City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 28.
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 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 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
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 14, 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
Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #262, through September 28, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, 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
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated State Income Tax receipts were well above the September average, provided a snapshot of the certificates of deposit, provided an update on Rehab loans with one being paid off, Healthcare projecting to be slightly under budget at year end and showed where the city is at with Construction Work In Progress for the 7th Street project. Alderman Erbes asked if we will be getting more reimbursements? Mr. Evans stated yes, it is an 80/20 split, we pay 20%.
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
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:
Update from Tourism Commission: Mike Jones stated tourism is looking up, hotel has really boosted the economy. Coordinated marketing push to get Murphysboro out to the public. Mayor Stephens stated appreciate your leadership. If a new group comes to tourism requesting funds, would like them to come to the meeting.
Consideration of Request for 5K – Murphysboro Main Street – Depot Dash 5K, October 9th, 2021, at 8:30 a.m.: Jamie Green stated this is a fundraiser for the Old Depot, have secured some funding, hope to have a new roof on by year end. The 5K is October 9, pre-registration is on Facebook page, start and finish at the Old Depot. Alderman Pittman asked if it will still be one lane due to construction? Ms. Green stated will have some signage and will talk with Chief Ellermeyer and Alderman Austin. Ms. Green also spoke about the Historic Preservation that is ongoing. Phase 1 is done. Phase 2 will cost approximately $13,500 and will take six months. Have established a downtown district and will now move to Phase 2. Will help building owners to apply for grants, will meet with them in the future.
Motion: To Approve the Request from Murphysboro Main Street for the Depot Dash 5K.
Motion by Alderman Campos
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Request for Street Closure for Neighborhood Block Party/Movie Night – 1800 block of Edith Street, October 15th from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. (rain date October 16th): Lindsay Parker stated neighbors suggested a block party to meet the neighbors, have a movie.
Motion: To Approve the Request for Street Closure for the 1800 Block of Edith Street on October 15th from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Street Closure for Brews Brothers Taproom – 1100 Block of Chestnut Street, October 16th from 3:00 – 11:00 p.m.:
Motion: To Approve the Request for Street Closure for the 1100 Block of Chestnut Street on October 16th from 3:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Campos
Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman Hughes reminded everyone that the council is feeding the football team October 15. Let her know if anyone can help, be at the High School at 3:00 p.m.
Public comment: Scott Evans thanked Dan Bratton, Alderman Hughes and Ms. Schwebel, who spent a day cleaning out the inside of the Old Depot.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding Clothing Containers: Alderman Bastien stated he reached out to Code Enforcement Officer Charlie Eisert. Mr. Eisert stated he reached out to Brian Davenport at S.T.A.R.T., a company out of Missouri owns them, S.T.A.R.T. gets about $5000 a year from them. Brian is going to find a phone number to contact them, tries to keep the one on Hanson Street cleaned up. No complaints yet regarding the one at Farm Fresh.
Alderman Bastien stated he spoke to someone at Pepsi about the signs that were hung on the poles down Walnut Street and they said they would have someone out today to remove them. Ms. Ripley stated they were taking them down late this afternoon.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Acquisition of Property for Pond Creek Drainage Project: Alderman McComb asked how much property and what is the cost? Mayor Stephens stated are running into opposition from the property owners. Think the drainage pond would be a help. Alderman McComb asked should we try and get the county to do something? Anything on the books about drainage on your property? Mr. Sheffer stated that would fall under the legal department. Attorney Blake stated it states can’t interfere with natural drainage. Mayor Stephens stated the culvert under the railroad is set too high up, water has to build up and backs up into the city. Mr. Sheffer stated 7th Street has two drainage ponds , will be a big help there. Alderman Austin stated if it okay, will sit down with Dr. Evers, Superintendent, to see if they can help with funding. Alderman Pittman asked if anyone has approached the High School about a drainage pond? Mr. Sheffer stated needs to be on the north side of the railroad tracks.
Alderman McComb asked about the sidewalk in front of the sauce factory, thirteen feet wide, can get a new sidewalk in there? Put on agenda for the next meeting. Approximate cost of $12,000 to do the job. Dave Murray stated early spring to be done, can lock in the $12,000 price. As part of Amy’s café project, whole new store front and east side will be courtyard for outside seating. Alley on the west side, Pine to Walnut, is in poor condition, would like alley re-paved, will have a drive through. Alderman Erbes asked didn’t we already approve the alley? Mr. Mills stated the one that runs east to west. Ms. Mills thanked the council for all their help and support for the cook-off and the challenge coins, was a tremendous event. Alderman Campos stated the park for the BBQ is beautiful. Ms. Mills stated the judges all stayed at the hotel.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Consideration of Stop Sign at 21st & Roblee Avenue: Alderman McComb stated this won’t slow the couple of people down, have enough stop signs already. Alderman Erbes stated thought had decided at the last meeting not to. No motion made.
New business:
Consideration of Request for Stop Signs at 16th & Roberta Drive: Mayor Stephens stated heavily trafficked by high school students. Maybe assign a patrol for the beginning and end of the school day. Alderman Pittman stated it is usually residents of that neighborhood and school buses that get tickets. Alderman Bastien asked do patrols first? Alderman Campos stated just trying to slow traffic down, with kids walking and no sidewalks. Mayor Stephens stated will direct the police chief to have dedicated patrols there before and after school first and then bring it back to the next meeting.
Motion: To direct the police chief to have dedicated patrols on this route before and after school.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Austin
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Request for Stop Signs at 20th & Minton Street: Mayor Stephens stated have reviewed this and see no reason for this, would be three blocks in a row. No motion made.
Consideration of Request for Stop 20th & Illinois Avenue: No motion made.
Public comment: Alderman Gladden asked about the number of accidents at 20th and Illinois Avenue. Alderman Erbes stated supposed to be a public safety issue, should go to the police department to review data. Alderman Campos stated at 14th Street and Roberta Drive, just resurfaced
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
Consideration of Request from Revitalize 62966 for ITEP Grant – Feasibility Study: Alderman Gladden received the email, appreciated the information.
Jackson Growth Alliance: Brian Chapman stated promote jobs and growth, Murphysboro is on the move. Thanked the city for their continued support. Are discussing an Industrial Park and need a new comprehensive plan, last one was from 1964.
Mayor Stephens stated finally found someone to mow, cemeteries look good.
Leslie Mulholland tendered her resignation as of October 29th. She will be focusing fulltime on their businesses. Mayor Stephens thanked Leslie for everything she has done for the city.
Letter from Rick Runge thanking the city council for the stop signs at 16th and Gartside Streets.
Introduced Charlie Eisert as the new Code enforcement Officer. Mr. Eisert stated he is diving in head first. Mayor Stephens stated he is a highly qualified candidate.
Mr. Gladson stated John Hunziker is retiring at the end of November, Brandon Parker has been hired to replace him and has already started.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Welcome back Mr. Eisert and welcome to the new water plant employee.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Nothing
Mike Austin Nothing
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Resident reached out about a couple of deep potholes at Somerset & the state route.
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Pat has cleaned out the second tank, will now do the big tank, thanked Pat for a good job.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Absent – Officer Bauer - Nothing
Charlie Eisert Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Asked if can do a luncheon for John Hunziker retirement? Last
day is October 27. Yes.
Katharine Volle Absent
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Austin
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
Alerts Sign-up