City of Murphysboro City Council met Nov. 24.
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
* all via teleconference
Absent:
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 10, 2020, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman Bratton inquired as to:
#76 page 2 Cummins Mid South? Service call for generator.
page 5 McMaster-Carr? Sewer plant.
page 6 Pritchett? Hazmat suits for Fire Dept.
page 8 Steve Wilcox – final pay? Remainder of the $100,000 grant, will be held until after the final check that all is done.
page 9 Yates? Will be held until work completed.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #76, through November 24, 2020. 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
Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Old Business:
Update on Mobile Ranch Issues: Attorney Heller stated they have paid their water bill, are current to date.
New Business:
Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated Income Tax receipts are higher than last year, another good month; General fund Operating Expenses are under budget and slightly over budgeted revenues, currently at a surplus; Healthcare is currently under budget; Payroll is currently under budget; gave loan balances.
Update on Curwood/PACE Financing: Mayor Stephens introduced Jason Bach. Stated developing a data center, model where they provide computer power to companies for hosting their computing equipment; lease out space to other companies. Have two potential clients/tenants. The green aspects of the building appeals to a number of customers. Finalizing design, budgets and financing, hopefully by end of February, is a $40 million project. Mayor Stephens stated he appreciated the update so that the council knows it is still ongoing. Mr. Bach stated he hopes to engage more in the coming months regarding the design.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Discussion regarding Installation of Security Measures at Daum Building: Mayor Stephens stated he has talked to Ms. Volle and Ms. Ripley, upgrade the wall where Ms. Volle and Ms. Beavers work. Mr. Mills got an estimate of approximately $3000. Alderman McComb asked about having it where people are buzzed in? Mayor Stephens asked like in the Public Works building? Looking at raising up the height of the wall, putting in a door and having a couple of kiosks. Alderman McComb asked what is being done to protect yourself, Ms. Ripley and Ms. Mulholland? Mayor Stephens stated just has feedback from Ms. Volle. Could double the cost and do the same on the other side. Alderman McComb stated need all of you to be safe. Alderman Hughes stated she agrees with Alderman McComb, Ms. Mulholland is out in the open all the time, also. Alderman Campos asked if a motion is needed to move on these safety measures? Mayor Stephens stated need to look at both sides since we are still closed and speak to Ms. Ripley and Ms. Mulholland. Alderman Hughes suggested getting an estimate on door buzzers now. Mayor Stephens stated he will do that. Alderman Bratton stated leave the west side door open and build a cubicle and buzzer that. Alderman McComb asked if he has time to plan this out? Mayor Stephens stated it can be held on the agenda and he will get with Mr. Mills.
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.
Alderman Erbes asked if there is a Hometown Christmas update? Mayor Stephens stated he had spoken to Emily Eisert, tree was delivered today, stated it is going to be a virtual events.
Public comment:
Nicholette Dolin/SPIN stated they only need one section of fence, approximately 40 feet and two gates, four foot and six foot, on the west side of the building. Alderman Pierson asked if we can do anything on private property? Need to look into. Attorney Heller stated have the ability as council to help with, would need to look into. Alderman Hughes asked if it is a non-profit? Yes. Mr. Evans stated it would be similar to what we have done for the Liberty Theater and others. Alderman Bratton stated not against it, need to check on the cost. Ms. Dolin stated they looked at Lowe’s, would be approximately $250.00. Alderman Bratton stated he will stop and take a look. Mayor Stephens stated Alderman Bratton will take a look and asked that it be put on the agenda.
Scott Satterlee, volunteer for the area Boy Scouts, stated they could not do their typical canned food drive for the food pantry this year. Has two requests: can they put a drop box on the west side of the Daum Building? And could they hold a food drive at the Daum Building parking lot on December 15, all day long? Mayor Stephens stated can put a drop box at Daum Building, for the Food Drive would like to see approval from the Health Department. Mr. Satterlee stated the Greater St. Louis Council requires them to follow local guidelines and he will contact the Health Department, it may only be adults present. Alderman Bastien stated he is in favor as long as the Health Department approves. Alderman Hughes stated she also agrees and Hometown Christmas will have vendors all over, maybe could coordinate with them. Alderman Erbes stated he supports this as well.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Discussion regarding Ordinances pertaining to Junk Yards: Mayor Stephens stated it is operated on North 19th Street, spillage of fluids, razor wire on top of fence. Mr. Kennedy stated he has talked to the property owner, has ordered taller gates and paper to cover it. The oil spill was his machine blew a hydraulic hose. May be buying into a new business. Alderman Bastien asked if he will be closing it down? Mr. Kennedy stated not doing exactly what he is doing now. Alderman Pierson asked if there is a junkyard ordinance? Mr. Kennedy stated he is supposed to be doing something else, not a junkyard. Alderman Pierson stated he has stuff stacked up, vermin, liquids, etc. Mr. Kennedy stated can go towards shutting them down. Alderman Bastien asked if can call the Illinois EPA in? Mr. Kennedy stated can call them. Mayor Stephens stated think he is selling parts off cars and not paying taxes, agree with Alderman Pierson. Attorney Heller stated have a junkyard ordinance, cannot be within 500 feet of residential so can issue citations at any time.
Motion: To issue a citation for violation of the Junkyard Ordinance.
Motion by Alderman Pierson Second by Alderman Hughes
Motion withdrawn
Alderman Pittman asked if the citation would give him time to shut down before the fine? Attorney Heller stated can work out the fine, if asserting this position results in clean-up, then good. Alderman McComb stated can issue the citation and give a period of time for clean-up. Alderman Bastien stated he agreed. Alderman Campos stated she totally agrees, it is hard times right now, don’t think that is very compassionate, send a letter with a time frame, thinks that will go better, warning since we asked him to put a cover on the fence. Alderman Bratton stated send notice it has to be cleaned up and moved out by the end of the year, then at the beginning of the year will write a citation. Attorney Heller stated have the authority for immediate cease and desist or give more time. Alderman Bastien stated give notice and time. Alderman Bratton stated thirty days. Alderman Pierson and Alderman Hughes withdrew their previous motion.
Motion: To send notice to the owner in violation of the Junkyard Ordinance and are required to clear by December 31, 2020.
Motion by Alderman Pierson Second by Alderman Hughes
Yeas:Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Motion Carried
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 on Country Club Road: Mayor Stephens stated the developer would like to speak at the next council meeting.
Alderman McComb asked how much more rock put on the WWTP road? Alderman Bratton stated nor much more, waiting on seed to come in this week.
No public comment.
Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Declaring two 5KW Gasoline Generators as Surplus: Mr. Manwaring stated these are from Emergency Management and are from the Vietnam War era.
Motion: To declare two 5KW Gasoline Generators as surplus.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton
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 called for any questions. Alderman McComb asked how many times has this been violated in the past? Alderman Hughes thanked Alderman Erbes for his assistance with the language. Alderman Campos asked about the definition of who is included in live in the same household but not blood relative, strictly blood relative? Alderman Erbes stated he agrees with Alderman Campos. Alderman Hughes stated could stop at sibling, put a period there or put blood relative, remove “or anyone from the same household”.
Motion: To approve the Revised Personnel Policy with the change to Section 9 to end in the last sentence after the word sibling.
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Erbes
Yeas:Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays:None
Motion Carried
Alderman Hughes stated are working on the contract. Mayor Stephens stated he was unable to contact Charlie today but are very, very, close.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Consideration of Advisory Referendum and Ordinance Prohibiting Adult Use Cannabis Establishments: Mayor Stephens suggested we look at what other communities are doing. Two-thirds said they were okay with having a dispensary in Murphysboro. Do not currently have any parameters in place. Alderman Bratton asked how much the city would get for every $100 sold? Alderman Erbes stated heavily taxed but not get all of it. Alderman Pierson stated the heaviest tax is the cannabis law, need to do more looking into it. Alderman Pittman stated right now anyone could come in and open one so need to move forward. Alderman McComb stated need to get guidelines in place if someone does want to come in. Attorney Heller stated also have a zoning issue – where are you going to allow these to take place? Need to make a temporary move to prohibit any activity pending setting it up. Alderman Hughes stated if vote to prohibit it, may cause a problem with those who voted to allow this and are in favor of it. Attorney Heller stated that is a good point, could pass a resolution to place a moratorium on it until the council figures things out. Alderman McComb asked if there is an ordinance prohibiting it already? Attorney Heller stated it is smart to set a time period for the city to develop how it can be done. Alderman Pittman stated gather ordinances from other municipalities and do this at the next meeting. Alderman Bratton stated let’s take the attorney’s advice, if it can get done sooner than that, that’s fine. Alderman Campos suggested doing a moratorium.
Motion: To Pass An Ordinance Establishing a Sixty (60) Day Prohibition of Adult-Use Cannabis Business Establishments Within the City.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Campos
Yeas:Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bratton, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos
Nays:Alderman Pittman
Motion Carried
Consideration of Ordinance Amending Hours of Operation for Liquor Establishments: Mayor Stephens stated the COVID positivity rate is high, patient admittance to the hospital has had a high increase. Has had some people reach out to him. Some bars are not closing at 11:00 p.m. per Tier 3 Mitigation. Bars tend to have young people, no masks, etc. Attorney Heller stated changing of hours reflects the seriousness of where we are. Be prepared to change the hours back when things ease up. Alderman McComb asked if the Mayor can set the hours as the Liquor commissioner? Is in favor of this. Mayor Stephens stated he prefers to bring it to the council and get everyone’s opinion. Alderman Erbes stated he is generally in favor, what is Class M? Believe it is brewery license. Should say Central Daylight. Alderman Pierson stated okay with him, could be a little tougher, close them entirely. Alderman Campos stated take into consideration this is how they earn their living. Be reasonable but not close them down. How far are we going to take this? Need a beginning and an end. Alderman Pittman stated would be an enforcement nightmare unless we take away liquor licenses which does not think that is what we are trying to do. Not in favor of this. Not in favor if not going to enforce. Alderman Bastien asked if there is any way to make it temporary? Or is it permanent until we change it? Attorney Heller stated the Governor’s orders have not been decided yet. Alderman Bastien stated he is not opposed but if we are going to change it we need to enforce it. Mayor Stephens stated could enact for two weeks then reconsider at every council meeting. Alderman Curry-Witzman stated her concern is as long as we can enforce it and once mitigation changes, can we tie the ordinance to those mitigations if they change? Attorney Heller stated cannot do that, do not want to tie to anything except our decisions. Alderman Curry-Witzman stated she is in favor of it. Attorney Heller stated we meet twice a month but have to decide what we are going to do on a short term basis. Alderman Brown stated he has no problem with it, closing at 11:00 p.m. Alderman Hughes stated she has no problem with closing at 11:00 p.m. but how enforceable is it? Mayor Stephens stated not going to put the police in situations to roust people but can make an observation. Chief Ellermeyer stated has no problem, dealt with these before. Need to recognize usually takes an extra thirty minutes to get closed down and everyone out, the workers. Alderman Bratton stated he has no problem with it. Mayor Stephens invited anyone from the Public to speak. Rip Tomlinson stated he does a lot of business between 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. How can you prove it comes from my bar? Already went through four months of no money and going to get shut down again. Mayor Stephens stated have to take into account everyone’s perspective and gets calls from everyone. Have we included a timeframe? Attorney Heller stated it is a change of time, will come back up soon. Mayor Stephens asked if there is a motion and no motion was made.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb HughesThanked Brian Manwaring for the Chromebook, very nice.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell Brown Nothing
William Pierson Nothing
Gary McCombWished everyone a Happy thanksgiving.
John Erbes Thanked Brian, makes the meeting easier to follow.
Dan Bratton Nothing
Mike Bastien Nothing
Gloria Campos Wished everyone a Happy thanksgiving.
W. J. PittmanNothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Ed Heller Nothing
Leslie Mulholland Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Call at WalGreen’s, electrical smell, found the problem with the
new thermal camera, saved them from potentially a lot of damage.
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Thanked the council for considering the safety measures for the
Daum building.
Leandra Bryant Nothing
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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