Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council Met March 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 6:03 p.m. and invited 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, William Pierson, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Dan Bratton, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, Mike Bastien

Recognition of the Retirement of Mike Laughland: Chief Ellermeyer stated Lt. Mike Laughland retired last week after 25 years of service with the Murphysboro Police Department. He held several position in his tenure with the MPD and recognized his dedication to serving his community, has helped lead a young department, has passed along a lot of knowledge and had an impressive skillset including technology. Mayor Stephens presented Lt. Laughland with a plaque for his service and stated that we are very grateful for his service to the city over the years.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 23, 2021, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Campos inquired as to:

#120 page 3 Airport Bike Path? City’s 1/3 of the lighting bill for the bike path

Page 6 $4800? City’s part of street resurfacing for the intersections

#120 & 121 Thomas Dodge for the same amount? Purchased 2 vehicles

Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #120 & 121, through March 9, 2021, accounts receivable through February 28, 2021, and payroll through February, 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

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:

Discussion regarding Regulations and Zoning of Adult Use Cannabis Establishments: Alderman Pittman stated not going to vote tonight, wait until everyone is here. Mayor Stephens stated three things to be considered: 1. Permitted or special use; 2. Special protections of schools and churches; 3. Can charge registration fee. Personally favors the ordinance out of Fairview Heights. Alderman Campos stated did not receive that email. Mayor Stephens will email and put a copy in her box.

New Business:

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated largest month ever received, represents December’s sales. The Schedule of Certificates of Deposit – currently approximately $3,555,000, average rate of return of 1-3/4%.

Consideration of Reallocation of Investment Funds per Policy: Mr. Evans stated looking for other alternatives to get better yield. Can invest in four areas. Would like to take 1.26 million in CD’s from General Fund and invest in Municipal Bonds. (handout page 1, #3) No commission charge, do have quarterly fee. Mayor Stephens asked if can not invest in Illinois debt? Mr. Evans stated yes. Approximately 70% of the portfolio are revenue bonds. Alderman Hughes asked average years for municipal bonds? If we need money? Mr. Evans stated it is 20 years or more hold to maturity, can simply tell them we need some money. Alderman Bratton asked what interest return projected? Mr. Evans stated not allowed to project, can be misleading. Can only show historical data. Alderman Bratton stated we are in uncertain times, just be cautious. Alderman Erbes asked if interest rate is fixed? Mr. Evans stated we are going to get the interest they state. Mayor Stephens stated this is allowed under our current policy.

Motion: To Approve the Reallocation of Investment Funds per Policy.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Transfer of 910 South 24th street to the Murphysboro Park District: Alderman McComb stated they will reimburse the city for the money we paid, they will take care of the house.

Motion: To Approve Transfer of 910 South 24th Street to the Murphysboro Park District.

Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Discussion of Pocket Park at 430 South 16th Street: Alderman Hughes stated it is in historical preservation area. Very dilapidated, feel beyond repair. Have kids that play basketball in the street. Rachel Ensor has been talking to Joe Fry. Park District has said if we tear down house and deed to them, they can put in a pocket park, for kids to play basketball safely. Ms. Ensor stated the Park District also has reconditioned play equipment and can do a half basketball court. Would take the kids off the streets and give them somewhere to play. Home originally belonged to Sgt. William Hooker, fought for the Union in the war, could put up something with that information on it. Alderman Campos asked how well lit? Street light on the corner. Alderman Erbes asked who owns it? City does. Alderman Bratton asked going to tear it down then deed to Park District? Yes. Alderman McComb asked if the city is paying for the demo? Yes. Alderman Pierson asked then it is the Park’s responsibility? Yes. Alderman Pierson asked any neighbors? Alderman Hughes stated nothing real close.

Motion: To Approve Transferring Ownership of 430 South 16th Street to the Park District after the city has demolished the house.

Motion by Alderman Bratton                 Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Street Closures for Cruise Nights: Josh Sayer stated by July hope to be able to start safely. Street closures requested are the same as in the past. Would like to revive the Fire Department water fights. Alderman Erbes asked if getting guidance from the Health Department? Yes.

Motion: To Approve the Street Closures Requested for Cruise Nights.

Motion by Alderman Bratton                  Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens 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 today. Will need to discuss in executive session since it involved the previous litigation.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Bratton opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Update on the 7th Street Widening Project: Mr. Sheffer stated will have two functions happening simultaneously – completing the design and acquisition of right-of-way. Has spoken to John Tippy, will have all to IDOT by next week. Will send in final plan to IDOT on March 12. Still on track for June. Start in September. Timeline – hope to be done in one year.

Public comment: Alderman Bratton stated Watson Road by General Logan School, buses agreed to not use that road and they continue to do so. There used to be a sign, need to put a new sign up and send a letter to the school district and the bus service. Alderman Hughes asked if this was already established? Yes. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mills to put up another sign and will have Ms. Ripley send letters.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding allowing Chickens: Mayor Stephens recognized resident Holly Thompson, who was at the meeting to speak on this topic. Ms. Thompson stated she lives on South 26th Street, inside the city limits but her property consists of acres not a single lot. Has spoken to several individuals to find out why this is not allowed. City of Carbondale allows it. Asked that it be allowed with regulations and stipulations. Can provide food, kids can raise chickens for 4-H. suggested having Animal Control inspect each year and set an annual fee to cover that cost. Alderman Erbes asked how many in Carbondale, how many have licenses? Ms. Thompson stated allowed five hens, no roosters, annual fee. Alderman McComb asked if could look at each location individually and do a special use permit? Alderman Hughes stated she has some concerns. We only have one animal control officer. There are health and sanitary issues, lung and eye diseases you can contract from chicken droppings. Mayor Stephens stated will consider. Ms. Thompson thanked the council for their time.

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Update on Trackhoe Removal at WWTP: It has been removed.

St. Patrick’s Day Street Closures: Request from Chamber of Commerce and Brews Brothers.

Motion: To Approve the Street Closures Requested for St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.

Motion by Alderman Pittman                 Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Russell Brown Absent

William Pierson Status of junkyard? Antifreeze, oil, other liquids, running out. Has the EPA been contacted? Attorney Blake stated they are entitled to a hearing which is scheduled for March 16. Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to the EPA who sent someone over who looked at the site. They stated their process is so lengthy, city could probably shut down quicker.

Gary McComb Nothing

John Erbes S. 9th Street where Gillenberg building torn down, tore up the street. Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to Mr. Summers, who stated sidewalk already in that condition.

Dan Bratton Update on the hotel? Mayor Stephens stated slated for opening in mid-April, pushed back to late April, delay getting countertops for the bathrooms.

Mike Bastien Absent

Gloria Campos Need to look at the Redistricting After Census article on page 15 of the IML monthly publication. When the city ordinance regarding masked was issued, now vaccine is available, Jackson County cases are way down, need to think about ending the city’s mandate and go by the state, city’s is redundant and should have an end date. Mayor Stephens stated will put on the next agenda for consideration.

W. J. Pittman Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Leslie Mulholland Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Absent

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Eric Kennedy Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle: Nothing

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman Bratton

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php