City of Murphysboro City Council Met Nov. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 10th day of November, 2020. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:05 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, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, W.J. Pittman* * via teleconference
Absent: Gary McComb, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos
Presentation of Award – Illinois Public Risk fund – 2019 Member of the Year: IPRF
Brad Hoffman and Executive Director Bob Hughes presented the award to the City of Murphysboro stating we have kept the workers safe, reduced costs to the city and reduced costs for the insurance company. Director Hughes stated every year they recognize one of the 745 members who have met the criteria of actively promoting safety, have a safety committee, among others.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Correction to the minutes – Alderman Hughes voted against the ordinance amending the Zoning Code for Billboards.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the October 27, 2020, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Bratton | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Motion Carried
Alderman Pierson inquired as to:
#44 page 1 Asked for the names of the businesses: Studio 84, IM Java, CareTrack Tech & D&D Hemp Store.
Alderman Bratton inquired as to:
#43 page 9 Natasha Riddle? Employee appreciation-decals made.
page 11 SI Motosports? WWTP road-ability to get to the plant and Jackie’s residence and Public Works can use it.
page 11 Steve Wilcox – his final? No.
page 11 Supercircuits? Network video recorder.
Alderman Erbes inquired as to:
#43 page 5 EPA? Semi-annual loan payments on WWTP and Walnut Street water line project.
Alderman Hughes inquired as to:
#43 page 4 Deposit books? Charge from the bank for deposit books. Sandra will look into this.
page 5 Humane Shelter? Seems it has gone up since July 1st. Fiscal year starts July 1 so typically it goes up in the July billing, will check into.
page 8 Murdale water district – ready for January switch over? Yes.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #43 & #44, through November 10, 2020, accounts receivable through October 31, 2020, and payroll through October, 2020. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Bratton | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Motion Carried
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Old Business:
Update on Mobile Ranch Issues: Attorney Blake stated they sent a letter regarding the delinquent water bill amounts and a reminder of the current amount due, total of $5170.72. They responded that the thought the local management was taking care of it, will take care of it, mailed November 5.
New Business:
Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated Balance Sheet as of September 30 net equity has increased from this time last year; the Income Statement is seeing a slight increase in the water revenue which started at the beginning of the year so is looking better than last year; Sale Tax surpassed last year’s number, best November in the last seven years. Alderman Erbes asked what month the sales tax is for? August sales.
Consideration of Renewing the Line of Credit at First Bank & Trust Company: Ms. Ripley stated it is for $500,000, 5% renewal rate, if needed.
Motion: To approve Renewal of the Line of Credit at First Bank & Trust Company.
| Motion by Alderman Bratton | Second by Alderman Brown |
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.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Murphysboro Hometown Christmas: Mayor Stephens stated they have taken it to the Health Department for review and they approved. Would have vendors all over town outside. Tree lighting ceremony only, no events. Drive in movie at the high school. Alderman Erbes asked about the new mitigations that start tomorrow. Mayor Stephens stated can take it back to the Health Department. Alderman Erbes stated it says need to review ten days before. Mayor Stephens stated they are requesting a donation from the city again this year. Alderman Erbes stated need to continue to follow up with the Health Department. Mayor Stephens stated he will convey that to them. Alderman Erbes asked for the drive in movie, need windows open to hear? Mayor Stephens stated will check, may tune in on the radio.
Motion: To approve a $1000 donation to Murphysboro Hometown Christmas.
| Motion by Alderman Pierson | Second by Alderman Bratton |
Motion Carried
Presentation by S.P.I.N.: Gary & Cherie Green & Nicholette Dolin – Community Garden: Ms. Dolin stated she is a board member and they are asking for support to start a community garden next spring. Need a fence to keep out animals and fill dirt to help level out the area and beds. Ms. Green stated they served over 100 meals this least week. Will pass out the vegies not used in the meals. Alderman Bratton asked if they
Alderman Bratton asked if they need fill or topsoil? Ms. Dolin stated topsoil is preferred. Alderman Pierson asked how big an area? Ms. Dolin stated there are two areas, both are approximately 50’ x 125’. Mayor Stephens stated if you could get exact measurements that would help.
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 Bratton stated he has received several phone calls regarding a problem on North 19th Street. There is fabric on the fence but not the gate, razor wire on the gate, ditch there and street scarred up, and oil and transmission fluids on the city street. Mayor Stephens stated he has also received a call, believes it is operated by Eddie Cripps. Video was sent to him of a lot of fluids from something being hauled in or out. Feel it is an ongoing problem, has there been any interaction with this recently? Mr. Kennedy stated not recently. Alderman Bratton asked who needs to deal with this? Mr. Kennedy stated he will talk to him. Industrial is the only place razor wire is allowed. Alderman Bratton stated needs cleaning of the pavement, ditches so water will run, fabric in the gate and the razor wire. Mr. Kennedy stated he will get with Mr. Cripps. Mayor Stephens asked what the city ordinance says about that type of business within the city limits, would appreciate it.
No public comment.
Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Expansion of Wastewater Infrastructure: Mayor Stephens stated he was approached a month ago by a realtor representing someone who is looking to develop the west side of Country Club Road into approximately 100 units for people fifty-five and up. Infrastructure needs are to connect to the city sewer. Would need a pre-annexation agreement. Pluses are revenue from sewer bill payments, property tax, Mr. Evans said would see approximately $220/person. Mr. Sheffer gave a cost estimate of approximately $350,000. Alderman Bratton asked is he asking us to do this? Yes. Alderman Erbes stated seems early stages, would like to come to the council and see where they are at. Alderman Bratton asked have developer pay part? What do other cities do? Mr. Sheffer stated he has seen it both ways. Alderman Bratton asked how many years to break even? Mr. Evans stated there are a number of different revenue sources that can be explored. The $220/person/year x 200 people would equal approximately increase of $40,000/year so approximately a nine year pay back. Also have sales tax, sewer customers, property taxes.
Alderman Bratton asked do we have to have adjoining property for annexation? There is land between this and Wal-Mart. Alderman Pierson stated annexation property that are contiguous in order to annex this. Developer pay for some things, pump station? Mr. Sheffer stated yes.
Consideration of Pay Estimate #4 for the WWTP Road Project: Alderman Bratton stated visited there twice in the last week, the south part of the road to be raised, is within two feet. Going to try to get that done. Possibly be next week see rock going down on the road. Mr. Sheffer stated the plan is to put rock on part they get done. Told him it is important to get the matting down for seeding.
Motion: To approve Pay Estimate #4 for the WWTP Road Project to Sierra Bravo Contractors in the amount of $25,130.00.
| Motion by Alderman Erbes | Second by Alderman Pierson |
Motion Carried
Update on Pond Creek Drainage Project: Mr. Sheffer stated he has talked to those involved.
No public comment.
Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Old business:
Consideration of Approval of Revised Personnel Policy: Alderman Hughes asked if there are any questions. Alderman Erbes asked about the nepotism provision on page 3, the last two hires have violated this, need to add language that gives us the authority to do what we have done. Alderman Hughes stated she will get with Ms. Ripley.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Alderman Hughes stated she is very proud of Sandra and the city staff for what they have achieved.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
COVID Issues & Reminders: with COVID cases increasing and mitigation, the next city council meeting will be at the City chambers with the Mayor and City Clerk present amd the member joining via teleconference.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell Brown Nothing
William Pierson Appreciate all our veterans, thank you.
Gary McComb Absent
John Erbes Thanked Sandra and the safety committee. Asked what the boot camp capacity is? Mayor Stephens stated the last time he heard, 150 inmates.
Dan Bratton Need to think of veterans more than on just Veteran’s Day, everyone stay safe.
Mike Bastien Absent
Gloria Campos Absent
W. J. Pittman Add to the agenda the ballot referendum question regarding cannabis sales.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Met with half the department heads and will meet with the other half on Thursday, goal is to have a meeting in December.
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Absent
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Absent
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To go into executive session at 7:27 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 and 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 Bratton Second by Alderman Erbes
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:55 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume regular city council meeting at 7:56 p.m.
| Motion by Alderman Bratton | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve payment of $25,000 to Robert Ellis for parcels 17, 19 & 20 with the stipulation he sign a recapture agreement with the city and sign IRS Form 2848 and negotiate to settle with Sarah Bigley the purchase of Parcel 29 for $11,000.
| Motion by Alderman Bratton | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn
| Motion by Alderman Bratton | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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