City of Murphysboro City Council met Oct. 29

By Noddy A. Fernandez

Nov 23, 2019

City of Murphysboro City Council met Oct. 29.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 29th day of October, 2019. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and invited Pastor Charlie Allen 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, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent: Mike Bastien

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

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

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Brown

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Hughes inquired as to:

#818 page 2 Asaturian – survey? For the railroad.

page 3 Coe Equipment – joystick? Controls boom.

page 11 Coal Belt dinner – covered? All but $75.

Alderman McComb inquired as to:

#818 page 7 Heartland Lawn Care – hold until they get the graves leveled out.

There are holes and graves not smoothed out.

Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#818 page 2 Bost – how much did they get? It is broken down on the report.

page 9 Key Equipment? For the sweeper.

#818 page 9 Magnet Forensics? Software program for investigations.

Page 15 West Shore? For the emergency siren.

Alderman Campos inquired as to:

#818 page 9 Mark Berger? WWTP jeep

Page 14 Van Devanter Engineering? Hour meter for lift station pump.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #818, and hold the Heartland Lawn Care payment, through October 29, 2019. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Mccomb

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget and Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Presentation of Financial Statements by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: The City wide Balance Sheet is close to this time last year. The Income Statement has a deficit in the Water and Sewer, contributing to that is the repair at the new hotel site. Have a surplus for the first 9 months. Cash is up slightly. Sales Tax had another good month, is a bit better than last year. Income Tax had a good month with an increase from last year. Received the first allotment of the new fuel tax this month. General Fund spending is under budget on spending and over budget on Revenue, therefore have a surplus. Healthcare should be under budget with the smaller increase in premiums. Salaries are currently under budget. Discussed various debts: the street sweeper is paid in full, the backhoe will be paid off within a year, have made a payment on the dump truck, and the Walnut Street repair and the WWTP have had semi-annual payments made. Alderman Bratton asked about the Cemetery Trust fund? Is a checking account. Is there interest? Not much. Usually invested in CD’s, will be doing some more of those.

Consideration of eliminating the due-to/due-from balances in Fund 35: Mr. Evans stated this is from when the town city park was built, money paid to contractors, etc. and was never reimbursed from the Smysor Trust. Has been there for ten years. Mayor Stephens stated he sees no reason to pursue it, they have been very generous over the years. Mr. Evans stated it is more like housekeeping, zero it out, inactivate it, it is not needed. Mayor Stephens stated it was set up for that specific project, both parks.

Motion: To approve the zeroing out and inactivation of Fund 35, Smysor Trust.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

2020 budget: Mr. Evans stated he has started the 2020 budget, has appointments with department heads, will present the first draft at the next council meeting and schedule a budget meeting November 14th for the council members to discuss.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building and Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Discussion regarding the blocks placed in the planter at the Daum Building: Alderman McComb stated there are blocks on the planter above the sidewalk, need them to be level with the sidewalk or not put them in, this is a tripping hazard. Council agreed. Alderman McComb will let them know.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Halloween – Trick or Treating – October 31st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Alderman Erbes stated this is the regular time. Mayor Stephens stated people have called, not supposed to rain, places are having trunk or treat, will leave it for then.

Feed The Team – Alderman Hughes stated the council did feed the football team before their last game, they were very appreciative. She thanked all who helped and donated.

Playoff Game: Mayor Stephens stated the playoff game is at 4:00 p.m. at Bethalto this Saturday.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding the condition of various properties:

1. Old Depot: Mayor Stephens stated he has spoken to the Schaldemoses, believe there will be improvements in the near future. Others will be helping with it.

2. North 17th Street: Mr. Beckman is still working on it. Mayor Stephens asked if he can put slats in the chain link fence.

3. South 14th Street: Alderman Bratton there has been too much rain to work on it recently. Alderman McComb stated it looks better.

4. North 19th Street: Mr. Cripps is still working on it.

5. 902/908 Locust Street: No information at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Final Payment for the 20th Street Sewer Replacement Project: Alderman Bratton stated the portion damaged has been held out. This has been paid.

No public comment.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding the Gillenberg Property: Chief McBride stated he spoke to Mr. Summers, he has chosen a contractor, waiting on the County to decide how to shore up the Willis Building. Alderman McComb asked if it has a basement? Partial. Attorney Blake stated was contacted by Allison Mileur, their insurance company is dealing with Gillenberg’s insurance company, demand for something to be done, before the County can do anything, the city council will have to approve their ok. Mayor Stephens asked if that will require a resolution or a generic motion? Attorney Blake stated he is not sure, haven not requested yet. Mayor Stephens stated no reason why the city wouldn’t do it. Chief McBride asked if they want to demolish the Willis Building? Attorney Blake stated he does not know yet.

New business:

Discussion regarding No Parking on Roberta Drive/Sandra Court: Mayor Stephens stated will have to pick a side or do nothing. Alderman Campos asked Chief Ellermeyer if he had checked into it? Chief Ellermeyer stated it looks wide enough. Chief McBride stated it should be fine. Alderman Bratton stated the cul-de-sac was put in by spec. Alderman Campos stated this was brought up by the neighbors.

Discussion regarding No Parking on the South Side of Spruce Street from 15th to 16th Street: Alderman McComb stated he had received calls from a couple of people, part of this is already no parking, make it no parking except Sundays, can see better. There is access behind their homes. Move the No Parking sign back forty feet. Alderman Hughes stated the church mostly uses the Crawshaw parking lot. Alderman Pittman stated there is no parking on the north side already. Alderman Hughes stated she drives that every day and has no problem seeing. Alderman McComb stated move the No Parking sign back forty feet. Mayor Stephens asked if this is a major problem? Could be a potential issue, to some extent. Alderman Hughes stated resident parks his business truck at his home. Alderman McComb stated that truck is a safety hazard, the duplex owner has problems mowing.

Motion: To approve moving the No Parking sign forty feet to the East.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by (none)

Mayor Stephens stated no second to the motion, the motion dies.

Attorney Blake asked where the sign is currently located? Alderman McComb stated on the corner of 16th Street going east, should move the sign forty feet to the east. Alderman Hughes stated should have Chef Ellermeyer look at it and see if it is a hazard. Mayor Stephens asked Chief Ellermeyer to take a look at it and take some pictures for the next meeting.

Discussion regarding Parking Issues at 601 Walnut Street: Alderman Hughes stated she was contacted by Trudy Thompson, owner of Second Hand on 6th Street, almost have to park on the sidewalk, it is so narrow. Sidewalk has been torn up. Says the snowplow destroyed the curb. She is asking: 1. the city to replace the sidewalk, and

2. No parking on the sidewalk/2 hour parking time limit. Alderman Brown stated the tenants park in the rear. Alderman Bratton asked on the East or West side? West side, South 6th street. Alderman Pittman stated there is no parking within so many feet of the corner and already have an ordinance for no parking on the sidewalks. Mayor Stephens stated she needs to call the police when this happens and they will issue a ticket for parking on the sidewalk. Alderman Hughes stated she will pass that on to Ms. Thompson. Alderman Campos asked if there is a sidewalk on South 6th Street? Yes. Alderman Hughes stated she was asked to bring this before the council, maybe Chief Ellermeyer could look at it. Mayor Stephens stated she needs to call the Police Department to assess the situation. Will get a price to repair the sidewalk, see if she needs to participate in the sidewalk program. Alderman Hughes stated she will call her regarding the parking issue and have Mr. Mills figure the cost to repair the sidewalk.

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Update on Contract Negotiations with Laborers, Clerical and Fire: Alderman Hughes stated Mark, the negotiating attorney, has a contract that hopefully can be approved. Mark stated the following for the contract proposal for WWTP employees: it is a four-year contract; wage increases are 2-1/2 percent the first two years and 2-1/4% the second two years. Alderman Hughes stated there were some things deleted that were not relevant to these employees. Mark stated that was done to suit the new bargaining unit and the labor attorney verbally agreed.

Motion: To approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Waste Water Treatment Plant employees.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Hughes thanked Mark for his hard work, stated they are still working on the Clerical contract and will be meeting with the Fire Department for the first time tomorrow.

No public comment.

Mayor's Report

Update on Hotel Development Project: stated had spoken with Mr. Koppeis, he will be here November 7th to meet with contractors. Will also be meeting with the insurance company, settlement meeting with Rawson’s. Asked him if he will be here for the November 12th meeting, will try to attend to give an update. All is ready to go. Contractors have been given the green light to start but have had rain delays. Alderman Bratton stated there needs to be more rock put on the east side, to prevent erosion, the dirt work is not complete there. Mayor Stephens stated more erosion control needs to be done, would assume they know that and it will be done. Alderman Bratton asked if there is a ground breaking date? Mayor Stephens stated is trying to coordinate politicians.

Alderman Erbes asked if there is anything happening with the solar company? Mayor Stephens stated they are supposed to be hearing about their application for a $30 million dollar loan. Will be calling them back. They have renamed the building The Enterprise.

Mayor Stephens stated the Street Department has been doing an excellent job. Has received positive feedback from the citizens. Also appreciates the patch on 19th and Gartside Streets and on Illinois.

Aldermen Announcements/Requests

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Russell Brown Nothing

William Pierson Thanked Mr. Mills for taking care of the problem on 22nd Street.

Gary McComb The No Parking signs at 19th and 20th and Division Streets can be removed.

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Arcadia solar postcard?

Mike Bastien Absent

Gloria Campos Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

Department Head Announcements/Requests

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Schedule budget meeting for November 14th at 6:00 pm

Harold Sheffer Absent

Steve McBride Received notice from FEMA the grants written were not successful. Will renew them. Need to look at for the ladder truck. Received a letter of appreciation from the Carbondale Fire Dept for assisting with the fire at the Jabr Estate.

Jamie Ellermeyer Submitted application for an NRA grant for the shooting range, for fencing and air conditioner. Carbondale range is shut down, Carbondale and SIU requested to use ours.

Eric Kennedy Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Jim Stewart Nothing

Katharine Volle: Nothing

Leandra Bryant Nothing

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman Bratton

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried