City of Murphysboro City Council met April 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 14th day of April, 2020. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led 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, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman
Absent:
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the March 24, 2020, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Motion Carried
Alderman Pierson inquired as to:
#899 page 2 HRA Services? Health reimbursement account.
#899 page 13 SI Healthcare? New hire physicals.
Alderman Campos inquired as to:
#899 page 5 Econo signs? Signs for the Street Department
Alderman Bratton inquired as to:
#899 page 11 River Radio - year round? Mayor Stephens will research it. Hold payment.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #885, 899-except for the River Radio payment & 900 through April 14, 2020, accounts receivable through March 31, 2020, and payroll through March, 2020. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Financial Reports presented by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated sales tax was up nicely, this is from January sales. Video gaming tax for March dropped to $6000, usually $9000 - $10,000 monthly average, due to the shut-down. The June allotment will show the effect the shut-down has had on tax revenue.
Consideration of Murphysboro Economic Relief – COVID19 Event: Mayor Stephens stated he was asked if the city was doing anything so asked Mr. Evans and Ms. Ripley if anything can be done on a city level and they put this plan together. Mr. Evans stated there is a pool of money available to help out local businesses, have approximately $38,000 free at the moment to help fund this program. Mayor Stephens stated will allow businesses to turn in a rent payment, utility bill receipt, already paid, up to $1000 ceiling. Therefore could possibly be $900 grant and only repay $100. Alderman McComb complimented whoever thought of this and put it together. Alderman Bratton thanked the Mayor for calling regarding this. Stated we don’t know where the city will be when this is over so maybe do 60-75% forgiveness, would allow funds to help someone in the future. Mayor Stephens stated this grant is where individual businesses would turn in one bill. For example, a mortgage payment of $750. Hoped that clarified it better. Alderman Bratton stated he still thought 60-75%. Alderman Pierson stated he is okay with 90% but understands Alderman Bratton’s point. If you own multiple businesses, can you turn in a bill for each one? One per business/building or per person? Mayor Stephens stated one application per physical address will be considered, that’s a good point. Alderman Pittman asked what about one person with multiple businesses? Mayor Stephens then gave an example: I own a building, the tenant pays the rent, I use that to pay the mortgage, I turn in an application, not the tenant. Mr. Evans stated there is some merit of saying if you have more than one business, only allowed one allotment. Alderman Bratton asked if the owner and tenant are two different people, who would have priority to get this loan? The tenant who pays the rent or the owner who pays the mortgage? Mayor Stephens stated the way it is constructed, we would consider on a first come first serve basis. If the tenant sent in an application for rent and did not communicate that with the owner and then the owner sent in an application for the mortgage, would consider the application that came in first. Alderman Bratton asked would that be fair to the tenant? If the tenant is paying rent and not able to be open for business and the owner is receiving rent and applying for the grant? Mayor Stephens stated questions of fairness are hard to answer. As it is set up now, it would be first come. Alderman Campos stated if the tenant is paying rent and the landlord is a different person, that is two different businesses. Mayor Stephens stated he is taking notes, will need to meet again to refine this. Alderman Pittman stated in the example of the landlord getting the money, maybe they could give the tenant a letter of forgiveness for a month’s rent? Mayor Stephens stated will handle as they come in. We would have the discretion to mete out as we see fit. Alderman Erbes stated if the landlord applies first, business owner would have utility bills, insurance payments, things like that, that would be separate and apart from that, should be available. Also, looking at the terms of rejection, do not have a sort of catch all provision to reject the applicant. Mayor Stephens stated that is a good idea, can be added to the language. Alderman Hughes asked if it per business or per person? Mayor Stephens advised would be one application per physical address. Alderman McComb asked if it would go through the Mayor and city council? Yes. Mayor Stephens stated they have raised some good questions, need to review and revise. Will need a public hearing, get some input. Alderman McComb asked then can move forward? Mayor Stephens stated if they approve the allocation of money for the program contingent upon the revisions. Alderman Curry-Witzman asked if both apply, if the Landlord gets it, the tenant should get forgiveness, feel forgiveness should go to the renter. Mayor Stephens stated he will meet with Mr. Evans, Ms. Ripley and Alderman Pittman to add some revisions. Alderman Pittman stated the need for this money is immediate for small businesses. Would rather make the application process more thorough and approval process faster, Mr. Evans, the Mayor, whoever is able to approve and can get their money faster instead of waiting for the next council meeting. Mayor Stephens stated he agrees but does not want to circumvent the council’s review. Alderman Pittman stated can get the application process set up so we are comfortable with it. Attorney Heller stated what you stated earlier, if we have more discussion with the group, can call a conference call a special meeting – can do this within seven days. Mayor Stephens stated that sounds like a good plan. Alderman Pierson stated once the form is finalized and voted on, trust that you four would make good decisions.
Motion: To approve the allocation of funds for a program contingent upon the revisions.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business:
Update on Replacement of the Front Doors at the MYRC: Mayor Stephens stated that he spoke to Joe Fry and Don Brewer and the Park District agreed to split the cost. Told Mr. Fry to coordinate with Fager to get the door put in.
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 RR Clean-up and Damage to Shomaker Drive: Alderman Bratton drove by and did not see any damage. Alderman McComb stated they drove the steel track hoe down Shomaker and made divots, maybe the heat expanded them back together. Alderman Erbes stated from there up to the curve looks torn up. Mr. Kennedy stated he drove down and it is cracked but does not know if it was that way before. Mayor Stephens stated he saw big equipment being driven on the road and should be reimbursed for any damage. Mr. Kennedy stated he talked to the project manager who said they would be completely finished in one month. Mayor Stephens asked if he gave any sense of contingency for property damage? Mr. Kennedy stated he mentioned it but did not go into any depth. Attorney Heller stated if it is a possibility, take pictures and gather data if city is going to file for property damage. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Kennedy if he has a contact number? Mr. Kennedy stated yes, and his name is Matt. Mayor Stephens stated will collect photos needed.
Update on Closure of Storage Yard: Mayor Stephens stated he has received a number of requests of when the storage yard is going to be open. Feel can open on the 24th, that city workers would direct where to unload but would not assist. Mr. Mills stated he spoke to the guys, everyone is on board. Alderman McComb stated rather than have our guys, have an auxiliary officer at the gate to direct and the city employees can do other work. Mayor Stephens asked Chief Ellermeyer if he was okay with that? See if anyone is available and if it is okay with the union. Mr. Mills stated he does not think that will be an issue. Mayor Stephens stated will move forward as Alderman McComb suggested. Alderman Bratton stated have them check driver’s licenses for residents. Alderman Erbes stated if just at the gate, quite a space where they could dump in the wrong space, almost need two people. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mills if he can make sense of it later? Mr. Mills stated he can rope off areas. Mayor Stephens asked Alderman Erbes if he thought that will help? Alderman Erbes stated yes, if it is more clear where they are supposed to go. Alderman McComb stated he can spend a few hours in the morning if Mr. Mills needs some help. Alderman Campos asked if not allow more than two to three cars in at a time, due to social distancing? Mayor Stephens stated can have the officer to instruct the drivers to space themselves.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment
Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding the Gillenberg Property: Mayor Stephens stated the Chairman of the Board had sent him an email, stating had received a response from the insurance company, would have more communication later, and was rather cryptic. Chief McBride stated he received a call from Joe Summers, he is waiting on documentation from the County’s attorney that states they are not doing any more shoring up of their building, then he will proceed with the demolition of his building. Mayor Stephens asked to keep this on the agenda, aggravated at the County and their insurance that they are not taking this as seriously as they should.
Discussion regarding No Parking on John Street: Mr. Mills stated currently left the way it was until the council decides what is to be done. Alderman Pittman asked did we do East and West of 6th street or just West? Mr. Mills stated from 8th over to 7th Street. Alderman McComb stated thought it was just requested for John from 7th street East to the dead end. Alderman Pittman stated he thought it was the other way around, John from 7th to 8th. Mayor Stephens stated Mr. Mills did what was outlined photographically, thought we moved quickly but have received no complaints regarding placement of the sign, unless any of the aldermen have heard from anyone. Alderman McComb stated he has only heard from one person, that they were opposed but believed they parked on the street. Alderman Bratton stated he also thought it was for the East side of John Street. Mayor Stephens stated that Mr. Mills fulfilled it as requested. Can take it off the agenda until we receive a complaint. Alderman McComb stated he would like to see the original picture. Alderman Pittman stated the person who wrote the letter owns the field on the South side of the street. Mayor Stephens stated it is available at the Daum Building if anyone would like to review it.
Consideration of Ordinance amending Chapter 30, Public Safety: Attorney Heller stated this draft brings our ordinance up to date with the state statute. There are a number of minor changes of name and agencies but the basic part of the change is it makes our ordinance so you have, as Mayor, can make declarations up to seven days, and can renew and renew for seven days at a time. It also provides that our council can by their action provide for designation of emergencies for any duration they decide. Also put in our definition of things can declare as an emergency to include catastrophic spread of disease. Alderman Pierson asked does the mayor pro tem take over if there is no mayor? Yes.
Motion: To adopt the changes outlined in the Ordinance amending Chapter 30, Public Safety, so the city is up-to-date with the state statute.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried
New business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment: Lindsey Parker, lives on South 19th & Edith Street. Asked if could put a stop sign on that block? People drive so fast. Mayor Stephens stated Chief Ellermeyer said he would take a look at it and put extra patrols on it. Would that be okay? Ms. Parker stated yes, can park in her driveway to observe. Mayor Stephens asked her to email him her address and phone number so he can contact her directly. Sherry Reichert stated there is also a lot of foot traffic, people walk in the street to go to Farm Fresh, and there is a lot of traffic. Sidewalks aren’t very good.
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: Mayor Stephens asked M. Ted Biggs if they had met with Mr. Ruble. Mr. Biggs stated they have not. Attorney Heller stated Mr. Sheffer will contact the owners on the East side of the issue. They have a new design that impacts those on the East side greater, then will get back with Mr. Ruble.
New Hotel Update: There is work being done for the new hotel and work on the roadway.
Mayor Stephens thanked Brian Manwaring, the Fire and Police Departments, for setting up and coordinating calls with EMS.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Thanked Mayor Stephens, Brian Manwaring and the group that meets every morning and for the updates. Kudos to all employees for keeping the city running. Keeping everyone in her prayers. Read 2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Jance Curry-Witzman Seconded what Alderman Hughes said, working diligently and hard, keeping everything running, in these times.
Russell Brown Nothing
William Pierson 707 North Street, we let out a bid to cut down the tree, Ameren has cut a lot of it down, see if the bidder will decrease the bid. Also thanked everyone working hard during this time.
Gary McComb Will check on tree on North Street. Invited everyone to drive through the cemetery, looks great.
John Erbes On the news, report of percentage who answered the census? Mayor Stephens stated on the conference call, Jackson County has a near 70% response rate on the East side, other areas not as great, will send out an interactive map that shows the response. Appreciates the daily updates and echo all the other thanks to all.
Dan Bratton Seconded what everyone has said, thankful to everyone. 17th Street BBQ on Walnut is seeing a lot of action. Samron Asphalt plant – quite a project going on.
Mike Bastien Thanked everyone for their hard work.
Gloria Campos Great to live in Murphysboro. Monitor Governor’s orders regarding retail outlets.
W. J. Pittman Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Ed Heller Feels good to be among such competent people.
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Reminded everyone how vitally important completing the census
is. Put a reminder in the water bill message.
Ted Biggs Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Echoed the thanks to all the departments, employees and council members, appreciate their assistance.
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Everybody stay safe and healthy.
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To adjourn
| Motion by Alderman Bratton | Second by Alderman Bastien |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
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