City of Murphysboro City Council met Aug. 25.
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 6:00 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, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman
Absent:Russell Brown
Mayor Stephens thanked Brian Manwaring and Sandra Ripley for setting up the cafeteria for the council meeting.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Erbes asked for an additional notation to the August 20, 2020, Special Meeting minutes that the ending date for the Mask Ordinance to be determined by the council.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 11, 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 Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 20, 2020, special council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman Bratton inquired as to:
#5 page 1 Request for Drug Money? For investigations.
#984 page 2 Aquafix? Special herbicide for the WWTP.
Alderman Hughes: Since 1985, Murdale Water District has billed for two people on a line, recommend we pay it (quarterly) but would like to address how it got started.
Mr. Lee: Arrangement made in 1985, we use Murdale’s water main, buy it wholesale and sell it back to the customer at our rate. There are three houses on Lee Lane. Sees no reason to keep these three, very small profit. Would like to put it on the next meeting’s agenda to review our process.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #984 & 5, through August 25, 2020. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable 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
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Old Business:
Update on Mobile Ranch Issues: Mayor Stephens stated a ticket was sent by the Code Enforcement office. Attorney Reed stated a letter has been sent but no response yet.
New Business:
Presentation of Fiscal Year 2019 audit, Anna Guetersloh and Justin Hvidston of Kerber, Eck & Braeckel: Ms. Guetersloh stated it was a good regular year, overview of FY19 as follows: city received an Unmodified Opinion, which is the highest that can be given; Statement of Net Position on a modified cash basis saw an increase over last year; advisory comments have the same concerns as cited in previous years but have a good internal control process. Mayor Stephens thanked the auditors and that he appreciated their good work and presentation. Alderman Pittman thanked Ms. Ripley, Mr. Evans and the administrative staff for making the audit go so smooth.
Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated there was an increase in income tax receipts received so it is now in line; Cash & Equivalent Statement-July was a good month; currently the cost of the WWTP has been $348,205; COVID related costs up to this point have been $8445.00, may be able to request reimbursement.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Vacating a Portion of Alley behind 2201 Division Street not in use: Alderman Erbes stated he was approached by the homeowner, alley is only 1/3 open on either end, middle portion is not, is behind their home, is in grass. They will be redoing their fence and will fence it in and maintain it if the city will vacate it to them. Alderman McComb stated let Mr. Mills and Mr. Lee make sure if anything is there. Mr. Lee stated there are our lines in that – water main and sewer main. Putting a fence on top of utilities makes it difficult if have to make any repairs. Alderman Erbes stated city mow more often, attracts snakes. Alderman Hughes asked about area vacated already? Mayor Stephens stated Alderman Erbes said there are portions vacated. Would like to get a map of what is vacated and revisit this at the next meeting. Alderman McComb stated the trouble with vacating alleyways is you can’t get a fire truck, ambulance, emergency vehicle back there in case of an emergency.
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 the Property at 1501 Walnut Street: Alderman Bastien asked that this be tabled.
Consideration of Request to Purchase Trash Receptacles and Picnic Table with Reimbursement from Murphysboro Main Street: Jamie Green asked to run some purchases through the city, have applied for tax exempt status, was denied so have to re-submit in a different category. Total cost for four double trash receptacles and a picnic table would be $5310.72 but would save $363.45 bringing the cost down to $4947.27, which Murphysboro Main Street would reimburse the city for.
Motion: To approve the request to purchase trash receptacles and picnic table for $4947.27 and to be reimbursed by Murphysboro Main Street.
Motion by Alderman Campos
Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Public comment: Alderman Campos stated the a tree on the Costa property fell, is a big tree. Alderman Bastien asked if that could be checked into? Alderman Campos stated it is visible but is private property. Mayor Stephens stated will communicate that to code enforcement.
Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Bids for Tree Removal: Mr. Mills stated he has been approached by three homeowners regarding large tree removal. Only has $2400 left in that fund. Has bids for each tree, would like approval for the one at 2016 Edith Street for $3500. Would also like to consider the other two on the next budget in addition to the regular budget amount. That way he can let them know that we will get it. The large bucket truck has helped tremendously but these are three very large trees. Alderman Bratton stated yes.
Motion: To approve the bid for tree removal at 2016 Edith street for $3500.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Consideration of Elimination of Parking Lanes on Walnut Street:
From 10th to 11th Street
From 16th to 17th Street on the South Side in front of Subway
Motion: To approve the elimination of parking lanes on Walnut Street from 10th to 11th Street and from 16th to 17th Street on the South side in front of Subway.
Motion by Alderman Hughes
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
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
Sidewalks at the General Logan Museum: Spoke to Mr. Jones regarding the sidewalks. They will be using their funds and Mr. Jones’ personal funds to pay for the aggregate sidewalk installation. Alderman McComb asked if they will be taking care of the maintenance? Mayor Stephens stated he assumes so, the city will not be. Mr. Jones said he is aware of the need for it.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb HughesAsked about the IMRF audit? Ms. Ripley stated it came back great, two findings and those were in your packets.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell BrownAbsent
William PiersonKeep Josh Glodo in our prayers.
Gary McComb Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Dan BrattonThanked the school district for use of their facilities and those who set up. WWTP Road – 2 culverts & ½ way cut in-would like an update. When need to do straw, seeding of banks, we do it? Mr. Sheffer stated contractor’s tentative plan is pipe in by tomorrow, have brought in more equipment. Seeding, straw, blanket-will talk to Mr. Mills, Mr. Lee & Mr. Gladson; will adjust cost down a bit & have them give us a price. Approx. $55,000-60,000. Mayor Stephens asked if that was typical? Mr. Sheffer stated yes, labor intensive.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Gloria CamposChange the online meeting to Zoom or Go To Meeting, something like that. Was very frustrating not to be able to speak, due to a glitch. Mayor Stephens stated it is not easy for Mr. Manwaring. Mr. Manwaring stated are using Go To Meeting. Use on computer makes it easier. Once you are disconnected and called back in, was in a public group that was muted.
W. J. PittmanNothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Mr. ReedNothing
Sandra RipleyNothing
Scott EvansNothing
Harold Sheffer Final connections at the old Ameren site, will test it, more expensive but all reimbursable.
Steve McBrideNothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Absent (on call with police dept)
Tim Lee Near completion on the hotel water main project, 300’ left of 1300’.
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: New Water Billing Clerk hired – Denise Beavers.
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To go into executive session at 7:13 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
Motion by Alderman Hughes
Second by Alderman McComb
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:24 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Bastien
Yeas:Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays:None
Absent: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume regular council meeting at 7:24 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the appraisals for Parcel 23 of $1700, Parcel 24 of $2400, Parcel 25 of $3900, Parcel 27 of $4300, Parcel 28 of $5450, Parcel 29 of $7000, Parcel 31 of $3900 and Parcel 32 of $95,100 for the 7th Street Widening Project as presented.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Bratton who was opposed.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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