders described vehicle failures and long ambulance delivery timelines; the committee approved municipal bills for $

Kankakee police reported a staggering 6,101 calls for service in September, alongside a concerning rise in shots-fired incidents and ongoing staffing challenges.

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6 months ago

Seventh Ward Committee Reviews Property Transfer to Yankee Regional Land Bank Authority Committee recommends transferring 762 Webster Circle East to Yankee Regional Land Bank Authority.

The Kankakee City Council is poised to transfer a key property to the Yankee Regional Land Bank, igniting a potential revitalization in the community!

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6 months ago

Kankakee Community Plans Expansion of Successful Security Incentive Program Council discusses funding and expansion of security initiative for local businesses.

Kankakee City Council is making strides to enhance community safety and engagement with exciting new initiatives and funding plans!

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7 months ago

Department Reviews Budget Progress After Four Months of Revenues and Expenditures Department reports 33% budget progress with minor adjustments needed in expenditures.

Kankakee's Budget Committee reports a stable financial outlook, but is the Lisonbee department's underperformance a ticking time bomb for the city's fiscal health?

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7 months ago

Council Reviews August Meeting Minutes and Interim Financial Statements Aldermen approve August meeting minutes and discuss preliminary financial reports for 2025.

Kankakee's Budget Committee just approved crucial financial reports, but what does this mean for the city's future?

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7 months ago

Municipal Bond Rating Upgraded to A Minus Stable Ahead of Market Launch City officials report bond rating improvement and anticipate market launch next week.

Kankakee City's bond rating has soared to A minus stable, paving the way for better funding opportunities that could transform community projects!

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7 months ago

Keketi City Council reviews $15M ARPA funding and police home buyer incentive program Council discusses remaining ARPA funds and police home buyer incentives during latest meeting.

Kankakee City Hall's Budget Committee meeting revealed a dramatic shift in ARPA funding, with over $13 million already spent—what does this mean for the city's future projects?

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7 months ago

City Council Reviews Financial Report and Bond Reserve Goals for 2022-2030 Council discusses timing of revenue, expenditures, and strategies to boost financial reserves.

Kankakee's budget update reveals a promising fiscal outlook, with cash reserves set to soar from $3.4 million to $10 million by 2030, despite some temporary revenue hiccups.

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8 months ago

Firefighters Respond to Residential Fire Near Highway 28 Southeast Fire Truck 47 is en route to a residential fire on Highway 28 Southeast.

Kankakee City is urgently seeking brave individuals to join its firefighting and emergency response teams amid rising demands for local heroes!

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8 months ago

Alderman Advocates for Additional Business Licenses Amid Moratorium Concerns Alderman Prudj requests additional business licenses, questioning fairness amidst existing moratorium.

In a heated meeting, Kankakee's Ordinance Committee wrestles with the fairness of business license distribution, as an alderman demands more opportunities for his ward amidst an ongoing moratorium.

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8 months ago

Mayor Curtis leads approval of July bills and ESU storage solutions Aldermen approve July ESU bills and discuss new storage containers for city equipment.

Kankakee's City Council just approved over $1 million in vital infrastructure improvements and is gearing up for a community-engaging Music Fest!

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8 months ago

Kankakee discussions focus on hydro plant funding and bond refinancing opportunities City officials review $2M hydro plant investment and potential refinancing for cost savings.

Kankakee City Council is making waves with over $1 million already invested in a hydro plant that promises to boost energy production and revenue for the city!

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8 months ago

Council Discusses Variance for Dual Gaming Licenses Amid Moratorium Concerns Council members debate variance for multiple gaming licenses due to existing moratorium.

The Kankakee City Council is at a crossroads as they debate the future of gaming licenses amidst concerns of a moratorium—could this be the turning point for local businesses?

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8 months ago

City of Life Hosts Community Bike Event on July 22 City of Life invites residents to join a bike event with rentals available.

Join the Kankakee City Council on July 22 for the "Bike Against Violence" initiative, where cycling meets community spirit to promote safety and unity!

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8 months ago

City Plans $4.5 Million Road Infrastructure Project for Spring 2026 City seeks funding for extensive road repairs and improvements on local streets.

Kankakee is gearing up for a transformative $4.5 million road repair initiative, addressing the urgent infrastructure needs of our community!

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8 months ago

City Council Plans $9.45M Bond Issue for Infrastructure Improvements Council discusses borrowing for West Avenue and River Walk projects to avoid tax rate increase.

Kankakee City Council unveils a bold $9.45 million plan to enhance infrastructure and services without raising taxes—revitalizing West Avenue and developing the River Walk!

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