City of Murphysboro City Council Met Feb. 9.
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 6:05 p.m. and invited Pastor Dan Motta to lead 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, Mike Bastien*, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman*
*via teleconference
Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Dan Bratton
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 26, 2021, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Pierson |
Motion Carried
Alderman Hughes inquired as to:
#112 page 2 Tuck pointing? Cracks in blocks at WWTP
page 8 Crane rental? Pull pump out of river lift station for repair
page 6 Illinois Codification – should budget to have all ours done
Alderman Pierson inquired as to:
#112 page 2 Elevator inspection? Yearly inspection
page 10 Elevator inspection? Quarterly maintenance
Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #110 & 112, through February 9, 2021, accounts receivable through January 31, 2021, and payroll through January, 2021. 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 Hughes |
Motion Carried
| COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS |
Old Business:
Consideration of Ordinance to Establish PACE Area and PACE Program: Attorney Blake explained the different aspects of establishing a PACE Area and PACE Program. Alderman Campos asked if there is any liability or risk for the city? No. Alderman Erbes asked if the special assessment is paid by that particular landowner? Yes.
Motion: To adopt the ordinance to establish PACE Area and PACE Program.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pierson
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Bratton
Motion Carried
Discussion regarding Regulations and Zoning of Adult Use Cannabis Establishments: Mayor Stephens stated focusing on dispensaries. Still working on it, need more time before voting on it.
New Business:
Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated fantastic month for sales tax, income tax was highest January in last seven years, City-Wide Income Statement-overall did well. Revolving Loan Schedule – MERCE grants-loaned out approximately $26,000, will review if they have met the requirements for loan forgiveness, not going to collect loan to So Unique Boutique. Work In Progress – hotel development water line is complete, update on other works in progress. Alderman Campos asked if some of the recipients applied twice? Mr. Evans stated first time applicants would be given priority.
Consideration of Write-Off of Uncollectible Business Loan:
Motion: To Approve the Write-Off of Uncollectible Business Loan of $4454.75.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
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 Main Street Announcement by Scott Evans: Mr. Evans stated as of December 31, 2020, the Old Depot was officially donated to Murphysboro Main Street from owners Steve and Allison Carter. Is very rustic, will be starting a donation campaign. Building Project Chairperson is Paula Maloney, will be a visitors center and their headquarters.
Murphysboro Main Street Update by Jamie Green: Ms. Green stated funding Phase 1 of the Historic District downtown, have completed Phase 1, cost $10,000. Do have enough structures to qualify. Phase 2 cost of $15,000, 51% buy-in. Old Depot property, have formed a committee, looking at some grants. Found a $20,000 grant, asking the city to match to bump up in points to have a better chance of receiving the grant. Mayor Stephens stated so excited your group has acquired the building. When is the application due? March 1. Will act on the request at the next meeting. Alderman Erbes thanked Murphysboro Main Street for getting involved with this.
No public comment.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding Property at 17th and Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to Mr. Wisely, said will look into getting an estimate for putting up a fence. Alderman Bastien stated he appreciated the Mayor reaching out. If he does not make an improvement would like to look at changing the ordinance.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Consideration of Expansion of Wastewater Infrastructure on Country Club Road: Mayor Stephens stated have not heard anything. Attorney Blake stated Attorney Heller heard from Attorney Web Smith, working on agreement for the developer.
Consideration of Pay Estimate #6 (Final) for the WWTP Road Project: Mayor Stephens stated there were days they could have worked that we can prove, approximately $12,000, should take out of the final payment and let them come back to us. Mr. Sheffer stated there were 32-35 days, 35 days X $350/day = $12,250. Alderman McComb stated he talked to Alderman Bratton and Mr. Mills, approximately $1200 for the brush dump fees, Alderman Bratton asked we not pay until the next meeting when he is back. Alderman Campos stated would like credit for non-work days. Mayor Stephens stated would suggest deducting the amount. Alderman Pierson stated he agrees with Mayor Stephens, should deduct. Mr. Sheffer stated the city should prepare a bill for the $1200. Mayor Stephens stated billing may not be practical, just deduct from what we owe. Alderman Erbes stated he agrees. Mayor Stephens suggested motion should have $14,000 deducted from the final amount.
Motion: To Approve the Pay Estimate #6 but deduct $14,000 from the final amount for days not worked and brush dump fees.
Motion by Alderman Pierson Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
New business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment: Alderman Campos asked what the Lake Kristy Avenue status is? Mr. Mills stated put four loads of rock on it. People are driving out further. Alderman Campos asked can we put something on the curve? Mr. Mills stated absolutely not, then the city would be responsible. Mayor Stephens asked look at building it up? Mr. Mills stated gravel road, hasn’t been oil and chipped in years. Alderman Campos asked no drainage? Mr. Mills stated they keep driving through Derek’s yard and breaking drainage. Alderman Campos asked then property owner can put something up? Mayor Stephens stated he will drive over and take a look at it.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Alderman Hughes stated meeting with the FOP on the 16th, continuing to work on the FOP contract.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
The Taste of Chocolate Event: sent over a few things – coupons and clips.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Keep him and his family in our prayers. Special thanks to Main Street for all they are doing for the city.
Jance Curry-Witzman Absent
Russell Brown Nothing
William Pierson Nothing
Gary McComb Need prayers for the Street Dept. worker.
John Erbes Thank you from the Hometown Christmas Committee.
Dan Bratton Absent
Mike Bastien Get a draft copy of the cannabis establishment ordinance? Yes, will have an email sent.
Gloria Campos Nothing
W. J. Pittman Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Statement of Economic Interest forms-complete and get back to her.
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Money in the budget for the radio system, working with the 911 Board, received a $50,000/year grant, will pay for it in 4 years. FEMA opened a grant for staffing, will pay 100% salary and benefits for 3 years. Could help reduce overtime and ISO rating would go down. Asking for permission to apply for this grant, deadline is March 12, hire 2 people. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Evans to get with Chief McBride and look at savings projected. Alderman Hughes asked if the grant is set up to hire 1? Yes. Alderman Erbes asked if have to specify the number want to hire? Yes. Chief McBride would like as much time to write this as possible since he has not done this one before.
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Motion: To go into executive session at 7:21 pm 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 Pierson Second by Alderman Erbes
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Bratton
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:31 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Campos
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pierson, Alderman McComb, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Campos, Alderman Pittman
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Bratton
Motion Carried
Motion: To Resume Regular Council Meeting.
Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement for Public Works.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
| Motion by Alderman Campos | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
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