Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Dec. 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 6th day of December, 2018. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 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:Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien

Absent:Barb Hughes, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Proclamation: The 2018 Russell Breading Community Service Award was presented to Carl and Diane Clover for their outstanding dedication and service to our community. This includes feeding 4300+ people during the 2018 Cruise Nights free of charge, St. Jude fundraisers, Hope For All and volunteering for many other community activities.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 27, 2018, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#727 page 5 $971.13 payable to them and Pat’s? Yes.

#727 page 7 Pro-Angler-tourism? Yes.

Was the overlay under budget? Yes.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #726 through December 6, 2018, accounts receivable through November 30, 2018, and payroll through November 30, 2018. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Presentation of Budget Reports by Budget Officer Scott Evans: Strong position on cash. The General Fund now has a surplus due to the $75,000 permit fee for the ComEd Remediation and $46,000 from the Ameren franchise fee. Salaries are slightly over budget but have decreased. Schedule of Loan Payments: five more payments on the street sweeper and 22 more payments on the backhoe. Water/sewer loan payments are twice a year. Alderman Bratton asked if the low interest CD’s can be cashed in and pay off the backhoe loan. Mr. Evans will have to check on that, will ask the bank if there is any pay off penalty.

Discussion regarding the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2019: upcoming meeting on December 13, 2018.

Discussion regarding the Proposed Tax Levy for fiscal Year 2019:

Motion: To adopt an Ordinance providing for the Levy, Assessment and Collection of Taxes for the city of Murphysboro, Illinois, for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2018, and ending December 31, 2018.

Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Brown

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Discussion regarding disposal of city-owned surplus properties: Alderman McComb and Mr. Kennedy are checking to see what property has already been advertised. Suggested minimum bid of $600. Offer to neighbors first before advertising for sale. Then bid out. If no bids, put on the Mow To Own Program. Attorney Blake stated since the city is a Home Rule Municipality, there is more flexibility. They are getting an ordinance together concerning this.

New Business:

Bids on Maintaining Parks: The Smysor Foundation has helped with the payment in the past, no mowing is included as the city provides that service. Will put on the next agenda. Alderman McComb has received two bids.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment

Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business:

Update on Sewer Main Repairs at Hotel Site: The manholes have arrived and will be installed the middle of next week.

New business:

Consideration of Request to change 15 Minute Parking to a Loading Zone at 1601 Walnut: Mr. Mills stated that the owner of the catering business behind Glam approached him with this request. The 15 minute parking spot is used by Glam employees to park all day. They need to be able to use that spot to load their catering vans. Alderman Bastien asked if she has talked to the owner of Glam? Mr. Mills stated she has. Mayor Stephens stated this is public parking and would like to hear from someone at Glam. Alderman Voss stated there is no longer a need for a 15 minute parking spot since the dry cleaner is gone but there is a need for a loading zone now that there is a catering business located there. Chief Ellermeyer stated he will meet Mr. Mills and talk to both parties. Tabled.

Consideration of Pay Requests to ET Simonds for Overlay Project: Mr. Sheffer stated they have been partially paid but is holding back the final amount until the striping and some clean-up is done.

Public comment: Mr. Stewart stated there will be four bids on the trees by the next meeting.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding adding a camera system downtown: Mayor Stephens stated this will aid the city to better collect evidence. Alderman Bratton would like to see what the cost factor will be. Chief Ellermeyer stated will depend on what is willing to be paid, can do a wireless system, can be hooked into the Police Department. Mayor Stephens asked Chief Ellermeyer to brainstorm some ideas for this. Alderman Bratton added to also look for a grant that might help pay for it.

Discussion regarding the intersection at Rt. 13 and Williams Street: Mayor Stephens stated the lights are not working at this intersection. There is an agreement between IDOT and the city that the cost of illumination would be 100% covered by the city and cost of maintenance would be equally divided between IDOT and the city. Mr. Mills stated he will see if the city truck can reach the lights. Mayor Stephens suggested changing out to LED bulbs. Alderman Bratton suggested seeing if Burke Electric would repair the lights.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Family Ride-Along Policy for all City Departments: Mayor Stephens stated he has forwarded to the attorneys examples of other town’s policies. Attorney Blake stated they have checked into Ride A Longs, have not seen any with family members. Have seen them allowed at the discretion of the shift supervisor and a waiver signed. His primary concern is insurance coverage. Would draft a waiver and policy, just needs to know what way the city wants to go. Also the current policy states “On duty”. Mayor Stephens stated they could craft a good waiver and that the department heads could make good decisions as to what is and is not appropriate. Alderman Bastien and Alderman Curry-Witzman agree with Mayor Stephens. Alderman Erbes asked if it would be during working hours? Mayor Stephens replied the primary purpose would be to provide for people not on the clock. We do have insurance. Alderman Bratton stated he is against it for personal use. Mayor Stephens stated it would be crafted for the police department and department heads. Alderman McComb asked if an officer is taking their child to school or daycare and have an emergency call, they cannot respond? No. Alderman McComb stated he is in favor as long as it is for all departments. Alderman Bastien stated it would be as discussed, on the way to daycare before duty. Chief Ellermeyer stated it is not allowed on duty and should be for all departments. Alderman Bratton asked if it would still be at the discretion of the department heads? Attorney Blake stated he will get a draft together.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Update on Mobile Ranch Mobile Home Park: Mr. Kennedy was not able to make it down today. Mayor Stephens and Mr. Kennedy met today, will consider some ticketing approaches.

Update on the settlement agreement regarding the Brown Shoe Factory Property: Attorney Blake stated the title report shows both properties have mortgages and Mrs. Hohman has requested pay-off figures from the bank but has not heard back yet. Alderman McComb asked what the bid was for. Attorney Blake stated it is for what was submitted – collapse the North, West and South walls and erect chain link fence. Alderman Erbes asked if they are removing it? No, just collapsing and leaving it. Alderman Bratton stated he has visited both properties and they look decent. Taxes are current. Suggested taking out an insurance policy on Mrs. Hohman as security. Does not know how secure the properties would be. Recommend finding an alternative security. Alderman Voss stated we are presuming they will default on their loan. He is leary of re-entering negotiations and delaying the process. We are stuck in a cycle of inaction. Yes, we are assuming some risk but she is paying the taxes and the mortgages. Alderman Bratton stated he knows some other things and it is our job to protect the city. Alderman Voss responded that we are not protecting our citizens. Alderman McComb stated we have talked and talked about it, a lot of people walk that way. If it falls, someone could get hurt. Mayor Stephens asked what motion would be needed to move forward? Alderman Erbes stated they are entering into a contract with Rawson. Attorney Blake stated the city approves the contractor. Mayor Stephens asked if we vote to move forward? Attorney Blake stated the city is entering into a settlement agreement. Mr. Stewart asked if they are locked into the bid? Mayor Stephens replied it is the only bid. Mr. Stewart stated there are people in town who would do it for half that price. Alderman Voss stated the city cannot enter into the process. Alderman McComb stated it has not been awarded, they can accept more bids. Attorney Blake stated they gave the list of potential contractors to the Hohman attorney. Mayor Stephens stated we want to move forward with this.

Motion: To move forward and accept the proposed contractor and instruct Mrs. Hohman to move forward with the demolition and fence.

Motion by Alderman VossSecond by Alderman McComb

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Bratton who was opposed.

Motion Carried

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:10 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 McCombSecond by Alderman Bratton

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:41 p.m.

Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman McComb

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

Nays:None

Absent: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman

Motion Carried

Motion Car

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb HughesAbsent

Jance Curry-Witzman Saw a Blip Representative who stated the city has not gotten

back with them regarding towers for the WIFI hotspots.

Mayor Stephens stated he will get with Brian and have him give

some suggestions.

Russell Brown Nothing

Herb Voss Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Nothing

Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria CamposAbsent

W. J. PittmanAbsent

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott EvansNext Thursday is the budget meeting.

Harold Sheffer Brick repair on 17th Street looks good, cost the same as concrete patch. Mayor Stephens added that the historical society asked for the cost of it, will be doing research for grants.

Steve McBrideWill be out of town next week for training.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Eric KennedyNothing

Tim LeeReplaced a fire hydrant on North 19th Street. Leak on Ritter Street took 2 days to repair. Moved pump 400’ back.

Darrin Mills Nothing

Jim Stewart Nothing

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

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