Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Oct. 27.

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 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, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman** via teleconference

Absent:

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the October 13, 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

Motion: To approve the minutes of the October 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 Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Hughes inquired as to:

#40 page 7 Voss 2018 bills – have a problem with getting this bill just now &

2019’s. Thinks should pay 2020 bills, tell him 2018 & 2019’s are

Not in the months in the contract for cleaning (April & October).

Alderman Bratton inquired as to:

#40 page 6 Chain link fence? Budgeted item.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #40 & #41, through October 27, 2020 except the Voss Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. bills for 2018 & 2019.

Motion by Alderman Bratton

Second by Alderman Campos

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:

Update on Mobile Ranch Issues: Mayor Stephens stated he has spoken to Ms. Volle, we are in the same position as last month. Attorney Blake stated there was a miscommunication and the Ordinance Violation case was dismissed but can be put back into effect. The past due of $3400 remains past due, sent a past due notice October 12, $1439 is the current bill, total of $5170.72 due. Could reinstate the citation and could move forward with disconnection of water. Mayor Stephens stated he is not sure the council would like to disconnect the water, not sure how many people would be affected. Alderman Bratton asked if we could send a letter that we will be forced to discontinue service as of a certain date if not paid in full? Yes. That would be my suggestion. Attorney Blake asked what the suggested time frame would be – 21 days? Mayor Stephens stated whatever is the most appropriate, would be okay with 21 days. Alderman Hughes asked are the residents being charged by the landlord for water? Attorney Blake stated not by the city. Alderman Hughes stated they may be paying the mobile home for water. Mayor Stephens stated he has a contact, will see. Thinks Alderman Bratton’s suggestion is fine, send a letter giving then 21 days.

Consideration of TIF Ordinance and Agreement for SJ Properties LLC – 1330, 1332, 1334, 1336, 1338 & 1340 Walnut Street:

Motion: To approve the TIF Ordinance and Agreement for SJ Properties for 1330, 1332, 1334, 1336, 1338, 1340 Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman Bratton

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request to Forgive Rehab Loan at 1321 Maple Street: Attorney Blake stated have a mortgage dated October 20, 1988, promissory note has not been located, thinks it was destroyed in the fire. Approximately $12,700 owed. Son has POA. Debt cannot be legally enforced. There is a ten-year statute of limitations, last payment was made July 2008, so that expired in 2018. The second statute of limitations is a thirty-year limitation from the date of the loan, so that also expired in 2018. No action to take by the city. Mayor Stephens stated could still send a letter asking the debt to be paid. Alderman Hughes stated there was a property sold that we recouped some of the loan. Maybe include in the letter that the loan was made in good faith, if property was sold would they be willing to pay back the loan, have paid $500 back. Alderman Campos stated if we take no action and it is legally up but we don’t release the lien, state we will release it if you pay when you sell it. Alderman Bratton stated would hate to see us spend more on this property. Alderman Pierson asked if it has been tracked, still in the records? Mr. Evans stated sent a letter and then they paid a total of $500.There were lots of problems with the program from the start. Suggested telling them that if they pay $2972, will forgive the $10,000. Alderman Pierson asked if do anything with the rest? Attorney Blake stated it depends on what paperwork we have.

Motion: To send a letter asking for $2972.00 be paid then the city will forgive the rest of the loan.

Motion by Alderman Pierson

Second 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 Cash increased by $400,000, payment received from the county, mostly for fire and police pension. Loan Balance Sheet shows the backhoe loan paid off, have paid one year on the dump truck with two years to go, have made three payments on the extrication equipment with 57 to go. The WWTP and waterline repair loan payments are made twice a year, have made three payments on the pickup truck with 57 to go. Income Tax Receipts shows this as the highest October in the last seven years. Healthcare costs are well within budget.

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: Nothing at this time.

Mayor Stephens stated will be at the Daum Building, Alderman McComb purchased candy to distribute. Alderman Hughes stated the United Methodist church will be having a drive through Trunk or Treat and will also have a place for the kids to get their picture taken. Alderman Campos asked the Mayor to put a reminder out on Facebook and Twitter.

No public comment.

Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Ordinance Amending Zoning Code to include Triple-Faced Billboards in the B-2 District as Special Use: Alderman Bratton stated everyone received a copy of the Zoning Board of Appeals report. Alderman Erbes asked where B2 is? Mayor Stephens stated new Route 13, Business 13, Route 149. Alderman Erbes asked not allowed in I1? Mayor Stephens stated would have to go through the Zoning Board and then get council approval.

Motion: To approve the Ordinance amending Zoning Code to include Triple-Faced Billboards in the B-2 District as Special Use.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Historic Preservation Commission Update by Linda Herrold: Ms. Herrold is the acting chair. Ms. Herrold updated the council on the commission’s current works: They are buying plaques for local landmarks if they want one. They are also working on a second Historical District, to be called the Longfellow Bungalow Historic District. It will go from North 19th Street to North 22nd Street from the north side of Pine Street to the south side of Hortense Street. They are working with Revitalize 62966 and have identified all property owners in that area. Are currently working on a survey of all the properties. Also working on updating the ordinance to bring before the council. The next step will be sending out letters. The approximate cost is $1500-2000 for all the mailings and to publish the notifications. They are asking the council to consider increasing their budget to $2000 for next year. Alderman Hughes asked how many homes will fall under the Bungalow District? Approximately 350. Mayor Stephens asked what the restrictions and benefits would be? Ms. Herrold stated the Historic Preservation Commission will have oversight on the exterior, no restrictions on the interior. People are interested in keeping the historic flavor of the neighborhood and that the homes will be well kept. People like to move into those types of neighborhoods.

Discussion Regarding Drainage Issues in alley behind Immanuel Lutheran School: Mayor Stephens stated entered into an agreement to upgrade and pave that alley. It has always flooded. Mr. Manwaring feels may be able to direct the school’s rainspouts towards 19th Street to help with the flooding. Mr. Sheffer stated they paved to the church wall. Suspects it is plugged up, spoke to Mr. Mills, feels will help if unplugged and if church redirects their downspouts. Alderman Bratton stated Mr. Manwaring will address redirecting the downspouts with the church.

No public comment.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Request to Declare Miscellaneous Items as Surplus Property: Chief Ellermeyer stated these are items held as evidence, clearing out the evidence room.

Motion: To Declare the list of Miscellaneous Items as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Bratton

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Concrete Proposal: Mayor Stephens stated this is around the Daum building. Ms. Ripley stated MainStreet is purchasing a handicapped accessible picnic table to replace the current one. Adding concrete would make it more accessible. Alderman McComb asked if Mr. Mills would be doing the work? Mr. Mills stated yes, he has spoken to Ms. Ripley about it.

Motion: To approve the second concrete option proposed, excavating the picnic table area and the “divider” strip between the two parking lots and pouring concrete for an approximate cost of $2175.00.

Motion by Alderman Campos

Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business:

Consideration of Approval of Revised Personnel Policy: Alderman Hughes stated Ms. Ripley emailed a copy of the old Policy to everyone. Alderman McComb asked if they had run it by the union? Alderman Hughes stated they ran everything by the negotiating attorney, who worked with them. It has language in it if it is different in their contract. Mayor Stephens asked to table it to give everyone a chance to compare the old to the new proposed policy.

New business:

WWTP Nomination for “Best Operated Wastewater Treatment Works”: Alderman Hughes stated the WWTP was nominated for an award for the Best Operated Wastewater Treatment Works. There were only four nominated.

Discussion regarding Safety Measures at Daum Administration building: Alderman Hughes invited Ms. Volle to speak to the council. Ms. Volle stated had talked previously about updates to make it safer. Has felt that her well-being has been compromised at times. Requested to please consider updating the Daum Building. Alderman Hughes stated since it has been closed due to COVID, how has that worked? Ms. Volle stated has lowered her stress level, no weekly confrontations due to disconnecting water service. Alderman Hughes stated why not keep it closed? Could make an appointment to come in. Mayor Stephens stated people feel the government shuts themselves off from the public already. Ms. Volle stated it would minimize liabilities, people think twice now. Alderman Bratton stated it gives us something to think about. Alderman Campos stated not a major renovation. Mayor Stephens stated the drawings are just a suggestion after speaking to Ms. Volle. Alderman Hughes stated it leaves the other side open. Mayor Stephens stated 90% are dealings with Ms. Volle and Ms. Beavers. Alderman Hughes suggested further study. Alderman Campos stated get some estimates. Mayor Stephens stated he gave a copy to Mr. Mills to get some figures together. Ms. Volle stated she appreciates the council considering it.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Thanked Clerk Hunziker, does a good job with the minutes.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb HughesNothing

Jance Curry-Witzman No response

Russell BrownNothing

William PiersonNothing

Gary McCombAsked the number of Aldermen coming to help pass out candy?

John Erbes Congratulations to Pat Gladson and the employees at the WWTP on their nomination.

Dan Bratton Update on the WWTP road? Mayor Stephens stated Mr. Sheffer has spoken to the contractors, think can get more work done in the next week. We need a drop dead date for being done, putting in a temporary road. Mr. Sheffer stated the contractor thinks it could be done in two weeks with the lime. Thinks should put down temporary seeding. Alderman Erbes thinks should give them next week. Alderman Bratton stated they need to be sent a certified letter to put in a temporary road and come back next year at their expense. Jackie has been very patient, having to walk back to her house, carrying groceries. Alderman Campos stated we need to do something. Mayor Stephens stated we have, with the additional lime. Our leverage is the final payment.

Mike Bastien Agrees with Alderman Bratton.

Gloria CamposThe next day after telling the Mayor, the crossing lights were fixed, thank you.

W. J. Pittman Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott EvansNext couple of weeks will meet with department heads regarding next year’s budget.

Harold Sheffer Was his intent to send email correspondence-if no progress by next meeting, will have to winterize it.

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Eric Kennedy Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle: Nothing

Leandra Bryant Nothing

Motion: To adjourn

Motion by Alderman Bratton

Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

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