City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 11.
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 Jason Frederick 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: Barbara Hughes, Jance Curry-Witzman*, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden *teleconference
Absent: Gloria Campos, Russell Brown
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 28, 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 Gladden
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 28th, 2021, Budget and Finance Public Hearing. 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
Alderman Gladden inquired as to:
#355 page 1 Last payment? Waiting on bill from Murphysboro Electric
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #353, 354 & 355, through January 11, 2022, accounts receivable through December 31, 2021, and payroll through December, 2021. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Gladden 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:
Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Alderman Pittman discussed the financial reports.
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Update from Building committee on New City Hall/Public Safety Complex: Alderman Erbes stated they met earlier today and with the architects. Proposed contract for the attorney to review. Will meet again in two weeks.
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Request for Street Closure – Oak Street Art Fair, April 23, 2022: Alderman Austin stated he spoke with both Chiefs, both are comfortable with the street being closed. Alderman McComb asked about the street cleaned? Can get the sweeper to do it on Friday.
Motion: To Approve the Street Closure Request for the Oak Street Art Fair April 23, 2022.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
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:
Consideration of Bids for the Future Lane Improvement Project: Alderman McComb stated opened the bids, there were two – ET Simonds for $470,126.76 and Samron for $271,193.50. Some things that are itemized are questionable – tree removal, entrance to buildings, traffic control. Feel we should shut the road down while repairing, Darrin can remove any trees. Mayor Stephens stated he does not remember any trees. Mr. Sheffer stated has been talking to Samron, had about $65,000 in deductions, would be approximately $206,000 to $207,000. Will get with Alderman McComb and the city. Alderman Hughes asked if would have to re-do after 7th Street done? Alderman McComb stated doesn’t go near 7th Street. Will go and look at it tomorrow and see how many feet we need to go out. Need to put down a good base and keep water away from the road. Alderman Austin asked if would need traffic control for Hines Oil trucks? Alderman McComb stated does not think so, have to check. Mayor Stephens stated I know prices have gone up since they originally told us $168,000 but $271,000 is way out. Asked Mr. Sheffer is he would be submitting a changed bid from Samron? Mr. Sheffer answered yes.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Mayor Stephens stated the council voted to hire an additional fire fighter this year in March. School is starting earlier so request is to hire the new employee by February 14. Chief McBride stated would like to bring one in on February 14. Alderman Erbes stated would need to have interviews done by February 1. Alderman Hughes asked how many on the list? Mayor Stephens stated have three on the list.
No public comment.
Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Employee Mask Policy: Alderman Hughes stated with upsurge of COVID, would like supervisors and foremen to have meetings regarding use of masks. Mayor Stephens stated ordinance was directed towards the public but previously had departmental directives regarding this. Alderman Hughes stated set example for employees and public. Mayor Stephens stated get with Ms. Ripley and draft something to put out. Alderman McComb asked if have talked to the supervisors yet? Alderman Hughes stated have talked to Mr. Lee, Ms. Ripley, Ms. Volle and Mr. Eisert but not Mr. Mills or Mr. Gladson yet.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Nothing at this time.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Absent
Mike Austin Friday is the High School presentation to Coach Murphy.
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Thanked Barb for being on point regarding masks.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Absent
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To go into executive session at 6:32 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.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes
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 6:44 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Hughes
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 6:44 p.m.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman Curry-Witzman Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
http://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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