City of Murphysboro City Council met April 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 6:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Wes Henson 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: Jance Curry-Witzman, Gloria Campos*, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Don Gladden *teleconference
Absent: Barbara Hughes, Russell Brown, Mike Bastien
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the March 22, 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 McComb inquired as to: How much more engineering fees? Not sure.
Alderman Erbes inquired as to:
#405 page 14 Sallie Logan – pass through? Yes.
Alderman Pittman inquired as to:
#405 page 2 Arthur Agency? Tourism expense.
Alderman Gladden inquired as to: Accounts Receivable – saw where cashed in CD’s?
Mr. Evans stated had matured, cash in rather than roll, will be checking rates and will reinvest.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #405, through April 12, 2022, accounts receivable through March 31, 2022, and payroll through March, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb 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 Sales Tax Report – still above the April average, still working with Walmart to see what average monthly sales tax is, will show up in June; Expense versus Budget – General Fund is currently under budget, over budget on actual revenues received so doing well; Salaries – under budget so far.
Consideration of Rehabilitation Loan Forgiveness: MR. Evans stated the lien was filed and the individual is in the process of refinancing. Amount owed is $15,235.00, received $5235.90 check, asking the city to write off the $10,000 balance.
Motion: To Approve the Rehabilitation Loan Forgiveness for Phyllis Jackson in the amount of $10,000.00.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration from Murphysboro Main Street for Loan Guarantee: Jamie Green and Paula Maloney were present representing Murphysboro Main Street. Ms. Maloney stated started phase 1, which is replacing the roof, have raised over $200,000. Phase 2 is for the rest of the restoration, seeking a loan for the remainder of the project. It was suggested we ask the city to serve as underwriter. Mayor Stephens stated the progress is great to see. Have tremendous confidence in Murphysboro Main Street and support this. Ms. Maloney stated the roof will be complete hopefully within a month.
Motion: To Approve the Loan Guarantee for Murphysboro Main Street for the amount of $215,000.00.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden
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 Electrical Work at 1818 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated he spoke with Joe Fry, Clutts Electric and Voss Heating inspected, with some tweaking they have gotten it functional, so can defer this until later.
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Street Closure Request Form: Alderman Austin stated nothing to defer what people are currently doing but a little more follow through. Ms. Ripley created the form. I always check with both Chiefs, add a place for their signatures before it comes to the council. Alderman Erbes asked if they ask for multiple times like Cruise Night, have one form or one for each date? Alderman Austin stated if satisfied then can roll it to the next date. Alderman Pittman asked if require a deposit for non-profit? Alderman Austin stated not looking to discourage people or make money, just want them to provide us with the information. Alderman Campos asked maybe if have a not for profit 501(3)(c) status, can write a waiver for the fee? Alderman Gladden stated need to add “…and any additional costs.” Alderman McComb stated if not for profit clean up, won’t lose their deposit. Mayor Stephens stated as long as they do what they are supposed to do, everyone will get their money back. Attorney Blake stated the form doesn’t change the situation for the city. Alderman Austin stated add language “…and any additional costs.” Alderman Erbes asked if we can enforce it? Attorney Blake stated would have to take them to small claims court. Alderman Pittman stated is more inclined for the person to come to a council meeting to make the request, form doesn’t seem necessary. Mayor Stephens stated it is a very basic thing, shouldn’t cause anyone any problems. Alderman Pittman stated haven’t had any problems, are we going to require the Apple Festival to fill out a form and write a check? Alderman Austin asked do we want to add additional language and chiefs’ signatures or forget it altogether? Also have a future effective date to give them time to understand the new form.
Motion: To Add the Language as discussed to the Street Closure Request Form and approve at the next meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Pittman.
Motion Carried
Clearwave Fiber Presentation: Mayor Stephens stated they were purchased by a company out of Phoenix, want to bring fiber to every household in Murphysboro. Can proceed with the current agreements regarding right of way. Will be bringing in dozens of contractors to do the work. Mr. Manwaring stated it is a good thing any time the citizens have the opportunity to get more services. Suggested – good to approach Clearwave again regarding access to connect our network through their dark wire. Mayor Stephens stated they seem to be willing to consider our requests and concerns so will bring that to them.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens 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 and other Water Service Regulation: Attorney Blake stated he worked with Ms. Volle and Mr. Lee adding Section 38-2-1. Would apply to water and sewer. Clarifies what has already been addressed. Reviewed the proposed language. New procedure when water has been disconnected and customer breaks lock/bypasses meter/turns water back on. Alderman Erbes asked what if someone is illegally in the house? Attorney Blake stated charge under city code or state statute. Alderman Gladden asked under Q – Public Works Committee is the city council? Yes.
Motion: To Approve the Ordinance Amending Chapter 38-Utilities, Article II-Regulations, Section 38-2-1, of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of Murphysboro, Illinois.
Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Oil & Chip Program for 2022: Mayor Stephens stated discussed the southwest quadrant and if any are good find another alley. Alderman McComb stated approximately $60,000. Mr. Sheffer stated has looked at it. Mr. Mills stated have about $50,000, use the rest to fix Watson Road. Mr. Sheffer stated it needs a new base. Mayor Stephens asked what if did pot hole patching in advance of oil and chip? Alderman McComb asked if it takes six to seven weeks to get ready? Yes. Mr. Mills stated he drove around the southwest quadrant, took some alleys out, if want to do something with Watson Road. Alderman Erbes stated like to see it fixed but don’t want to throw away $10,000 if that won’t fix it. Mr. Sheffer stated can take a look at it and will have a cost estimate at the next meeting and a map.
New business: Nothing at this time.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Discussion regarding condition of the property at 1510 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated Mr. Mills put up plywood structure in front to protect the public from bricks falling. Alderman McComb stated Mr. Rowden owns the lot under the building but not the building. Tremendously dangerous. He bought RJ’s building. Attorney Blake stated he looked into this. He’s not paid taxes on one lot. Have filed a tax deed but he still owns the property. Mr. Rowden is still the owner. Mayor Stephens asked what can the city do? Attorney Blake stated same process as with Mrs. Hohman and the shoe factory, 15 day notice then filing action with the court to compel him to do what’s needed to make it safe. Mayor Stephens asked can we assess daily fine for loss of pedestrian access? Attorney Blake stated he can be issued a citation – notice to abate nuisance. Alderman McComb asked do we need a structural engineer to look at it? Attorney Blake stated don’t think so, can look at it and tell it needs work. Mayor Stephens stated brought to my attention by John Medwedeff. Would like Attorney Blake to call Mr. Eisert and see what the proper process needs to be. Alderman McComb stated need to barricade the sidewalk, people walk on it and around the wooden barricade. Mayor Stephens stated tape would be blown away if we get a good wind. Mr. Mills stated can put up snow fencing.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Alderman McComb stated Denise was hired under scale, didn’t give her back pay, why hire attorney to fight the grievance? Mayor Stephens stated go to Labor Attorney to advise. Wording in the contract was not what the spirit of it was. Union steward stated $X would satisfy her. Alderman McComb asked are we paying her to scale? Was told she wasn’t. Should have brought it to us to discuss. Mayor Stephens stated going to start negotiations with clerical expediently, believe the whole council agrees need to look at this. Only had like five days to decide so had to deal with it quickly. Need to discuss personnel in executive session. Alderman Gladden stated move on, not on the agenda, should be in executive session.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Consideration of Ordinance retaining the number of ten aldermen: Attorney Blake stated according to the census, if have between 3000-15,000 should have eight aldermen. If previously had ten aldermen, can pass ordinance to maintain ten aldermen and five wards and not have to reduce to eight aldermen and four wards. Have one year to take action.
Motion: To Approve the Ordinance Retaining the number of ten Aldermen on the City Council.
Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Mike Austin
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Engagement with Labor Attorney, Courtney Cox: Previous attorney, Mark Brittingham, is retiring. Mr. Cox is his contemporary. Our attorneys have reviewed the letter of engagement. Attorney Blake stated the only difference is a service charge of 2.25%. Mayor Stephens stated used Attorney Cox in the discrimination suit. Alderman Erbes asked what his rates are? His is $365 and paralegal is $160.
Motion: To Approve the Engagement with Labor Attorney Courtney Cox.
Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Thanked Tim Lee, Katharine Volle and Attorney Blake for their work on the meter tampering.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Absent
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Nothing
Mike Austin Thanked Sandra for getting the form out and thanked the folks who called regarding the form.
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Likes the new set-up – table for the department heads.
Gary McComb Put a note on the water bill about blowing grass in the street.
Mike Bastien Absent
Don Gladden Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Wrapping up routine items with the auditors.
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Absent
Tim Lee Sewer Vactor is 31 years old. Have a reconditioned 2016 for approx. $160,000. Cost $475,000 new. Newer machine is safer, automatic transmission, has A/C, more dependable. Get approx. 200 calls a year. Can also dig a hole with it. Street Dept & WWTP also use it. Alderman Pittman stated he and Tim have talked about it, have $10,000 Smysor money for that plus approx. $12,000 trade or sell to another municipality. Mayor Stephens stated almost can’t function without it. Mr. Evans stated can’t do it without a rate increase. Mayor Stephens stated put on next agenda and will consider it. Mr. Lee stated will check and make sure they still have one available.
Brian Manwaring Contractor for Federal Signal is performing annual maintenance on the outdoor sirens.
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
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 7:35 p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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