Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 12

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, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes*, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien*, Gloria Campos*, W.J. Pittman

*via teleconference

Absent: Russell Brown

Promotion of Detective Nicholas Minemann: Chief Ellermeyer promoted Nicholas Minemann from Detective to Sergeant. Mayor Stephens administered the Oath of Office.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 22, 2020, council meeting and December 29, 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 Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Hughes inquired as to:

#98 page 2 Dodge Charger repair? Chief McBride explained that a fire truck backed into the charger at the scene of a fire, as it had been parked behind the truck after they were at the scene.

page 8 Power Plan repair? Street Dept. repair on backhoe.

Mayor Stephens directed everyone’s attention to the Receipts report, page 1, to the $28 donation from Cameron Morber, thanked him for his donation.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #98, through January 12, 2020, accounts receivable through December 31, 2020, and payroll through December, 2020. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Pittman

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 PACE Financing: Mayor Stephens stated the ordinance is not ready yet, will hold on the agenda.

New Business:

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated no reports at this time.

Consideration of Ordinance approving TIF Application/Agreement for 1310 Walnut Street:

Motion: To Approve an Ordinance approving the TIF Application for 1310 Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Bid Waiver for SCBA Equipment: Chief McBride stated he received pricing from the only company in the area that sells the brand of equipment they currently have, which is also the same as other reciprocal agencies. Alderman Bratton asked what the cost is? Chief McBride stated he was quoted $95,499.00 but will get it down to $95,000.00.

Motion: To Approve the Bid Waiver for the SCBA Equipment.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton

Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.

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

Consideration of Pay Increases: Mayor Stephens stated that this has to be discussed each year, it is in the budget.

Auxiliary Officers: Currently $10/hour, $1 raise to minimum wage of $11/hour.

Part-Time Code Enforcement Officer: Currently $12/hour, $1 raise to $13/hour.

Non-Union Employees: Budgeted 3% increase.

Alderman Bastien asked who the 3% increase is for? Non-union – Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Ripley, Mr. Manwaring, the Chiefs.

Motion: To Approve Pay Increases for Auxiliary Officers, Part-Time Code Enforcement Officer and Non-Union Employees.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding Regulations and Zoning of Adult-Use Cannabis Establishments: Alderman Pittman stated have received examples of other cities ordinances. Mayor Stephens stated is concerned this is a zooming issue? Where are we going to allow i?, Zoning issues should be the primary concern. Alderman Pittman asked how long is the current moratorium? Attorney Blake stated current moratorium is to January 24. Will have to have a hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Alderman Bratton stated extend it one-hundred twenty days but if ready in sixty days, can move ahead. Alderman Pittman asked if could get a zoning map in the next packet? Mayor Stephens stated can have Ms. Ripley get with Mr. Kennedy, have one that is legible for everyone. Alderman Pittman stated keep in the agenda.

Motion: To Approve an Ordinance Extending the Prohibition of Adult-Use Cannabis Business Establishments within the City.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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: Nothing at this time.

Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to Mr. Mills and asked him to keep the snowflake decorations up until the end of January. He also stated that Len Novara has been nominated for State-wide Athletic Director of the Year and hopes he is successful. He read a card received in the mail from David Wells, thanking everyone for the support over the last tough year.

No public comment:

Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Housing Revolving Loan Program: Mayor Stephens stated rough draft included in the packet, funds are from a grant received years ago. Alderman Pittman stated he likes the intent to help citizens improve their property. Would feel better if done as a grant not a loan, then don’t have to go after someone as a creditor. Better served by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Does not like the minimum age of 25. Alderman Bratton stated wondering why Mr. Evans is not on the Advisory Loan Committee, is our CPA. Last year people could not go anywhere so they did home projects. Not going to be doing that in 2021. Records from the previous program were lost in the fire, didn’t place liens, didn’t get the money back. 0% interest would make it a desirable loan, can’t see forgiving all the loan, how do you pick five people to get $20,000 and that is all. Thinks would be a great thing. Mayor Stephens stated the goals and objectives is to help rehabilitate some of the properties in town. Alderman Bratton stated think 0% interest would be a good deal. Alderman Hughes asked how much is in the fund? $175,000. The Revolving Loan Program from years ago was not administered well. Alderman Pierson stated it says have to have the deed and no default liens, can get a loan from the bank with those conditions. If we do 50% forgiven, will run out of money. Don’t think we should be in the loan business. Attorney Blake stated having a minimum age of 25 is not allowed. Alderman Campos asked if it would be for residential only? Yes. Alderman Pittman stated says primary residence but then says LLC, should take that out. Mayor Stephens stated will strike that and reconsider the interest, this is only a template. Alderman Curry-Witzman stated likes the idea of being a grant and matching funds. Stipulate on the back side number of years to get it done, with harsher consequences. Alderman Pittman stated if go as grant, would like the maximum amount to be less than $30,000. Maybe a maximum of $10,000 with special exemption for something like a demolition, which might be a little bit more than $10,000. Alderman Bratton stated sixteen years ago the city was in the red, dug ourselves out by being conservative. Now we have great vehicles, great equipment and great employees. Wait and see what our tax revenue is going to be this year before we do this. Alderman Hughes stated she agrees with Alderman Bratton. Is more concerned with the fourth paragraph on page two, not all in the historical district are historical homes. Maybe add have to be so many years old. Alderman Pierson asked Mr. Evans what his thoughts are. Mr. Evans stated this started with a grant from DCEO in the amount of $500,000. Main goal is to get it in the hands of people to improve and be self-sustainable. Would only help six to twelve households. Perhaps lower some of the amounts or will be gone very quickly. Mayor Stephens stated will go back to the drawing board with all of the suggestions.

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 was told by the engineer for the developer they closed on the property this week. Concept would be to get the annex agreements in principle with the property owners between them and Wal-Mart. Also for the developer to pay the cost of the sewer extension and then when they have a certain percentage of units built, city could give back a certain percentage of the cost to him, would be open to that possibility. Alderman Bratton stated he thinks that is the right way to approach it. Mayor Stephens stated one possibility could be to reimburse when 50% of the units are built. Alderman McComb asked what the cost is? $385,000.00. Alderman Pittman asked going to ask Mr. Koppeis for the money he owes for the sewer line if we are going to give back to this developer? Alderman Bratton stated that way out no money until half are built or filled. Stated Cliff Mills informed him that the person who wanted the billboard sign at Route 13 and Country Club Road backed out of the deal.

Consideration of Highway Authority Agreement and Groundwater Ordinance: 1112 North 14th Street – Former Lee’s Food Mart: Attorney Blake stated he spoke to Mr. Kennedy and this is not ready to be acted on at this time.

Mayor Stephens asked if a letter had been sent to Mr. Burkey regarding the backhoe? Ms. Ripley stated no. Mayor Stephens stated possibly include in letter that the city will remove it and he will need to reimburse the city. Alderman Bratton stated he talked to Mr. Burkey and he will get it out when he can without doing any damage but still good idea to send a letter.

Alderman Campos stated there is a pothole on North 20th Street and Illinois Avenue that needs to be checked out. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mills if he would check into that and he stated he will.

No public comment.

Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Declaring Police Department Items as Surplus Property: Chief Ellermeyer stated these surplus items are from the evidence room. Alderman Bratton asked what is going to be done with them? Chief Ellermeyer stated most will be auctioned and he has checked the guns with the States Attorney to make sure they are cleared.

Motion: To Declare the Police Department Items listed as Surplus Property.

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: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Hughes congratulated Sgt. Minemann, it is well-deserved.

Alderman Bastien asked for an update on the Public Works contract. Mayor Stephens stated they had a mediation session today. Have agreements on all but one item – accumulation of vacation time. Was a productive session. Waiting to see if the union wants to proceed to arbitration.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Consideration of Support to The Women’s Center: Mayor Stephens stated we support this each year, they provide a great service. Sponsorship is a worthwhile thing.

Motion: To Sponsor a table for the Women’s Center Taste of Chocolate fundraiser in the amount of $495.00.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Market Designs for Carl Lee and Deal Brothers: Mayor Stephens stated have a commitment from the Smysor Trust to donate an additional $1900.00 for these. Alderman Bratton stated he likes Option A, easier to read. Alderman McComb asked where they will be placed? Mayor Stephens stated the Carl Lee will be at the Carl Lee Park. Would like the Deal Brothers to be at the corner of 17th Street and Walnut Street. Stated Alderman Brown liked Option A, also, so will go with that. Alderman Bastien stated he is going to put the Wisely property back on the agenda to get it cleaned up.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Russell Brown Absent

William Pierson Nothing

Gary McComb Asked Chief McBride if the UTV would be available for cleanup? Yes.

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Nothing

Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria Campos Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Cameron Morber, son of Fireman Chris Morber, sold pocket knives this summer and donated $28 to the Fire Dept. and Police Dept.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Eric Kennedy Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle: Nothing

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

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