City of Murphysboro City Council met June 14.
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 6:01 p.m. and invited Pastor Dean Akins 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, Jance Curry-Witzman, Gloria Campos, Mike Austin, W. J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden
Absent: Russell Brown
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 24, 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 Campos inquired as to page 1 & 2 Marketing Support, approximate $12,000 total. Alderman Hughes stated it is for tourism things but is a lot of money - $12,460. Alderman Campos stated on page 2 Brews Brothers is a for profit business. Mayor Stephens stated the Tourism Commission votes on it. Brews Brothers sent information on the groups/not-for-profits that they share the proceeds with, does share her concern. Communicate to Tourism, should submit bill for reimbursement. Alderman Pittman stated we never know until after the fact of tourism money spent, maybe set an amount that we need to know beforehand. Alderman McComb stated donated to different charities, is there any way to see what those amounts are? Alderman Erbes stated he agrees with Alderman McComb. Mayor Stephens stated did fund them last year. Mr. Evans stated Brews Brothers will get a 1099 for that amount, we did raise the budget amount. Alderman McComb asked about page 8 Jessica Baine – marketing? Mayor Stephens stated he believes it is for 17th Street BBQ. Alderman McComb stated if it’s only for 17th Street, that’s a lot of money for one. Alderman Pittman stated if it’s for the BBQ cookoff, that’s different. Alderman Gladden stated asked Tourism Board for a report, they can gather the information to get to us. Alderman Pittman stated be here once a quarter to report. Alderman Hughes stated would like to know in advance.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable except the bills for tourism/marketing for Brews Brothers and Jessica Baine, register #435, through June 14, 2022, accounts receivable through May 31, 2022, and payroll through May, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman McComb
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: down from last year, effect of Wal-Mart fire, inflation may affect the future. Balance Statement: assets did not change much, debt is down due to payments recently made. Income Statement: overall is happy with the performance the first five months. Cash and Equivalents: very strong number. Payroll: currently have a cushion but have three payrolls in June. General Fund: under budget in spending, over budget in revenue, currently have a surplus. Alderman Pittman asked if some of the reimbursement from Louisiana assistance would account for the payroll? Yes. With the new fireman, overtime should level out some? Yes.
Consideration of M.E.R.C.E Grant Write-Off: Mr. Evans stated they have complied with M.E.R.C.E. grant, all eight have paid back 10% as agreed so can now forgive their remaining balance. Mayor Stephens stated the program was the idea of Ms. Ripley and Mr. Evans, was a very good program that helped some people out.
Motion: To Approve the Write-Off of M.E.R.C.E. Grants for GLAM Studio, Rule of Pie, Topp Shape Gym, Studio 84, D&D Hemp Store LLC, Wildlife Materials Inc. and SJ Properties for the amount of $4515.81.
Motion by Alderman Campos
Second by Alderman McComb
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: Nothing at this time.
Brian Manwaring stated both air conditioning units in the basement of the City Hall building went out. Piece of equipment overheated, Voss came and got one up and running. Mayor Stephens asked if related to any maintenance needed? Mr. Manwaring stated one unit is old and the other is newer, possible surge issue. Mayor Stephens asked can something be set up so if it reaches a certain temperature an alarm sounds? Mr. Manwaring stated can order one, cost is approximately $400.00. Chief Ellermeyer stated unrelated to the issue he relayed earlier.
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Update by Jennifer & Ed O’Donnell regarding The Walker House: Alderman Austin stated 724 Ministries at The Walker House, good thing for our community, really appreciates it. Ed O’Donnell spoke – moved here for a job at SIU, starting helping with the community Christmas dinner. When community comes together it make a great environment, volunteers get something out of it as well as the guests. Bought the house with the intention of offering a community meal, create an environment where people can feel special. Jennifer O’Donnell stated they started serving dinner at the house on Sunday evenings, meals are free, everyone is welcome. Currently are cooking at the Elks and Knight of Columbus Hall, working on their commercial kitchen, average 73 guests, prep for 100 guests. Takes about fifteen volunteers at the house and three to five cooks. Ed stated they have two objectives – to create an opportunity for those to come in, have a meal and us take care of them; and want volunteers to have the opportunity to do something for someone else. Can track how many different people are there to try and qualify for USDA assistance, currently 84% of those who registered qualify. Have had 120 volunteers since they started, would love to have everyone come by for a meal and thanked the council for their time. Mayor Stephens stated he really appreciates them. Alderman Austin thanked them for being a wonderful example.
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 Request to Relinquish Easement in Westwood Hills Subdivision: Alderman McComb asked if we needed to make a motion to rescind the action taken at the previous meeting to relinquish easement? Attorney Blake stated the city can’t vacate it, not the city’s easement.
Motion: To Rescind the Motion to Relinquish the Easement at Westwood Hills Subdivision made at the last Council meeting on May 24, 2022.
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 Bids for the repairs on Watson Road: Mr. Sheffer stated received two bids, $15,500 from Samron is the lowest.
Motion: To Accept the Bid of $15,500.00 for Repairs to Watson Road from Samron Midwest Contracting, Inc.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Resolution to use MTF funds for the repairs on Watson Road: Mr. Sheffer stated it will set aside the funds for the repairs to Watson Road.
Motion: To Approve the Resolution to Use MTF Funds for the Repairs on Watson Road.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Bids for the 2022 Oil & Chipping Program: Mr. Sheffer stated the only bid was from Illini Asphalt Corporation for $53,035.90. Alderman McComb stated Mr. Mills needs more time to prepare. Mr. Mills stated if it can be discussed in October or November so he can prepare the quadrants. Trimming the alleys is the most time consuming.
Motion: To Accept the Bid of $53,035.90 for the 2022 Oil & Chipping Program from Illini Asphalt Corporation.
Motion by Alderman Austin
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman McComb stated the Kubota zero turn bought several years ago has 1100 hours on it, would like to look around for another one, current one is having issues.
Alderman Gladden asked Mr. Sheffer if he has driven 7th Street? Mayor Stephens stated the old poles were the delay, job to remove the poles has been drawn up.
Mayor Stephens stated Mr. Eisert and Mr. Ensor have been very busy, Mr. Mills needs some additional help. Ms. Ripley has drawn up a job description. Jeff Holloway is retiring at the end of August. Alderman McComb asked what age limit? Will need to run through police department to check their drivers license. Mr. Mills stated would like person to be 18 or a high school graduate. Mayor Stephens stated that is on the job description – 18 years of age and a valid drivers license. Alderman McComb asked about the wage scale? Mayor Stephens asked if the union contract dictates temporary help wages? Mr. Lee stated he thought part-time summer help was minimum wage. Mayor Stephens stated $12 per hour. Alderman Austin asked if they would be a union employee? Has to work 1000 hours then has the option to join. Alderman McComb stated he thought it only deals with permanent full-time employee. Mr. Eisert stated they have drawn back some, didn’t realize how much it added to Mr. Mills’ load. Alderman Bastien thanked Mr. Eisert and Mr. Mills for cleaning up a house in his ward. Agrees with hiring a part-time person to work into Jeff’s position. Mayor Stephens stated often they become a good candidate for a full-time job. Alderman Campos asked if it is a full-time temporary position? Mayor Stephens stated forty hour week full-time temporary position.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Consideration of Request to Vacate Alley behind 464 North 9th Street:
Motion: To Approve the Request to Vacate Alley behind 464 North 9th Street.
Motion by Alderman Hughes
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman McComb.
Motion Carried
New business:
Consideration of Ordinance to remove loading zone and 15 minute parking on South 16th street between Walnut and Spruce Streets:
Motion: To Approve the Ordinance to Remove Loading Zone and 15 Minute Parking on South 16th Street between Walnut and Spruce Streets.
Motion by Alderman Gladden
Second by Alderman Austin
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Street Closure on North 10th Street from Locust to Hanson – June 18, 2022: Chief McBride stated for the five inch hose testing but will wait due to extreme heat.
Motion: To Approve the Street Closure Request on North 10th Street from Locust to Hanson Street when Chief McBride finds time on a Saturday, at his discretion.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Declaring Police Property as Surplus: Chief Ellermeyer stated they have two Colt 9mm SMG’s from the late 90’s, do have a Federal dealer interested.
Motion: To Approve Declaring Police Property as Surplus.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Amendment of Ordinance on Use of Fireworks: Attorney Blake stated this was discussed after last year’s use of fireworks. This would adopt the definitions from state statutes and will bring city code in compliance with state statutes. Paragraph C7- exception for pyrotechnic display – refer to it as inspection fee and change to $75.00. Chief Ellermeyer stated had tremendous amount of calls last year, had to tell them it was legal. Also takes a lot of liability off the city, now in line with the state.
Motion: To Adopt as Amended the Ordinance on Use of Fireworks.
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 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 Nick Williams to the Zoning Board of Appeals: Mayor Stephens recognized both Nick Williams and Lawrence Nolan who were both in attendance and stated their willingness to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Motion: To Approve the Appointment of Nick Williams to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Appointment of Lawrence Nolan to the Zoning Board of Appeals:
Motion: To Approve the Appointment of Lawrence Nolan to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman Erbes asked if could put something on the web site regarding changes to the fireworks ordinance? Alderman Pittman asked if could utilize city-wide text? Curtis Winston stated it will be reported in the paper. Mayor Stephens stated will meet with Chief Ellermeyer regarding realistic expectations regarding fireworks. Chief Ellermeyer stated looking at extremes – in the street, middle of the night, etc.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Nothing
Mike Austin Nothing
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Asked about the repair at the WWTP? Mr. Manwaring stated the UPS replacement was scheduled, tech arrived, realized parts did not work together, trying to find parts that will work together to make repair.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer #4 on update list – Painting of water towers, cost keeps going up.
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Thanked Darrin and Tim for getting the majority of the yards
caught up, appreciates all their help.
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 7:41 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 Pittman
Second by Alderman Austin
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:52 p.m.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Erbes
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume regular meeting session at 7:52 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 Gladden
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/City%20Council%20Mtg%20Minutes%202022-June%2014.docx
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