Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 22.

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 6:04 p.m. and led the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Mayor Stephens then directed City Clerk Hunziker to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:

Present:Barb Hughes, Russell Brown, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent:Jance Curry-Witzman, Mike Bastien

Mayor Stephens wish Alderman Mike Bastien a speedy recovery.

Pinning of Sergeant Aaron Webb: Chief Ellermeyer stated Sgt. Webb is a seven year veteran of the police department and has 14 years in the Army National Guard. Mayor Stephens read the oath and swore Sgt. Webb in and Chief Ellermeyer pinned him with his Sergeant’s badge.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 8, 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 Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Campos inquired as to:

#21 page 2 City of Carbondale? Repairs to fire truck.

Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#7 page 2 Bravo – what percentage is done? This is the payment held from

last meeting, formally approve tonight.

Land parcels left to acquire? Four

Alderman Pittman inquired as to:

#20 page 20 both are for the dump truck loan, same amount? Mr. Evans will

#7 page 1 check on these.

Alderman Hughes inquired as to:

#22 page 1 Parcel 32? Re-issued.

#20 page 7 Parcel 32? Voided.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #7, #20, #21 & #22, through September 22, 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 he spoke to Attorney Blake, all licensing fees are paid up to date, only owe current water bill. Ms. Volle stated it is past due, approximately $1000. Attorney Heller stated they were cited for ordinance violations, proceed with the court appearance? Mayor Stephens stated he does not think they need to. Attorney Heller stated if want to pursue, they were not in compliance. Alderman Erbes asked they only owe $1000 now? Yes. Alderman Pierson asked if it would cost more in fees than penalties we could recover? Attorney Heller stated the court doesn’t always award the full amounts. Alderman Erbes asked when it is renewed until? May 2021. Alderman Pittman stated he does not feel we need to do that. Mayor Stephens stated will keep close watch on what transpires. Attorney Heller stated he believes it is the Mayor’s call. Alderman Campos asked if the violations have a statute of limitations? Send a letter to encourage them to keep the payments up to date and not proceed at this time. Alderman Erbes asked if could ask the judge for a continuance? Yes. Mayor Stephens stated sounds good. Attorney Heller stated will send a letter stating will not proceed at this time but will keep it open.

New Business:

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated Cash Assets are up slightly from last month; Income Tax receipts are much higher than previous seven years; General Fund expenses are currently under budget, revenues are slightly under but property taxes are due in November; salaries are currently under budget; Healthcare should be well under budget at year end. Alderman Erbes asked about projected Healthcare cost for next year? Mr. Evans stated should be in line, slightly less. Alderman Hughes asked if will receive real estate taxes by year end? Mr. Evans stated should receive in December. Mayor Stephens stated he truly appreciates Mr. Evans, Ms. Ripley and the department heads who have worked so hard on getting us to where we are at.

Consideration of TIF Agreement for 1306 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated this is follow-up from the previous meeting. Ms. Ripley stated just need an ordinance now.

Motion: To approve the TIF Agreement for Ryan and Brooke Guthman DBA Walnut Street Properties, LLC, for 1306 Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Release of Water Customers to Murdale Water District: Mr. Lee stated our customers are almost getting third party water. The arrangement is from 1985, the city couldn’t provide so Murdale made it available from their main. There are the same number of customers – four – and no growth. Not a large benefit or loss from them, approximate $400 loss to the city. Mayor Stephens stated when the city issues a boil order or send out the water quality report but they are fed from Murdale. Switching them to Murdale they would only see an approximate $10 a year increase. Alderman Hughes stated also have to pay a meter reader, to produce the bill, not making anything. Alderman Erbes asked if it breaks now, we fix it? Mr. Lee stated within a couple hundred feet, would not affect them. Murdale already responds to leaks. Alderman Erbes stated need to let them know. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Lee and Ms. Volle to let the customers know. Mr. Lee stated he will do that, he has already talked to Curt at Murdale will switch January 1st.

Motion: To release the four customers on Lee Lane to Murdale Water District.

Motion by Alderman Bratton

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Discussion regarding Trick or Treating: Alderman Erbes stated the CDC released guidelines, Halloween will need to be done differently. No home to home or indoor. Will need to moderate, maybe do one way. Discourage the traditional. Mayor Stephens stated could take advantage of the Daum Building drive thru and have kids go through. Hours are set in a city ordinance, 5-8 p.m. Alderman Bratton asked about churches having it in parking lots? Alderman Erbes stated they are discouraging it. Maybe send a letter to them and suggest one-way drive thru. Mayors Stephens asked what is the difference between the farmer’s market and trunk or treat? Alderman Hughes stated a drive thru would be good. Alderman Erbes stated that would be similar, would be good. Alderman Pittman stated ask the Park District, have a drive thru at Riverside Park? Alderman Campos stated maybe the city could coordinate with the churches, do at the park, let the kids walk, with masks. Alderman Bratton stated a good idea, maybe do half in town and half in the park, concerned about a lot of kids walking by themselves. Mayor Stephens stated reach out to Ministerial Alliance, Jerry Hickam, see what they are planning. Alderman Erbes stated CDC also says Halloween masks are not a substitute and to not wear over a face mask. Alderman Campos stated if they are social distancing and use masks and outside, probably would be healthier than in a car. Everybody goes to stores and school. Mayor Stephens stated the Park District Board would also have a say. Formulate a plan with all the entities and the Health Department. Alderman Erbes asked to keep this on the agenda.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Erbes asked if have heard from Mr. Rawson regarding the sidewalk by Gillenberg’s? Mayor Stephens stated he has not but will get in touch with him.

No public comment.

Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Amendment to the Billboard Agreement: Alderman Bratton requested that we send a request to the Zoning Board of Appeals that B2 Zoning billboards can have one, two or three sides. Mayor Stephens stated that the neighbors specifically said they did not want billboards with a third side projecting light towards them. Feel like we are being held hostage by this developer, if you don’t do this, I’m not going to build. Alderman Bratton stated can’t be closer than 1000 feet. Had the same thing with Mr. Koppies. Alderman Hughes asked what is a three-sided billboard? Alderman Bratton stated the point would be towards the north so the sides would be on the east, west and south towards country Club. Alderman Hughes stated has mixed emotions, have gone out of our way to help him, have jumped through hoops, now he wants this, will he want more in the future? Alderman Bratton stated he told me originally wanted three-sided, so that is my fault. Alderman McComb stated look at all that has been done for the hotel, why don’t we help this guy? Sign won’t be there forever. Mayor Stephens stated there is a difference between a billboard and promise of development and a four million dollar hotel. When I spoke to him he suggested our little town get an attorney to help us with that. Alderman Erbes stated if we send a recommendation to the Board they probably won’t reject it. Alderman Pierson stated that won’t be the only place where you can put a three-sided sign. Am in favor of sending it to the Board of Appeals and seeing what they say. Mr. Sheffer stated the third side would just be a billboard, not digital. Mayor Stephens stated that would take care of the illumination. Mr. Kennedy stated what you are asking to do is change the ordinance. Attorney Heller stated are asking to send it back to the Zoning Board of Appeals to allow a change.

Motion: To send a request to the Zoning Board of Appeals to consider a further amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding B2 District to allow Special Use Billboards that have been allowed now in the B2 District to be one, two or three sided as opposed to the Billboard Ordinance itself which would cover anywhere in town billboards only allowed to be one or two sided.

Motion by Alderman Campos

Second by Alderman McComb

Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.

Yeas: Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman

Nays: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Erbes

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Bastien

Motion Carried

Alderman Erbes asked if that can be amended to only two sides can be electronic? Alderman Bratton stated he remembers him telling him the third side is going to be smaller and used to advertise the lots.

No public comment.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Mayor Stephens thanked the Murphysboro Times for recognizing the Firefighters on the front cover.

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

Presentation - ITEP Grant Application: Mayor Stephens referred to the handout all council members had received concerning the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Fund Grant. If there is any interest in moving forward, potential of up to two million dollars, have matching funds from 0-20%, won’t know until after apply. Won’t cost anything to apply. Alderman Bratton asked if apply and get it, can we still decline? Mr. Sheffer stated can turn down but hinders chances of getting future grants. Mayor Stephens stated the illustration included with the handout shows improving the turning radius on Walnut Street. Alderman Bratton stated the street lighting would look really good but what would the cost be to acquire the property/right-of-way. Mayor Stephens stated what the grant money can be spent on is limited. Street lighting has to be done in conjunction with something else. It is state right-of-way so shouldn’t be a problem. Alderman Bratton asked if would have to move the traffic signals? Mr. Sheffer stated shouldn’t have to. Alderman Campos asked cost to do? Mayor Stephens stated costs add up quickly – to pour concrete, engineering, etc. Alderman Campos asked if we have the matching funds? Mayor Stephens asked if could use out of the motor fuel funds? Mr. Sheffer stated very strict use of motor fuel funds, will have to check. Alderman Hughes asked can they award a smaller amount? Mayor Stephens stated it is certainly possible. Alderman Hughes stated matching funds could be paid over three years. Alderman Pittman asked only for the area on the map? Mayor Stephens stated no, just one possible area, used as an example. Alderman Campos asked who would write it up? Mayor Stephens stated SIMPO allocated $40,000 via an RFP for Chastain and Associates to study Murphysboro’s downtown and submit an ITEP grant application for Walnut Street improvements.

Motion: To move forward with the ITEP grant application for two million dollars.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Shomaker Drive: Mayor Stephens stated have received some money towards repairs for Shomaker Drive. Want to look at doing that.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Russell Brown Nothing

William Pierson Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

John ErbesAsked about the status of the sidewalk replacement. From when everyone walked around town, did not see the report of those to be done. Mr. Mills stated it is approximately 65% complete. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mills to send the list and an update to him and will forward to the council members.

Dan BrattonNothing

Mike BastienAbsent

Gloria CamposStated we need to fix N. 15th Street, it is the worst street, would like to see it fixed.

W. J. PittmanNothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Ed Heller Nothing

Sandra RipleyN othing

Scott EvansRequested a copy of the ITEP document.

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Congratulations to Sgt. Webb on his promotion.

Eric Kennedy Nothing

Tim Lee Hotel water main is complete, water sampling has been sent.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Absent

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 7:25 p.m.

http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php