City of Murphysboro City Council Met July 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 invited Pastor Jerry Hickam to lead 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: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos (teleconference)
Absent: Barb Hughes, W.J. Pittman
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 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 Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman Bratton inquired as to:
#981 page 3 Digiop-replaced camera recorder? In all the city buildings
page 2 Commercial door, ½ payment – MYRC door, we split the cost
page 6 Jackson Growth – hold until we get a report on what they have done? Mayor Stephens stated he has spoken to Brooke Guthman and she will get a report to us.
page 9 Wal-Mart – window air conditioner unit? To replace the one at the MYRC loading dock storage area.
Alderman Pierson inquired as to:
How much has been spent on concrete for sidewalks, how far done? Mr. Mills stated approximately half way done.
Alderman Erbes inquired as to:
#981 page 10 Awning – reimbursed by the grant? Yes, 100% reimbursed.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #981 through July 28, 2020, except the check to Jackson Growth Alliance. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Old Business:
Mobile Ranch Action on Failure to Apply for Mobile Home Park License and Pay License Fees, Failure to Pay Water Bills and Restructuring of Water Rates: Attorney Blake stated Attorney Heller had sent a letter to the individual in California. They have paid the delinquent water bill but have not paid the licensing fees or applied or addressed the water billing situation. Attorney Heller followed up with again addressing the water metering and the licensing fees. Mayor Stephens asked how much is that? $441,000, which is three years of licensing fees. The water bill was approximately $4900.00.
Consideration of Ordinance Authorizing TIF Redevelopment Agreement with Idea Creative Marketing Inc. for 1214 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens asked if this is the formalization of the agreement? Attorney Blake answered yes. Alderman Bratton asked who the applicants were - Cheryl and Whitney Endres.
Motion: To approve the Ordinance Authorizing TIF Redevelopment Agreement with Idea Creative Inc.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Erbes
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 tax receipts are the same or better than this time last year. The city’s cash position is higher than May so are in a good position. The audit report should be ready to be presented in the near future.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business: Nothing at this time.
Alderman McComb asked if Mr. Mills could research the cost to buy a machine to fill the potholes, will help maintain the streets better. Mr. Mills stated he will do that.
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.
Mayor Stephens stated he had received an email from Jackson County Housing Authority Director Brigitta Mac-Rizzo regarding the parking lot next to the high rise. She stated that it will be used by the Jackson County Housing Authority as a parking lot for maintenance vehicles, not residents. They will fence three sides and use 8th Street as the entrance. They will also install lighting and cameras to monitor that area.
No public comment.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding Condition of Properties:
1.NE Corner of 17th & Walnut:
2.SW Corner of 17th & Walnut: Alderman Bastien asked that these be tabled and removed from the agenda until further notice.
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 have received the check from the railroad for the damage, is approximately half of the cost, hold that until we see how the city’s finances are.
Update on Status of the Road to the Wastewater Treatment Plant: Alderman Bratton stated they have started on it. Hauled out stumps, more than they told Mr. Mills, will deal with that.
New business:
Consideration of Immanuel Lutheran Proposal for Alley Improvement: Alderman Bratton stated have an estimate from Samron, will be $2000 less if done at the same time. Need to keep the semi’s out of the alley, lot of wear and tear on it and from the trash trucks. Mayor Stephens stated should move forward with the resurfacing, not that much money. Alderman McComb agreed. Alderman Pierson stated the alley has sunk between the church and Farm Fresh. Mr. Manwaring stated the city lowered the storm grate due to a drainage issue. Alderman Pierson asked if will need to do something to the storm drain? Mr. Sheffer stated he will need to look at it, may need to put more base in there. Alderman Bratton asked when the parking lot work is scheduled for? Mr. Manwaring stated as soon as possible, not sure a date has been set. Alderman Pierson asked if it can be paid for with the motor fuel tax? Mr. Sheffer answered yes. Alderman Erbes stated he is in favor of it but wait until the next meeting to get more information. Mayor Stephens asked if the church will wait until the next meeting? Mr. Manwaring stated he felt they would. Mayor Stephens stated will have Mr. Sheffer look at it.
Alderman Erbes stated repair on Shomaker should be done all the way to 17th Street when it is done.
No public comment.
Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Bar Occupancy Issues: Chief McBride stated he was contacted by the Health Department, had received complaints regarding occupancy limits at bars, which is 25%. We establish occupancy based on square footage and post on the door with the Life Safety Code. Asked if the city would like him to do this or stay with the status quo? Mayor Stephens stated he thinks it ought to be done. Asked about the amount of time would be consumed to get this together? Chief McBride stated it would be him, would have to go to each bar and do the figuring. Don’t know if a fee would be attached, should be the same each year. Alderman Brown stated had to shut down the old American Legion in the past due to too many people. Chief McBride stated the new American Legion is fully sprinklers now so is ok. Mayor Stephens stated it is the responsible thing to do but not a burdensome fee. Alderman Bastien stated go forward but no fee.
Motion: To approve Chief McBride establish occupancy based on square footage and post at each door of the bars.
Motion by Alderman Bratton
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens 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 he made contact with Scott Lee, wants the city to make an offer on the 6.7 acres. Been working with Attorney Blake and contact with another resident. If apply for grants, will need permit from the railroad, review and permit involve fees. But the permits need to be in hand to apply for the grants. Mayor Stephens stated he is in favor of beginning the pursuit of the permit.
Motion: To approve Mr. Sheffer to pursue the permits needed for the grant application process.
Motion by Alderman Bratton
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Discussion regarding Noise from Asphalt Plant: Mayor Stephens stated he spoke with the Samron representative who stated there is a blanket system that can be put up at a cost of $15,000, concerned it may reflect noise to other areas. Alderman Bastien asked if any further complaints have been received? Mayor Stephens stated no. Alderman Bratton stated he has been out there while they were operating, kind of like a muffled noise, don’t think we should give them a directive to spend $15,000.
Housing Repair Assistance Program: Mayor Stephens stated it has been brought to his attention the number of people who have issues with housing repairs. Funds for the MERCY Program was from a grant like that. Had been approached by an elderly lady who needs a new roof but is on a fixed income.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Absent
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell Brown Nothing
William Pierson Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Dan Bratton Thanked Mr. Manwaring for the sound system set-up, can hear better tonight.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Gloria Campos Nothing
W. J. Pittman Absent
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans concerning the rehab, have approximately $215,000 in those funds to loan out.
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To go into executive session at 6:56 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) meetings where the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is being considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired; Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) meetings held to discuss litigation “when an action against , affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting and Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) meetings for the discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Act either for purposed of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as required by the Act.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bratton
Yeas: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Pittman
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:16 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Bratton
Second by Alderman Bastien
Yeas: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Pittman
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume regular council meeting at 7:16 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Bratton
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor. Motion Carried
Motion: To continue to hold Executive Meetings minutes 3/17/14, 8/28/18, 9/11/18, 10/23/18, 12/6/18, 3/12/19, 4/30/19, 5/14/19, 6/11/19, 8/13/19, 11/12/19, 12/3/19, 1/14/20, 2/11/20, 2/25/20 and 7/14/20.
Motion by Alderman Bratton
Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To release Executive Meeting Minutes 4/16/19 and 9/24/19.
Motion by Alderman Bratton
Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To not further pursue City of Murphysboro v Cummings and Jiskra.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman Bratton
Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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