City of Murphysboro City Council met February 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 27th day of February, 2018. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and invited Pastor Troy Humphrey to lead the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens led the council in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Mayor Stephens then directed City Clerk Hunziker to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:
Present: Barb Hughes, Jance Curry-Witzman, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, Danny Bratton, Gloria Campos, W. J. Pittman
Absent: Russell Brown, John Erbes, Mike Bastien.
Joe Koppeis presented an update on the development of the new hotel. The drawings are complete and will be resubmitted Friday for approval by Holiday Inn. He has a letter of intent from a fast food franchise, is talking to a gas station and has had interest from some retail stores. Most of the dirt work is complete. Bid documents will be out in the next 30 days, by the end of summer should be under construction and start to finish timeline is approximately one year. He will receive bids from anyone interested, including local contractors. Ballpark total investment figure is in the millions.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 13, 2018 council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman Pittman requested clarification of the office supply bill for an iPhone case for $84.28. It will be investigated.
Alderman Campos inquired as to the light bill – it is for the traffic signal at Wal-Mart, and the Lloyd Electric bill – it is for the 7th Street lift station.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, registers #656 through February 27, 2018 and payroll through January 31, 2018. 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 Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Committee/Commission Reports:
Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Scott Evans presented the operating expenses for January, 2018. $32,000 over budget, largely due to timing issues. Salary was over budget by $95,000 due to January being a 3 payroll month. The Water/Sewer fund has submitted old accounts to a collection agency and is seeing results. Alderman Bratton inquired if a one- month water billing cycle would be more beneficial than the current 2-month cycle. Per Scott would need to study it to see what the incremental costs would be. He will look into it. Alderman Bratton inquired if the City can file a lien on a property for unpaid water bills. Attorney Heller stated he would have to check to see how that would be done. Alderman Pittman stated there is a cost to file a lien.
Alderman McComb discussed the Senior Center repair issue at their board meeting. The Board felt that the city would repair the equipment since it belongs to the city. Alderman Pittman asked if there is a process for repair work. Alderman McComb stated the Senior Citizens Board was not aware the city had a contract for repair work. He instructed Joe to contact Sandra next time. Alderman Bratton and Alderman Voss asked if a contract was needed for clarification of what the city is responsible for. Mayor Stephens and Alderman McComb will get together to discuss this issue and will then take it to the attorney.
Bruce Wallace from AGE presented options for contract renewal for the city’s electrical supplier. A price sheet was passed out to all council members. He is anticipating a price increase in April. The city contract expires in May. Rates quoted are slightly lower and would present an approximate annual savings of $6500. Bruce recommended staying with AEP. He also invited the council to a forum they are hosting on March 6th at Rend Lake where suppliers will be present. It is free of charge, would just need to register.
Motion: To accept the 3-year contract with AEP for electricity and street light supply.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman McComb
Alderman Pittman called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building and Grounds related items.
Attorney Heller gave an update on the North 23rd and Union Pacific issue. He is still working on the complaint and has not received any further communication from the Union Pacific Railroad. Mayor Stephens was asked to meet with their Public Relations representative and the Mayor responded they need to come to a City Council meeting.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Mayor Stephens would like to establish a Community Collaboration Commission, where representatives from various governmental agencies meet twice a year to discuss issues effecting the city. Attorney Heller can establish an Ordinance to set up a commission.
Donnalynn Hornacheck from the Paul Stout 127 American Legion Auxiliary presented a community project called Socks of Love to the police department to distribute to those in need. Each one contains a pair of socks and hygiene items. Sgt. Smelter thinks this is an excellent idea and will let Donnalynn know when they need more.
Request for consideration of street closures for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities on March 17th by Mr. Basden from the Chamber of Commerce.
Motion: To approve the request by the Chamber of Commerce to temporarily close the same streets as last year for the St. Patrick Day festivities on March 17th.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Request for consideration of street closures for Cruise Nights by Mr. Josh Sayer.
Motion: To approve the request for street closures for Cruise Nights.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Request for consideration of street closure for the Oak Street Art Fair on Saturday, April 21st, from 8am to 6pm on Oak Street from 15th to 17th Streets by Ms. Ann Fisher.
Motion: To approve the request for street closure for the Oak Street Art Fair on Saturday, April 21st, from 8am to 6pm, on Oak Street from 15th to 17th Streets.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Request for consideration for street closure for Brews Brothers Taproom on Saturday, June 9th.
Motion: To approve the request for street closure for Brews Brothers Taproom on Saturday, June 9th.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Request for street closure from the Murphysboro Sports Shop on South 6th Street on April 7th from 10am – 4pm for their one year anniversary event. Requesting street closure on South 6th Street from Walnut Street to the KFC exit. Will need to place a highly visible barricade and will need to check with IDOT since it may be their right- of-way. Request a “No Right Turn” sign. No one is opposed, will put on the agenda for the next meeting.
Carson Pullis with the Class of 2018 has requested use of the city parking lot at 13th and South Street for a Class of 2018 prom dinner, on April 28th from 8am to 7pm. No one is opposed, will put on the agenda for the next meeting.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.
North 16th Street is a high traffic area and needs repairs and/or maintenance. Mayor Stephens asked Darrin Mills if he would evaluate it and get some figures together. Darrin stated he knows 16th street is bad but there are several other streets that are worse. Mayor Stephens suggested using the motor fuel allocation to do a street project. Alderman Pittman asked Darrin to prioritize the streets and get with the city engineer to put together the cost for each. Alderman McComb stated Shomaker Drive is also needing repair work, from the Elks parking lot to 20th Street. Alderman Campos suggested we allocate the oil and chip budget for the alleys towards street repair. Will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
The current truck used by the Wastewater Treatment Plant has over 280,000 miles and has already had $1000 in repairs this year. Per Jim Stewart the cost for a new truck is approximately $27,000 with a regular bed if we do State bid. The utility bed in the current truck cost $5500. Alderman Pittman recommended asking Mr. Hollo to look for what we need. Alderman Bratton asked if we can buy a truck without a bed through State bid. Jim will look into it.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Huck’s is requesting a Class A Liquor License. Will ask them to attend the next City Council meeting. Attorney Heller inquired if they have considered that no minors can be in the store without an adult. Tabled.
Barbara Dallas requested a No Parking Sign to be placed on the East side of North 10th Street, North of Locust Street. Cars parked there obstruct drivers view and is a safety hazard. Alderman Pittman has spoken with Dr. Spears who is not in favor of this proposal. Alderman McComb asked if Sgt. Smelter could find out how many accidents have occurred at this location in the last year.
Motion: To table this request until the next meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman McComb, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Pittman
Nays: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Voss, Alderman Campos
Motion Did Not Carry
Motion: To approve the request for a No Parking sign on the East side of North 10th Street, North of Locust Street.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Voss, Alderman Campos
Nays: Alderman McComb, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Pittman
Motion Carried
In light of the recent events around the country, what are we doing to keep our students and staff safe? Alderman Campos is concerned for everyone’s safety and would like for our community to be pro-active. Inquired as to using the tax that was passed. Per Superintendent Grode that tax is for infrastructure. It was used to change the entrance to steer everyone to the front desk at the High School. An elevator is being installed at the Middle School which will also reconfigure visitors going directly to the office. Will be having active shooter drills at each school in conjunction with the Sherriff’s Department. The Police Department is doing walk- throughs. The School is doing locker checks. There are shatter-proof windows in the office and doors are impact resistant. Per Mayor Stephens there are annual intruder drills and have had a structured school patrol since October 2016. Alderman Campos inquired if there are metal detectors. Supt. Grode stated they have metal wands but will have to look at the process concerning metal detectors. Public comment: Mr. Gene Basden commented on the cost of armed guards filtering down to everyone. We need better training and better use of our resources. Mayor Stephens suggested possibly having a forum on this issue.
Stephen Bost and his wife have asked about a possible school crossing at Walnut and 21st Street. Alderman Pittman stated it is a busy intersection and not sure what the best procedure would be – crossing guard or crossing light that can be turned off and on as needed. Supt. Grode stated he is not sure what can be done, either. Mayor Stephens stated in Ava they have brightly painted crosswalks, signs and a button to push that alerts drivers. He will communicate with IDOT and ask for available options.
No public comment.
Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Chief Swafford will be retiring at the end of the year. Council is being pro-active and will be advertising the position internally first.
No public comment.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor stated the following:
Regarding the Boundary Proposal submitted by the City of Carbondale, Mayor Stephens has not met with them yet. Alderman Bratton would like half of Airport Road to be included within Murphysboro boundary. Tabled.
Motion: To go into executive session at 8:10 pm to discuss matters related to 5ILCS 120/2(c)(5) regarding potential real estate purchase.
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Bratton
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 8:30 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Bratton
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Motion Carried
Aldermen Announcements/Requests:
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell Brown Absent
Herb Voss Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
John Erbes Absent
Dan Bratton Would like an update from Mr. Sheffer on the 2 road projects. 7th Street is planned for June. Sewer Plant Road has mitigation with drainage area and a hydraulic study.
Mike Bastien Absent
Gloria Campos Nothing
W. J. Pittman Inquired if the Life Skills Transitional Center is up and running. Mayor Stephens stated there is a cadet class in training and the inmates will be moved in and the facility fully operational May 1.
Department Head Announcements/Requests:
Edward Heller Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve Swafford Nothing
Craig Smelter Nothing
Scott Evans Thursday is the first billing period with the new water rate increase.
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Brian Manwaring Has had some inquiries on flooding of the Big Muddy, not anticipating any problems.
Darrin Mills Done with the storm drain on Potter Lane. Now has the same situation at 22nd & Hortense. Have multiple areas like this but none as big as these.
Jim Stewart Nothing
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro-il.gov/files/Council_Minutes_-_2018-02-27.pdf
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