City of Murphysboro City Council met Aug. 10.
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 6:02 p.m. and invited Pastor Allen 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 Clerk Leslie Mulholland to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:
Present: Barb Hughes*, Jance Curry-Witzman, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden *via teleconference
Absent: Gloria Campos, Russell Brown
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 27, 2021, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Austin
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Accounts payable were discussed.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #235, #247 & #249, through August 10, 2021, accounts receivable through July 31, 2021, and payroll through July, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Erbes
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: Mr. Evans stated sales tax is up, expenses shown for seven months, SCBA is over budget but is temporary until the financing comes through, Street Department is over because of Venture Lane, Revenue is ahead, June had a three month payroll. Alderman Pittman asked how the tax will effect from this year to next? Mr. Evans stated he wonders if it is from online retailers sending in tax money, no way to track online tax. Mayor Stephens asked if we revised budget numbers for the current year? Chief McBride stated did budget for repeater, 911 board is paying 100%, check should be coming soon, $200,000 will become surplus.
Consideration of Resolution Authorizing Lease with Murphysboro Park District: Attorney Blake stated everything is ready, resolution is in packet, ready for final approval.
Motion: To Approve the Resolution Authorizing the Lease of City Owned Real Estate to the Murphysboro Park District.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
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: Nothing at this time.
Alderman Erbes asked if mowing is going well? Mr. Mills stated is not going well, he is mowing not weed-eating. Alderman McComb stated you can tell by driving by the City Cemetery, said he can’t afford to hire anyone. Mayor Stephens stated he will contact him.
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Requests for Apple Festival: Same request as always with addition of Locust Street closure, will be barricaded. Fire has access plan. Adding more craft booths.
Motion: To Approve the Apple Festival Committee Requests for Additional Security Detail and Street Closures where indicated per their Request.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Requests for BBQ Cook-Off: Same as every year.
Motion: To Approve the Request for the Extension of the Noise Ordinance to midnight on September 24, 2021, and Street Closures where indicated per their Request.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Mr. Lee stated in 2019 we metered water usage, do we do it again? Alderman McComb stated trucks being washed in Daum Building parking lot, tell Apple Festival committee no washing of vehicles, tell Shawn again, no need to meter.
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: Did we get estimate? Send something. Mr. Lee stated he spoke to Clearwave representative, it has been turned in, they are willing to repair it if they did damage. Keep on the agenda.
Consideration of Patching on Future Lane: Alderman McComb stated drove by today, is rough but not bad shape. Needs to come all the way in with concrete, can be held off for a little while. Mr. Mills stated will cut a ditch on south side when he has time. Mayor Stephens stated IDOT representative regarding 14th Street, trying to communicate with school starting back. Chief McBride stated was told by IDOT they are going to do part at night. Alderman McComb stated wrecked houses of Jackson County Housing, sewer not stubbed, all owned by JCHA, city should inspect, add with permitting. Also demo/remodel permits, no dumpsters on the streets, need to tell people when they are getting permits. Chief Ellermeyer stated discussed a few years ago, went every which direction.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment: Alderman Gladden stated property owner has been dealing with Clearwave since 2017. Mr. Lee stated he has always spoken to Derek and he has been good to work with and fix.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Parking Issues on Roberta Drive: Chief McBride and Mr. Mills surveyed the situation. Chief McBride took fire truck and Mr. Mills parked his truck. No way to get through. Chief McBride suggested make a section no parking. Alderman Pittman asked how do you tell people you can park here but neighbor can’t? Robert Drive is wider than 14tth Street, 1500 block then cuts in at curves. 50/50 turn Illinois to 16th Street or Roberta. Alderman Gladden stated people parking could be opposite side, no parking on one side.
Motion: To Approve No Parking on South side of Roberta Drive from 1500 Block to 16th Street.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Hughes and Alderman Pittman.
Motion Carried
Request for Slow Children At Play Sign at 434 Division Street: Chief Ellermeyer stated he went twice, no answer, not a bad idea to put a sign up.
Motion: To Approve a Slow Children At Play sign at 434 Division Street.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
New business:
Discussion regarding John Street Issues: Mayor Stephens stated south side of John Street, met with property owner, if they put up fence, could they put a fence up on the line, not three feet back. Mayor Stephens does not think it is a good idea. Alderman McComb stated guy is videoing the neighbors, invading privacy. Knock on doors, put up No Trespassing signs, tell him to leave. Guy found out it’s surveyed. 6th to 8th Street. Against putting fence on city property. Alderman Pittman asked what is the issue now? Mayor Stephens stated complaint is they are backing on property on purpose. Alderman McComb stated survey marks is where line is three to six feet. Alderman Bastien agrees, no.
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
Funds Received from Smysor Trust: thanked the Smysor Trust, Burt delivered check for $47,000 last week for concerts in the park, left balance to use, will draft a letter to send to them.
Request for Sponsorship: Hold until next meeting.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Absent
Mike Austin Nothing
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Building on 6th & Walnut demo’d, State Farm guy building 3 suite strip center, his office will go in one.
Gary McComb Sponsorship or appointment should have representative here to tell us why in person.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Last meeting asked for sewer paperwork on hotel, appreciates it being in packet. Can city forgive the money? Bring to council agreement. Alderman McComb has itemized list, sewer $182,000 and sidewalk $37,119, $200,000 out of budget. Said he would pay it if we didn’t get grant, came out of MFT money and we had to pay. Mayor Stephens stated send letter/talk in executive session, 5 million versus $200,000, spent $200,000 got 5 million investment. Alderman Pittman stated maybe he would pay some. Mayor Stephens stated is in TIF District, could maybe repay from there. Alderman McComb stated $200,000 is a lot of money out of the budget. Times we didn’t have it. Talk to the man and see. Alderman Erbes stated Alderman Gladden asked if we could forgive it, invest in the city to make things better. Alderman Pittman asked about the investor at the country club & the sewer. Alderman Hughes stated can’t make it if we don’t spend it. Mr. Evans stated received $4867 in hotel tax from June paid in July. Recover from TIF Special Tax 10.25% instead 9.25%. Alderman Pittman stated maybe have conversation to see if he would pay some. If he says no, go to council vote. Alderman McComb stated he volunteered to pay for the sidewalk. Mayor Stephens stated meeting with Mr. Koppeis August 20th, will ask.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Spoke with Abby Davenport with START. regarding 501 9th Street. BOA for START. does not want to deal with property owner. Taxes are delinquent ($2000). Mayor Stephens stated city take to court. Attorney Blake stated he has been summoned. Chief McBride stated dealing with him on other issues at the code office. Alderman McComb stated if he paid back taxes and gave to city, would START pay half demo and still be interested?
Leslie Mulholland Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
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 go into executive session at 7:17 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3) Meetings to consider the selection of a person to fill a public office, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Campos, Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:33 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Pittman
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Campos, Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume regular council meeting 7:33 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To Recommend Appointing Charles Eisert to replace Eric Kennedy as Code Enforcement Officer.
Motion by Alderman Gladden
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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