Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council Met May 25.

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 6:02 p.m. and invited Pastor Jim Frye to lead the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Appointment of Alderman for Ward 5: Mayor Stephens appointed Don Gladden to finish the vacated term in Ward 5.

Motion: To Approve the Appointment of Don Gladden to finish the vacated term of Alderman for Ward 5.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

City Clerk Hunziker then swore in Mr. Gladden as the new Alderman of Ward 5.

Mayor Stephens then directed City Clerk Hunziker to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:

Present: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, Don Gladden, Gary McComb, John Erbes, Mike Austin, Gloria Campos, W.J. Pittman

Absent: Barb Hughes, Mike Bastien

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 11, 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 Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Campos inquired as to:

#177 page 4 Overnight Shipping? WWTP testing.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #177, through May 25, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, 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

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated received first bill for sewer repair on Shomaker, $103,xxx. Will make it hard for Water & Sewer to be profitable this year. Healthcare – if the trend holds, will end slightly below budget at year end. Salaries are currently under budget. Cumulative cost of 7th Street project is a net outlay of $259,742, after reimbursements from IDOT/FAU money. Alderman Pittman asked if we budgeted for any new hires? No we did not. Mayor Stephens asked the grant Chief McBride was writing? Yes. Mr. Evans stated did not, not as much overtime. Alderman Campos stated thought we approved one fireman. Mr. Evans stated but it was not at budget time, budget was already done.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Cemetery Maintenance Contract: Alderman McComb asked if the new contract was already signed? Yes. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Clover was asking to be paid over eight months? Mr. Clover stated no, every two weeks. Mayor Stephens stated you said ready to step away from mowing, have asked Ms. Ripley to reach out to other communities and spoke to the person you recommended. Mr. Clover stated ready to step back but won’t leave you dry. Mr. Clover stated Mayor, you said $2000 per mow and the city owes me $10,000. Alderman Erbes stated thought were going to get copies of the contracts. Alderman Pittman asked getting a new contract during his contract? Yes. Alderman Campos asked bid out contract? Mayor Stephens stated hire someone or Alderman Austin suggested break into two separate contracts. Alderman Pittman asked do one bid for mowing and one bid for maintenance? Mayor Stephens stated weed eating is the problem. Alderman Campos asked has the city had someone in the past mowing the cemetery? Mr. Mills stated had two plus several summer workers for weed eating.

Motion: To Approve Payment to Carl Clover for the outstanding invoices of $10,000 or what is owed.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Dedication of Murphysboro Masonic Lodge #498: Alderman Erbes stated street closure July 18. Masonic Representative Don Barrett stated will be 100th anniversary dedication by the Grand Lodge. Have taken in and merged with Carbondale. The building withstood the 1925 tornado.

Motion: To Approve Street Closure on July 18 for Dedication ceremony.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Rescinding the Ordinance Requiring Face Coverings:

Motion: To Approve Rescinding the Ordinance Requiring Face Coverings.

Motion by Alderman Campos

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: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Consideration of Oil & Chip Program for 2021: Mayor Stephens stated $33,446 cost per list given. Mr. Sheffer stated $14,120 for the WWTP road. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Evans can we financially proceed? Mr. Evans stated for the oil and chip list, yes, but not the WWTP road. Alderman McComb asked when plan to start? Will take Mr. Mills about two months to prepare. Mayor Stephens stated so any time after August should be able to proceed.

Motion: To Approve the Oil & Chip Program for 2021, including the WWTP Road.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Declaration of Vehicles as Surplus – WWTP 2000 Jeep Cherokee Se and Code 1995 Ford Club Wagon Sport Van:

Motion: To Approve Declaring the WWTP 2000 Jeep Cherokee Se and Code 1995 Ford Club Wagon Sport Van as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Brown

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

Motion Carried

Ordinance Authorizing Execution of Annexation Agreement for 489 Old Brick Road:

Motion: To Authorize the Execution of the Annexation Agreement for 489 Old Brick Road.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Ordinance Annexing Territory Located at 489 Old Brick Road:

Motion: To Authorize Annexing Territory Located at 489 Old Brick Road.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Ordinance Amending Zoning of Territory Located at 489 Old Brick Road from Single Family Residence District (SR-1) to Agricultural District (A-1): Mayor Stephens thanked the Ladds for going through all the proper steps, we appreciate it.

Motion: To Authorize Amending Zoning of Territory Located at 489 Old Brick Road From Single Family Residence District (SR-1) to Agricultural District (A-1).

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Austin

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: Nothing at this time.

Mr. Manwaring stated the City of Carbondale replaced their sirens and donated a newer old one to the city. Proposed location is 20th and Shomaker/Commercial. Only expense is a pole and a crane to put it in the ground, is in his budget. Mayor Stephens stated can direct him to do so.

Alderman Curry-Witzman stated they did a good job of putting the mesh up but at 17th and Spruce Streets when you drive up 17th Street you have to pull out onto Spruce to see the road. Mayor Stephens asked Chief Ellermeyer to go by and take a look.

Alderman McComb asked if a letter has been sent to McDonald’s regarding the backed up traffic. Mayor Stephens stated he has not. Alderman Pittman stated he believes it is IDOT right-of-way. Mayor Stephens stated but is in the city limits, can reach out to IDOT. Alderman Curry-Witzman stated they have delivery trucks each day at about 3:00 to 3:30 and his stuff is spread all over. Mayor Stephens stated McDonald’s is going to be building a new building at the new hotel site but that’s not for a while.

Alderman Brown stated he spoke to the general contractor at the hotel who stated that Mr. Lee, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Mills are the best he has worked with.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Building Committee Appointments: Will consist of Mayor Stephens, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Campos, Ms. Ripley, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Manwaring, Mr. Evans and Chief Ellermeyer. Will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Will need an executive session at the next council meeting concerning this.

Committee Chair Appointments: Alderman McComb was appointed the Public Works Chairman. Building & Ground is now open so let the Mayor know if interested.

Return to Council Chambers for Meetings: With the face covering rescinded, is everyone comfortable going back to council chambers for meetings? Aldermen in attendance were agreeable to that suggestion. Alderman Erbes was concerned there is not much room for the public. Alderman Curry-Witzman stated if anyone is uncomfortable can wear a mask. Alderman Pittman asked if the remote access option can remain. Mr. Manwaring stated can do that. Attorney Blake stated notice for the public hearing at the next council meeting has already been advertised as at the High School. Mayor Stephens stated will move back for the second meeting. Alderman Gladden asked if will be unlocking the doors to public buildings? Yes.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Absent

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Russell Brown Nothing

Don Gladden Thanked for the appointment to serve.

Gary McComb Reminder clean-up days a week from Friday and Saturday.

John Erbes Congratulations to Mr. Gladden. Curwood property? Mayor Stephens stated project is stalled but have taken over Motorola campus and loan is for both properties, approx. $650 million.

Mike Austin Congratulations to the high school graduates and staff. This will be the first BBQ cook-off without Mr. Mills, anything the city can do to help. Mayor Stephens stated the work there will have outlets, sidewalks, planters by September. Route 127 and the street that runs along the front of the hotel maybe name Mills St. and dedicate it to him during the BBQ cook-off. Alderman Pittman suggested a plaque located at the BBQ cook-off location.

Mike Bastien Absent

Gloria Campos Happy Memorial Day.

W. J. Pittman Asked if we can mow from the school road to the bridge in the middle? The stated mows 2 times. Mr. Mills stated can do, would like something from IDOT, they get upset if we are in their ROW. Okay with mowing from school to town, takes approx. three days. Mayor Stephens requested that it be put on the agenda.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer If going to do overlay will need a list to put costs to them.

Steve McBride Absent

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Eric Kennedy Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant Nothing

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.

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