Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Nov. 9.

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 Bryce Pitlick 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

Presentation of Russell Breading Memorial Community Service Award: Mayor Stephens presented the award to Bart Hagston, Jackson County Health Department.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the October 26, 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 #313 & 314, through November 9, 2021, accounts receivable through October 31, 2021, and payroll through October, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden

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 not present, Mayor Stephens stated November sales tax still higher than average.

Consideration of Renewal of Line of Credit at First Bank & Trust Co.:

Motion: To Approve the Renewal of Line of Credit at First Bank & Trust Co.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos

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 Engagement with FGM Architects Inc./Eggemeyer Associates: Mayor Stephens stated have been meeting as the Building Committee. Eggemeyer was the best group, most thorough and enthusiastic. Alderman Erbes stated Ed Kirschner, resident of Murphysboro, would be the lead architect.

Motion: To Approve the Engagement with FGM Architects Inc./Eggemeyer Associates for the potential new building.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Transfer of 501 North Street to S.T.A.R.T. and to Split Costs of Demolition of Dangerous and Unsafe Building: Attorney Blake stated received letter from Executive Director of S.T.A.R.T., willing to accept ownership of property, will split the demo cost with the city. Transfer to them and let them bid out the demo.

Motion: To Sign over Ownership of the property at 501 North Street to S.T.A.R.T. and split the demolition cost 50/50.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Campos

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: Nothing at this time.

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: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Update from Linda Herrold on Historic Preservation Commission – Consideration of Hiring of a Consultant: Ms. Herrold stated packet has resume of the consultant they would like to hire – Glenda D. Sullivan, Historic Preservation Committee agreed unanimously. Would be $20/hour, for approximately 20 hours. Alderman Erbes asked who would be hiring this person? The city. Alderman Pittman asked if would need to see a contract? Yes. Attorney Blake stated could use a basic contract.

Motion: To Authorize the Hiring of Glenda D. Sullivan, consultant, for up to 20 Hours at $20/hour pending signing a contract.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding condition of property at 602 North 15th Street: Alderman Austin stated in bad shape. Mayor Stephens asked who the owner is? Jonathan and Angela Pelham. Attorney Blake stated have worked with the previous Code Enforcement Officer on this. The Pelham’s are military, currently reside in Texas. They were going to take care of this themselves but haven’t. Can move forward quickly with getting the demo order. Alderman Pittman asked if it is abandoned? Attorney Blake stated they pay their taxes and mortgage. Mayor Stephens asked about the demo budget? Chief McBride stated think it is going to the North Street house demo. Alderman Pittman stated will take a while, may be on next year’s demo budget, should move forward with getting it demolished.

Motion: To Approve Proceeding with getting a Demo Court Order for 602 North 15th Street.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Campos

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Water Line Easement on North 7th Street for Kinkaid-Reed’s Creek Conservancy District: Attorney Blake stated this is to do with the North 7th Street widening, required to be relocated due to the city’s location of storm sewer. Forwarded the correct picture to Mr. Sheffer. Mr. Sheffer stated it looks good.

Motion: To Approve Water Line Easement Request from the Kinkaid-Reed’s Creek Conservancy District based upon written approval by the city engineer.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Campos

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

Consideration of Purchase of two new trucks for Public Works: Alderman McComb stated the current trucks are two wheel drive, need four wheel drive. Would be $32,775 with four wheel drive for Mr. Mills and $38,650 with four wheel drive and the utility body for Mr. Lee. Mr. Lee stated would be able to get rid of three old trucks. They stop taking orders November 12, probably won’t arrive for eight to nine months.

Motion: To approve moving forward with the purchase of two new trucks for Public Works.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Campos

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor with Alderman Pittman abstaining.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: State Senator Terri Bryant stated she in communication with IDOC regarding the Life Skills facility located at the edge of Murphysboro. The conversation when it was built, assurances were made of no violent offenders due to the closeness of the General John A Logan Elementary School. That has changed. They have sex offenders and violent offenders there now. She is going to continue to have conversations with DOC, this is very concerning. Will be wanting to bring out work crews, does not want that to happen if those crews have sexual and violent offenders. Mayor Stephens asked about the number of inmates – 60 + Du Quoin boot camp. Senator Bryant stated she would be more comfortable if there was a second fence. Alderman Erbes asked if there are other facilities in the state for them? Senator Bryant stated yes, Kewanee. They should answer to this community.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Hughes stated have new employee starting November 29 to replace Ms. Mulholland.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Ms. Ripley requested permission to close the Administration and Code Offices on December 15 from 9 am to 3 pm for software training (LOCIS):

Motion: To Approve the Closure of the Administration and Code Offices on December 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for software training.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Accident on 14th Street: Alderman Campos stated there was an accident on 14th Street yesterday and someone died. No sidewalks, just a pathway. Maintained by IDOT but within city limits. Should reach out to them, have residents, high school and students at Carruthers. Mayor Stephens stated the pedestrian was in a wheelchair, might have changed the outcome. Alderman Campos stated need to do something, get a grant. Alderman Pittman asked about a Safe Routes to School Grant? Mr. Sheffer stated there are many grants out there. Mayor Stephens stated will put this on the agenda, will talk with Cary Nelson at IDOT and our engineers. Alderman McComb stated even a bicycle path would help. Alderman Campos stated no shoulder, just ditches.

Health Insurance Renewal: Mayor Stephens stated have negotiated the renewal rate down to 9.54%, direct Ms. Ripley and Mr. Evans to make the switch? Alderman Hughes stated need to check that Health Alliance has signed with SIH before we make any decisions. Alderman Erbes asked if inform union? Alderman Hughes stated not as long as comparable. Chief Ellermeyer stated spoke to Ms. Ripley, she said Health Alliance is good to go.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Gloria Campos Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Russell Brown Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Sincere appreciation the Fire Department, firemen Alexander and Nance, son smelled gas, temp fix to make it safe, appreciate their professionalism.

Gary McComb Compliment on the Police Chief, good response time, young officers going in the right direction. Chief Ellermeyer stated they are doing well.

Mike Bastien Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Absent

Scott Evans Absent

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert 81 total cases in October – 49 remedied, towed 11 cars that were

inoperable.

Tim Lee 2/3 finished with Kimmel line extension, by next week start WWTP

water main replacement.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant Absent

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php