City of Murphysboro City Council met Dec. 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 20th day of December, 2018. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 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, Russell Brown, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos
Absent:Jance Curry-Witzman, W.J. Pittman
Presentation by Joe Koppeis: handed out the Preliminary Subdivision plan. Plan to break ground for the new hotel this spring. Mayor Stephens asked how many rooms will there be? Will have approximately 84 rooms. Also stated that the sewer main repairs should be done tomorrow. Mr. Koppeis stated that the bill should go to Rawson or himself. Alderman McComb stated he appreciated him sticking with the plan. Alderman Bratton asked if there will be parking for trucks and boats? Mr. Koppeis stated they will be fine-tuning it but there will be 92 spaces. Mayor Stephens stated that he received the Torch Bearer Award. Alderman Bratton asked if there are future plans for a gas station and strip mall? Yes.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 6, 2018, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 4, 2018, Budget & Finance Committee meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Mayor Stephens inquired as to:
#733 page 1 AFC International gas meter? Combustible gas meter and calibration kit replacement.
#733 page 2 new door? Overhead door broke.
Alderman Erbes inquired as to:
#733 page 6 Park District $5600? Contract with them, annual support payment. Thought just pay for expenses up to that amount? Not how the contract reads.
Alderman Bratton inquires as to:
#733 page 2 Clinton Electric? Brake motor on bridge, sewer plant.
#733 page 2 Don’s auto? Tim’s truck, hole in the floorboard.
#733 page 4 Sensor? Breathalyzer.
#733 page 6 Canvas tarps? Wastewater plant.
#733 page 6 plug valve? On Wastewater Treatment Plant Dodge.
#733 page 10 Schreiber $388? Brake parts.
#733 page 11 ER Solutions-helmet strap? During PPE inventory found 2 helmets that were too old and couple of chest straps.
Alderman Hughes inquired as to:
#733 page 8 & 9 for the new testing? Yes.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #733 through December 20, 2018. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Brown
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 Financial Reports by Budget Officer Scott Evans: Semi-annual sewer loan and main replacement payments have been made. Have received the Property Tax payment. December sales tax was the best December in the last 7 years. State income taxes are higher than the average month. The General Fund Expenses v. Budget are a little bit under. Holiday pay went out in November but salaries should level out by December. Mayor Stephens thanked Mr. Evans for another year of good work.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business:
Update regarding disposal of city-owned surplus properties: Alderman McComb and Mr. Kennedy are still getting the list together.
New Business:
Review and Consideration of Bids for Landscape Maintenance: Have received two bids: 1) $6000 from Clearcut, and 2) $8000 from Lawless. Alderman Bratton asked if they bid on the same proposal? Yes. Alderman Hughes asked if anyone has talked to the Smysor group, do they want to change who we use? Alderman McComb stated they are always good with who the city picks. Asked both to bid since they are in town. Mayor Stephens added that he spoke to Burt Ozburn today, he is always satisfied with how the parks look. Noted that perennials that are planted, etc. needs to be communicated so work is not duplicated. Alderman McComb stated that Tom plants in boards then pulls them out each year. Alderman Bratton stated we do not want to offend anyone on the Smysor Board, they donate quite a bit of money. Alderman McComb replied that they have donated money and stated what to direct it to. Alderman Bastien inquired if anyone has checked with anyone other than Burt? Alderman McComb stated he will go to the members and check with them. Alderman Erbes stated he would like to see the bids. Tabled until the next meeting.
Discussion regarding the Heating and Cooling Maintenance Contract: Mayor Stephens stated have an annual contract with Voss. They were behind on the City spring and fall maintenance. Alderman Bratton asked if it is the same price? $35 service call? Mayor Stephens stated it is $770 for all units for spring maintenance and $770 for all units for the fall maintenance. Alderman Bratton stated will ask if they want to renew. Alderman Hughes stated that the Voss employee working in Ms. Ripley’s office stated they are behind on all their maintenance, under-staffed. Alderman McComb stated they are the least expensive.
Motion: To renew pending agreement with Voss Heating & Air Conditioning if they agree to the same rates.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Cleaning up people’s yards: Alderman McComb stated that the city has a 30-yard dumpster and it fills up quickly when the city has to clean up people’s yards. Cost is $395. Asked if $130 could be added to the city’s fee for cleaning up a yard, to help pay for the cost of the dumpster. Attorney Blake stated there is no problem charging for the city’s cost to clean up. Place on the agenda for the next meeting.
Boarding up old houses: Alderman McComb states the cost to do this comes out of Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Mills funds. When money is recovered, could some of it go to replenish their funds?
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: Mr. Lee stated he is hoping to get done tomorrow but will probably be Saturday.
Consideration of Request to change 15 Minute Parking to a Loading Zone at 1601 Walnut: Mr. Mills and Chief Ellermeyer met with the caterer, added 3 feet to the loading area, so keeping it a 15 Minute parking spot.
New business:
Consideration of Bids for Tree Removal for the WWTP Road Project: Mayor Stephens stated four bids have been received: 1) Wheatley Construction Company - $133,400; 2) Edwards Excavating - $36,500: 3) Midwest Tree Service - $246,000; 4) Burkey Construction - $28,000.
Motion: To accept the bid from Burkey Construction of $28,000 for tree removal for the WWTP Road Project.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Resolution for Motor Fuel Tax General Maintenance:
Motion: To accept the Resolution for Motor Fuel Tax General Maintenance.
Motion by Alderman CamposSecond by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Audit of Motor Fuel Funds by IDOT for the last four years: On the second page of the report is a list of items to be rectified. For item #2 the money was transferred but the check was later voided and the money was not transferred back. All items have been rectified.
No public comment
Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding a camera system downtown: Police Chief Ellermeyer stated he and Mr. Manwaring have met concerning this. They have come up with some ideas, are in the early stages of looking into this. Will be meeting with the company that installed cameras for the City of Carbondale. Alderman Campos added that cameras would be a great help for the police department. Tabled until more information is received.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Old business:
Review and Consideration of Policy on Private Use of City Vehicles: Alderman Hughes stated that there is a copy of the policy that legal drew up in everyone’s packet. Attorney Blake stated that it is framed as a policy on private use of city vehicles. It is for all departments, off/on duty is covered, department head approval is required, family members are defined and the waiver is more comprehensive. Alderman Voss thanked Attorney Blake for pulling it together, seems strong, we have insurance coverage. Also stated that we are in a relatively competitive job market, this could prove to be an important benefit, approve of it. Alderman Erbes asked if could add step-grandchildren? Attorney Blake stated that would be an easy addition. Alderman Hughes thanked Attorney Blake, stated that it covers us and is understandable.
Motion: To adopt the Policy on Private Use of City Vehicles to Transport Family Members.
Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Bratton who was opposed.
Motion Carried
New business:
Labor Committee: Alderman Hughes asked if the Mayor would put together a negotiating committee as soon as possible. Alderman Erbes has spoken to Mark Brittingham and he will represent the city. Hoping to get started right after the first of the year. Alderman McComb asked how much Mr. Brittingham was paid last time? $15,000 for Public Works and the Police Department. Alderman McComb stated we should see the demands before we see if we need an attorney. Mayor Stephens replied that if the demands are few, may only need a small amount of his services. Alderman Hughes stated they did the Fire Department that way two years ago. Also started Public Works that way then needed him. Mayor Stephens stated he is certain they will get it negotiated. Alderman Bastien stated he feels more comfortable with an attorney present. Alderman Bratton stated need to have a preliminary meeting to see what we can offer.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Update on Mobile Ranch Mobile Home Park: Still in pretty rough shape. Would like to consider at the next meeting that they do not have a license to operate, have not paid, have legal look at our leverage. Consider hiring a contractor to go in and demolish trailers. They are not returning Eric’s phone calls. Alderman Hughes added that the trailer park is at the back of the new hotel site. Mayor Stephens stated that public health and welfare are at stake.
Update on the settlement agreement regarding the Brown Shoe Factory Property: Attorney Blake stated that the settlement documents have been sent to her attorney, they looked good to him. Called and left a message, spoke to him today. He forwarded the documents to Mrs. Hohman, she stated she does not have the payoff amounts yet. Attorney Blake expressed legal’s and the city’s frustration. Mayor Stephens stated that is good news and thanked Attorney Blake for the update.
Consideration of Sponsorship for Taste of Chocolate Event:
Motion: To provide a Sponsorship of the Taste of Chocolate Event in the amount of $450.00.
Motion by Alderman CamposSecond by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Letter from Chair of Illinois Municipal League Michael Inmam: Mayor Stephens has been appointed to the task force for the Illinois 127 Expansion.
Curwood Building Update: the roof portion on the eastern side has been repaired.
Mayor Stephens wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Motion Ca
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb HughesDate of Taste of Chocolate? First Saturday in February, will check.
Jance Curry-Witzman Absent
Russell Brown Nothing
Herb Voss Nothing
Gary McCombHave a table for the Taste of Chocolate, need to fill it.
John Erbes Thanked Ms. Ripley and Ms. Mulholland for putting together the Christmas party.
Dan Bratton Asked Eric about N. 20th & Cochran, there is a high pile of brush-it is outside city limits. Thanked the Water Department for their hard work and Mr. Mills for getting the street sweeper out.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Gloria CamposThanked Mr. Mills and his workers for their hard work. Stated there is a big brush pile next to her home, Eric will send someone out to check into it.
W. J. Pittman Absent
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Steve McBrideReceived a donation of 14 mobile radios from the City of Carbondale. Also have received a donated ambulance. Thanked the water department for hydrant repair.
Jamie Ellermeyer Thanked the community, churches and businesses who have dropped off food and packages, much appreciated.
Scott EvansReminded everyone that a week from tonight is the budget meeting.
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Tim LeeCouple of water main breaks repaired at 20th & Roblee and Stave Mill & Cottonaro. Have received some gifts.
Darrin Mills Nothing
Jim Stewart Nothing
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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