Murphysboro City Council approves appointments to Library Board, Zoning Board of Appeals

By LocalLabs News Service

Apr 4, 2017

Murphysboro City Council met Tuesday, March 14.

The Murphysboro City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month in Council Chambers, 202 N. 11th St.

Here are the minutes as provided by Murphysboro:

Murphysboro City Council Meeting March 14, 2017

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 14th day of March, 2017. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the council in prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Mayor Stephens then directed Deputy City Clerk Ripley to call the roll. The roll was called with the following

Present: Barb Hughes, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, Bill Pierson, John Erbes,

Gloria Campos

Absent: Linda Porter-Smith, Russell Brown, Danny Bratton, Tom Ridings

Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 28, 2017 council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting. Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes Mayor called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #677 and #678 through March 14, 2017, accounts receivable through March 14, 2017 and payroll through February 28, 2017. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll for their review, prior to the meeting. Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos Mayor called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion Carried

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

There was no old or new business.

Public comment by Cathy Norton regarding the $10 special assessment fee for the construction of the WWTP.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Building and Grounds related items.

There was no old or new business and no public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations items.

The request by First Baptist Church to vacate Logan Street from 15th to 16th Street was discussed. Alderman McComb indicated there are storm systems there as well as safety concerns.

Motion: To deny the request by First Baptist Church to vacate Logan Street from 15th to 16th Street. Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Motion: To approve the request by St. Peter’s Church to use Smysor Plaza for Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 16th, 2017. Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Motion: To approve the request by Immanuel Lutheran Church for 5K on May 13th, 2017. Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Discussion regarding implementation of a text messaging service. Mayor Stephen outlined the background on what the service is and how it would be utilized by the City for items such a boil water orders or city-wide clean-up. The proposed service will cost approximately $160 per month; however, Mayor Stephens spoke with SIH and they have agreed to sponsor this at $200 per month.

Motion: To approve implementation of text messaging service for a one year trial period with SIH Sponsorship of $200 per month. Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Alderman McComb advised that there were concerns with the deterioration of our alleys and that the council had considered imposing weight limits on them. Kirk Kerney, accounts manager with Republic and Jason Ulrich, operations manager were present to address the council regarding the matter. It was stated that we had also considered making curbside pick-up instead of using alleys, however, the issue with using streets is that there will be cars parked in the way. Mr. Ulrich indicated that their vehicles empty were already at 15 tons and that most single axle vehicles would be around 10 tons empty. He further stated that they do residential pick-up in Murphysboro ever Monday and Thursday with commercial pick-up daily. If smaller trucks would be required, they would have a capital improvement issue and not sure their company would be willing to purchase the new trucks without a single-hauler contract. Mayor Stephens discussed a possible franchise fee to help us with the expense of repairing the alleys, however he realizes the cost would be filtered to the customers. Alderman Erbes inquired what our current weight limits were. Attorney Blake indicated that it was 10 tons on specific streets only. Alderman McComb stated more discussion is needed and we will discuss the issue again at a later date.

Alderman McComb stated that Landscape Waste Ordinance-Vehicle Stickers section needed further clarification. It was agreed that interested parties would be issued a sticker to be placed, in the front lower right side of the windshield, free of charge with no expiration date, after presenting a valid ID proving residence.

Motion: To approve Landscape Waste Ordinance-Vehicle Stickers as discussed. Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Pierson Alderman McComb called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Alderman Pierson opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Mayor Stephens inquired if there had been any estimates received on the Pond Creek/Roberta Drive drainage issue. At one point, it was discussed that the City could rent the necessary equipment and perform the work. Alderman McComb estimated the equipment rental to be approximately $5,000 a month with the street department crew operating and performing the work. City Engineer Sheffer advised that we do have some perpetual easements in that area, however, there are still a few more needed. He will review his records and determine those that are needed. Alderman McComb will get with Alderman Bratton when he returns to look into the issue further.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

The request for street lighting on Shomaker Drive was discussed. Alderman Erbes stated there were no poles from Old 13 to storage yard. Eric suggested changing the yellow bulbs to white bulbs. Chad will verify all are working. Table this issue until we can acquire costs for either poles or changing bulbs.

Attorney Blake and Chief Roberts have been discussing the need to dispose of seized property currently held at the Murphysboro Police Department. Attorney Blake has reviewed statutes and developed a draft ordinance for consideration which also cites the Law Enforcement Disposition act which allows for a daily fee to be collected. It was agreed that $1.00 daily fee will be added to the proposed ordinance.

Motion: To approve an ordinance setting forth procedures for the sale of property in possession of the Murphysboro Police Department and including a daily fee of $1.00 for storage. Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Campos Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Chief Roberts indicated that there has become an issue with door-to door solicitors selling intangible items. He feels that our current ordinance does not address intangible goods and have developed a draft ordinance along with Attorney Blake. This will help with the energy solicitors.

Motion: To approve ordinance amending the code on peddling and the definition of a peddler. Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Public comment from Mike Laughland for the consideration of stripping of Shomaker Drive to help create a pedestrian path.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel Committee related items.

Alderman Hughes asked if there was any update on contract negotiations with the FOP. Chief Roberts indicated that there was a vote on eliminating or continuing the 12 hour shifts. Alderman Erbes stated our attorney and Amy have communicated. Mayor stated Labor Committee should set-up a meeting with our attorney.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Stephens recommend the appointment of Jan Kerr to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board and Ruby Sendek to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Motion: To approve the appointment of Jan Kerr to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board. Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Voss Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Motion: To approve the appointment of Ruby Sendek to the Zoning Board of Appeals Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion carried.

Mayor Stephens advised that he has been meeting with Ms. Kelly Mahoney and her 5th Grade Class. They have identified a problem of littering in Murphysboro and have developed a solution. They will be having a clean-up day beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 and starting at Berean Christian Church.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Herb Voss Nothing

Gary McComb Asked how many were walking in the parade. He wants to

make sure there will be enough candy to hand out. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at 7th & Walnut Streets.

Bill Pierson Nothing

John Erbes Code enforcement listing January 1-February 22. Would like

to receive the listing quarterly.

Gloria Campos Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Advised that our Relay For Life Team is hosting a Trivia Night