City of Murphysboro City Council met April 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:03 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 (6:20), 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 April 14, 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 Bastien |
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
Alderman Erbes inquired as to:
#913 page 4 Two identical hotel charges? First two weeks of fire academy for new hire.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #913 through April 28, 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 Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos
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 the Cash Report has increased since the end of year 2019. Income Tax Receipts are approximately $5000 more than the month’s average.
MERCE Grant: Mayor Stephens stated have received around sixteen applications for the MERCE Grant. So far. Thanked Ms. Ripley for dealing with the applications.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
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.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Update on RR Clean-up and Damage to Shomaker Drive: Mr. Kennedy stated he talked to the Project Manager last week, nothing new, have not looked at it in the last week. Alderman Erbes stated he drove by today, continues to break up, east of the new surfacing. Mayor Stephens stated have spoken to them but have not gotten commitment from them, will continue to monitor.
New business:
Consideration of Bids Received for Sidewalk Improvements: Mayor Stephens stated a $100,000.00 grant was received through efforts of Terri Bryant. Received four bids:
- Rodney Evard Strang - $251,395, (does not say what bag mix);
- Samron Midwest Contracting - $179,969 (6 bag mix);
- ET Simonds - $253,472.53 (6 bag mix);
- Concrete Works - $119,000 (5 bag mix/3000 PSI)
Motion: To approve the bid of $119,000.00 from Concrete Works, going with 6 Bag mix and the increase in pricing due to that and will have to eliminate some sidewalks.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Bratton |
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
No Response: Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson
Absent: Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
Consideration of Purchase of New Truck for the Water Maintenance Department:
Motion: To approve purchasing the new service truck for the Water Department from Vogler Ford if they will match the bid of $35,540.00 received from Lakewood Ford.
| Motion by Alderman Bastien | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien.
Nays: None
No Response: Alderman Pierson
Abstain: Alderman Pittman
Absent: Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
Public comment: Alderman Erbes stated he had a resident contact him concerning access to the storage yard. Went to get a sticker and was told had to have a truck. Mr. Mills stated this is the first time he is hearing this. Alderman Erbes stated this person has a new SUV and was going to borrow a truck. Mayor Stephens stated he will look into it.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding the Gillenberg Property: Mayor Stephens stated it continues to be an embarrassment and is in a dilapidated state. Attorney Heller stated been trying to plug back into engineer’s data. Was always said that wall was not stable. They have said they are not going to stabilize the wall. If can get that data can sit down. Joe Summers filled out a FOIA request to get that information.
Discussion regarding No Parking on John Street: Alderman McComb stated he thought was going to go East. Resident that wants no parking is harassing the other people, told them to go to the police. Thought East from 7th Street. Alderman Bratton stated he agreed with Alderman McComb. Mayor Stephens asked if there is a motion to change it? Would like to hear from the residents. City Clerk Hunziker stated that the ordinance has not been passed yet, was tabled for more review at the March 24th and April 14th meeting. Will need a motion to approve the ordinance and new paperwork. Attorney Heller stated that is correct, still on the debate. Mayor Stephens stated leave on the agenda.
New business:
Discussion Regarding Request for a Stop Sign at South 19th & Edith Street: Mayor Stephens stated Chief Ellermeyer spoke with the residents and the Mayor. If stop sign put up here would be three blocks in a row with a stop sign, don’t support that. Satisfied with a children at play sign and more patrols. Mr. Mills stated he spoke to Chief Ellermeyer, will have new signs up Wednesday. Alderman Pittman stated he sat a block away for an hour, counted fourteen cars that ran the stop sign at 19th and Division Street, patrol would help. Mayor Stephens stated he appreciated the extra effort of Alderman Pittman and Chief Ellermeyer checking it out.
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 the Ruble Flooding Issue: Mr. Sheffer stated will need to contact some landowners by mail, attempting to contact in person first.
Consideration of Appointment of Carl Alexander to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board: Mayor Stephens read a letter from Carl Alexander expressing his interest in serving on the Sallie Logan Public Library Board.
Motion: To approve the appointment of Carl Alexander to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Brown |
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
No Response: Alderman Pierson
Absent: Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
Consideration of Bid for the Awning at 1400 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated Yates Awning bid is $9900.00. Approve $4950.00 – 50% - for material and to get started.
Motion: To approve $4950.00 for material and to get started for the Awning Bid at 1400 Walnut Street.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Brown, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
No Response: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb
Absent: Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
Waste Water Treatment Plant Road: Mr. Sheffer stated pumping out the water, trying to prevent having to put down rock, which would drive the price up.
Overlay Project: Mr. Sheffer stated meeting next week.
Safe Route to School Project: Mr. Sheffer stated Samron had the lowest bid of $82,323.50.
Roadwork Repairs at Ameren Site: Mr. Sheffer stated Samron is doing the roadwork repairs by the Ameren site on South 2nd Street.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Thanked all employees in the front line for keeping the city running at this time.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell Brown Nothing
William Pierson Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Dan Bratton Nothing
Mike Bastien Nothing
Gloria Campos Absent
W. J. Pittman Saw the sign on Walnut Street, road construction starts May 11, resurfacing project? Yes.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Ed Heller Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer For the Overlay Project, look at the worst intersections, get pricing
and see if want to do these.
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Tim Lee Thanked all for consideration of the new truck.
Brian Manwaring Thanked all for cooperation and help during COVDI-19.
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To adjourn
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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