City of Murphysboro City Council met July 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 July, 2020. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. and led the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. He thanked the High School Administration and Staff for making the High School auditorium available for the council meeting
Mayor Stephens then requested a moment of silence in remembrance of former Mayor Chris Grissom, who had passed away earlier in the week.
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, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman
Absent:Gary McComb, John Erbes
Presentation of Resolution Honoring Ron Clark: Mayor Stephens read the Resolution honoring Ron Clark upon his retirement from the Murphysboro Fire Department after serving more than 30 years. Chief McBride presented Ron with one of his original Captain’s helmets.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 23, 2020, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman HughesSecond by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #963, #964 & #965 through July 14, 2020, accounts receivable through June 30, 2020, and payroll through June, 2020. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Bratton
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:
Update on Mobile Ranch Action on Delinquent Water Bill and License Fees: Attorney Heller stated the citation has been drafted but not served yet. Included the additional concern regarding water meters, to meter individually. Their answer would be for the city to go back to master meter, bill the owner for water and sewer and the trailer park can bill the tenants. If they read the city meters and bill the tenants then they will have to have a qualified operator so will have to go to a flat rate. The city expense will go down considerably. EPA started this process. So their recommendation is to get the water system back into the trailer park’s hands. Mayor Stephens stated the city should move to billing off the master meter and be corresponding with the parent company regarding that and the licensing fees. Alderman Pierson asked if they will be meters individually?, No, change the meters to old ones.
Motion: To authorize the Water Billing Department and the Water Department to prepare to move water service to master meter billing and give the city attorney the authority to collect the past due fees.
Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
New Business:
Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated the sales tax received in July from April sales saw an increase over last month and last year, probably due to large box store sales. Operating Expenses vs. Budget showed revenue down partly due to income taxes not in yet. The Schedule of Bank Loans shows the current balances. Mayor Stephens stated the April sales tax receipts is good news.
Consideration of TIF Application for 1214 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated Whitney and Cheryl Endres are relocating their business to the building they bought at 1214 Walnut Street. They have provided a project overview, concerning renovations, new employee hires, etc. The TIF has been recommended by Moran Economic Development at an annual reimbursement of 60%. Alderman Bratton asked 60%, up to fifteen years, with a limit of $125,000.00? Mayor Stephens stated the assessor’s value could differ, they are doing the top end.
Motion: To adopt the recommendation from Moran Development to approve the TIF application for Whitney & Cheryl Endres d/b/a Idea Creative Marketing Inc. at 1214 Walnut Street.
Motion by Alderman CamposSecond by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Discussion regarding Grant Application by Revitalize 62966 Art Committee: Shirley Krienert, representing Revitalize 62966, is part of the art committee. She discussed some of their plans: wall murals on downtown buildings, idea to make large concrete apples at each school and decorated by different groups, portraits behind Smysor Plaza and more portraits throughout downtown, hope to erect a Carl Lee statue. Currently trying to secure Our Town, a federal grant that provides matching funds of which they already have a sizeable pool of approximately $20,000-25,000, in monetary and in-kind donations. Would like to have a letter from the Mayor to include with their application. The grant is anywhere from $25,000 to $150,000. Mayor Stephens asked if they are requesting a letter of support to go with their grant application? Yes. Ms. Krienert stated may come back at a future date to request assistance with maintenance of the statue. Will also have an apple embedded in all the murals and will have plaques with the portraits and a QR/barcode for smart phones to pull up information.
Motion: To provide a letter of support for Revitalize 62966 to include with their Our Town Grant application.
Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Public comment:
#1 Karen Lavender: They are tearing down the house on N. 9th Street, not zoned for a parking lot, do not need another parking lot. What is that going to do to our property values? Plus concerned about the sewer lines, they have been repaired several times. Mayor Stephens stated the Housing Authority purchased the lot on N. 9th Street to make another parking lot. Has reached out to Oueida Mills and will continue to ask questions. Mrs. Lavender asked about the zoning. Mayor Stephens stated that a parking lot does not have to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
#2 Vern Cline: Lives on N 9th Street. Is concerned about the houses being torn down. This is the third house torn down this summer. Would like the Housing Authority to put attractive fence around it. This is a good town for families but if we keep tearing down historical houses, won’t be very pretty. Hopefully the parking lot will only have one entrance/exit on 8th Street. People are using our property as drive-thru’s and our driveway, also. Is also concerned about more crime. Hopes the city will stand up for our neighborhoods.
#3 Ms. Brigitta Mac-Rizzo: Director of the Jackson County Housing Authority, asked for anyone who would like to talk to her about their intentions for that property or anything else, to call her at 684-3183. Mayor Stephens thanked Ms. Mac-Rizzo and stated he would be reaching out.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding Condition of Properties: NE Corner of 17th & Walnut and SW Corner of 17th & Walnut: Alderman Bastien requested these be tabled.
New business:
Consideration of Proposal to Establish a Downtown Historic District: Jamie Green and Rachel Ensor with Murphysboro Main Street spoke regarding a proposal written a year ago. Phase 1 will cost $8500, will be from 8th to 17th Streets. Would like to move forward with establishing a Downtown Historic District. Will work with the Historic Preservation Society, Ms. Ensor and the Code Office and create a clear process in order to figure out the benefits people can get from this. Here to be transparent and give an update of their progress. This is a choice for property owners. Phase 2 is when they will have luncheons and evening gatherings to educate business owners and those that are interested in purchasing buildings as to what this can do for them. Alderman Hughes stated at one time there was a line item in the budget, could it be used for this? Mayor Stephens stated he does not think they are asking for funds. Ms. Green stated they already have Phase 1 funded. She did a virtual session. The Illinois Historic Tax Fund is available to owners to put towards the cost of rehabbing but are only eligible if they have a Historic District. Ms. Green stated it does not cancel out the TIF. Ms. Ensor stated they are all made to dovetail. Alderman Hughes asked if complete separate area, separate rules? Ms. Ensor stated same rules, different area. Going to do field research, will go from 8th to 17th Streets and north and south of Walnut to create an inventory of what is there and the history and information on the buildings. Phase 2 will include making a local Historic District. Will make recommendations of what they think should be one. Will apply to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency in Springfield. This will be great for downtown and Murphysboro and will keep the buildings from being torn down. The Historic Preservation Commission in Murphysboro will have the oversight. Alderman Bratton asked if you own an old home will it have to be included? No. If I join, will they tell what color I can paint? That is a covenant. Alderman Pierson asked if I am a new owner and the building is already in the historical district, can I opt out? No. What percentage has to be declared historic? More than 61%, that is why we are doing the survey. Alderman Campos asked how is the building protected nationally? By Springfield but if they have not taken any tax credits/benefits, more than likely Springfield can’t do anything.
No public comment.
Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Update on RR Clean-Up and Damage to Shomaker Dr.: Mayor Stephens stated he has communicated with the Railroad concerning the request for funds to help repair/resurface this section of Shomaker and they will be sending a check for $44,776.00 to go towards the cost.
Update on Status of the Road to the Wastewater Treatment Plant: Alderman Bratton stated he heard the contractor is going to try and start this week? Mr. Sheffer answered yes.
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 he spoke to Ryan Rawson who will be starting next week. Alderman Brown stated the weeds are as tall as the fence. Mayor Stephens stated he also mentioned that to Mr. Rawson and he said he will take care of it.
New business: Nothing at this time.
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 they have made contact with one of the landowner’s but still not with Scott Lee.
Discussion regarding Noise from Asphalt Plant: Mayor Stephens stated he has met with Samron, their engineering firm is looking at ways to dampen the sound. He received an email from a resident who lives in the Bob-A-Rosa Subdivision who stated they are not worried about the noise, it is not bad at all.
Update on the Walnut Street Resurfacing Project: Mayor Stephens stated they will begin work on July 20 and will work each evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Consideration of Renaming Town Center Park to Carl Lee Park: Mayor Stephens stated that in light of everything that is going on across the country, ha has had meeting with African American members of the community and has learned a lot. Carl Lee Day was declared in 1876. In 1916 he attempted to desegregate the Murphysboro schools. He earned two law degrees, served on multiple committees and boards in Murphysboro and the state and was a principal for 38 years. Alderman Brown stated he did a lot for the black community and in 1976 they started the Black Alumni society. Alderman Campos stated that with what we are going through right now, this is a great idea. Alderman Bratton stated that everything he has heard is that he was a wonderful man, would be nice to have the Smysor Trust blessing on this. In the future would like to see this type of thing brought to the council, get a list of others that are in this community. Alderman Brown stated he has spoken to several members of the Smysor Trust and they do not have a problem with this.
Motion: To approve Renaming Town Center Park to Carl Lee Park.
Motion by Alderman HughesSecond by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb HughesStated it is nice to see everyone.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell BrownNothing
William PiersonNothing
Gary McCombAbsent
John ErbesAbsent
Dan BrattonNothing
Mike BastienNothing
Gloria CamposNothing
W. J. PittmanNothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Ed HellerNothing
Sandra RipleyNothing
Scott EvansNothing
Harold ShefferNothing
Steve McBrideNothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Absent
Tim Lee Moving forward on the water main at the hotel site.
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing (joined the meeting through teleconference)
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Leandra Bryant Nothing
Motion: To go into executive session at 7:38 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) meetings on collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.
Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Curry-Witzman
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:51 p.m.
Motion by Alderman BrattonSecond by Alderman Campos
Yeas:Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays:None
Absent: Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume regular council meeting at 7:52 p.m.
Motion by Alderman PiersonSecond by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion Carried
Motion: To adopt the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Murphysboro Clerical and the Laborers’ International Union of North America, the Southern and Central Illinois Laborers’ District Council and Laborers’ Local Union 773 for the duration of May 1, 2019, through April 30, 2023.
Motion by Alderman BastienSecond by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adopt the Agreement between the City of Murphysboro, Illinois, and Local No. 3042, International Association of Firefighters (AFL-CIO) for the duration of January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2024.
Motion by Alderman HughesSecond by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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