City of Murphysboro City Council met June 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session at the Murphysboro High School, pursuant to its ordinances. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:10 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, Jance Curry-Witzman*, Gloria Campos, Mike Austin, W. J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien*, Don Gladden
*teleconference
Absent: Russell Brown
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 14, 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 Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the accounts payable except the bills for tourism/marketing for Brews Brothers and Jessica Baine, register #436, through June 28, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Hughes
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:
Presentation of the Audit of Fiscal Year 2021 by Anna Guetersloh of KEB: Anna Guetersloh introduced Amber Leslie, lead auditor, then presented the findings: went very well, unmodified opinion, new standard is to disclose a risk assessment -segregation of duties, realize it is due to a small staff, so they look at a larger segment, have not had any issues. Key financial information – show assets as a snapshot in time as of December 31, 2021, net position has increased and General Fund shows an increase overall. Advisory comments – segregation of duties – independent audit helps. Alderman Pittman stated it is good to hear that Ms. Ripley and the Administrative staff do a good job. Mayor Stephens stated the professionalism in our staff is very much appreciated.
Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans stated that the Income Tax Receipts this month were more traditional than compared to the last two years due to covid, still a good month. The Tourism Fund through the first six months, revenues and spending are right at budget, will continue to monitor. Alderman Campos asked if Tourism reported if they had given the percentage they advertised to those businesses? Alderman Pittman stated still checking on that.
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 Erbes asked about the problem with the bricks falling off the Rowden Building? Mayor Stephens stated he has contracted to demolish the building.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
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: Nothing at this time.
Alderman Gladden stated the old roundhouse is just about completely down. Mayor Stephens stated they have been taking it down piece by piece. Green Data hired Crystal Kjellberg to take pictures, has taken over a thousand.
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
Nothing at this time.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Praised the street department, did a wonderful job and
professionalism with the sink holes.
Mike Austin Nothing
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Community service workers-if anybody wants to get a couple of kids and have them pick up a street on the weekend, the law firm has some with just a few hours.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley How long cover Covid time? No law but have continued to cover.
Mayor Stephens stated leaning towards going back, Starting
July 1, 2022, revert to previous policy.
Scott Evans Nothing
Ted Beggs Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Absent
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Absent
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
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 Pittman
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 come out of executive session at 7:01 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 7:01 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Austin
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman Bastien
Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
Alerts Sign-up