City of Murphysboro City Council met Aug. 24.
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 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 City Clerk Gina Hunziker to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:
Present: Barb Hughes, Jance Curry-Witzman*, Gloria Campos, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien*, Don Gladden
*via teleconference
Absent: Russell Brown
Swearing in of Newly Hired Firefighter Charles Garrett James: Chief McBride introduced Garrett James as the newest member of the Murphysboro Fire Department. Mayor Stephens then administered the Fireman’s Oath of Office. Chief McBride then presented him with his badge and helmet.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 10, 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 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 #250, through August 24, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Hughes
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 Income Tax is on track, projecting Healthcare to the end of the year should be under budget and certificates of deposit are down a bit. Alderman Hughes asked if he has heard anything about the census? Mr. Evans stated in 2010 population was 7970, in 2021 showing barely over 7000. This does effect the allocations the city receives so will need to keep this in mind for next year’s budget. Mayor Stephens stated brings annexation to mind.
Discussion and Consideration of Video Gaming Push Tax Ordinance: Mayor Stephens stated IML sent out the model ordinance included in the packet. Attorney Blake stated there are two communities that have passed this ordinance and it was immediately challenged in the courts, that they have gone beyond their authority. Supposed to be a tax on the person playing not the video game terminal operators, who say they don’t have any way to collect. There is a good chance that if we pass it will face litigation. Mayor Stephens asked if can adopt but not enforce? Attorney Blake stated it is up to the city to collect. Alderman Pittman asked if have a way to collect the tax? Alderman McComb asked why not raise the cost of the permit per machine?
Motion: To Direct the City Attorney to Prepare an Ordinance Based upon the Model Ordinance presented to the Council Members.
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: Nothing at this time.
Discussion and Consideration of Termination of the Cemetery Maintenance Contract: Alderman Erbes stated he went by and viewed, are in bad shape. Alderman Hughes stated need to ask ourselves three questions: clear expectations? resources and guidance? enough time to meet them? Alderman Pittman stated it is a little different when we contract out, supposed to be their profession. Alderman McComb stated he still gets phone calls regarding this, can’t do it by yourself. Suggest next year have a contract for each cemetery. Eric Mickulas, current contractor, stated would choose to continue this contract. National average is $1 per headstone. Did not state would have person helping me. Mayor Stephens asked if he has been trying to hire someone? Yes. So not able to do this by yourself. Alderman Pittman stated if we don’t terminate, do you have a way to get up to the terms of the contract, could you hire someone with the current pay? No. Can you do it yourself? Takes two weeks to get both done. Alderman McComb stated don’t think can get both done in time for Labor Day? No. Mr. Mickulas stated as I’m doing it now can’t get it done by Labor Day. Alderman Erbes stated you stated would like the opportunity to finish the contract but you are saying you can’t get it done. Don’t see how you can elevate it. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mickulas if he would be willing to terminate the contract effective immediately? Yes.
Motion: To Terminate the Cemetery Maintenance Contract Immediately.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Gladden
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Hughes.
Motion Carried
Public comment: Alderman McComb stated the Senior Citizen Building’s dishwasher is out, can’t serve meals until it is fixed or replaced. Asked if we can buy apples for the pies for Apple Festival. Alderman Hughes stated have $7500 budgeted for them, so have the funds. Alderman McComb stated will tell them to order the apples.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Update from Tourism Commission: Table until next meeting.
Consideration of Request for Street Closure on Chestnut Street from the Class of 2011 for Saturday, September 11, 2021:
Motion: To Approve the Request for Street Closure on Chestnut Street from the Class of 2011 for September 11, 2021.
Motion by Alderman Campos
Second by Alderman Hughes
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.
Public comment: Alderman Campos stated she had been contacted by Janet Granados concerning noise violations – mufflers cut off, etc. - at North 20th Street and Illinois Avenue. Alderman Bastien stated will put on the agenda for the next meeting. Mayor Stephens stated he agrees, there is a lot of noise, not sure what it says, need to take a look. Not sure what can be done.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Update on Repair of Sidewalk Damage by Clearwave at 223 North 18th Street: Mr. Lee stated he met with them, the representative stated he can’t make the final decision but they are supposed to meet tomorrow.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Alderman McComb stated Mr. Gladson has one tank completed. Found two spots where the bank gave way, Mr. Lee has fixed one. Mr. Gladson stated can rotate and do one tank a year. Mr. Lee stated they will check the lines every month, be more diligent.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Request for No Parking on one side of Somerset Street: Mr. Mills stated he received the email on the website. Went to 7th Street and 8th Street several times, did not see any vehicles parked there. Alderman Gladden stated he drove it, no cars on the street but concern for fire trucks being able to get through. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mills if should leave as is? Yes.
Discussion Regarding Mini-Bike Issues: Mayor Stephens stated will table until Chief Ellermeyer returns. Have noticed more and more of these, they have a very short profile, safety issue. Attorney Blake stated he thinks is covered by state statute. Alderman Pittman stated not street legal. Mayor Stephens stated he thought the Chief said if under 50cc there is some regulation. Alderman Bastien stated is a big issue, need to do something. Mayor Stephens asked Attorney Blake to review the state statute.
Public comment: Tim and Carolyn Rollberg stated for the past six months, no stop sign between 20th and 22nd Streets on Roblee, people are speeding fast, request a stop sign at 21st Street and Roblee and more police activity, very dangerous. Mayor Stephens stated will have the police run a detail but stated there may end up being more noise from them revving up at the stop sign. Thanked them for coming to the meeting and voicing their concern.
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
Request for Sponsorship: Nothing to report at this time.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Nothing
Mike Austin Wish the Red Devils good luck Friday.
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Want to give Tim, Darrin and Pat a pat on the back for great job taking care of the sewer plant.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Did the Mayor meet with Mr. Koppeis? Mayor Stephens did meet, spoke about the sewer line, he asked if city had received a grant for it, told him it was for water, are out approximately $187,000. He stated whoever is asking can call him regarding this.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake START spoke to the owner of the property at 501 North Street,
they are not real comfortable with him. Would be comfortable with
the city, owner stated would pay all taxes then quit claim to city.
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Absent
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Annual maintenance on outdoor sirens starting Monday.
Equipment failure at sewer plant, provides surge protection.
Has failed twice, waiting on cost to replace. Thanked Tim and
Darrin for their assistance with the towers.
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant Nothing
Motion: To go into executive session at 7:46 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Meetings where the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is being considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired and for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) meetings for the discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Act either for purposed of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as required by the Act.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Gladden
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 8:12 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Hughes
Second by Alderman Erbes
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume regular council meeting 8:13 p.m.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To Release Executive Meeting Minutes 12/6/18, 3/12/19, 4/30/19, 5/14/19, 11/10/20, 12/22/20, 1/26/21 and 2/9/21.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To Continue to Hold Executive Meeting Minutes 3/17/14, 8/28/18, 10/23/18, 6/11/19, 11/12/19, 12/3/19, 1/14/20, 2/11/20, 9/8/20, 3/23/21, 6/22/21 and 8/10/21.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman Curry-Witzman
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
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