Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Aug. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 14th day of August, 2018. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led 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: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent: Barb Hughes

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 24, 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 Brown Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

Alderman Campos inquired as to:

#697 page 2 LGHP? Federal Program membership.

 #697 page 4 Dirt hauling? 22nd Street culvert, bought dirt to finish the job.. Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#697 page 8 window tinting? Done on investigator’s undercover car windows, out of seized assets. 

#697 page 11 Voss Htg & AC? Service call correct, refrigerant added? Yes, to the air conditioner. 

#698 Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep, received new vehicle? Yes.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, registers #695, 697 & 698 through August 14, 2018, accounts receivable through July 31, 2018, and payroll through July, 2018. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable 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.

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:

Painting of Fire Station #2: Alderman Erbes stated this was brought to his attention by a resident that it needs painted. Mayor Stephens asked when it was last painted and Chief Swafford stated not in the last 25 years and may need some repair underneath. Alderman McComb will look into getting some bids.

Public comment:

Robert Marfio stated the following: his neighbor has put dirt over the alley and an in ground faucet in the middle of the alley that is beside Robert’s house. Stated that the alley should be rocked and the faucet removed. This will be added to the next meeting’s agenda. Alderman McComb stated that he has measured this and that there is a tree in the middle of it. He will check if the water line is in the alley. Mr. Marfio stated that they measured off his land and it should be off the other side, the front pin is not the true line. Attorney Blake stated that there is a court order establishing where the alley is. Alderman McComb proposed that it be rocked. Alderman Pittman stated we need to make sure we use the correct plat. Alderman Bratton asked where a copy of the new description may be obtained. Attorney Blake responded they have one at their office. Alderman Bratton then stated that he and Alderman McComb will continue to look into this matter.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business:

Status Update on the Ameren Franchise Agreement: According to Attorney Blake, the pole attachment agreement is the hold up, it is a separate agreement and can approve the franchise agreement at the next meeting. It will be added to the agenda for the next meeting.

Discussion regarding agreement between Egyptian Building and Construction Trades Council and the City of Murphysboro: Alderman Campos stated she cannot support this agreement that would force anyone to become a union member to provide services to the city. Alderman McComb made a motion to accept the original Building Trades agreement and it was seconded by Mike Bastien. Alderman Bratton stated that these type of agreements are outlawed in 20+ states. The problem he has is we have a prevailing wage and benefits that the city approves each year. He has spoken to several people in the trades concerning this. Alderman Pittman made some phone calls to non-union contractors and none will bid if we sign this agreement and they have been the low bidder on other jobs. Alderman McComb stated not many work major construction in this town. All these unions have apprentice programs, unions protect your right to work. Alderman Pittman added that one job could have several sub- contractors who would be affected. Alderman Campos added that we do not have the moral authority to make someone union. Alderman Erbes stated that he is troubled by some of the wording and what is not there.

Motion: To accept the agreement with Egyptian Building and Construction Trades Council. 

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bastien 

Alderman Erbes called for a roll call vote. 

Yeas: Alderman Brown, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien. 

Nays: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman 

Motion Failed

New Business:

Request for Street Closures and Security Assistance for Apple Festival:

Motion: For street closures and security assistance for Apple Festival. 

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Campos Alderman Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

Request for Street Closures and Security Assistance for the BBQ Cookoff:

Motion: For street closures and security assistance for the BBQ Cookoff. 

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Campos 

Alderman Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding Mobile Ranch Issues: Mayor Stephens requested that the Council consider voting to have an inspection done of Mobile Ranch Trailer Park and report on all the issues. The City license has not been paid for 2017 or 2018. Alderman Bratton agrees that should be done. Also inquired if now would be the time to master meter the water meters. Mr. Lee stated there is a master meter there but the original question was concerning minimum bills off individual meters or the 4”.Mayor Stephens asked Attorney Blake what concerns he has. Attorney Blake replied that if this is done would they become a water supplier and as such have to meet EPA standards, have an operator, etc. Mr. Sheffer stated he will check to see what the qualifications are for a master meter. Mayor Stephens asked that the city conduct an inspection of the trailers and list those that do not comply.

Motion: To conduct a city inspection of the trailer homes in Mobile Ranch Trailer Park and prepare a list of those that are non-compliant. 

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Bastien Alderman Bastien called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion Carried

No public comment

Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Intergovernmental Agreement for Maintenance of the water main on Degenhardt Road: Alderman Bratton asked how many meters are on this road? 4. Mr. Lee stated that the standard is that after one year the city takes over maintenance.

Motion: To approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for maintenance of the water main on Degenhardt Road. 

Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman McComb 

Alderman Bratton called for a voice vote. All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

Consideration of Resolution for funding for the 2018 Street Overlay Project:

Mr Sheffer stated that $330,000 has been appropriated for approval already.

Motion: To approve the Resolution for funding for the 2018 Street Overlay Project. 

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes 

Alderman Bratton called for a voice vote. All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Request to declare the 2005 Dodge Durango as Surplus and be sold at auction:

Motion: To declare the 2005 Dodge Durango as surplus and be sold at auction. 

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton 

Alderman Brown called for a voice vote. All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding sidewalks: Mayor Stephens stated that a case before the Supreme Court held the city of Decatur liable for a person’s injury from tripping on the sidewalk. This is one of the top issues that the residents are concerned with. Asked Mr. Evans to look if we could implement a sidewalk Capitol Program for 2019 for $100,000. Mr. Evans stated that the city will still have approximately $330,000 cash remaining so $100,000 for sidewalk repair will leave enough for contingencies. Alderman Pittman stated that we can also make it a priority for the grant writer to try and find funds for it. Alderman Bratton reminded everyone that the sewer vac machine is getting old and it costs $600,000 to $650,000 to replace. Mayor Stephens stated that motor fuel tax is for specific items. Alderman Erbes stated that South 20th Street needs to be looked at. Alderman Voss stated we can sit on it or look at projects. Public safety issues are a good use of the funds. Alderman McComb stated that a bunch will be used to remove trees. It is against the City Ordinance to plant trees between the sidewalk and boulevard. Alderman Campos added that sidewalk repair is needed on 14th Street. Also need to spray some weed killer on the sidewalks by the old Logan School on North 14th Street. Mayor Stephens asked that the council consider this for 2019 and how to identify those most vital.

Review of Hydrant Listing: Chief Swafford provided a list of hydrants needing repair. Alderman Brown stated that we need to repair them. Mr. Lee stated it would cost around $36,000 to replace all of them but they will work on them. Mr. Sheffer stated the EPA currently has 75% loan forgiveness on 1.5 million for water projects. The forgiveness amount changes each year and you have to put funding nomination in place. Mayor Stephens asked if you have to apply in advance of knowing what the terms will be? Yes.

Public comment:

Mrs. Marfio asked if the trees will be trimmed when the sidewalks are repaired. Mr. Mills replied that a letter is sent to the homeowner giving them so many days then the city will take care of it and charge the homeowner. Mrs. Marfio then asked if trees could be trimmed for the school buses. Mayor Stephens stated that we would need to know specific spots and will talk to the bus company.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Alderman McComb inquired of the issue in the Police Department that happened a couple of weeks back. Mayor Stephens stated that is going to be discussed in Executive Session.

No public comment.

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:10 p.m. to discuss matters related to 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1) regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or general counsel and to discuss matters related to 5ILCS 120/2(c)(5) regarding real estate purchase. 

Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Bratton 

Yeas: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman 

Nays: None 

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of Executive Session at 7:45 p.m. 

Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Bratton 

Yeas: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman 

Nays: None 

Motion Carried

MAYOR’S REPORT

Motion: To continue to hold Executive Session minutes for 3/17/47, 3/23/17, 8/15/17, 6/27/17, 4/10/18 and 4/24/18 and to release Executive Session minutes 9/27/16, 11/14/17, 12/12/17, 1/23/18 and 2/13/18. 

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Erbes Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. 

All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

Consideration of Settlement of pending complaint to make safe and secure Brown Shoe Factory property: Attorney Blake stated they are waiting on Mrs. Homan’s attorney for the estimate to have the work completed and we have provided a list of contractors that do this type of work. Alderman Bratton asked if we have the addresses of the property she is willing to put up for collateral? Yes.

Consideration of Appointment of Acting Police Chief: Police Chief Chad Roberts resignation is effective tonight.

Motion: To appoint Lt. Mike Laughland as Acting Police Chief. 

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Brown Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. 

All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

Chief Roberts stated he has enjoyed his time here. Lt. Laughland stated he is looking forward to the experience.

Consideration of Appointment of Fire Chief: The interview committee recommends Steve McBride as the city’s next Fire Chief effective September 24, 2018.

Motion: To appoint Steve McBride as Fire Chief. 

Motion by Alderman Voss Second by Alderman Campos Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. 

All were in favor except Alderman McComb who was opposed to the motion. 

Motion Carried

Alderman McComb asked if he will be paying into the pension? Mayor Stephens asked if he has to be a member of our pension fund? Chief Swafford stated yes. Alderman McComb then asked if he will be drawing a pension from Carbondale? Yes. Attorney Blake stated that he will draw from Carbondale but will no longer qualify for a pension while he is Murphysboro’s Fire Chief. Alderman Pittman stated that Mr. McBride got his own legal opinion on the matter. Alderman Erbes asked if he would continue as our Chief if he cannot draw a pension? Mayor Stephens wanted to note that Mr. McBride is in Alabama and had asked if he needed to be at the council meeting and Mayor Stephens told him he did not have to be here.

Advisement of Smysor Grant Award: Awarded the city $34,000 for upkeep of Smysor and Town City Parks and $10,000 to help offset the downtown TIF. The city will send the Smysor Committee a letter thanking them for their continued support.

Consideration of Moving the December 25th Council meeting to December 20th:

Motion: To move the December 25th Council meeting to December 20th. 

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. 

All were in favor. 

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Absent.

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Russell Brown Nothing

Herb Voss Nothing

Gary McComb Asked how many members have a key to the city holding area.

Feels now would be a good time to change the lock, someone put wood fencing in the holding area. Suggested that the Park District and Housing not get a new key.

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Suggested collecting the old keys and put them and the old lock in a box for future use.. Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria Campos Welcomed Tim back. Asked if anything has been heard regarding

the progress of the 17th Street factory? Steel beam is there and they are working on it every day.

W. J. Pittman Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Leslie Mulholland Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve Swafford Nothing

Chad Roberts Nothing

Scott Evans Working on the process and policy of the Vergennes billing issue,

put it on the next meeting’s agenda.

Tim Lee Glad to be back and thankful for his donor.

Darrin Mills Nothing

Jim Stewart Nothing

Mike Laughland 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 8:07 p.m.

http://www.murphysboro-il.gov/files/Council_Minutes_-_2018-08-14.pdf