Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met March 8.

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 Marty McMichael 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, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb*, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden        *teleconference

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Gloria Campos, Russell Brown

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion:  To approve the minutes of the February 22, 2022, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Hughes      Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Motion:  To approve the accounts payable, registers #394, through March 8, 2022, accounts receivable through February 28, 2022, and payroll through February, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting. 

Motion by Alderman Austin         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 the Sales Tax Receipts are the highest received, Healthcare Expenses are under budget but will probably catch up in March, discussed various line items of the General Fund, Payroll is currently under budget. Alderman Erbes asked if a breakdown between online sales tax and sales tax for brick and mortar businesses was ever received? Mr. Evans stated have not seen anything for that yet.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Approval of the proposed AIA Agreement with FGM Architects: Attorney Heller stated they had met that day with Josh and finished their discussion. Had one provision left and is was discussed and resolved today. He recommends passing the agreement, they are satisfied with the contract.

Motion:  To Approve the Proposed AIA Agreement with FGM Architects subject to Attorney Heller and Attorney Blake approving the final draft.

Motion by Alderman Pittman           Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

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:

Consideration of Request from Chamber of Commerce for 2022 Murphysboro Mud Monster: Alderman Austin stated Chief Ellermeyer and Gene Basden met and worked out the issues. Mayor Stephens asked if it was similar to the previous mud run that Lance Liggett started? Mr. Basden stated yes, it is the almost exact same course. Mr. Lee stated he would like to meet with Gene to see what hydrant he is wanting to use and see how much water is needed. Mr. Basden stated the hydrant by the dog park and minimal water.

Motion:  To Approve the Request from the Chamber of Commerce for the 2022 Murphysboro Mud Monster Events May 14, 2022.

Motion by Alderman Erbes               Second by Alderman Bastien

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request for Street Closure from Molly’s Pint for March 19th: Alderman Austin stated he talked to Mr. Mills and both Chiefs, Chief McBride’s concern only one block Locust to Walnut. Alderman Austin called Molly’s, it is only the storefront area.

Motion:  To Approve the Request for Street Closure from Molly’s Pint for March 19, 2022.

Motion by Alderman Hughes           Second by Alderman Gladden

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:

Consideration of Proposal for Revision to Ordinance on Meter Tampering: Mayor Stephens stated Ms. Volle requested it be tabled until the next meeting.

New business:

Consideration of Oil & Chip Program for 2022: Mr. Mills asked to try to get it earlier, lock in the price on oil. Recommends doing it in quadrants, will check with Bill Center to see where we did last. Alderman Gladden stated he drove every street and alley in his ward and gave the list to Mr. Mills. Makes sense to have a regular schedule. Alderman Hughes asked what quadrant will start with? Mr. Mills stated will see where were last at. Mayor Stephens stated if an alley doesn’t need it then don’t do it. Each alderman can check their ward, target the ones that really need it. Alderman Pittman stated could possibly miss spots, at least each four years will get done. Mayor Stephens stated could review the quadrant and if any alley is in good shape, don’t do it. Alderman Bastien stated have them go straight down the alleys. Mr. Sheffer stated if going to do any asphalt, need to get going, it takes some time. Mayor Stephens stated Shomaker Drive for asphalt, table and revisit this.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

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 Appointment of Corey Williams to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board: Mayor Stephens read Corey William’s letter requesting to be appointed to the Library Board. Mr. Williams spoke briefly of his desire to serve.

Motion:  To Approve the Appointment of Corey Williams to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board.

Motion by Alderman Pittman            Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens stated will be putting consideration of improvements of Future Lane put on the next agenda. Mr. Mills stated at the current rate of usage, will be out there once a week, putting a lot of rock on. Mayor Stephens stated Dave Murray contacted him, they employ 200 people and generate a lot of taxable income, spending money on food, etc.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Gloria Campos Absent

Mike Austin Nothing

Russell Brown Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

Mike Bastien Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Ed Heller Nothing

Sandra Ripley Flyer for annual city-wide cleanup.

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Absent

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Absent

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant Nothing

Motion:  To go into executive session at 6:50 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 Gladden         Second by Alderman Pittman

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Brown, Alderman McComb

Motion Carried

Alderman

Motion:  To come out of executive session at 7:40 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Pittman             Second by Alderman Erbes

Yeas:     Alderman Hughes, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden

Nays:     None

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Brown, Alderman McComb

Motion Carried

Motion:  To resume regular meeting session at 7:40 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Pittman      Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Motion:  To Amend the Agreement with Carol Hohman to accept the potential sale with an additional lien on her current home.

Motion by Alderman Gladden    Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

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 7:41 p.m.

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