Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Oct. 12.

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 Charlie 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, Mike Bastien*, Don Gladden

*via teleconference

Absent: Russell Brown, Gary McComb. Mayor Stephens stated Alderman Brown came through his surgery and is recovering well.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 28, 2021, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Hughes inquired:

List #266 p. 6 IDS Application – annual support for Police Dept software

package

Alderman Erbes inquired:

Accounts Receivable p. 4 Training Reimbursement – for 6 police officers

Training

Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #266 & #298, through October 12, 2021, accounts receivable through September 30, 2021, and payroll through September, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

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: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated another good month of sales tax. Will be meeting with all department heads for next year’s budget. Mayor Stephens asked how far ahead of revenue versus budget? Mr. Evans stated is projected to be $200,000 – 300,000 total ahead. Alderman Erbes asked if have received any property tax? Some.

Consideration of Change in Ordinance to Increase Pay to Board of Appeals: Mayor Stephens stated have been paid $10 per meeting for a long time. Would like to increase to $50 per meeting, starting January 1, 2022.

Motion: To Approve Increasing Board of Appeals Members’ Pay to $50 per meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Pittman

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 Declaring Properties as Surplus to make available to Sell: Attorney Blake stated first step to declaring surplus. Alderman Pittman stated regarding the three listed as mineral rights, check with Jackson County and see if they have been given a new number.

Motion: To Approve Declaring Properties Listed as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Pittman

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 Ordinances: Mayor Stephens stated there are five areas that have asked to be included in the Enterprise Zone, helps spur economic development. Alderman Gladded asked if the city takes on any additional responsibility? Mayor Stephens stated the city helped with the application and re-applying.

Amending the Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement:

Motion: To Approve Amending the Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental

Agreement.

Motion by Alderman Campos

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Adding Territory to the Enterprise Zone:

Motion: To Approve Adding the Requested Territory to the Enterprise Zone.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Dan David, who resides on Timber Trail Dr., requested a major reduction in noise from the asphalt plant. He then read a prepared statement, which talked about the every community has a noise ordinance, is very loud and presented a petition with 52 signatures. Cara Doerr, who resides in Bob-A-Rosa subdivision, spoke. She did not hear the noise until her husband pointed it out. Industrial Park was there before Bob-A-Rosa was built. We chose to live there, can’t sell homes if do not have businesses. Justin Doerr, who resides in Bob-A-Rosa, spoke. Can hear but sounds like a box fan. Helicopters, ambulances, are louder than the plant. Looked at the Murphysboro ordinances, didn’t see any for Industrial Parks. They are adding jobs not bringing down the value of his home. Steve Ramsay, who resides on Timber Trail Dr., stated the plant is extremely noisy, could hear it at the Voyager care facility, extremely loud at his house, seems can be toned down. Mr. Doerr stated that he is an engineer, has measured the decibels, an ambulance is more. Dan David stated have measured at my house. Attorney Blake stated the noise ordinance under the zoning code for an industrial park is loud or shrill noises. Don’t have decibel level set up, no hours of operation listed. Alderman Bastien asked for the petition to be submitted. Deb David, who resides on Timber Trail Dr., stated has a noise machine beside their bed, some mornings not as bad as others. Jeff Hayes, who resides on Timber Trail Dr., stated the noise is constant, ambulance passes by. Does not want the business to go away. Nick Sabella, who resides on Timber Trail Dr., stated that he thinks the contour of the land effects it. Does not want to discourage Samron or diminish future growth, there is a concern among affected neighbors. Looking for any way to baffle the sound, not re-direct it. Should embrace Samron and at the same time look for ways to reduce the noise level. Deb David stated we were there before Samron. Sounds like a hot air balloon filling up. Don’t know if a meeting was held regarding the environmental impact.

Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Request for Sidewalk Repairs - North side of the 1600 Block of Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated have Dave Murray here, Samron involved with sauce factory, have seen improvement in sales tax revenue, due in part to businesses here. Cost? $16,960. Alderman Gladden asked from 16th to 17th? Definitely needs it. Mr. Murray stated 16th to the alley. Alderman Pittman asked the timeline? Mr. Murray stated early spring. Alderman Pittman asked if better to be done towards the end? Mr. Murray stated yes, after the first of the year. Alderman Pittman stated could fit in the budget for next year. Mr. Evans stated can’t see the cost going down. Alderman Erbes asked also accessibility issues? Mr. Murray stated it is currently not ADA compliant, this will then be ADA compliant.

Motion: To Approve Sidewalk Repair on North side of 1600 Block of Walnut St to the Alley at cost of $16,960.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Purchase of Properties from the Tax Sale For Demolition – 513 North 16th Street and 432 North 9th Street: Mayor Stephens stated he visually inspected these. 432 North 9th Street is in relatively decent shape. Mr. Eisert believes there is someone interested in it. Move only on 513 North 16th Street.

Motion: To Approve Purchase of 513 North 16th Street from Tax Sale for Demolition.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Update from Linda Herrold regarding the Historic Preservation Commission: Ms. Herrold stated the house at 21st and Division Street has been rehabbed, would like to recognize people who do this. Christine Deshauzo is going to make a metal sign – “Restoration Hero”. The ordinances for the Longfellow Bungalow Historic District are difficult to read and follow, have been re-written, are being reviewed, then will bring to the city council for approval. Mayor Stephens asked if it will be a traveling sign? Ms. Herrold stated yes but they will receive a certificate to keep. Have a done a lot of work on the Longfellow Bungalow Historic District, 300+ property owners. Won’t be able to have a meeting due to covid but will prepare a packet for each one. Will mail out after the first of the year. Hoping to be done by the end of 2022. Mayor Stephens asked to get a copy of the packet for council to see before it goes out. Alderman Pittman ask if we could recognize the Restoration Heroes at council meetings? Yes. Alderman asked what the boundaries are? West of 19th Street to East 22nd Street and Pine Street to Hortense Street. Ms. Herrold stated their budget for next year will be approximately $2400. Did not spend the $2000 the city gave so will give it back but will be asking for $3000 next year. Asked how to hire someone to help with research. Mayor Stephens stated when you know a specific person come back to council and we can move forward on that.

Alderman Campos stated the new sidewalk on Walnut Street by 5th Street looks beautiful. Mayor Stephens stated Cary Nelson at IDOT pushed for that.

Update on Various Projects – Harold Sheffer provided a handout in the packet:

1. 7th Street Project has begun.

2. 16th Street-took bids-ACIX out of Chest is the low bid.

3. City has started the Kimmel Bridge Road water main extension.

4. 5th to 6th Street sewer main replacement is complete.

5. Oil & chipping has been pushed back, they are backlogged.

6. Painting of water tanks - are ready to submit for permit.

7. Water main replacements on 14th Street - city is going to start.

8. WWTP water main replacement – try to get done this year.

9. Future Lane reconstruction – getting ready to put out for bid.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Purchase of New Police Vehicle: Chief Ellermeyer stated the older vehicle’s motor is blown, was going to cycle it out. Cost is $30,486, have $21,500 in the budget and will take balance of $8986 out of seized assets. Purchased through Thomas dodge. Alderman Hughes asked if will have it by end of year? Yes, within thirty days.

Motion: To Approve the purchase of a new police vehicle.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

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 advertising for Administrative position.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Consideration of Request from Revitalize 62966 for ITEP Grant – Feasibility Study: Mayor Stephens stated looking for funding to help chances with grant application. Alderman Campos asked if will be a budget item for next year or look for the money now? Mayor Stephens stated budget for next year. Mr. Evans stated could squeeze it in January, 2022, $25,000. Mr. Sheffer stated Project Development, it enhances your chances if it is already completed, for the Feasibility Study. Mayor Stephens stated will notate for upcoming budget.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Gloria Campos Thanked Darrin for patching the hole at Somerset & 6th.

Mike Austin Nothing

Russell Brown Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Saw the dirt work started on 127 North, how far are they going? 2000’ south of the new bridge.

Gary McComb Absent

Mike Bastien Nothing

Don Gladden Pavement in front of Walgreen’s not very smooth, disappointed.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Received cashier’s check from current owner of 501 North Street for taxes and signed quit claim deed, no other liens.

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Plan to start water line on Kimmel Bridge Road Thursday. Also

Going to start the water main replacement.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant Nothing

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.

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