City of Murphysboro City Council Met July 13.
Here are 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 6:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Jerry Hickam 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, Mike Austin, Russell Brown, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden
Absent: Gloria Campos
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 22, 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
Mayor Stephens inquired as to:
#209 page 2 Brown Electric – which light? Rt 127 & Industrial Park Rd.
Alderman McComb inquired as to: #209 page 5 Cemetery mowing-prepayment? Yes, bi-monthly payments to go with council meetings, asked for a prepayment for gas, equipment. etc.
Alderman Hughes inquires as to: #209 page 13 ’98 Dodge, Tim’s Department, lots of miles, keep an eye on it.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #208 & #209, through July 13, 2021, accounts receivable through June 30, 2021, and payroll through June, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second 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 and Approval of Audit for FY 2020:
Motion: To Approve the Audit for Fiscal Year 2020.
Motion by Alderman Brown
Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
New Business:
Presentation of Financial Statements by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated Sales Tax is continuing to do well; the city’s cash position has increased since December, 2020; operating expenses are under budget, have exceeded budgeted revenue; health insurance is on track and payroll is over but had three payrolls in June. Alderman Erbes inquired as to the negative balance in the Vendor Claims Accounting? Mr. Evans stated it is basically a clearing account.
Consideration of Ordinance Imposing a Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax: Alderman Pittman stated the maximum is 3%. Attorney Blake stated it is 3%, collected through the Illinois Department of Revenue. The tax goes into effect January 1 or July 1 so this will go into effect January 1, 2022.
Motion: To Approve a Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax of 3%.
Motion by Alderman Gladden
Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Declaring the Fire Department 2002 GMC Yukon as Surplus:
Motion: To Declare the Fire Department 2002 GMC Yukon as Surplus.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Demolition of 501 North Street with S.T.A.R.T.: Attorney Blake stated the city has already filed a complaint for demolition with the courts. V. Gupta bought it at the tax sale and is behind on taxes. Has asked if the city will accept it if he pays the taxes. Will have to confirm that with him. Mayor Stephens stated the range to tear down given was $6500-$8000, want to help S.T.A.R.T. Ms. Ripley stated Brian Davenport with S.T.A.R.T. got those figures from Ryan Edwards. Alderman McComb stated can get other bids, will need a firm bid. Mayor Stephens stated we are willing to participate but need to get bids. Alderman Pittman stated and find out about the taxes. Alderman Erbes stated we would be on the hook for the demo cost eventually if S.T.A.R.T. wasn’t involved. Chief McBride stated the demo fund balance is approximately $4000. Mayor Stephens stated will participate based upon whether taxes are taken care of.
Motion: To participate in the Demolition of 501 North Street with S.T.A.R.T. based upon if the taxes are taken care of.
Motion by Alderman Gladden
Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Request for Donation of Lots at 4th & Division Street: 14-04-484-015, 14-04-484-016, 14-04-484-017, 14-04-484-018: Alderman McComb stated asked if they would take care of it if we donate it to them, they will maintain it. Mr. Manwaring stated a couple of the lots are in the flood plain, those in the flood plain put in some kind of covenant that no structures can be built on or trailers put on, lots 17 and 18. Attorney Blake stated need ordinance declaring it surplus real estate and costs are excessive and put in flood plain language. Mayor Stephens asked what the risk was if did a quit claim? Attorney Blake stated could challenge the city’s authority. Alderman Hughes asked what the difference is in this and when we vacate something we own like an alleyway? Attorney Blake stated a lot is different from an alleyway.
Motion: To Approve the donation of lots 14-04-484-015, 14-04-484-016, 14-04-484-017 and 14-04-484-018 to Martha Jimenez.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Purchase of Commemorative Coin for BBQ Cook-Off: Alderman Austin stated he has an example of a commemorative coin. Would like to have the coin made with the city on one side. Purchase 100 for $490 and order 50 for the public to purchase and the monies can be donated somewhere.
Motion: To Approve the Purchase of 150 Commemorative Coins for the BBQ Cook-Off.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Modification to Liquor Code for Servers under a Class E License: Mr. Martin, from the ELKS organization, stated they have a class E license and can only hire 21-year-olds. Would like to be able to hire 18-year-olds to deliver liquor to tables.
Motion: To Approve the Modification of the Class E Liquor License Code for servers to be 18 years old.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
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.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding the Alley behind the 17th Street Sauce Factory: Mr. Sheffer stated three possible remedies: 1. $27,200 – ditch and pave; 2. $14,000 – ditch and oil & chip; 3. $46,430 – 3 inlets. Mayor Stephens asked what kind of funds are available? Mr. Sheffer stated motor fuel tax. Mr. Evans stated so much of the motor fuel tax is for 7th Street, so would be worried. Mayor Stephens stated he is in favor of the $46,430 to do it right and get it away from the building. Alderman Hughes asked if it would be possible to use the new rubber tire paving like on Future Lane? Alderman Erbes asked if the front of the building is going to be a restaurant? Mayor Stephens stated before the end of the year.
Motion: To Approve the pipe and oil & Chip option to remedy the problem at a cost estimate of $46,430.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
New business:
Discussion regarding Sidewalk Damage by Clearwave at 223 North 18th Street: Alderman Gladden stated it is definitely cracked for thirty feet on the east side next to the boulevard. Property owner has tried for two years to get Clearwave to fix it. Mr. Lee stated he can reach out to Clearwave. Alderman McComb stated leave on the agenda.
Consideration of Proposal for Patching on Future Lane: Alderman McComb stated Samron brings in dirt to weigh and have destroyed the road, water not getting away from it, is all broke up. Met with them, they gave an estimate. Mr. Sheffer stated he spoke to Mitch Burdick with the county, said would give bid to fix. Alderman Pittman stated Samron is doing the damage and they’re the only bid? Alderman McComb stated Mr. Mills and I met them there to see, should get other bids. Mr. Sheffer stated there is no base on it, need to get water off it. Went out with Mr. Mills, will check with Mitch. Alderman McComb stated need to be aware of it, fix it at some point, when we start on 7th Street. Mayor Stephens stated need to find out exactly what the county is willing to do.
No public comment.
Alderman Brown opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding Parking Issues at South 20th Street from Walnut to Spruce Street: Mayor Stephens stated there is additional traffic and parking due to business. Chief Ellermeyer stated can do some No Parking from Here to Corner signs instead of no parking on one side. Alderman Bastien stated that is a good idea, already have an ordinance regarding having to park so far back from an intersection. Alderman Hughes stated it is a good place to start. Business owner Jim Lee stated he met with Chief Ellermeyer and Darrin Mills, not trying to lose parking, understands the problem, is good with it being so far from the curb. Mayor Stephens stated he will direct Mr. Mills to put up signs as discussed.
New business:
Discussion regarding July 4th issues: Mayor Stephens stated he observed a lot of spent fireworks casings in the street and being set off by the park entrance. Afterwards, there was a large group of people there shooting off fireworks. Chief Ellermeyer stated the ordinance allows for possession and lighting of fireworks on July 4th. Receive a lot of phone calls leading up to the 4th and for a few days afterwards. There was a get-together at the housing, people going to park, get together crowd was shooting off fireworks. Met with JCHA Monday, need to figure out something for next year. Mayor Stephens stated from meeting with JCHA Monday, they will put out letters to their communities that this will not be allowed. This is a real safety issue. Alderman McComb stated can pass an ordinance that no fireworks can be set off on city property. Chief Ellermeyer stated he met with one couple that had their grandchild with them, fireworks were set off right in front of them and bad language. Alderman Pittman asked about extra personnel? Chief Ellermeyer stated hopefully can figure out where we are with the ordinance. Alderman McComb stated the officers handled the situation well. Jim Lee asked about an ordinance of no fireworks between the hours when they are doing them at the park? Mayor Stephens asked Attorney Blake to review some ordinances.
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
Given a flyer for the Old Skool Gospel Jamboree. Being held August 14, 3:00 p.m. at Riverside Park. Free but will take donations.
Motion: To Approve the Appointment of Steve Ridings to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Absent
Mike Austin July 23 at Longfellow Park is movie night. Passing of Mr. Williams
and Mr. Shields.
Russell Brown Nothing
W. J. Pittman Congratulations to the wrestling team on going to state, including Mr. Mills’ son.
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Fixing some stuff at the sewer plant, $14,000-17,000, aerators, tank has sand in the bottom, $3500-6500. Going to start a maintenance program. One of our employees had OSHA upset at us. We had done it right but when OSHA calls, give them the number they need.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Status of the sewer line at the motel – all straightened out, have they reimbursed us? Mayor Stephens stated no but the life of the project will ultimately generate more than the $60,000 it cost us. Told Mr. Koppeis we need to meet, he said he is going to slope the edge of the property.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Fire Dept is working on a project with St. Francis-calendar
Fundraiser, will split the profits.
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Tim Lee Denny Bryant, a Street Dept Employee, passed away.
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Absent
Pat Gladson Absent
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant Nothing
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
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