Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Feb. 22.

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 Jim Frye 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

Absent: Gloria Campos, Russell Brown

Swearing in of Newly Hired Firefighter – Alex Crawshaw: Mayor Stephens swore in new Firefighter Alex Crawshaw. Chief McBride presented him with his helmet with probationary shield.

Presentation of Fire Department Awards – Captain Michael Dosch, Firefighter David Mason: Chief McBride presented the Humanitarian Award and Medal for their assistance for two weeks in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida in 2021.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 8, 2022, 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

Alderman Hughes inquires as to:

#393 page 2 Craig Stewart? Firefighter hit a deer.

page 3 First Bank $120.53 finance charge? Timing issue.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, registers #392 & 393, through February 22, 2022. 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 discussed the financial reports presented in the packet, noting that the State Income Tax Receipts had another great month, Healthcare below budgeted. Alderman Erbes asked if there is a delay in the State Income Tax? Mr. Evans stated it is up-to-date, probably December receipts.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Update from City Attorney on the proposed AIA Agreement with FGM Architects: Attorney Blake stated sent email to architect regarding changes, they are reviewing.

New Business:

Consideration of Bids for the Repair of the Roof at the Public Works Building: Mr. Eisert stated received six bids. Lowest was $600 from D.S. Roofing in Ava, next-to-lowest was for $1200 from Jacob’s Ladder in Cobden.

Motion: To Accept the bid from D.S. Roofing for $600.00 to repair the Roof at the Public Works Building.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Austin

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 Request for Murphysboro Cruise Nights for Street Closures: Alderman Austin stated has spoken to Chief Ellermeyer, Chief McBride and Mr. Mills, all are comfortable with the request.

Motion: To Approve the Request for Street Closures for Murphysboro Cruise Nights.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request from Chamber of Commerce for 2022 Murphysboro Mud Monster: Mayor Stephens stated Gene Basden requested we table this, getting more information. Alderman Austin stated Chief Ellermeyer had some questions and he will get with Mr. Basden.

Consideration of Request from START for Street Closure for Block Party: Alderman Austin stated he spoke to Chief Ellermeyer, Chief McBride and Mr. Mills, all are ok with this request. Ms. Davenport thanked the city for partnering with them on this request and for the help in tearing down the eyesore.

Motion: To Approve the Request for Street Closure for the START Community Block Party May 21, 2022.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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:

Discussion Regarding the Proposed Projects for use of the ARPA Funds: Mr. Lee and Mr. Gladson stated which projects they would give priority to. Mr. Evans stated have received $503,000, the total is double that. Mayor Stephens asked if it is wise to go ahead and approve before the costs increase? Mr. Sheffer stated it will be July before can start, after advertising, getting bids, etc. Mayor Stephens stated approve 1,2,3,4 and the $565,507 on page four of the handout.

Motion: To move forward with Projects 1,2,3,4 and $565,507 on page four of the handout for a total of $853,047 and let Mr. Lee and Mr. Gladson prioritize what gets done when and prep the documents to be put out for bid.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Consideration of Revision to Ordinance on Meter Tampering: Ms. Volle stated it is vague on what is tampering and the consequences. Need a more clear ordinance for tampering and for charges. Attorney Blake stated has spoken to Ms. Volle, if the city is aware that a landlord is attempting to evict by turning off water/service, that needs to be addressed. Alderman Pittman asked if we can fine them? Attorney Blake stated can fine, can charge for damaging city property. Mr. Lee stated other towns have done this and been successful. Mayor Stephens asked are we on legal footing to assess fines without proof? Attorney Blake stated what procedure city could use for collecting charges for labor, material, etc. Ms. Volle stated has researched other communities, one was called a civil penalty, additional charge assessed before reconnect.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Request for Stop Sign at 20th & Hamilton Street: Mayor Stephens stated does not believe there is a need. Alderman Hughes asked who requested it> David McDowell. Alderman Austin stated if there was one to be put there, should be at 20th and Illinois Avenue, make it a four-way. Alderman McComb stated before we consider this, have the Chief look if any accidents. Don’t believe a stop sign is the answer. Alderman Bastien stated we have looked at 20th and Illinois, done patrols there before. Alderman Gladden stated asked the Chief to check for accidents at 20th and Illinois and there weren’t any. Don’t need another.

Consideration of Request to Block off South 17th Street during repairs at the Old Depot: Mr. Evans stated Samron would like six weeks due to the extent of the work. On behalf of Main Street, thanked the council for granting their request.

Motion: To Approve the Request to Block off South 17th Street during repairs at the Old Depot.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Bastien stated on Route 127 in front of McDonald’s the left turn lane for north bound traffic, no green turn arrow. Spoke to Mr. Stokes, said there is an issue with the pad. Mr. Mills stated they had someone check and could not find an issue. Will have someone look at it in the morning.

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

Mayor Stephens stated he was approached regarding the Senior Citizen’s building about the dishwasher and why we hadn’t fixed it. Alderman McComb stated their other dishwasher went kaput. Want a high dollar one, need to talk to the Health Department and see if a regular dishwasher would be ok, have a church that will donate one. There is also a roof leak, will get with Clover Roofing, they put the roof on not too long ago.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Gloria Campos Absent

Mike Austin Nothing

Russell Brown Absent

W. J. Pittman Good luck to the varsity basketball team – regionals.

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

Mike Bastien Nothing

Don Gladden Followed up on the vicious dog with Officer Tincher, is no longer in the city limits.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Ameren building has barriers up & will be moving in equipment on

Thursday.

Tim Lee Congratulations to Pat and his crew for their hard work.

Brian Manwaring County Emergency Mgt coordinated to get emergency text messaging system – Code Red Notifications System. Can send to a specific audience, thankful to them for including the municipalities. Had 3rd meeting for potential funds to help with flooding on Roberta Dr. and hazard mitigation dollars.

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Were nominated and won the 2022 Wastewater System of the Year.

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:38 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 Bastien Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Alderman

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:48 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Pittman

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 meeting session at 7:48 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

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