Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 8th day of January, 2019. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited Alderman Hughes 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, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien

Absent: Gary McComb, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Special Presentation by Chief Ellermeyer and Chief McBride: On October 27, 2018, all personnel were on duty for the Rally for President Trump. Some even cancelled their scheduled vacation. All performed to the highest degree to provide service to guard the President. The Secret Service were impressed with all involved. All personnel were awarded a Detail Recognition Bar that was specially designed for the event.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 20, 2018, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 13, 2018, Budget & Finance Committee meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

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

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens inquired as to:

#736 page 2 Brown Electric – put up ballards by traffic controls? Alderman Hughes asked if we pay up front and their insurance reimburses?

Alderman Bratton inquires as to:

#736 page 2 C&C Supply? Bypass

#736 page 5 Classified ads? Police and fire testing and communications officer.

#735 page 1 ESA? New seal

#735 page 5 Rural King shop vac? WWTP

Clothing allowance? Police and Public Works receive a check in May and the Fire Department receive an allotment spent throughout the year.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #735 & #736 through January 8, 2019, accounts receivable through December 31, 2018, and payroll through December, 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 Hughes

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: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Update regarding disposal of city-owned surplus properties: Mr. Kennedy stated he has met with Alderman McComb. Attorney Blake stated he will have the ordinance at the next meeting that will simplify the process in dealing with these properties.

Review and consideration of bids for Landscape Maintenance: Alderman Bratton asked Alderman Erbes if he seen the bids. Mayor Stephens handed the bids to Alderman Erbes for review. Alderman Bratton stated he feels the need for the blessing of the Smysor Board and does not feel the bids should have been opened until the council meeting. Alderman Bastien asked if Alderman McComb had spoken to the Smysor Board members? Do not know. Mayor Stephens acknowledged the visitor, Tom Lawless of Murphysboro Lawn and Garden. Mr. Lawless stated he did not submit a bid, it was a proposal. Was not given bid specs if it was supposed to be a bid not a proposal. Stated he replants until he is satisfied, makes sure everything looks good. The city would be getting a lot of experience with him. Alderman Erbes stated it is hard to compare the proposals because Curb Appeal’s is not very detailed. If bids were asked for then specs need to be provided. Alderman Bratton added that he has seen all the work and effort Mr. Lawless does in taking care of things. He is in favor of leaving it where it is at. Mayor Stephens stated he wants to make sure we do not step out of bounds, can we award it? Attorney Blake stated that no bids are required, there is no formal request, the city is getting proposals, they are for under $25,000, the city can act. Alderman Brown stated he agrees with Mr. Lawless, he took care of the park for two years without getting paid.

Motion: To accept the proposal from Murphysboro Lawn & Care.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Bastien

Mayor Stephens 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: 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: Alderman Bratton stated they are complete, waiting for it to dry up to roll up the hoses. When they are done, will send the final bill to the developer. One bill has already been sent.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding a camera system downtown: Mr. Manwaring stated he has emailed the company that installed the Carbondale system and will be meeting with them. It will be a long process for he and the Chief to sit down and review all the options and will then present to the council. Tabled until information is gathered. Mayor Stephens added that it makes sense to focus on the primary entrance and exit points of the city. Need to have those covered for sure. Alderman Erbes added that it would help with identifying hit and runs. Alderman Bastien asked what the cameras at the courthouse cover? Just the streets and sidewalks around the courthouse. Chief Ellermeyer stated they will get a price and then do some research. Alderman Bratton stated that they may want to talk to the county as it will benefit them also.

New business:

Consideration of Knox Box Ordinance: Chief McBride stated that since he came forward with this proposal, he has contacted the businesses that would be required to have this. 2 or 3 stated they would like to have the six month grace period, most were agreeable, stating just let them know. Is requesting approval at this time. Alderman Hughes stated that we did not want it to sound like we were forcing it on anyone but it does not sound like anyone took it that way. Alderman Bratton asked where the master key would be kept? Chief McBride stated it would be locked in a safe only accessible by code. Alderman Hughes asked if the safes are kept in the trucks? Yes. Attorney Blake stated he will bring it to the next meeting.

Motion: To approve the proposal to require the Knox Box for businesses.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Erbes

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:

Informational Only: In the process of setting up times to negotiate with Public Works.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Update on Mobile Ranch Mobile Home Park: there are two new managers, Joe Blake and Kimberly Lloyd. Stated they have plans to tear down another ten trailers.

Update on the settlement agreement regarding the Brown Shoe Factory Property: Have received an email from Attorney Heller, he has contacted John Rendleman, have secured another proposal to do the work a lot cheaper, asked for a little time. Will give another 7-10 days to get that together.

Consideration of Amending the Liquor Code for licenses within 100’ of a church, school or other prohibited locations: The State of Illinois changed the state statute, city councils can either leave the prohibition as is, amend it or the mayor can grant exemptions. Martel’s has applied for a liquor license and they are right by the church. Attorney Blake stated the 100’ is in conformance with the state. It gives authorization to grant exemptions on a case by case basis. Alderman Erbes asked if the Parish Festival is affected? No. Alderman Bratton asked if it is 100’ from property to property? Attorney Blake stated it is 100’ from the nearest part of the building to the property of the establishment wanting to serve liquor. Alderman Voss stated that he likes that this body can examine requests on a case by case basis. Martel’s request to sell a beer will make them a more viable business, thinks it is a good idea. Mayor Stephens stated he asked Pastor Frye to call him to discuss this.

Motion: To adopt the ordinance amending the liquor code of the city of Murphysboro to authorize exemptions for the issuance of licenses for sale at retail of alcoholic liquor within 100 feet of any church, school or other prohibited location.

Motion by Alderman ErbesSecond by Alderman Voss

Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.

Yeas: Alderman Brown, Alderman Voss, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien

Nays: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Bratton

Absent: Alderman McComb, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman

Motion Carried

Motion Ca

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb HughesSpoke to Jerry Hickam concerning Habitat For Humanity. Have not started a new home in Murphysboro, have not found a qualified/eligible family. Alderman Bratton asked if that information can be placed on the city website? Mayor Stephens stated yes, he can share the specifics.

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Russell Brown Nothing

Herb Voss Nothing

Gary McComb Absent

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Progress on trees for WWTP road? No, trying to get permit from Corps of Engineers. 7th Street? Waiting on IDOT final approval, have received a lot of ROW donations.

Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria Campos Absent

W. J. Pittman Absent

Gina Hunziker Thanked the Mayor for doing a great job with recording the Budget & Finance Committee meeting when she was unable to attend.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBrideNothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Brandon Young put up the new board in the meeting room.

Eric Kennedy Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Jim StewartNothing

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.

http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php