Murphysboro City Council met Dec. 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 17th day of December, 2019. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:05 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, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman
Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, William Pierson, Dan Bratton
Presentation of the Russell Breading Memorial Community Service Award to Dr. T. O. Miller: Mayor Stephens presented the award to Dr. T. O. Miller and thanked him for all he has done and his contributions to the betterment of the community. He has been in this area for fifty years and has provided outstanding service to the community.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 3, 2019, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion Carried
Alderman Hughes inquired as to:
#831 page 11 Verizon Ipads – Chief McBride stated no ipads or computers in the vehicles, is in the budget.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #831, through December 17, 2019. 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 Erbes
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:
Update on Land Acquisition for the 7th Street Widening Project by John Tippy: Mr. Tippy stated he is under contract to negotiate right of way for the city, Industrial Park Road south to Bost entrance. There are 36 parcels needed. Have to have the appraiser review each one and estimate price, then second appraiser does the same, then he can move forward. Nine have agreed to donate right of way, six have signed and three did not work out (one has a new owner, one had a misunderstanding and one owns two parcels, of which one was donated and one was sold). Three have been acquired by purchase. Sixteen are remaining, appraisals to be received. Target completion date is September 20, 2020. Mayor Stephens asked how many have we completed the purchase of? Have closed on nine of the thirty-six. Mr. Sheffer stated they look to be on track. Alderman Erbes stated need to send a thank you letter to those who donated. Alderman Pittman thanked Mr. Tippy for his work.
Presentation of Financial Reports: Budget Officer Scott Evans stated the Cash Report shows the semi-annual payment was made. Sales Tax Report – trend seems to be up the last three months, online sales tax seems to be contributing. The Income Tax Report has very good numbers, highest number in eight years on this report. The General Fund is through November, currently is under budget, revenue received was up. Healthcare shows costs have been contained, projecting to December seemed to be in line. Payroll Report was over budget but it includes Holiday pay in November. Liabilities spreadsheet shows ten payments left on the backhoe, have made one payment on the dump truck and the water and sewer loans semi-annual payments. Alderman Erbes asked if the last line on the Sales Tax Report is the monthly average? Yes. Lower than last year? Mr. Evans stated he will check the formula.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Discussion regarding the Loading Dock at MYRC: Mayor Stephens stated he has asked Mr. Joe Fry to get bids to install doors similar to the ones at the Daum building (no middle post). That would make unloading food stuffs a lot easier. Chief McBride stated he looked at the exits and from the loading dock, it is within 75’. The kitchen area is beyond 75’ to the nearest exit. There has been some talk about installing a door in the west side. There was a large pile of cabbage in front of the loading dock door, very smelly. Mr. Manwaring stated the picture being passed around to council members shows a large pile of things, including the cabbage, in front of the closet that holds the fiber optic for the entire city.
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.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of bids for aggregate for the Venture Lane Projection: Mr. Sheffer stated this was sent to six different suppliers, low bid was from Anna Quarries. He recommended the city accept this bid. There are no Motor fuel Tax funds involved.
Motion: To accept the bid from Anna Quarries of $43.120.00 for the Venture Lane Aggregate Material Proposal.
Motion by Alderman Campos
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of the General Maintenance Resolution for 2020 Motor Fuel Funds:
Motion: To approve the General Maintenance Resolution for 2020 Motor Fuel funds.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding the Gillenberg Property: Representatives from the county and Joe Summers met, they have no objection to Mr. Summers proceeding. Mr. Summers in communication with Mr. Joe Turk will proceed. Alderman McComb asked who will be responsible for the fencing? Mayor Stephens asked if IDOT issues a permit for this type of work? Mr. Sheffer stated he does not think so. Mayor Stephens stated Ryan Edwards will be responsible for the work, suggested Mr. McComb could check with him.
New business:
Discussion regarding the property at 631 North 15th Street: Mayor Stephens stated the person who requested this is sick, will place on next meeting’s agenda.
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
Consideration of Annexation of Property: Mr. Heller stated this is not ready yet.
Update on the Ruble Flooding: Mr. Sheffer stated they are still working on the legal description.
Appointment of the Fire and Police Commissioner: Mayor Stephens stated he is still considering who to appoint.
Discussion regarding the Brown Shoe Factory: Property had tax sale sign recently. Currently in an agreement with Mrs. Homan, received a payment in 2019? No, February 2020. Security of the loan is with the rental properties. Mayor Stephens stated have a responsibility to neighbors with safety a concern, they are wondering when the next step will be. Alderman Campos asked if the city should purchase the property and keep it as a green area? Mayor Stephens stated due to environmental issues, may not be the best idea at this time. Last estimate to clean up was approximately 1 million dollars. Alderman Campos asked if a grant could be looked for? Mayor Stephens answered not sure if that type of grant exists. Alderman McComb asked if it would be allowed for the bricks to be cleaned on site and hauled out? Attorney Heller stated that would have to be cleared by the EPA, not our bricks. Alderman Campos asked will the EPA facilitate a grant to a municipality to do a cleanup of that magnitude? Mayor Stephens stated it is a negative influence on that neighborhood, typically funds are not available for private property. Attorney Heller stated can apply for a grant with just an option to purchase the property. Mayor Stephens stated maybe Greater Egypt could identify something for that.
Discussion regarding the Associated Lumber Building and Property: sold yesterday to Kyle Fager for approximately $57,000.00. Seller paid the past due taxes.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb HughesStated continues to get calls about the Apple Festival building. Have we heard anything? Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to Sean, Tweedy’s looked at it and does not have the right equipment to do without damaging it. Will continue to reach out to Sean. Alderman McComb suggested Kennedy family that moves houses, may need to put wheels on. Drove by and view not blocked. Alderman Bastien stated he does not see a problem with it. Alderman McComb suggested that all the council members drive by & look. Alderman Hughes stated it is on the sidewalk, there are ordinances regarding that. Chief Ellermeyer stated the only negative is if someone pulls out and gets hit. Mr. Lee asked how it is insured, if a car was to hit it. Mayor Stephens stated will see if Bost could move it. Alderman McComb stated he will check on it. Alderman Hughes thanked all who planned the Christmas party.
Jance Curry-Witzman Absent
Russell BrownAbsent
William Pierson Absent
Gary McCombThanked all the city employees who have to work Christmas Day, away from their families. Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
John Erbes Happy Holidays to everyone.
Dan Bratton Absent
Mike Bastien Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Gloria Campos Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
W. J. Pittman Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Ed Heller Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Tim Lee There is an article in the Murphysboro Times about Jim’s retirement.
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Motion: To go into executive session at 7:05 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) meetings where the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is being considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired and for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) meetings held to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Hughes
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman Bratton
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:31 p.m.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Erbes
Yeas:Alderman Hughes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, , Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays:None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman
Bratton
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume city council meeting.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the appraisals for Parcels #5, #6, #7, #22, #26 and #33.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve payment to Pastor Joseph Hoem the sum of twenty-one hundred dollars for release of his claim of personal injuries.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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