Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met July 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 10th day of July, 2018. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and invited Pastor Jerry Hickam 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, Russell Brown, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent: None

Presentation of Resolution in honor of the 100th anniversary of the passing of Paul Stout: Requested by Steven Bost on behalf of the Shawnee Detachment of the Marine Corp and the Murphysboro American Legion Paul Stout Post 127. There will be an event on July 21 at 6:00 pm at the American Legion to honor the life and sacrifice of Pvt. Stout and Mayor Stephens will formally present the resolution to the family of Paul Stout.

Motion: To accept the resolution that July 19, 2018, be declared Private Paul Stout Day throughout the City of Murphysboro.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Bratton

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Presentation by Representatives of ComEd: Jeff Hettrick and Mark Costas presented information regarding the manufactured gas plant site remediation for the Big Muddy site. Their goal is to get a No Further Remediation letter, which will then allow the site to be re-used. This process was started in 2000 with a comprehensive soil and groundwater study. The entire process will take approximately one year and will be done in 3 stages. 1. Move the Ameren overhead lines, 2. Excavate the impacted soil, and 3. Will bring in clean soil and seed. They plan to begin the work in late August and will have a flagger for truck traffic. This will all be done at ComEd’s expense. Mayor Stephens inquired about any utilities that need relocating. Mr. Costas replied they are currently working with the city to relocate water and protect sewer lines. Mr. Hettrick replied they are working with Ameren in regards to the overhead lines. Alderman Brown asked how deep will they go? It will vary, between 3 feet and 25 feet. They will stay in communication with the city and will have weekly or bi-weekly meetings with city officials. Alderman Hughes asked that as they are digging, will they test as they go to know if they have clean edges? They will go past the point where it is found to get underneath it. Alderman Bratton asked what the total cost of the project will be? Approximately 10 million. Mayor Stephens asked if there is another site to be remediated? They are concentrating on this site first but will be back to take care of another site. Alderman Pittman asked if they have any concerns with flooding? They will be watching forecasts and will have contingency plans in place. Alderman Russell stated that a lot of people that lived in that area died of cancer. Mr. Hettrick stated that the plant that was there put up coal smoke and residue was sub-surface, not air borne, was buried underground. They will be using air monitors.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 26, 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 Hughes

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#686 page 2 Replace water pump? Fire Department rescue truck

#686 page 6 Removal of ac unit – re-doing wiring, bringing up to code? Yes.

#686 page 8 Rural King – boxwood, hangers? Replaced 1 boxwood, description error, amount is correct.

#686 page 10 $500 out of Tourism? Yes.

#686 page 10 Voss Htg & AC $121.79-amount is wrong, should be $35. Included parts. Find out which unit? Leslie will find out.

Alderman Erbes inquired as to:

#686 page 2 Alum totes – for new plant? Yes, they last 2-3 months.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, registers #686 through July 10, 2018, accounts receivable through June 30, 2018, and payroll through June 30, 2018. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos

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.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Per Mayor Stephens Unique Shops of Murphysboro and Molly’s Pint have requested a street closure on July 21st from 3 pm to 10 pm, the first block of North 13th Street between Walnut and Locust. Mayor Stephens will direct Mr. Mills to provide whatever is needed to assist in this matter.

No public comment.

Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Status of Alley and Sidewalk closure between 16th & 17th on Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens had emailed Amy Mills and told her he would like for the work to be done by Apple Festival. Her contractor stated it will likely be cleared by then, they are waiting on materials to come in. The Steel I-beam needed for the front of the building to be structurally sound, that length is hard to find. Alderman Bratton asked who the contractor is – SLC Construction. Alderman Pittman asked if they have a back-up plan to temporarily open the sidewalk for Apple Festival? Alderman Campos stated that if nothing has been heard by August 14th, we should reach out and get an update. Mayor Stephens stated he will email Amy and Mike as to what their plan is or request they consult with their contractor to come up with a plan.

No public comment

Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

Tim and Jarod are doing well.

Mayor Stephens asked if there was any update on more solid numbers on the Vergennes issue? Alderman Bratton stated they have not met yet.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Mosquito Abatement and water accumulation near 14th Street: Mayor Stephens stated he has asked Clerk Hunziker to search the minutes for any discussions regarding access for drainage. He has also emailed Scott Maloney regarding the culvert under the railroad tracks as to the easement to get to the culvert when it was initially installed. Mayor Stephens then asked Mr. Sheffer about an easement? Mr. Sheffer replied it has been there quite a while. Attorney Heller stated there might be an easement. Mayor Stephens then said they are concrete poured culverts, all 3 sections are rounded culvert. Alderman Bratton stated that from the school to the culvert, the water is high. Per Mr. Sheffer it is at least 2 feet high. Mayor Stephens then stated he will continue with his research and possibly file suit to gain access. Alderman McComb asked Mr. Sheffer if we bore under the concrete, will it slowly drain? Mr. Sheffer replied that the intent was to install a new culvert but would have to get on Mr. Ruble’s property but he refused access. Mayor Stephens stated we may have to file the necessary legal steps to gain access, there is an obvious need. Alderman Bratton agreed, that something needs to be done, possibly eminent domain? Alderman Hughes asked if the water is on Mr. Ruble’s property? Mayor Stephens said yes, but it does not affect him. Attorney Heller stated that he believes Mr. Ruble is worried we would tear up his yard and he would get more water on his property. Mayor Stephens stated that we may have to consider eminent domain action.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment:

James Kimmel stated that a new drain has been installed but it still floods at 427 N. 15th Street.

Mr. Kelly had a complaint in the execution of serving a search warrant and searching his property. The law states it is to be hand delivered and it was not. He was told it was given to Mr. Ricketts in jail but it was not in his paperwork. During the search his mother’s ashes were dumped out and the house was tore up. He has retained counsel. The police are supposed to protect the citizens. They are the ones who notified the police of stolen property on their property. They also kicked in the door.

James Kimmel also stated that on North 15th Street, the first block North of Walnut Street, there is no signage as to parking. Asked that this be put on the next agenda. Alderman Campos stated that there are a lot of kids in that area. Mr. Kimmel stated that vehicles park on both sides of the street and you cannot get through.

Jim Hoh of 1014 Marlinda, stated he was fined $350 for carpeting there, he is going to build there. Also stated that during the storm he was almost crushed by a tree. Would like to ask for time to get it taken care of. He has to wait until he gets paid and needs a new chainsaw since his broke.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor’s Report:

Consideration of Settlement of pending complaint to make safe and secure Brown Shoe Factory property: Attorney Heller stated he had called concerning the proposed contract and has not heard back. Mayor Stephens asked if we will have it by the next meeting? Attorney Heller stated he will tell him the City Council would like this lined out by the next meeting.

Fire Department Update: Lot of activity lately, good collaboration with the other departments that assisted with the fires. There are six candidates for Fire Chief, date has been set of July 19th at 5:00 pm. Chief Swafford stated the handout given to each council member is a summary of calls for the last 3 years. The increase in calls is due to the types of calls the fire department can now take. Alderman Erbes asked if the Shomaker Drive building is a total loss? Yes.

Aldermen Announcements/Requests:

Barb Hughes Asked that everyone keep the young men in our thoughts and prayers, Tim should be back in a couple of weeks. Also Chris Grody will be having more surgery.

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Russell Brown Nothing

Herb Voss Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Nothing. Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria Campos Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

Department Head Announcements/Requests:

Ed Heller Nothing

Leslie Mulholland Nothing

Harold Sheffer Update on the sewer plant road, received the sign off from DNR.

They will then determine how many acres it will take out of the wetlands to fill in for the road.

Steve Swafford Nothing

Lt. Laughland Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Eric Kennedy Sale of Costas home will hopefully be completed soon. Alderman

Campos stated the city did an amazing job cleaning the property up. Mayor Stephens reiterated how complimentary the representatives from ComEd were with Eric’s help with their situation.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Jim Stewart Nothing

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Campos

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

http://www.murphysboro-il.gov/files/Council_Minutes_-_2018-07-10.pdf