City of Murphysboro City Council met May 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Murphysboro City Council Meeting
May 12, 2020
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances. 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 meetings. Alderman Erbes pointed out a typing error on the April 30, 2020, Special Meeting Minutes, which will be corrected.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 28, 2020, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman ErbesSecond by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
No Response: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 22, 2020, special council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman ErbesSecond by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
No Response: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 30, 2020, Public Hearing. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman ErbesSecond by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
No Response: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 30, 2020, special council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman ErbesSecond by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
No Response: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Alderman Bratton stated he would abstain due to Nicole Smelter on register #920.
Alderman Erbes asked if could get a list of the businesses that received the MERCE
Grant with the business name listed.
Alderman Campos stated she would abstain due to the Wells, Building Services and
Glam Salon on register #920.
Alderman Hughes inquired as to:
#921 page 9 $35,000 payment was for Vogler Ford truck for Water Dept. not
Sentinel Emergency Solutions. (Computer glitch)
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #920 & #921 through May 12, 2020, accounts receivable through April 30, 2020, and payroll through April, 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 roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos
No Response: Alderman Brown
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: Mr. Evans stated that the February sales tax received in May is a very good number. Next month will start seeing the outcome of the shutdown. The Citywide Balance Sheet shows the assets are up from year end. Income Statement shows a surplus in every fund except Seized Assets, which is a timing issue, and Downtown TIF, which won’t see anything for a few years. Alderman Pierson asked about the transfer to Water for $150,000? $50,000 per month is earmarked to help fund the loan repayment of the WWTP and sewer replacement.
Consideration of Financing: Fire Department Extrication Equipment and Water Department Truck: Mr. Evans stated he received financing quotes from First Bank & Trust: 3.75% for each purchase for either three or five years. These purchases are both budgeted but this would help manage cash flow. Alderman Bratton asked Alderman Pittman if Ford has free financing? If so, keep that in the motion. Alderman Pittman stated not for municipalities. Alderman Hughes stated 3.75% isn’t bad and it is with a local bank. Mayor Stephens stated he agreed with Alderman Bratton. Alderman Pittman also agreed. Alderman Hughes asked if she should abstain, due to her connection at First Bank & Trust? Mayor Stephens stated thinks it is ok.
Motion: To obtain financing for the Fire Department Extrication Equipment and Water Department Truck from First Bank & Trust for five years at a rate of 3.75%.
Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
No Response: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Consideration of Offer to Purchase the Property at 308 North 12th Street: Mayor Stephens stated this is next door to the Public Works Building, asking $15,000 for it. Mr. Mills stated it would be beneficial. Mayor Stephens stated he does not see a need for it, if we bought it would tear it down and use the lot for storage. Alderman McComb stated he doesn’t see any need for it. Alderman Pierson also stated he doesn’t see any need for it, then spend money to tear it down and haul away. Mayor Stephens stated he will let the owners know the city is not interested.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Agreement with Murphysboro Trap Inc. for Use of Shooting Range: Alderman McComb stated they are no longer associated with the High School, could only shoot so many months. Scott Strack stated had a great season last year, changing due to the Scholastic Clay Program. They have formed a not-for-profit and have applied for 501(c) status. Value is the increase in insurance per person and of the range, insured year round. Gives flexibility of when we want to have a season. Can also keep graduating seniors who are going to college. Alderman McComb asked on the insurance, will the city be made out on it? Yes. Attorney Blake stated there is already an agreement for when it was with the High School, can adjust that agreement. Alderman Hughes asked for Chief Ellermeyer’s input. Chief Ellermeyer stated he met with the school administration, Ted Rose and Scott Strack. It will still involve the kids at school, will still carry on and be able to shoot year round. Alderman Bratton asked if there will be more coordination with the sewer plant? Alderman McComb stated only when the city is mowing. Alderman Bratton stated set up the agreement so all are notified.
Motion: To approve the use of the Shooting Range by Murphysboro Trap Inc.
Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
No Response: Alderman Brown, Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
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.
Public comment: Alderman McComb asked if considering opening barber and beauty shops with restrictions. Mayor Stephens stated he thought they should be opened up but are regulated by the state, could face backlash if they go against the order. Feels they should be able to with facemasks, etc. Alderman Erbes stated not much sense that dogs can be groomed but not people. Alderman Bratton stated would be a $1000 fine and possible revocation of their license. Alderman Hughes asked if we could check with the State Board? See if the Licensing Board has issued something. Mayor Stephens stated can investigate this.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Request from Murphysboro Main Street: All Together Now Campaign: Alderman Bastien asked if there was anything other than the email they sent. Mayor Stephens stated do not have anything other than the email. Spoke to Jaime Green and hanging the ribbons is the only part of the plan they need permission for.
Motion: To approve the Request from Murphysboro Main Street to hang ribbons on the city poles on Walnut Street as part of their All Together Now Campaign.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Pittman
Alderman Bastien called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Ms. Green was able to join the meeting via telephone later in the meeting, had technical issues earlier. She thanked the council for approving the ribbon placement. The Campaign is to show appreciation and provide encouragement and motivation to small businesses. The slogan is All Together Now and will roll out in three phases. They are having t-shirts made, a banner to go across the street, Phase 2 will have a couple of fundraisers and Phase 3 will be the grand re-opening of all small businesses.
No public comment.
Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Update on RR Clean-Up and Damage to Shomaker Dr.: Alderman Bratton stated he looked and could not see any damage. Mayor Stephens stated Alderman Erbes has expressed it is a portion over the old railroad bed. If want to submit a claim, will have to be done through the city attorney. Alderman Erbes stated should get an idea of the cost, there are more holes and cracks in that section. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mills if he would look at it and get an estimate of the cost to repair. Mr. Mills stated he will get a measurement and go from there. Alderman Bratton asked to check with the new asphalt plant on a cost, also. Mr. Kennedy stated he talked to the head engineer with AE Com and he gave a time limit of being done with dirt work next week, hydro-seeding in June and then plant trees this fall.
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 have not hear from the County. Emailed the entire County Board, Ryan Rawson is getting impatient, ready to pull out, cost of fencing is mounting. Attorney Blake stated Joe summers has submitted an FOIA regarding the county building, received some documents but not what he wanted so he filed another FOIA.
Discussion regarding No Parking on John Street: Alderman McComb stated this started as an alley, have twenty feet of right-of-way, asphalt is seven feet wide. Would like to have the city engineer stake the city right-of-way on each end. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Sheffer if he would take care of that. Mr. Sheffer stated yes. Alderman McComb asked to be notified when that was going to be done. Mayor Stephens stated he received an email from Stacy Mittendorf regarding the No Parking signs, stating does not see any reason for them to be on both sides, should allow parking on the house side. Feel always being watched and police being called and other incidents. Asked it to be removed altogether or on one side. Alderman McComb stated wants to see the stakes and see what the city’s is first. Thinks it is really city property, not the person who is complaining. Alderman Pittman stated it doesn’t seem like the residents who live there want no parking so think should remove the no parking signs.
Motion: To approve removing the No Parking signs on Jon Street.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
No Response: Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
New business:
Consideration of Final Draft of School Resource Officer Agreement: Chief Ellermeyer stated he has looked over the draft and it looks good. Attorney Blake stated the city will provide the School Resource Officer, school district will reimburse 75% of salary and benefits and will pay 100% of overtime. This is a three-year agreement to start with the 2020-2021 school year and has a 90-day notice provision for termination.
Motion: To approve the School Resource Officer Agreement.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Pittman.
Nays: None
Absent: None
No Response: Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Old business:
Alderman Hughes asked if there was any update on negotiations? Mayor Stephens stated there is no update at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Update on the Ruble Flooding Issue: Mr. Sheffer stated has made contact with David Canning and has mailed out to neighbors.
Consideration of Development at Route 13 and Country Club Road: Mayor Stephens stated the area is annexed, owned by Cliff Mills. Have new business, wanting to put up digital billboard and sell the lots to different businesses. Have an ordinance against that. Alderman Bratton stated he spoke to him, doesn’t have anyone lined up but works with other investors and is confident will be able to fill the lots. Willing to give the city some advertising, will use local people, would get us some sales tax. Thinks should do it. Should talk to Mr. Grither and if he still wants to put up sign, should do so. Thinks it will be good for Murphysboro, can limit the number of signs if we want. Alderman Bastien agreed with Alderman Bratton. Alderman McComb stated need to get these businesses in, need to re-do regarding these signs. Attorney Blake stated with the current zooming, billboards are only allowed in the Industrial District, others are grandfathered in with pre-existing zoning. This property that was annexed is zoned B2. Would have to let anybody in B2 zoning put up a billboard, can’t pick and choose. Will have to set forth standards for billboards in the B2 district. Will require a Public Hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals approving the amendments and then bring it back to the city council. Mayor Stephens asked if could establish a Billboard permit, where they have to apply, like a liquor license? Attorney Blake stated include permitting process within the zooming code, could make it Special Use permit. Mayor Stephens asked if the council wanted to do this, what is the timeline? Attorney Blake stated would have to put the procedures and standards together, hearing before the Zoning Board, put in the newspaper fifteen days prior, then the council. Alderman Erbes stated that was the issue when Mr. Grither asked for a billboard, would like to see the standards before moving forward. Alderman Hughes agreed. Mayor Stephens stated can look at other model ordinances. Alderman McComb stated need to look this over and see if can’t get this through and get this development going. Attorney Blake stated he does not think he has any other city’s ordinances but would not be hard to get. Mr. Kennedy stated he will get with Attorney Blake and pull some from other towns. Alderman Bratton asked how everyone feels, the purchase of property is time sensitive. Alderman Pittman stated is okay with billboard along that section, if set some distance between them. Alderman Brown stated he is okay with it, need some businesses. Alderman Pierson stated he is in favor of the process but could have all the B2 wanting, really need to research it. Alderman Hughes stated she agrees with Alderman Pierson, cautiously in favor but would like more information. Alderman Curry-Witzman stated she remembered the discussion from Grither’s but not the details. Alderman Bratton stated will pass on that the majority are in favor but need more research on it. Alderman Erbes asked what are we being asked to do? Mayor Stephens stated amend the ordinance to allow a billboard to be built, critical to his ability to go forward with the sale. Alderman Bratton stated the city would receive space for free advertising, tornado/weather alerts, etc.
Update on the Waste Water Treatment Plant Road: Mr. Sheffer stated the pond has been pumped out several times. Looking at the possibility of changing the alignment of the road. Mayor Stephens stated conditions are never going to be perfect. Alderman McComb asked if want to keep the pond? Mr. Sheffer stated no but no place to drain it. Alderman McComb asked if could put a culvert at the bottom? Mr. Sheffer stated there is several feet of mud at the bottom.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb HughesEveryone stay safe, thanked the Mayor for the updates.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell BrownNothing
William PiersonStated get that road done. Can’t see why can’t get 400’ of road done.
Gary McCombNothing
John ErbesNothing
Dan BrattonLike to see the WWTP road done, light a fire under them.
Mike BastienNothing
Gloria CamposNothing
W. J. PittmanNothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard BlakeNothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer 1. AECom is done at the Ameren site except water main, waiting for river to lower. Has looked at, trying to close it out, will get with Ms. Ripley regarding any outstanding bills. Mayor Stephens would like to be included in the meeting tomorrow. 2. Checking with ET Simonds for cost to do the intersections. 3. A Fast Track Capital Gains Initiative came out today, will look at it.
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Walking both Ameren sites tomorrow, 10:00 by the river.
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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