City of Murphysboro City Council met June 9

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

Jul 24, 2020

City of Murphysboro City Council met June 9.

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 6:02 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:

Hughes, Jance Curry-Witzman, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent: Russell Brown

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Erbes asked that on page 5 under Mayor’s Report, his remarks be changed from “he” to “the developer”, for clarification.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 26, 2020, council meeting, with the clarification requested by Alderman Erbes. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Hughes inquired as to:

#932 page 13 Target Solutions Learning? Training software for the Fire

Department.

Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#932 page 1Ashley Rowell? Mileage for Telecommunicator Emergency Medical

Dispatcher training in St. Louis.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #931 & #932 through June 9, 2020, accounts receivable through May 29, 2020, and payroll through May, 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

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:

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated the Sales Tax is up $8000 from the previous year, this is a good number. Will see next month, will be the April tax revenue. Other taxes are down due to COVID19. Mayor Stephens asked if the reports were still available at the regular time or did he get this one sooner? Mr. Evans stated he did receive the report sooner than normal this month.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Shooting Range Agreement with Murphysboro Trap: Alderman McComb asked that this be tabled until the next meeting so that Mayor Stephens, Chief Ellermeyer, himself, Ted Rose and Scott Strack can meet. The agreement states improvements were done by the school and they were not. Mayor Stephens stated that would be fine.

Public comment: Holly Thompson stated as a resident, living close by, this is a great opportunity for her son and he really enjoys it. This is not just for the high school but also for home school and private school students. She hopes that the council will consider how much the youth will get from this.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Request for use of Daum Building Parking Lot – Murphysboro Main Street, Saturday, June 27th & Wednesday, July 1st:

Motion: To approve the Request for the use of the Daum Building Parking Lot by Murphysboro Main Street June 27th & July 1st.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request for Street Closures by Murphysboro Park District on Monday, July 6th: Alderman Erbes stated he appreciated Mr. Fry submitting the map also. His concern is there needs to be auxiliary behind Farm Fresh, to direct traffic down the alley. Alderman Bratton suggested turning it over to Chief Ellermeyer to look over and decide what is needed. Alderman Erbes stated that is fine.

Motion: To approve the Request for Street Closures by the Murphysboro Park District on July 6th.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

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 Dr.: Alderman Bratton stated it looks like they are done. Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to the lead of the company doing the clean-up recently and made him aware of the situation of extra wear and tear on the road and forwarded the information regarding repair. The lead said he will forward it to his contact at Canadian Railroad. They will be back in July to do some landscaping.

Update on Status of the Road to the Wastewater Treatment Plant: Mayor Stephens stated they had a meeting with the lead person from Sierro Bravo. Lead said bad weather, conditions not good. Mayor Stephens asked him if he still wants to do the project and he said yes. Looking to see if they can do any realigning so the pond can be less of a factor. Mr. Sheffer is looking at that. Mr. Sheffer stated they met Monday, looking at realigning with the end of Jackie’s driveway. Better than putting more dirt on part of the pond. Alderman McComb asked why so worried about the pond? Doesn’t go under as much as the other part. That is no excuse. Mr. Sheffer stated the lead is worried about damaging the road, told him we are not worried about that. They are wanting it to be drier by the pond so they can there equipment down there.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Holly Thompson asked will the culverts cause higher flooding where she lives? Mr. Sheffer stated no, will not reach that high, should help it flow better.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding the Gillenberg Property: Mayor Stephens stated he believes Joe Summers has gotten the reports he needed to move forward.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business:

Mayor Stephens stated believes they have tentative agreements with the clerical and fire department. May be a few details to iron out. May have something for the next meeting. Alderman Hughes stated she agreed and would like to have Mark at the next meeting to present the agreements and to answer any questions.

New business:

Alderman Hughes asked Ms. Ripley if scheduling interviews on the 15th for patrol person? Yes. Alderman Hughes stated she is available that day and asked to let her know when 30 day reviews are scheduled.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Update on the Ruble Flooding Issue: Mayor Stephens stated he received a call from Mike Austin, who reported there are some beaver dams between the entrance to the high school and the railroad that we may want to take a look at and there are some downed trees between Blackwood Drive and back of his home that may impede drainage. Mr. Sheffer stated they have made contact with Scott Lee and Dan Canning but have not been able to contact Anthony Muighbors, so they sent a certified letter, he does receive mail at 7 N. 17th Street. Alderman Bratton asked when the school district is going to take some financial responsibility, Mr. Mills has dug these out numerous times. Mayor Stephens stated may need to revisit, have hired a new superintendent, he will discuss in his meeting with her.

Continuation of Review and Discussion of Billboard Ordinances: Mayor Stephens stated he has spent some time looking at this. If want to allow the process to vote to recommend to the Zoning Board of Appeals as a special use permit to allow in B2. Thinks should allow minimum distance between at 1000 feet on the same side. This would have each one reviewed individually and can charge a permit fee. Attorney Heller outlined the process then stated it does have to go to the Board of Appeals, will need to coordinate the details. Mayor Stephens stated he does think they should be no larger than 600 square feet per side, posts no more than 25 feet high and signs no more than 30 feet high. 1000 feet would allow Mr. Grither to put one up if he so wanted. Could send to the council for feedback and get the ordinance ready for the next meeting. Alderman Bratton stated Mr. Robertson asked if there will still be retail allowed? Yes. Attorney Heller stated it would not change any other uses in B2. Alderman Hughes asked would still stay B2 and change ordinance for special use. Mayor Stephens stated special use allowed within B2, would not change anything else. Alderman Hughes asked if would review case by case? Yes. Alderman Erbes stated concerned about opening the door, appreciates the 1000 foot minimum, would be agreeable to 1000 feet limit. Mayor Stephens stated do not want it too restrictive. Alderman Pierson asked what about the existing signs? Mayor Stephens stated he wrote it down as new billboards must maintain 1000 feet minimum distance, will have to think about it some more. Alderman Erbes stated should be any existing billboards and any new going forward. Alderman Hughes stated she agreed, mixed emotions but like the 1000 feet and should include the existing. Mayor Stephens stated if it is special use the city can charge, for example, $500 for a permit. Attorney Heller stated the city can charge, not sure of the amount. Alderman Hughes stated $500 is not a significant amount. Alderman Pittman stated most people constructing the billboard don’t own the property. Mayor Stephens stated can be a difference between the permit fee for a digital sign and a stationary sign.

Discussion regarding Location of Council Meeting on June 23rd: Mayor Stephens stated with all the re-opening, may be too soon to meet in person. Would like to look at the first meeting in July, will most likely be in the next phase, can see how things are going. Alderman Pierson stated July sounds better. Alderman Hughes agreed. Alderman McComb stated could have everyone wear a mask. Mayor Stephens stated he would also like to get back to in-person meetings. Alderman Erbes stated maybe wait until July meeting to discuss contracts, easier to discuss in person.

Appointment of Bruce Leonard to the Historic Preservation Commission:

Motion: To approve the appointment of Bruce Leonard to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Unity Rally: Mayor Stephens stated he has spoken to several pastors and there are some conflicts with Thursday, June 11, so postponing to a future date. Alderman Hughes stated thinks it is a wonderful thing to have. Put on the web site that it has been postponed and maybe Facebook. Hope it is just postponed and will happen. Mayor Stephens stated he will do that.

Concerns regarding noise from new asphalt plant: Mayor Stephens stated he was contacted by several residents in Bo-A-Rosa subdivision concerning the volume of noise from the new asphalt plant. He went to that location and it is louder that he thought it would be. Will put on the agenda for the next meeting.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb HughesNothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Public safety item – north side of Shomaker across from Tri County School, bottom of tree growing, come down from 17th Street, you can’t see, not sure if the city can cut back or personal property. Mayor Stephens will have Mr. Mills look at.

Russell Brown Absent

William Pierson Nothing

Gary McCombHas four kids for the Community Service Program to clean up

Shomaker and another spot in the morning. Mayor Stephens stated he appreciates Alderman McCombs’s hard work with the kids and our community.

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Thanked the Mayor and the attorneys for working on the billboard

issue, want to make sure we get the spacing right.

Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria Campos Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Ed HellerNothing

Sandra RipleyHear the city-wide clean-up was a great success, glad we provide that service. Mr. Mills stated approximately 15 dumpsters were filled.

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Absent

Jamie Ellermeyer The two officers hired graduated from the academy & have passed their test – Caleb Clover & Ben Thomas. Thomas scored #1 academically.

Eric Kennedy Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle: Nothing

Leandra Bryant Absent

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.