Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 22.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 22nd day of January, 2019. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and 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, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, W.J. Pittman

Absent:Gloria Campos

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 8, 2019, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Brown

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens inquired as to:

#740 page 1 Boiler repair?

Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#740 page 4 JT Blankenship? Needs the amount of $4000 paid and will bill the balance to the developer.

#740 page 5 Lance Liggett? New department patches.

#740 page 10 freight for probes? For WWTP.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #740 & #741 through January 22, 2019, with the adjustment to JT Blankenship to be $4000.00. All Aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll 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:

Financial Reports presented by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans presented some of the year-end reports: Cash Balance Report-higher than last year; CD Report- 1.87 ROR; Salaries v. Budget-slightly over budget due in part to retroactive pay adjustment for the Police Department; Operating Schedule v. Budget(General)-came in under budget for expenditures, Revenues had a very nice surplus, in large part due to the clean-up fee, Smysor donations, Ameren Franchise check, Sales Tax and Home Rule Tax; Healthcare costs-had a good year; Loan balances-street sweeper has 4 payments left and the backhoe has less than two years. Alderman Bratton stated the CD percentage earned is less than the interest cost of the loans. Mr. Evans replied that the interest owed is less than $1000. Alderman Pittman asked if the street sweeper payment amount can be added to the backhoe payment, after the street sweeper loan is paid in full? Mr. Evans answered that the city did not budget for that but it is a possibility. Alderman Bratton stated he would like to pay them off. He then asked if the city had received a return on the water from the water line replacement? Mr. Evans stated that approximately $150,000 was saved the first year after the repairs were made then they changed their rates.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Review and discussion regarding sale or other disposition of real estate: alderman McComb handed out a list of property for sale. He has received an offer for 2126 Lindell. Some are along the river and some have already been listed. Attorney Blake reviewed Article III-Sale or Other Disposition of Real Estate for the Council members. Mayor Stephens thanked Alderman McComb for continuing with the process and with the draft received from the attorneys.

Motion: To accept Article III-Sale or Other disposition of Real Estate as presented.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Alderman McComb stated he will start asking neighbors of the listed property if they are interested in acquiring the property. Mayor Stephens will check the map for residents. Alderman Bratton asked they have determined the amount to ask? Alderman McComb replied $600.00 or if no interest will check with Mr. Clover. Alderman Bratton asked if all offers will be considered? Yes.

New Business:

Discussion regarding Garbage Disposal Vehicles: Alderman McComb stated he has received complaints regarding the size of the garbage trucks, they cannot make the turns coming out of the alleys, they drive through yards. Asked if a letter can be sent that the trucks need to slow down? Also, can we discuss one trash service, with smaller trucks? Mayor Stephens stated he supports it, supports discussing it. Alderman McComb added that if someone is wanting a dumpster, then they can choose who they get it from. If there is enough support for one trash service, he will bring it back up. Alderman Bratton replied that it is a double-edged sword but do not need the government telling people who they have to use. Alderman Bastien stated he is currently opposed but will talk to his constituents again. Alderman McComb asked if the city can still set the size of the truck? Attorney Blake stated the city has the authority. Alderman Erbes added that they are already over and we do not do anything. Alderman McComb stated we should set the length and weight. Alderman Hughes stated she would be in favor of it but Republic has already stated they will not bid if the ordinance required a small truck. Alderman Pittman and Erbes both stated they are not for it. Mayor Stephens added that people would pay less and save some money. Alderman Hughes asked if Carbondale owns their own trucks? Yes. She added that there are some elderly people who share a trash container. Alderman McComb asked everyone to check and he will bring it back up if there is interest. Kyle Fager asked about commercial versus residential? Alderman McComb stated businesses can choose their own. Dylan Rushing asked that if the size of the truck is enforced, would that increase the cost as they would have to send more trucks or make more trips? Alderman McComb replied that it may. He then asked if the trash companies have a city license to operate? No. Mayor Stephens stated could maybe have a franchise agreement. He also stated that we need to go after them for damages, that would get their attention. Jim Murphy stated that he has had CWI and Burris, CWI contracted with Burris. If he called CWI with a problem they stated there was nothing they could do. He added that Republic does not have small trucks so they may contract it out.

Public comment: (see above)

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Request by Brews Brothers Taproom for street closures:

Motion: To grant the request by Brews Brother Taproom to close Chestnut Street between 11th and 12th Street for April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2 and September 6, 2019.

Motion by Alderman Voss Second by Alderman Bastien

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman McComb who voted no.

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request by Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce for St. Patrick’s Day street closures and personnel assistance:

Motion: To grant the request of the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce for the street closures for the 5K Walk/Run, Craft Beer Tasting and Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2019.

Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Hughes

Mayor Stephens 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:

Request by Debbie Jones regarding Welcome to Murphysboro – Gateway to the Shawnee National Forest Project: Visitor Debbie Jones asked for an update on the project. Was a letter submitted to the Smysor Board for see if there was any seed money for the proposed structure? Ms. Jones was asked to explain the project: she had submitted an idea for the area where Rt 13/127 meet, to build a structure with LED signage. Worked with an architecture class and they were assigned a project to build a model structure for that area. They had a student who was going to tweak her model but have not heard back from her yet.Mayor Stephens stated he had sent the letter, he had met with Debbie and the student. The student came by a week ago and dropped off the model. The Apple Festival Committee also has their sign there and would probably like it to stay. The student stated she is moving out of the area. Ms. Jones asked if any seed money had been received? Mayor Stephens answered no, need a design and cost estimate, more definitive information. Alderman Bastien asked if money was included in the request? Mayor Stephens stated he included that he was working with Ms. Jones on the potential development of a new welcome sign and that in the coming year may be looking for a possible contribution. Ms. Jones stated that she feels it would be nice to have something there. With lots of traffic at that intersection, it would be a prime opportunity to advertise events. Are there other revenue sources, grants? If there is anything she can do, just ask. Does the city own property there? Mayor Stephens answered that some is IDOT ROW, some is the city’s, he would have to look. Mayor Stephens and Alderman Bastien both stated they will set up a time to meet again. Ms. Jones thanked the Council for letting her come and speak.

Discussion regarding condition of the property at 102 North 10th Street: Mayor Stephens stated that the property is adjacent to Cuts of Class owned by Paula Craig. It has been problematic for a long time. Ms. Craig has complained about the vermin and has a petition signed by over 100 people. Need to make a better effort to make the Murphy’s come up to code. Mr. Kennedy stated that John has done a lot of work at the old American Legion but he will resurrect the demo paperwork. Also not sure if the taxes are being paid. Mayor Stephens stated that there is one window on the west facing side that is not boarded up, would like a letter sent. They do not seem to care. Alderman Bastien asked Mr. Kennedy if he will send out a letter? Yes.

House on South 14th Street? Alderman Hughes stated he had a demo license but thought it had expired. Mr. Kennedy stated there was incorrect language on the demo letter the property owner was issued, stated 6 months, not 30 days. That will be changed. Alderman Hughes asked if it will be changed on the computer? Yes.

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 it is done. Mr. Lee added that everything has been returned. Alderman Bratton asked that the final bill be put together and sent to Joe. Mr. Lee stated was $79,500 to connect but since they had to move the main was $129,000. Alderman Pittman asked if that included labor? Yes.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment:

Alderman Bratton stated the streets looked good after the snow.

Mr. Stewart stated: 1) For the tree removal the contractor wants to get started, it is a two week job, wants to bring someone in, will keep an eye on the river, has to be done by April 1, and 2) After the trunk line is fixed, need to slope the dirt. If not done and the river comes up, would wash away. Bank needs to be sloped. Alderman Bratton stated will need to check on and find out. Mayor Stephens added that it will have to be done.

Alderman McComb asked about wheel chair access at 8th and Hanson Street? Ms. Tinsley stated ET Simonds has been told to fix it. Alderman Bratton stated to tell them to barricade it. Ms. Tinsley answered that there are cones there. Also that they will have to go about twelve feet back. Alderman Bratton stated he would like to have barricades put up.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Chief Ellermeyer stated that he can move forward with getting a new vehicle out of seized assets. He has contacted Vogler Ford and they have 6 vehicles with the police package already on them, cost approximately $30,000. Alderman Bratton asked if that is cheaper than the program? Chief Ellermeyer stated that is through the program. Alderman Bratton asked about the gas mileage? Chief Ellermeyer stated the Dodge does not get good gas mileage. Alderman Bratton asked if the Chief was looking to purchase one right now? Chief Ellermeyer replied one as of now. Alderman Hughes asked if there are plans to retire any current vehicles? Chief Ellermeyer stated there are 1 or 2 that can be. Mayor Stephens stated that the Chief could proceed.

Alderman Bratton asked about the Animal Control Officer? Chief Ellermeyer stated that currently he is not scheduled for surgery, doing physical therapy, should be back in 2-3 weeks.

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Update on Mobile Ranch Mobile Home Park: No update, will continue to monitor.

Update on the settlement agreement regarding the Brown Shoe Factory Property: Attorney Blake stated no response to the second contractor. Did receive mortgage information – there is no mortgage on their home and the premise which was in Carl’s name only has a mortgage of approximately $22,606. It has an approximate value of $75,000. Alderman Bratton asked if we could get them to move faster? Attorney Blake stated he could start the court proceedings. Alderman Bratton asked if a letter could be sent and start timing them?

Executive Session for the Semi-Annual review of minutes:

Motion: To hold the semi-annual review of minutes at the next meeting.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Martel’s Liquor License Request: Dylan Rushing is present for Martel’s request for a liquor license. Mayor Stephens stated the church is opposed but now the Council can determine. Alderman Hughes asked what the measurement is, between building to church? Attorney Blake stated it is from the church building to not sure, will have to check. Dylan rushing presented information for granting Martel’s a liquor license: increased revenues. No intention of anything other than beer and wine, probably just beer. He has spoken to Pastor Frye who told him that the church and board could not give any support but would not object if done legally. It will be beneficial to the city in that it will attract more customers and draw from other areas. They are trying to keep up with the competition. They would only serve beer from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Alderman Erbes asked if the church has evening services? Mr. Rushing stated he thinks Sunday and Wednesday. Alderman Hughes asked if the liquor license for beer and the one for beer and wine are different? Mayor Stephens stated the Class A-R allows beer and wine. Mr. Rushing stated they applied for the beer and wine license. Alderman Bratton stated that the letter stated the church is against it. Alderman Voss stated that the letter from the Church of the Nazarene is opposed to all sales of alcohol, not Martel’s specifically. Alderman Erbes asked if the liquor license would transfer to a new owner? No. He is also concerned with gaming. Mayor Stephens reminded Council that it needs to be on the agenda to vote on the issue. Alderman Pittman stated gaming is not up to the city. Alderman McComb asked if they could guarantee no gaming in a notarized letter? Mr. Rushing stated they have no intention of having gaming. Attorney Blake stated cannot do legally, have to have a good reason not to renew a license. Alderman Bastien stated it is an established business, he trusts him.

Downtown TIF District: Mayor Stephens stated that Keith Moran has sent a contract, the attorney reviewed, made a few small revisions of no late charges/penalties and reduced the cost to $27,900. Ready to execute the contract, ok to proceed? Alderman Pittman asked how long is the process? Six months.

Motion Ca

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb HughesNothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Russell BrownNothing

Herb Voss Nothing

Gary McCombNothing

John Erbes Bishop Elwell situation? Ms. Tinsley stated Mr. Sheffer is checking.

Dan Bratton Nothing

Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria CamposAbsent

W. J. PittmanNothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Amanda Tinsley Nothing

Jamie EllermeyerThanked Officer Aaron Beavers for attending the funeral of the trooper that was killed up north.

Scott EvansNothing

Eric KennedyNothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Tim LeeMayor Stephens stated he appreciated Tim’s crew, they boated to the culvert and tore out the beaver’s dam.

Jim StewartThanked his guys for keeping the bridgeways clean and open during the snowstorm. Alderman Bratton added he would encourage everyone to visit the WWTP.

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

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