Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council Met April 27.

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 6:06 p.m. and invited Pastor Wes Henson 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, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Mike Bastien, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent:Jance Curry-Witzman, Dan Bratton

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 13, 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 Brown

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 13, 2021, Public Hearing. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Brown

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #145 & 171, through April 27, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman CamposSecond 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:

Consideration of Extending the Prohibition of Adult Use Cannabis Establishments: Alderman Pittman stated it will expire May 12. Zoning Board meeting May 18 then it will come back to us.

Motion: To Extend the Prohibition of Adult Use Cannabis Establishments until June 30.

Motion by Alderman CamposSecond by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

New Business:

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated the state income tax had a very good month again. Healthcare had higher expenditure of HRA in March but through the first three months, look to be in budget. Mayor Stephens stated he appreciates Mr. Evans’ work.

Consideration of TIF Ordinance and Agreement: Application – 1416 Walnut Street – Grace Notes Music Studio:

Motion: To Approve the TIF Ordinance and Agreement for Grace Notes Music Studio at 1416 Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman CamposSecond by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Implementing a Food Truck License: Mayor Stephens stated he had a conversation with Ms. Mulholland several months ago about this. Ms. Mulholland stated we have licenses and permits for just about everything except this. Would like the council to consider adding this to the other licenses. Alderman Pittman asked if would be for one year? Yes. Ms. Mulholland stated would ensure we get sales tax. Alderman Pittman asked how it would affect the Apple Festival. Ms. Mulholland stated would have to figure that out. Alderman Campos stated she thinks it is a wonderful idea. For the Apple Festival just charge one fee. Have seen where the food trucks gather in one place instead of all over town. Mayor Stephens stated also need to consider and look at each food truck that has a brick and mortar place in town differently. Alderman Pittman asked for any type of food? Ms. Mulholland stated don’t have anything yet. Alderman Hughes stated she thinks it is a great idea. Have to have anything right now? No. Something about private versus public land. Ms. Mulholland stated wanted to see if council was good with entertaining this before moving forward. Mayor Stephens stated want to limit the scope. Alderman Pittman stated maybe look at a daily permit. Mayor Stephens stated are really talking about sales tax revenue. Want to be organized. Alderman Campos stated we can have different types of licenses. If food truck is on private property, it is still a business. Alderman Erbes stated want to look at something in addition to annual. Ms. Mulholland stated can do a special permit. Currently just have to have a health department inspection. Alderman Erbes stated he is in favor of this.

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:

Update on Farmers Market: Mayor Stephens stated they are getting ready to start up again. Jessica Grammer is stepping back but others have stepped forward. Alderman Hughes asked what day? Mayor Stephens stated Saturday mornings on Chestnut Street.

Request from Class of 2001 for Street Closure September 25th, 1100 Block of Chestnut Street:

Motion: To Approve the Street Closure Request from the Class of 2001 on September 25th for the 1100 Block of Chestnut Street.

Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Request from Murphysboro Park District for Street closure on May 10th at 19th & Pine Streets:

Motion: To Approve the Street Closure Request from the Murphysboro Park District on May 10th for 19th & Pine Streets.

Motion by Alderman HughesSecond by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Alderman McComb stated the Masons are wanting a street closure behind the city building on a Saturday in July. Told them to contact Ms. Ripley. It is for their 150th celebration.

No public comment.

Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding Oil & Chip Program for 2021:

Discussion Regarding the Resurfacing of Venture Lane:

Consideration of Motor Fuel Resolution for 7th Street Widening Project – Construction Phase:

Motion: To Approve the Motor Fuel Resolution for the 7th Street Widening Project – Construction Phase.

Motion by Alderman Second by Alderman

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:

Consideration of Declaring Vehicles as Surplus – 2006 Ford Crown Victoria (#06-31) and 2011 Ford Crown Victoria (#11-36): Mayor Stephens asked if going to auction? Chief Ellermeyer stated yes, taking to Cannings.

Motion: To Declare the 2006 & 2011 Ford Crown Victorias as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman McCombSecond by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

New business: Nothing at this time.

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

Alderman Pierson submitted his resignation. Lisa Byrd spoke to the council and handed out a packet of information stating her interest in the vacancy and in helping Murphysboro move forward. Alderman Campos asked if there are any others interested? Mayor Stephens stated there is one other he received via email but they signed Ms. Byrd’s petition.

Discussion regarding the Liquor License Renewal at 1501 Walnut Street: This is for Power Gas. Have received a number of complaints over the years. Always a struggle to get them to pay their gas tax (remit to the city). Always a question if I can pull their license with no violation. Attorney Heller stated have to have very specific evidentiary proof of incidents. Not renewing is the same as revoking. The behaviors have to be violations of the liquor code. Understand they are nuisance complaints. Mayor Stephens stated so can’t just pull their license. Attorney Heller stated maybe have a specific response to a complaint. Alderman Erbes asked about the penalty for not paying their gas tax? Ms. Mulholland stated it is very little, they do not sell much gas. Alderman Bastien asked about there being a church right behind it. Mayor Stephens stated he had asked Mr. Mills to measure before. Mr. Mills stated it is a little closer than the ordinance says. Ms. Mulholland stated have to be a U.S. citizen to have a license. Mayor Stephens stated will continue to look at. Has been a real nuisance, will do it transparently.

Sunset concerts – August 2021: Carterville is hosting theirs this year. Carbondale has cancelled. Should be okay since they are having the State Fairs in August.

Thanked everyone who contributed to the overwhelming amount of stuff in his office and the support from the community. So thankful.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Russell BrownHotel opening? Hung up by Frontier communications. Latest date is May 20. Made some phone calls.

Gary McComb Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Dan Bratton Absent

Mike Bastien Nothing

Gloria CamposNothing

W. J. PittmanCitizen asked about Mr. Cripps on N. 19th Street? Attorney Heller stated the Zoning Board of Appeals had a meeting, evidentiary. Voted to deny their appeal of our cease & desist. Mr. Cripps originally informed us that he was running an auto parts recycling – needs state license & does not have it. He will have 30 days to appeal.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Ed Heller Nothing

Leslie Mulholland Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Small businesses supporting each other – early am call to Cummares, smelled gas, shut off gas, Ameren red tagged oven.

Could not do their large order for that day. Called Wiffle Boys who let her use their ovens.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Eric Kennedy Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills No Bus Signs posted on Watson Road, was contacted by West Bus & SIU Headstart who both have one student on that road, want exception. Mayor Stephens stated have to allow it.

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant Nothing

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.