City of Murphysboro City Council met July 26.
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 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 July 12, 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 Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Gladden who abstained.
Motion Carried
Mayor Stephens stated the Sunset concerts are being paid for with Smysor Trust funds.
Alderman Gladden inquired as to:
#448 page 3 First Bank card $2766.45, for WWTP pump #2.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #448 & 449, through July 26, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Austin
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 that the State Income Tax Receipts are higher than the past July’s; Loan balances were presented.
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.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment: Mr. Scott Brannert was present and stated that he was involved in a car accident at Route 13 and Williams Street, going east at approximately 7:00 p.m. that day. There are no cameras there, he was hit by a lady who ran the red light and stated that he had run a red light. Would like to ask to get cameras at that intersection. Police did investigate and found him not at fault. Mayor Stephens stated will put on the agenda. Alderman Hughes asked if cameras on state highways are the city’s responsibility or IDOT’s? Mayor Stephens stated the city and state split that area 50/50. Alderman Bastien asked if he had approached IDOT? Mr. Brannert stated it was not his responsibility to approach them. Chief Ellermeyer stated they have not in the past. Mayor Stephens stated cameras have been discussed in a broad sense. Mr. Brannert stated he was told by one of the officers that the Walmart intersection has cameras. Chief Ellermeyer stated they do not, maybe a business there does. Alderman Campos asked if he had asked Motomart or the bank? Mr. Brannert stated the police have looked into this. Chief Ellermeyer stated no one has one that covers that intersection.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding No Parking on South 20th Street from Walnut to Spruce: Mayor Stephens stated aldermen have received calls and the public is present regarding this. Alderman McComb stated he received a call from a resident that stated he had to ask people to move vehicles that were blocking his driveway and no longer has to do that or be cussed out. Also others on 20th Street called and they want it to stay this way because they can drive down South 20th street without having to dodge people. Mr. Lee stated he would like it put on the next agenda since he has not been able to see the minutes. Clerk Hunziker explained the proper procedure for placing the minutes on the website. Mayor Stephens asked the aldermen if anyone was going to change their mind concerning this matter and did not receive any response. Ms. Kristin Glasford stated she would like to comment but haven’t seen the minutes. Mayor Stephens stated at the last meeting it was discussed that there is a heavy volume of regular traffic, vehicles are left there more than twenty-four hours and have to be towed, this frees up the police department, the various comments from the residents. Alderman Campos stated give them a chance to speak. Mayor Stephens stated add it to the agenda. Alderman Erbes asked if it is being policed? Chief Ellermeyer stated have once or twice, has been clear, can see to see pull out of the alley, is safe there now. Alderman Bastien stated he has seen a riding lawn mower parked there.
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
Delta Regional Authority’s Delta Leadership Institute class had 52 people from 12 different states touring 17th St, downtown Murphysboro, the murals, our region. They chose Murphysboro to bring their class to, to show what has been done.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Thanked Sandra for including the tourism Committee meeting minutes. Spoke to Mike Jones, are watching their spending very carefully, will try to have someone here every other meeting or so.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Nothing
Mike Austin At the last meeting we were addressed by a group of people and would like to challenge the council and the city to look at different areas for a Safety Building.
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Watson Road repairs are complete, ready for oil & chip; water tower tank project received EPA loan & 50% loan forgiveness, will proceed to advertise & bid, will not be done this year; ARPA water & sewer project-getting ready to bid. Mayor Stephens asked about repairs to Shomaker Dr, have we begun on that? No, will get that done.
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Absent
Tim Lee Absent
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant Absent
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 6:35 p.m.
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