Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council Met July 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 6:01 p.m. and 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*, Gloria Campos, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien*, Don Gladden *via teleconference

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Erbes stated on page 3, last paragraph, correct quick to quit.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 13, 2021, council meeting, with the requested correction. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Hughes inquired as to:

#210 page 4 Two coffee pots at different costs? Chief McBride stated he bought a one identical to the old one & the city will be reimbursed.

Alderman Campos inquired as to:

#210 page 4 The axle? Mr. Lee stated the rear end went out on one of his vehicles.

#210 page 10 Silkworm? Cost for embroidery required on work shirts.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #210, through July 27, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Campos

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 Statements by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Alderman Pittman stated Mr. Evans is not present tonight, another pretty decent month, continuing the trend.

Alderman McComb stated need to review the sewer line bill and talk about the sidewalk, approximate cost of $170,000. Too much money to forgive. Mayor Stephens stated Joe was told not to build here by Holiday Inn but did it anyway. We received $100,000 from Teri Bryant to replace the 100 year old water main, we were going to have to replace it anyway. Alderman McComb stated should have gone after Rawson right away. Mayor Stephens stated trying to grow the community. Alderman Erbes stated didn’t have the right to sue Rawson, just Joe. The bike path was still just a thought, thought Joe said if don’t get a grant will pay for it. Didn’t pursue a grant. Mayor Stephens stated he understands and respects your perspective but disagree. Alderman McComb stated I do, too.

Mayor Stephens asked about the collaboration with S.T.A.R.T. Attorney Blake stated he spoke to Abby Davenport, their board meeting was yesterday and have not heard back yet.

Alderman Gladden asked if can task someone to get the exact cost of the sewer replacement. Was told we have the figure. Mayor Stephens stated will get it for the next meeting.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Ordinance Declaring as Surplus and Authorizing Transfer of City owned Lots at 4th & Division Street: 14-04-484-015, 14-04-484-016, 14-04-484-017, 14-04-484-018:

Motion: To Approve the Ordinance Declaring as Surplus and Authorizing Transfer of City owned lots at 4th Street & Division Street: 14-04-484-015, 14-04-484-016, 14-04-484-017 and 14-04-484-018.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Hughes stated the United Methodist Church is getting a new minister, Marty McMichael. After they are here for a while would like to introduce him to everyone, will be a wonderful asset to our community.

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 Sidewalk Damage by Clearwave at 223 North 18th Street: Alderman McComb stated he looked at it, can see where they broke it up, approximately 85-100 feet. Replace to the street, need to make it wheelchair accessible? Yes. Do it and send them a bill or send them the information. Mayor Stephens stated surely they can do it. Mr. Lee stated they are going to try and get down this week to take a look at it. Mayor Stephens stated have them work with Alderman McComb, give them our specs.

Consideration of Patching on Future Lane: Alderman McComb stated right now it is not bad, don’t need to do it right now but will need to do it at some point. Mr. Sheffer stated Samron has given him two bids. Spoke to Mitch Burdick, couple of thousand but is a twelve to eighteen month temporary fix. Alderman McComb stated Samron is not driving on the new road they paved with the experimental pavement. There are a couple of spots people want to buy out there. Samron wants to buy one but the owner won’t sell. Mr. Mills stated can put some gravel on it. Alderman McComb asked to table it for now. Mr. Sheffer stated the $24,000 bid would be permanent.

Consideration of 2021 Oil & Chip bid:

Motion: To Approve the 2021 Oil & Chip Bid of $45,483.45 submitted by Illini Asphalt Corporation.

Motion by Alderman Campos

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of 2021 Oil & Chip Resolution:

Motion: To Approve the 2021 Oil & Chip Resolution.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Consideration of Modification to the Swimming Pool Ordinance: Chief McBride stated have hit a snag enforcing fencing. Some people have soft sided pool with a pvc frame. Ask to remove the wording “of rigid wall construction”. Mayor Stephens asked if we have a large number of these? Chief McBride stated he knows of three or four. Mayor Stephens asked what kind of grace period for people to build a fence? Can be expensive. Chief McBride stated will leave the timing up to the council. Attorney Blake stated have to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals and hold a public hearing. Alderman Erbes stated do so. Alderman Gladden stated won’t affect anyone this summer.

Motion: To Approve preparing to take it before the zoning Board of Appeals.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Campos asked if the Street Department can spray the weeds growing on the road by the cemetery.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time

New business:

Discussion regarding Parking Issues on Roberta Dr.: Alderman Campos stated from 14th Street to 16th Street, the little curve, maybe put an X on one side or the other, fire truck will not fit through there if park on both sides. Mayor Stephens stated will have Mr. Mills or Chief McBride look at it to know where specifically to minimize lost parking spaces.

Discussion of Parking Issue on the 2300 Block of Commercial Street: Mayor Stephens stated in front of the Jackson County Housing Authority building, there is parking for the residents behind the building. Joe Fry stated discussion regarding eliminating the parking between the sidewalk and boulevard. Is in disrepair, blocks sidewalk access. JCHA representative stated she agrees, have parking provided in the rear. There is also a drain there, not good to park on it. Mr. Lee stated that would be beneficial to the water and street department, regarding the drains. Alderman Bastien state he looked at that, is in agreement. Put some work in there, maybe some gravel.

Motion: To Approve No Parking in front of the south side of Commercial Street from 23rd Street to 24th Street.

Motion by Alderman Bastien

Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

Request from St. Andrew School to temporarily make Mulberry Street a One Way Street from 7th to 8th Street: Chief Ellermeyer stated he met with the school administration, have drop-off and pick-up in rear but are building four classrooms in that area so nowhere to pick-up or drop-off during construction. They are requesting making Mulberry Street one way from 7th Street to 8th Street (west bound) from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. They own all the property for that block. Alderman McComb stated Desoto grade school has that. Alderman Austin stated Desoto has barricades. What is the time line? Chief Ellermeyer stated three to five months, starting pretty quick. Alderman Campos asked about barriers? The school will take care of that. Alderman Campos asked just during school hours? Chief Ellermeyer stated their request is for the term of the project. Alderman Campos stated that would be best. Mayor Stephens stated maybe have a patrol there when first start.

Motion: To Approve making Mulberry Street one way west bound from 7th Street to 8th Street from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm for the duration of construction at St. Andrews School.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Request for Street Light at 442 Murphy Street: Ms. Bryant stated request from the elderly gentleman who lives there, dark at night and have had a lot of break-in’s. Mayor Stephens stated we do these fairly regularly.

Motion: To Approve the installation of a street light at the intersection by 442 Murphy Street.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Request for Slow Children At Play Sign at 434 Division Street: Ms. Bryant stated Martha Jiminez family requested this, thinks there used to be a sign there but it is gone. Alderman McComb stated only one family there. Mayor Stephens stated may want to run a traffic detail there. Chief Ellermeyer stated we can check what is going on there.

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 stated have a new Fire Department employee, will be attending the academy. Chief McBride stated Lance Liggett is leaving, Charles Garrett James is starting August 23 and attending the academy in September.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Met with John Shadowens, they are vacating the Spero Home, consolidating at Mt. Vernon location. Would look at a group or sell homes individually.

Brown Shoe Factory is owned by AXC Gas LLC, tax buyer from New York. Will ask them to help clean it up.

New recommendation from the CDC regarding masking. The number of Covid cases is rising, will be looking at where we will need to meet.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Gloria Campos Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Russell Brown Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Need to set up a maintenance plan at the sewer plant, will need money and Darrin an increase in the budget.

Mike Bastien Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Looked at state and other communities fireworks ordinances. What

the city allows is in violation of the state statute. Do not think the

city has the authority to allow it. Can issue permits – display

fireworks if the person is licensed and for consumer fireworks.

There are training requirements for the consumer.

Leslie Mulholland Nothing

Scott Evans Absent

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Absent

Leandra Bryant Nothing

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

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