Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Oct. 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 23rd day of October, 2018. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and Alderman Hughes 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: Barb Hughes, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Mike Bastien, W.J. Pittman

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, Dan Bratton, Gloria Campos Mayor Stephens swore in newly appointed Police Chief Jamie Ellermeyer.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the October 9, 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 Erbes inquired as to:

#719 page 3 Water main ComEd-will be reimbursed? When? It has already been requested.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #717, 719 & 720, through October 23, 2018. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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:

Presentation of Financial Reports by Budget Officer, Scott Evans: Operating Expenses- have closed the gap a bit, had some good things happen in September. Salaries are slightly over budget. Healthcare is looking good. Loan Balances are on track. CD’s average rate of return is 1.86% and is climbing. Sales tax had a nice increase over last year. Income tax is the highest October in 8 years. Mayor Stephens asked what can be expected from providing mutual aid? Mr. Evans answered that as soon as the final numbers are in from September, they will meet. Chief McBride stated that their overtime will be increased in October due to President Trump’s visit. Alderman Pittman asked if when the smaller loans are paid off can that payment be put toward the backhoe payment to pay it off earlier? Mr. Evans stated that can be looked into.

Presentation of Budget for Police Pension and Fire Pension, Scott Evans: It is informational, no action is needed. Alderman Erbes asked about the line Police Pension 2016 Miscellaneous? Mr. Evans stated a lot was put into that line that should have gone elsewhere and has been corrected since then.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Fire Station #2 – Exterior Repair: Chief McBride stated the low bidder, United Construction, would hold their bid but would prefer to do the work now and bill the city after the first of the year, as he goes out of the country the first of the year. The bid was for 40-year paint and 29 gauge metal for $78,070.00.

Motion: To allow United Construction to perform the work now and submit the bill after the first of the year.

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

Motion Carried

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:

Discussion regarding sewer back-up at 2305 Dewey Street: Complaint filed by Charlotte Jimenez. Alderman McComb stated it needs to be re-filed with the city’s insurance. Ms. Jimenez stated that the insurance told her the city would have had to have known it was a problem and are not responsible for tampons and grease. A back- flow valve would prevent this. Alderman Erbes stated that he had Mr. Lee check the records and the dates given were for city sewer just not this one in particular. Alderman McComb added that the tap should be from the top not the side, that would prevent this. Ms. Jimenez added that this is a rental property so not covered by her insurance. Mayor Stephens stated her claim should be resubmitted with clarification of the information provided. Alderman Erbes stated that the city will re-submit.

Consideration of Street Closures and Assistance Request for Hometown Christmas Event: Ms. Green stated that they had a great turn out last year, larger than expected. Will need assistance this year with safety. They have requested 2 horse carriages. Cars parked on the north side of Pine Street caused a safety issue with the horses, would like to ask for no parking on that side of the street. Food vendors will be in the Youth Center parking lot so would like to have the handicap parking in the library lot. Also requesting 5 officers at 3 different spots for traffic control for the carriage rides and 2 auxiliary officers in the park area. Alderman McComb suggested doorknocks on the houses on Pine Street the day before. Mayor Stephens agreed that would be a good idea.

Motion: To allow street closures and assistance requested for the Hometown Christmas Event.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman Alderman Bratton 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:

Consideration of Downtown TIF District: Mayor Stephens stated he has spoken to Keith Moran, TIF consultant, and the city can expand the TIF District to include Curwood but not give them a benefit since it is already in an Enterprise Zone. He will continue to work to identify the funds needed.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business:

Consideration of Demolition Notice to 230 South 14th Street: Mr. Kennedy stated it was supposed to be done on the 20th and has not been done. Alderman Hughes asked what is the time limit on the permit? 30 days. Mr. Kennedy will check the date on the permit. Mayor Stephens stated the only way to motivate the owner is go ahead with the city demo order. Alderman Hughes asked if the property owner can be held responsible for the costs? Attorney Blake replied yes. Alderman Hughes stated the property owner should be informed that the city will be re-cooping their costs. Attorney Blake stated that Eric includes that information.

Update on Sewer Main Repairs at Hotel Site: A temporary by-pass is in place. It is unrepaired due to the soil shifting. Will be doing soil boring on Friday and the city will have to take the lead on this, it is an ongoing process. The hotel developer has said he will reimburse the cost of the repairs. Alderman Erbes asked if at the last meeting Dean Bush had been approved to do the repairs. Mayor Stephens answered that they were concerned the earth is not stable and the slopes are not corrected. Mr. Sheffer asked Mr. Lee? Mr. Lee stated that they have sent an operator to move some dirt. Alderman Pittman inquired if the line is functional? Mr. Lee stated no, it is by-passed. Going through a 4” line instead of a 24” line. Alderman McComb asked if drive piling to hold it? Mr. Sheffer stated 30-60’ borings. Mayor Stephens also commented a bench could be built.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Ordinance adding a No Parking space on North 11th Street: Mr. Mills stated that the city takes care of parking spots on state routes.

Motion: To adopt the Ordinance adding a No parking Space on North 11th Street by the entrance to the City Hall and Police Department.

Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

No public comment:

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Family Ride-Along Policy: Present were city insurance representatives Marla Dallas and Katelyn Kemp. Ms. Dallas stated she was asked 2 questions: 1. Is there coverage – yes. 2. Will the premium increase – no but it is a risk management concern and they want to know if this is something the city is going to do. Mayor Stephens stated that for the police it is inherent in their job to give rides – arrests, citizen assists, etc. Ride Along for the rest of the city – does not know what to do. Alderman McComb asked if it is the same as riding in a cab? Someone arrested has no choice. Alderman Erbes stated that he did not know that there was already a policy in place and then we did, so we approved what was already in place. Alderman Hughes stated that they were told it was poorly written. Attorney Blake stated it is not very specific. Alderman Voss stated that it needs to cover all city vehicles. Until there is a policy he does not feel the need to vote on anything. Need a clearly defined policy. Alderman Pittman stated 2 policies are needed – 1 for the police department and 1 for the rest of the city employees. Chief Ellermeyer stated that nowadays you have people shooting at police cars. Mayor Stephens then stated that he will solicit other policies to see what others in the region are doing. Do not want to discourage relationships between citizens and the police department. He will check with the Mayor Association. T abled.

New business: Nothing at this time. No public comment.

Consideration of Settlement of Pending Complaint to make safe and secure Brown Shoe Factory property: Attorney Blake stated he has spoken to her attorney. The bid from Ryan Rawson of $44,500 only includes what the city has asked – 3 walls and 6’ chain link fencing. No other bidders. Alderman Pittman asked if there are appraisals on the 2 properties? No. Attorney Blake stated that Carol Hohlman is the sole owner of 1 property and with the other she has interest in it as the surviving spouse. Alderman Pittman stated the title work needs to be done before we move forward with the loan, need to get appraisal of fair market value. Alderman Voss stated it is a ticking time bomb, it is an important public safety issue. Mayor Stephens asked if the owner has any title work? Alderman Pittman stated it has to be current, can be done in a few days. Attorney Blake stated he has the addresses. Alderman Pittman stated the costs on our part should be included in the loan amount. Mayor Stephens directed our attorney to get with Scott Maloney and get the title work done. Alderman Pittman asked if the city is responsible for taxes for city-owned property in Carbondale? Attorney Blake stated if it is rented out it will not be tax exempt. Mayor Stephens added that threat of foreclosure is a weak lever. Alderman Hughes stated she is concerned with ability to repay, as Mrs. Hohlman is aged. Attorney Blake stated the properties are assessed at $25,412 and $33,800. Alderman McComb stated this is going on too long, need to move on this, it is a safety issue.

Motion: To approve the settlement agreement pending completion of title work.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Voss Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Update on Mobile Ranch Mobile Home Park: Heather Kempfer, the new manager of Mobile Ranch, was invited but is not in attendance. Mr. Kennedy stated they have 1 more down but are not moving very quickly. He will get started on it.

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:13 pm 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 McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:27 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Bastien Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes,

Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Thanked everyone who helped with Feed the Team. Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Russell Brown Absent

Herb Voss Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Absent

Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria Campos Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Crimson Express Fan Appreciation Night is Thursday 6-9.

Harold Sheffer Wastewater Treatment Plant Road have reduced it from 3.6 acres to 1.3 acres which will result in 3.9 acres in mitigation. Cost is approx. $105,000, will have to pre-pay, still get the permit, etc.

Steve McBride Have remodeled the Fire Chief’s office-paint & cleaned. Have had fire drills and talks at the school. Has submitted 2 FEMA assistance grants.

Jamie Ellermeyer Recognized Riggs and Minemann for their actions which has resulted in a substantial financial windfall.

Scott Evans Requested the Department heads make a wish list and that the Red Devils win Saturday.

Eric Kennedy The River Project is cranked up, ComEd is going ahead, met with Curwood people and answered their questions.

Tim Lee Business as usual.

Darrin Mills Two catch basins collapsed and have been rebuilt, patched some roads.

Jim Stewart Have been nominated for plant of the year, had an inspection recently and they were very impressed

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Voss

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

http://www.murphysboro-il.gov/files/Council_Minutes_-_2018-10-23.pdf