City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances. Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and invited Alderman Hughes to lead the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Pro Tem Erbes led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes then directed City Clerk Gina Hunziker to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:
Present: Barb Hughes, Gloria Campos, Mike Austin, W. J. Pittman, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden
Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Russell Brown
Debbie Tindall, with the Historical Preservation Committee, presented the Restoration Hero Award to Plaza Tire. Employee James riding accepted the award on behalf of Plaza Tire. Ms. Tindall stated Plaza Tire has worked on and maintained the historical beauty in the brickwork and other aspects of the building.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 13, 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 Austin
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Alderman McComb - List #474 page 5-vehicle mirror? That was the only damage so we paid for it instead of insurance. Page 4 - oil change? Tim’s. Alderman Hughes - page 3-First Bankcard–boring tool? Horizontal boring tool needed to be replaced. Page 8-University of Illinois? They issued the city a reimbursement in error. Alderman Austin- page 2-memorial for Dr. Evers’ mother.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #474, through September 27, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes 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 State Income Tax Receipts are equivalent to last year and discussed the Cash & Equivalents Ledger sheet.
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment: Alderman Campos stated that the county employees are parking longer than 2 hours in the city lot behind the Daum Building, so no public parking available. Mayor Pro Tem Erbes stated he thought the Mayor was going to send a letter or talk to someone.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business:
Community Night Out: Ms. Ripley stated will need help serving that evening, be there by 4:45.
New Business:
Feed the Team: Alderman Hughes stated they already have enough volunteers. If they go into the playoffs, will feed the team then. Maybe do Cummares instead of hamburgers.
Public comment: Ms. Ripley stated the Masonic Lodge would like use of the public parking lot for trunk or treating, have filled out the request form. Alderman McComb stated think it is a good idea, have the police there with their lights on so people will know. Ms. Ripley stated she will put it on the agenda for the next meeting.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Discussion regarding the Property at 1441 North 14th Street (former Nursing Home): Alderman Campos stated she was contacted with information that the mechanic’s room has water on the ground, holes in the roof, grass is high, only mowed when they get a ticket. There must be something that can be addressed. Alderman Bastien stated turn it over to Code Enforcement. What about the ambulance service? They have their own building. Chief McBride stated there is no water out there, pipes had burst. Alderman Campos stated no electricity either, it is a hazard. Attorney Blake stated someone has paid the first installment of taxes.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Bids for ARPA Projects: Mr. Sheffer stated JM Jones out of Thompsonville had the low bid of $787,119.00. They are a good contractor. Mr. Evans asked we won’t have the whole $800,000 spent by year end, will we? No.
Motion: To accept the bid of $787,119.00 by J. M. Jones for the Sanitary Sewer Improvements and Water Main Replacement ARPA Project.
Motion by Alderman Gladden
Second by Alderman Austin
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Making 16th & Illinois a 3-way Stop Intersection: Alderman McComb requested this be tabled until Chief Ellermeyer gets back, would like to go back three years and see the number of accidents. Alderman Austin stated has received multiple calls regarding cars speeding. Has spoken to the Chief and the Mayor and both are in complete support of a 3-way intersection. Sgt. Minemann stated the Chief wants to do whatever we can to try to curb these issues. Alderman McComb stated speeders are everywhere, don’t see putting up stop signs everywhere. Sgt. Minemann stated has discussed this with the Chief, putting together a detail dedicated to this. Alderman Bastien stated it needs to be patrolled and enforced.
Motion: To adopt an Ordinance making the intersection of 16th and Illinois Streets a 3-Way Stop Intersection.
Motion by Alderman Austin
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman McComb and Alderman Pittman.
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
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes stated Mayor Stephens will be attending a meeting Thursday at SIU for Federal money for rural areas.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Absent
Gloria Campos Nothing
Mike Austin Nothing
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Dog catcher permission to carry a gun. Needs to be able to protect himself and others. Sgt. Minemann stated he has a tool belt, authorized a vest. Don’t think it is an union issue, has 40 hours qualification for auxiliary. Alderman Hughes stated talk to the Chief.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Due to the election have moved the November meetings to
November 15th and 29th. Reminder meeting 9/28 at 7 p.m.
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Keep Richard Martin family in your thoughts and prayers.
Sgt. Minemann Nothing
Charlie Eisert Absent
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Absent
Darrin Mills Call from Vogler Ford, trucks ordered last year are in.
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Absent
Leandra Bryant Absent
Motion: To go into executive session at 6:56 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 Hughes
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Bastien, Alderman McComb, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:17 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Hughes
Second by Alderman Pittman
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Bastien, Alderman McComb, Alderman Gladden
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume the regular council session at 7:17 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To authorize Mayor Stephens to engage in negotiations with Dr. Spears regarding terms of purchase of the building located at 1008 Locust Street.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman Hughes
Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:18p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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