City of Murphysboro City Council Met Feb. 23.
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 invited Pastor Daniel 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, Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, William Pierson, Gary McComb, Dan Bratton, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos*
*via teleconference
Absent: John Erbes, W.J. Pittman
Recognition of Probation Completion of Joseph Elbrecht: Chief McBride stated Joseph Elbrecht finished his one year probation. Chief McBride then presented Mr. Elbrecht with his firefighters shield for his helmet.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 9, 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 Hughes |
Motion Carried
Alderman Hughes inquired as to:
#117 page 3 First Bankcard-training materials? 3 sets of training books for the 3 taking the Captain’s exam.
Alderman Bratton inquired as to:
#117 page 6 Sierra Bravo-haven’t fixed road yet. Mayor Stephens stated he Suggested our Street Department could fix it.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #117, through February 23, 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 Curry-Witzman |
Motion Carried
| COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS |
Old Business:
Discussion regarding Regulations and Zoning of Adult Use Cannabis Establishments: Tabled until next meeting.
New Business:
Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated another good month for sales and income tax. First month of the General Fund - under budget on spending, which salaries and healthcare contributed to. Also received Local CURES grant, for COVID expenditures. Alderman Pierson asked about the 10% decrease in the Governor’s budget? Mr. Evans stated cannot touch our sales tax but will decrease our share of the LGDF, effective July 1, will see effects around September. Alderman Hughes asked when start hearing about census? Mr. Evans stated has heard has been delayed past their normal time. Mayor Stephens stated it had been reported it is not expected to be reported to the state until September. Added that they are closing loopholes to help with the LGDF decrease but has not seen any details yet.
Consideration of Request from Murphysboro Main Street for Grant Match: Mayor Stephens stated the request is linked to the Old Depot, going after a grant to help rehab the building. He stated he supports Murphysboro Main Street, they have been doing good things and he supports this request. Alderman Bratton asked if they already have a grant for $20,000? Ms. Green stated they are applying for a grant, which is due at the end of this month. The grant is based on a point system and matching funds will boost their points. Alderman Bratton asked what the amount is? $20,000 match. Alderman Bastien stated he is totally in support of the match.
Motion: To Approve Grant Match for Murphysboro Main Street in the amount of $20,000.00.
Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Bratton
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:
Consideration of Cemetery Maintenance Bids: Mayor Stephens opened two cemetery maintenance bids. 1. Carl Clover for $450/mowing at the City cemetery and $1850/mowing at Tower Grove. 2. Phillip Royster/Custom Concrete, for $300/mowing at City cemetery and $1400/mowing at Tower Grove. Alderman McComb made a motion to accept the bid from Phillip Royster. Alderman Bratton asked if it was the same guidelines, experience mowing cemeteries? Alderman McComb stated he thinks Royster has mown in the bottoms. Carl left us hanging, never moved the dirt. Alderman Pierson asked if we had a copy of the ordinance? Mayor Stephens stated he had a copy of the bid specs – minimum of two years’ experience in lawn care and maintenance and provide three references. Alderman Bratton stated go to executive session. Mayor Stephens stated not on the agenda. Attorney Blake stated not a proper topic for executive session. Alderman McComb stated if given back to Clover, I won’t oversee it. He wanted to mow every Monday and send a huge bill. Mayor Stephens stated Mr. Clover said he needed to mow every week so not tear up his equipment. Alderman Pierson asked if we wait one more meeting, would we get more bids? Mayor Stephens stated have already opened the bids and made contents public. Alderman Bratton asked if add extra requirement – experience mowing cemeteries – would we get more bids? Mayor Stephens stated he does not know that would get us any more applicants.
Motion: To Decline Both Bids and Rebid the Cemetery Contract.
Motion by Alderman Pierson Second by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding Property at 17th and Walnut Street: Alderman Bastien stated he has nothing new to add. Mayor Stephens stated he has not heard back from Mr. Wisely. Other communities have Downtown zoning requirements. Alderman Bastien stated need to look really hard, need to do something about it. Put a committee or group together. Not attractive. Mayor Stephens stated takes a little processing, need to be in a good position. Alderman Bratton asked if we change the ordinance, would he be grandfathered? Attorney Blake stated if there are zoning changes, yes he would be. Need to look at what we do there, how would it affect other businesses. Alderman Hughes asked if he has a business there? Mayor Stephens stated not sure, last he knew was selling things at his property on Old 13. Alderman Hughes asked did he put up a fence? Has an enclosure but not opaque. Alderman Bratton stated he agrees with Alderman Bastien. Alderman Campos asked in order to be a business, are you supposed to pay taxes and have customers? Mayor Stephens stated we shut his business down, storing merchandise there. Alderman Pierson asked about the ordinance for displaying merchandise outside on the sidewalk. Attorney Blake stated his merchandise is on his lot not the sidewalk.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Consideration of Expansion of Wastewater Infrastructure on Country Club Road: Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to their project engineer, expects he will have pre-annexation agreement for our attorney by the next meeting. Can put this back on the agenda once that is done. Alderman Bratton asked if the developer has purchased any property? Mayor Stephens stated he has purchased from Dave Phillips and is negotiating with the other person.
New business:
Consideration of No Parking on the North Side of Ritter Street from Rogers to Dead End: Mr. Mills stated this was brought to his attention by Kenny Word. People are parking on both sides. He owns all on the north side, requesting the city place two No Parking signs.
Motion: To Approve No Parking on the North Side of Ritter Street from Rogers to Dead End of Ritter Street.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Hiring Two Firefighters through SAFER Grant Application: Chief McBride stated it is a three-year grant, changed this year to cover 100% of salary and contractual benefits for three years. Would like to write the grant to attempt to get funding for two firefighters. Could help with ISO rating. Ladder truck is out of service as of today. Do have new waterline down Walnut, which also helps rating. (Went over the figures outlined in the handout with assumptions for one or two firefighters.) Alderman Hughes asked what the deadline is? March 12 but need to have done by March 3 because going on vacation. If you apply for one instead of two, does it change the chances of getting it? Think would decrease due to not being fully staffed. Would save $75,000 in overtime if hire two? Yes. Then asked Scott Evans for his accounting thoughts. Mr. Evans stated year one, two and three will realize the maximum benefit. Year four will start realizing less, will be all on us. If the city hires more employees, would be at lower salaries. Alderman Hughes asked if someone retires within these three years, would have to replace that person? Yes, but after the three years is up, would not have to. Alderman Bratton asked if someone is sick on a two person shift, can’t pull person from three man shift? No, contractual. Mayor Stephens stated he would recommend Chief McBride go forward with writing the grant for one firefighter. Chief McBride stated attempting everything he can to lower the ISO rate for residents to lower their rates. Would also benefit the city’s rate.
Motion: To Approve Chief McBride Writing the SAFER Grant Application to Hire One Firefighter.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Modifications to the Snow Route Ordinance: Brian Manwaring stated with the last snow storm, there were a couple of issues. The current ordinance did not reflect/carry over correctly from previous ordinances. Two corrections to the Primary City Routes as stated on the handout: #3 should be 23rd Street from Commercial Avenue to Division Street and #4 should be West Riverside Park Road from 23rd Street to the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Alderman McComb asked if there is anything in the ordinance about ice? Mayor Stephens did not know. Mr. Manwaring stated only about plowing snow into cars. City Clerk Hunziker asked if North 14th Street from Walnut Street to Poplar Street could be added? Yes.
Motion: To Approve the Proposed Snow Route Modifications as follows: #3 should be 23rd Street from Commercial Avenue to Division Street and #4 should be West Riverside Park Road from 23rd Street to the Waste Water Treatment Plant and add North 14th Street from Walnut Street to Poplar Street.
Motion by Alderman Bastien 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 stating still meeting with FOP, meeting tomorrow, are getting close. Also commended the Street Department for all their good work.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Received a letter from Craig Stewart stating his intention to resign from his position on the Board of Appeals. Will be looking for a replacement.
ALDERMEN
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Received $300,000 CURES Funding thanks to all Ms. Ripley’s hard work. Appreciated all of Ms. Ripley’s hard work and time spent getting this.
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Russell Brown Nothing
William Pierson Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
John Erbes Absent
Dan Bratton Thanked the Street & Water Departments, great job on the roads.
Mike Bastien Kincaid Board appointments expired in December, where are you at with those? Mayor Stephens stated they are in litigation right now, may get a ruling in March, waiting until that happens. They continue to serve until replaced.
Gloria Campos Nothing
W. J. Pittman Absent
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Eric Kennedy Absent
Tim Lee 7 water main breaks recently, men have been working tirelessly. Have had 40 emergency shut off calls, men have been working really hard.
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Thanked Mr. Lee for his help, short 2 guys & they stepped up and
helped a bunch.
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle: Nothing
Motion: To adjourn.
| Motion by Alderman Bratton | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
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