City of Murphysboro City Council met May 24.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its . Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and invited Alderman Hughes 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, Gloria Campos, Mike Austin, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden
Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown, W. J. Pittman
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 10, 2022, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, 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
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #420 & 421, through May 24, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mayor Stephens stated the Loan Balances and State Income Tax Receipts statements are provided.
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
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: 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.
Alderman Campos stated regarding the public parking issue:
Went to DOT regarding parking – no solution,
SIMPO website – can request a parking study, they have funds for that,
Wall on 5th Street – help with completing paperwork, instead of two walls could have one wall, would be 80/20 split, SIMPO may have funds for the 20%. Invited to come and speak at the council meeting
Mayor Stephens stated will reach out to Cary Nelson and SIMPO.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Presentation of Restoration Hero by Linda Herrold to The Walker House: Linda Herrold with the Historic Preservation Commission presented to 724 Ministry as a Restoration Hero for what they have done to Walker House. Brooke Guthman accepted on their behalf. Alderman Hughes stated they are feeding people on Sunday evenings and it is going well.
Discussion regarding Herring Drive: Alderman McComb stated believes it was originally built by Mr. Borgsmiller, thinks we should take it over and do upkeep. Alderman Hughes asked who owns it? Mayor Stephens stated Dr. Tyman used to, Cykerts own the home now and the road is part of their property. Alderman Hughes asked if can take care of a road we don’t own? Alderman McComb stated he will talk to them. Jim Murphy stated he has talked to them, they did not know they owned the road, will deed it over. Alderman Erbes stated is in favor, will have access to Wolf Hill Road which is very steep. Alderman McComb stated will need some repairs but are getting ready to oil and chip. Mayor Stephens asked what needs to be done in order to take possession legally? Attorney Blake stated all owners do a dedication of the road to the city and the city accept. Mayor Stephens asked about the legal language? Attorney Blake stated can say existing road known as Herrin Drive, we can prepare it. Mr. Manwaring stated the road has its own tax id. Alderman Austin asked who are the three that own it? Murphy, Landewee and Josh and Sophie Cykert.
Motion: To Direct the City Attorney to Proceed with Dedication Document for Herrin Drive.
Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Request to Relinquish Easement in Westwood Hills: Mayor Stephens stated no city utilities there? Mr. Mills and Mr. Gladson stated no. Spoke to Mr. Lee, no water. Alderman Gladden stated if owners on west decide to develop, if we give up easement, will it prevent future development? Ms. Ripley stated water and sewer on south side by Darryl Grammer. Alderman Bastien stated thinks already developed. Per Attorney Blake will need to prepare written abandonment. Alderman Erbes stated does not think city should have to pay for title search, if necessary, property owners should.
Motion: To Approve the Relinquishment of Easement in Westwood Hills as Requested by Property Owners of Lot 7 and Lot 8.
Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Public comment: Alderman Campos stated Sezmore Drive does belong to the city. Mr. Mills stated only found a couple of small things.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Consideration of making South 16th Street from Walnut to Spruce Street two-way: Chief Ellermeyer stated not wide enough to have parking on both sides with two-way, talked to Glam owner, with steakhouse will need parking. If try to pull out onto Walnut Street could pull out in front of traffic. Alderman Gladden asked if anything done with the two signs? Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mills to remove the signs. Alderman Bastien stated saw No Parking Here to Corner, thanked Mr. Mills. Attorney Blake stated will need ordinance to remove the signs. Mayor Stephens stated will put on next agenda. Alderman Campos asked if it is illegal to park in front of a garage? Mayor Stephens stated will leave as is.
Consideration of request to Change Yield Signs to Stop Signs at 23rd and Gartside Streets: Chief Ellermeyer stated over the last four to five years, have had maybe two accidents, no vehicle to vehicle. There is a lot of foot and bicycle traffic at that crossing. Alderman Bastien stated have watched it and talked to a lot of the constituents, are in favor of it and I am, too. Mr. Castleberry stated have been many close calls. Alderman Erbes stated is dangerous, think it needs to be stop signs.
Motion: To Approve Changing the Yield Signs to Stop Signs at 23rd and Gartside Streets.
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman McComb.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Request to Vacate Alley behind 464 North 9th Street: Alderman McComb stated he went and looked at this. Could not find the alleyway, does not go anywhere, do not see any problem with vacating, owners are present. Attorney Blake stated will need eight aldermen present to take a vote on this matter. Mayor Stephens stated will hold over to the next meeting.
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
Resolution for Father Gary Gummersheimer: Mayor Stephens stated was contacted by Angelo, Father Gary has retired, residing at Manor Court. Special Recognition on June 5, read the Resolution into record – Father Gary Gummersheimer Day – June 5, 2022.
Motion: To Adopt the Resolution for Father Gary Gummersheimer Day June 5, 2022.
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes July 17-21 Murphysboro United Methodist Church will have a community VBS at the Youth & Rec Center and Carl Lee Park, 5-8 pm, will have food trucks and music.
Jance Curry-Witzman Absent
Gloria Campos Happy Memorial Day weekend.
Mike Austin Thanked the Park District for working with Berean Church for movie night.
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Absent
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb June 3 & 4 city wide cleanup. Law firm, if wanting to do community service, Mike Cannell & J Valdez. I won’t be doing the program this summer. Mayor Stephens asked on average how many hours? Average 8-10, some have 40.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Attended the Farmer’s Market Saturday, doing a good job, this is a good thing.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Absent
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Alex Crawshaw completed the academy and he and Morber
completed RIT.
Jamie Ellermeyer Quote from Voss, condensation runs to basement and floods the records room. 3 ton ac unit should take care of the problem. Have repaired it for now. Alderman Hughes asked how long the quote is guaranteed? Probably 3 month window, wants the council to be aware.
Charlie Eisert Nothing
Tim Lee Absent
Brian Manwaring Equipment at the WWTP failed-last piece is in and Friday the factory rep will be here to install it.
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To go into executive session at 7:02 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Meetings held to discuss litigation when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Gladden
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pittman
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:25 p.m.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown, Alderman Pittman
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume regular meeting session at 7:26 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Austin
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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