Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met March 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 10th day of March, 2020. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Dean Akins 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, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent:Jance Curry-Witzman, Mike Bastien

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 25, 2020, 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

Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#870 page 5 L.D.Supply? Water Dept, marking supplies.

#870 pa7e 6 river Radio? Sports sponsorship.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #870 through March 10, 2020, accounts receivable through February 29, 2020, and payroll through February, 2020. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable 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

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Replacement of the Front Doors at the MYRC: Mayor Stephens received two bids. Fager Construction will cut a hole and install commercial double doors at the west end of the building for $6207.86. Marion Glass & Mirror will install a set of doors to replace the existing doors for $7180.00. Chief McBride stated the travel distance from the kitchen area is not in compliance but Fager’s installation on the west end would remedy that. Alderman McComb stated if that is done, front doors would not have to be replaced. Will the Park District pay any of the cost? Mayor Stephens could not remember. Alderman Pierson asked if the city has a limit? Yes, $5000 or $6000. Chief McBride stated would only need a single door to be compliant. Alderman Bratton asked if a 3’6” door would do the same? Would be cheaper, could we get a price on a single door and check with the Youth Center if they will be paying anything towards it? Alderman McComb suggested tabling the item and get a different bid and see how much that saves. Mayor Stephens stated he would check with Fager Builders. Alderman Erbes asked if anything had been spent on the MYRC yet? Mr. Evans was not sure but stated he would check.

New Business:

Consideration of Bids received for Cemetery Maintenance: Alderman Bratton asked if the current contractor had submitted a bid? Yes. He then made a motion to not open that bid due to non-performance for the current contract period.

Motion: To not open the bid from the contractor who currently holds the contract for this service due to non-performance.

Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Pierson

Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.

Yea: Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bratton

Nay: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman

Mayor Stephens abstained due to a conflict of interest.

Motion Failed

Mayor Stephens received four bids for the Cemetery Maintenance contract. Fenton’s Excavating bid $800/mow and maintenance for the City Cemetery and $800/mow and maintenance for Tower Grove Cemetery for a total of $1600 per mow. Carl Clover bid $300/mow and maintenance for the City Cemetery and $1400/mow and maintenance for Tower Grove Cemetery for a total of $1700 per mow. Heartland Lawn Car bid $350/mow and maintenance for the City Cemetery and $1500/mow and maintenance for Tower Grove Cemetery for a total of $1850 per mow. Steve’s Lawn Car bid $275/mow and maintenance for the City Cemetery and $1375/mow and maintenance for Tower Grove Cemetery for a total of $1650 per mow. Alderman Bratton asked if experience in cemetery mowing was a requirement? Yes. Alderman Campos asked if they do not perform, can the contract be broken? Alderman McComb stated need thirty days’ notice on either side to break the contract. Mayor Stephens stated he would go with Mr. Clover, based on his commitment to the community.

Motion: To accept the bid of $1700.00 per mow and maintenance from Carl Clover for the cemetery maintenance contract.

Motion by Alderman CamposSecond by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Mr. Kennedy asked that he make sure all the paperwork is in line. Alderman McComb asked Mr. Clover to get with Mr. Kennedy. Alderman Bratton asked if we had settled up with the current contractor? Mayor Stephens stated yes. Alderman Pittman asked if they will still check with Alderman McComb before they mow? Alderman McComb stated yes.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Presentation on the Solarize Southern Illinois project: Consideration of use of City Logo: Bo Henson and Jane provided handouts to the council and reviewed the information on them. Stated will be putting on 28 Solar Power Hour meetings and are asking for the use of space, the city logo and contact information of the people. Mayor Stephens asked if they could have some time to read over the information provided and consider their request? Alderman Bratton agreed that a little time was needed. Alderman Erbes asked if they could provide examples of what they would use the city logo for? They agreed that could be done. Alderman Campos asked if there is excess do you have to sell it to the electric company? Mr. Henson stated you have to tie into the grid and can bank those credits.

Consideration of Request for Street Closures for Cruise Nights:

Motion: To approve Street Closures requested for Cruise Nights on the first Saturday from April through September, 2020.

Motion by Alderman CamposSecond by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request for use of City Parking Lot: Crimson Express Flower Sale – Saturday, April 25th - 7a to 1p:

Motion: To approve Request for use of the City Parking Lot for the Crimson Express Flower Sale on April 25 from 7a to 1p.

Motion by Alderman CamposSecond by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business:

Update on the code violations at 811 North 14th Street: Mr. Kennedy stated the owner has one side and the roof down, is still working on it.

Discussion regarding Business Proposal at Jackson Square: Mayor Stephens asked if anyone was present concerning this matter and no one responded. Alderman McComb suggested tabling it until the next meeting.

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 Oil & Chip Program for 2020: Mr. Sheffer presented information to the council for the alleys, stated it is a little cheaper this time. Mayor Stephens asked if this would be done in October? Mr. Sheffer stated usually done in September. Alderman Campos asked to consider doing the streets instead, the alleys are in good shape. Mayor Stephens stated some alleys need to be done and so do some streets. Mr. Sheffer stated if he is shown which alleys, they have the measurements on file for them. Alderman McComb asked him to give Mr. Mills the map and give them more notice before work begins. Alderman Campos stated 15th Street is really bad, streets are used more by everyone, put the alleys on the back burner. Mr. Mills stated he is working on looking at the alleys.

Consideration of Bid for Tree Removal at 707 North Street: Mayor Stephens received one bid from Midwest Tree Service with two options. Option one is to cut down the tree and clean it up for $4800.00. The second option is to cut down the tree for $3800.00. Alderman McComb stated they do a good job. Alderman Bratton asked Mr. Mills if they could clean it up? Mr. Mills stated yes.

Motion: To accept the bid from Midwest Tree Service for $3800.00 for removal of the tree at 707 North Street.

Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Amendment to the Zoning for Land Located at the Northeast corner of IL Route 13/127 to “B-2” Highway Business District:

Motion: To accept the Amendment to the Zoning for Land Located at the Northeast corner of IL Route 13/127 to “B-2” Highway business District.

Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding the Gillenberg Property: Mayor Stephens stated he met with several people, including lawyers and county personnel. There is a shared wall between Gillenberg’s and the County Building. Mr. Rawson was concerned would damage the wall. His engineer stated will need to shore up the wall inside the county building. Mayor Stephens said he told them to get it done. Getting clarification on OSHA laws. Alderman McComb stated could bring a lift in and a chipping hammer and take down a row of bricks at a time.

New business:

Request for No Parking on both sides of North 19th Street from Gartside to City Limits: Alderman Bratton stated it is so narrow and there are ditches on both sides.

Motion: To approve no parking on both sides of North 19th Street from Gartside to the city limits.

Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Bratton

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

Motion Carried

Request for No Parking on both sides of John Street:

Motion: To approve no parking on both sides of John Street.

Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Ms. stated she has been a bus driver for a long time and there are congestion and parent drop off problems on South 21st Street. Thinks parents should drop off in front of the school and possibly make it one way from Spruce Street to Edith Street? Need a solution. Alderman Pittman stated can’t make it one way. Chief Ellermeyer stated he has not received any complaints, will reach out to Mr. Keener. Alderman Hughes stated had a problem at Carruthers School, former chief came up with a plan to make it safer. Alderman McComb stated could put up signs – no drop offs and no parking? And the school send everyone a letter. Mayor Stephens stated will be hiring a school resource officer, maybe that will put people on their best behavior. Alderman Bratton stated let the Chief check into it.

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 the Ruble Flooding Issue: Attorney Blake stated Attorney Heller met with Mr. Ruble today, gave him a copy of the map, MR. Ruble was not happy with it. Mr. Sheffer will work on some other options and set up another meeting for March 24.

Consideration of Awning Grant Bids: Have grants for two that are ready. Wildlife Materials Building has a bid of $8000 and 1306 Walnut Street has a bid of $4200. The

city will be fully reimbursed. Alderman McComb asked if it will be the same contractor doing the work? Yes, Mark Yates.

Motion: To accept and approve the bids for awning work for the Wildlife Materials Building and 1306 Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman PittmanSecond by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Request for Records under Freedom of Information Act: Mayor Stephens stated he has provided all that he has. Making it known that if anyone has anything, to get it to Ms. Ripley. Alderman McComb asked if they won’t give their name do we have to provide the information? Mayor Stephens stated if it is in writing, do not have to provide their name and have to give them the information. Alderman Hughes stated she has texts on her phone, do they need those? Attorney Blake stated texts are included. Personal cellphone and email used for city business are included. Ms. Ripley stated she has to respond by the 12th. Mayor Stephens stated he wants the record to state it is cowardly and it is poor law that you do not have to provide your identity when you request that kind of thing, it absolutely dampens the ability of the government to be able to do its work.

Appointment suggestions for Vacancies on Various City Boards and Commissions: there are vacancies on the Sallie Logan Library board, Historical Preservation, Board of Appeals and Planning commission. Please let Mayor Stephens know if anyone has any suggestions.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb HughesNothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Russell BrownNothing

William PiersonNothing

Gary McCombNothing

John ErbesNothing

Dan BrattonNothing

Mike BastienAbsent

Gloria CamposWished everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

W. J. PittmanNothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard BlakeThe Union Pacific Railroad settlement required construction of a fence. Mr. Mills estimated cost of $1777.xx for the city to build it. Will hold an educational meeting with the landowners.

Sandra Ripley St. Patrick’s Day parade is Saturday at 11:00 am if anyone is planning to walk.

Scott Evans Good luck Red Devils.

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Eric Kennedy Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle: Nothing

Leandra Bryant Absent

Alderman McComb requested to hold the Executive session item until the next meeting, everyone was in agreement.

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

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