Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met June 23.

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:

Present:Barb Hughes, Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent: Dan Bratton

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 9, 2020, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Campos inquired as to:

#962 page 3 ESA? Sewer

#962 page 4 Kerber, Eck & Braeckel – 2 identical payments? Split between General Fund and Water & Sewer

#962 page 6 Southern Business Machines? Annual contract for postage machine

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #960, #961 & #962 through June 23, 2020. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Erbes

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 Balance Sheet as of May 31, 2020, compared to 2019, is slightly ahead. The Income Statement for the first five months, all funds have done decently. Since the water rate increase in January, the water fund is in a good place. The healthcare costs for the first five months are well within budget and doing well. Operating expenses are running under budget in most departments. Revenues are a little bit lower, can be attributed to the delay in income tax payment due to deadline being moved to July 15. Street Department and Insurance are negative, paid for the gravel which was charged to the Street Department line and insurance is paid quarterly so is a timing issue. Cash is approximately $200,000 down from March due to semi-annual loan payments.

Review and Approval of Prevailing Wage Ordinance: Attorney Heller stated have to pass this every year.

Motion: To approve the Prevailing Wage Ordinance.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Bastien

Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Bratton

Motion Carried

Mobile Ranch Action on Delinquent Water Bill and License Fees: Mayor Stephens stated there are issues with not paying the water bill and license fee for the last two years. Ms. Volle stated they have not made a payment in a year, owe almost $5000. Not responding to any attempts to contact them. It is a master meter. They have allowed some tenants to include water in their rent. Have turned this over to the attorney. Attorney Heller stated he is puzzled about how to do this. Small claims action and get a judgment against them but can’t get it from them very easily. Would have to garnish each tenant. Can site them for operating without a license each day but not a very effective method to collect. Can issue a cease and desist to operate as a Mobile Home Park but have citizens living there. Don’t have an effective tool. Alderman McComb asked if the owners are from California? Attorney Heller responded the investors are from California, think it is an Illinois company. Alderman McComb asked if ticket them and they don’t show up, issue a warrant? Attorney Heller asked warrant to who? Alderman McComb asked if can shut off the master. Attorney Heller stated citizens live there. Alderman Pierson stated he does not think you can shut off the master. Alderman Hughes asked if it is still a local manager? Attorney Heller stated he has not had contact with that person. Mayor Stephens stated the manager lives on site, has been in contact with him, he has reached out to owners. Should pursue operating without a license and stack up the fees and fines, will eventually get their attention. Don’t want to shut off the water. Do have to do something. Alderman Pittman asked if we know how many trailers are fed off the master? Can we switch those to individual meters and not allow a master? Mr. Lee stated all trailers have their own meter, connected to the master, get their water through it. Can see how many can set up individual service, will still have usage on the master for flushing, leaks, etc. Alderman Pittman stated bill individual, in our best interest. Attorney Heller stated trailer court owner leases trailers to tenants and water is included. Need to site daily or tell to cease and desist. Alderman Erbes asked if fines can be lien against the property? Attorney Heller stated yes but probably have a large bank loan in front of us. Alderman Campos stated fines will keep accumulating, more inclined to go with cease and desist and explain to the tenants so they can start moving or stop paying rent to the owner. Mayor Stephens asked regarding communication - US mail, certified letter? Attorney Heller send two certified letters of demand for payment and also sent email and have received no response. Mayor Stephens asked if should hire a debt collector? Attorney Heller stated that does not incentivize them to pay, debt collector can’t penetrate their finances. Alderman Pittman suggested issuing a citation tomorrow for operating without a license and do it every day. Could we do a lien or force a foreclosure? Attorney Heller stated can force into a foreclosure for any amount, considerable cost is involved, does get their attention. Alderman Pittman stated think would pay liens to keep their interest in the property, is it a bank loan or investors? Attorney Heller stated will find out tomorrow. Alderman Pittman asked if a motion is needed? Mayor Stephens stated no, will direct the city attorney to pursue the line that Alderman Pittman suggested. Attorney Heller stated he will do that.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Shooting Range Agreement with Murphysboro Trap: Mayor Stephens stated Scott Strack supports the agreement as it is currently written.

Motion: To approve the Shooting Range Agreement with Murphysboro Trap.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Campos

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

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.

No public comment.

Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding Condition of Property at the NE Corner of 17th & Walnut: Alderman Bastien stated he has had several complaints regarding the fenced area and the contents. Mayor Stephens stated he received an anonymous letter stating the property is unsightly and the city should do something about it. Alderman Bastien stated the attorneys are looking at options to deal with it. Attorney Heller stated they are looking at ways to address it. Alderman Bastien asked for it to be kept on the agenda. Alderman McComb asked what about the southwest corner? People want to see a roof and windows. Mayor Stephens stated he has nothing to report. He had assurances from other family members but it has not come to fruition. Alderman Bastien asked that it be added to the agenda.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business:

Update on RR Clean-Up and Damage to Shomaker Dr.: Mayor Stephens stated he worked with the city engineer regarding cost to fix and forwarded it to the project leader with AECom, who said the railroad would consider providing some restitution towards those repairs. Waiting to hear from them.

Update on Status of the Road to the Wastewater Treatment Plant: Mr. Sheffer stated they designed it around the pond and Jackie Streuter’s home. Will talk to Jackie regarding the realignment. Contractor said he is ready to go. Mayor Stephens stated thinks close to action on this.

New business:

Consideration of Bids for Surface Improvements to Walnut Street Intersections: Mayor Stephens stated taking a look at Walnut Street approaches that are the worst, get a lot of traffic. Mr. Sheffer stated he looked at them with Mr. Mills and compiled a list of the worst. Received two bids: E.T.Simonds for $44,561.88 and from Samron for $51,500.01. Mayor Stephens stated his only concern is do we have the money? Is this a need or just a want to do. Mr. Evans stated the Motor Fuel Fund has approximately $800,000. Earmarked out of that is for the 7th Street Project, our portion approximately $300,000. We can do it. Alderman McComb asked if it will be less than the oil and chip cost? Mr. Sheffer answered yes. Included North 7th Street but it will be oil and chip and can deduct. Mayor Stephens stated have targeted specific intersections. Alderman McComb stated it will be cheaper for E.T.Simonds while they are doing Walnut Street. Mr. Sheffer stated it would cost more to do it after Walnut Street is done. Mr. Evans asked if it is a bid for our cost? Mr. Sheffer stated parking lanes are included in the overall project, city’s portion is 20%.

Motion: To approve the bid of $44,561.88 from E.T.Simonds for Surface Improvements to Walnut Street Intersections.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Hughes

Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Bratton

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 has talked to the county. Contractor to bring the building down is to start next week. Alderman Hughes asked if will be the same contractor who started the demolition? Yes.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business:

Alderman Hughes stated by the next meeting should have contracts ready for council. These will be for clerical, public works and fire department.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Update on the Ruble Flooding Issue: Mr. Sheffer stated he talked to Scott Lee, who said it was more than he thought would have to give up. Will take his mother out to look at it and get back with him. Have not heard from anyone else.

Continuation of Review and Discussion of Billboard Ordinances: Mayor Stephens stated he received a letter from a resident on Robin Lane regarding the proposed billboard at that location, which stated they own property south of this property, is fairly quiet, would like the council to keep this in mind, not sure where it will be on the five acres. Mayor Stephens stated will need to check regarding distance between residential area and billboards. The letter also stated concerned about the bright lights, kids bedroom windows face that direction and are concerned about drainage issues. Council can recommend to the Zoning Board of Appeals that it be special use. Alderman Hughes stated that three different residents from the same area as the letter writer have contacted her. Mayor Stephens asked if there was any public comment on this matter and did not receive any reply. Alderman Pittman stated can prevent billboard but not business development there. Mayor Stephens stated the letter also said they hope the billboard is as close to Route 13 as possible and faces east and west if possible. Alderman McComb stated if the drainage is done right, there should not be any problems.

Motion: To approve the recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals the allowance of Billboards in areas zoned B2 as special use, $500.00 fee per year, minimum 1000 feet separation between billboards with existing billboards being included, no larger than 600 square feet, stand posts no taller than 25 feet high, billboard itself no taller than 30 feet high.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Hughes

Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman.

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Bratton

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding Noise from Asphalt Plant: Mayor Stephens stated he had received messages from residents of Bob-A-Rosa subdivision that it is very loud. He went out there and there is noise that can be heard there. Met with Mr. Fricke and Mr. Murray, they will research potential solutions to reduce noise and get back to Mayor Stephens.

Correspondence from Don Siefert: Mayor Stephens read a letter from Don Siefert commending Firemen Jim Murphy, Chris Morber and Dave Mason with their actions in attending to his wife Nancy. Chief McBride stated this same crew that same day had responded to a baby having difficulty breathing, arrived before the ambulance. Chief McBride received a call that they made a huge difference in that situation. Mayor Stephens told the firemen thank you so much, we greatly appreciate you.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb HughesAlso thanked the firefighters, doing a great job. Remember Chief Ellermeyer in our thoughts and prayers for his wife.

Jance Curry-Witzman Thanked Tim Lee and guys regarding the sink hole on her block, immediately came and filled it in.

Russell Brown Nothing

William Pierson Asked for some limbs to be picked up on Elm Street for some elderly folks.

Gary McComb Nothing

John Erbes Also thanked the firefighters stating they make a difference in our city.

Dan Bratton Absent

Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria Campos Thanked the firemen for their service, brought a big smile to her heart, congratulated Chief McBride on his staff.

W. J. Pittman Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Ed HellerNothing

Sandra Ripley Thanked Brian Manwaring for always being there in his multiple roles.

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Absent

Eric Kennedy Nothing

Tim Lee Chris McRoy is retiring after 37 years with the city, worked in the

Street Department for several years, last day is Friday.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Absent (vacation)

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle: Shout out to Chris McRoy on his retirement after 37+ years of service to the city.

Leandra Bryant Absent

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman Campos

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

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