City of Murphysboro City Council met Nov. 29.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 29th day of November, 2022. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:03 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
Absent: Russell Brown
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 15, 2022, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Austin | Second by Alderman Campos |
Motion Carried
Ms. Ripley stated the check to JT Blankenship was supposed to be to E.T. Simonds and has been corrected.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #511, through November 29, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Hughes | Second by Alderman Erbes |
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 discussed the State Income Tax Receipts and Healthcare budget projections. Everyone received an informational handout on the Water/Sewer Fund.
Consideration of Line of Credit Renewal at First Bank & Trust:
Motion: To approve the Line of Credit Renewal at First Bank & Trust.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Purchase of Property from the Jackson County Trustee: Purchase of property near the Zion Church, they will take it over.
Motion: To approve Purchase of Property from the Jackson County Trustee sale.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Pittman |
Motion Carried
Discussion regarding Country Club Residential Development: Alderman Erbes stated he spoke to the developer, will come after the first of the year to a meeting. Attorney Blake stated they have acquired property to have a continuous property line for annexation. Alderman Pittman asked if there is any way to include language regarding taking over the roads they build? Attorney Blake stated he assumes they will want the city to take over and make them public roads. Alderman Pittman stated they are having a 100th anniversary celebration.
Consideration of Project Authorization No. 2 for Phase II: Bridging Design for the Proposed City Hall Project: Alderman Erbes stated the proposal is in the packet. Attorney Blake stated has looked it over, does not see any issues. Mayor Stephens stated this will help continue the sorting out of what offices should go where and traffic flow, hallway spaces.
Motion: To Approve the Project Authorization No. 2 for Phase II; Bridging Design for the Proposed City Hall Project.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Street Closure Request for a 5K by Murphysboro Main Street on December 10th at 9:00 a.m.: Alderman Austin stated Chief Ellermeyer and Chief McBride are ok with it.
Motion: To approve the Request for Street Closure for a 5K by Murphysboro Main Street on December 10th at 9:00 a.m.
| Motion by Alderman Campos | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
Public comment: Mayor Stephens stated he is always thankful for the Street Department/Public Works, things look great. Alderman Campos stated the tree lighting ceremony is Friday.
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 Quotes for Permanent Structure for Salt Storage: Alderman McComb stated quotes from $90,000 to sit on concrete blocks to $101,000 pour walls, no floor. Mr. Mills stated there are several options, this is just one. Alderman Pittman asked if we can do it ourselves in steps? Mr. Mills stated that is a possibility, will keep looking. Alderman Hughes asked what have we been doing currently? Mr. Mills stated cover with tarps, use seven to ten per year at approximately $100 each, will keep looking. Alderman McComb stated some use those tents and they last for years.
New business:
Consideration of Request for Handicap Parking Space on the Parking Lot behind SJ Properties (North 14th Street): Alderman McComb stated this is the parking lot on the right side of North 14th Street, want it on the southeast corner. Mayor Stephens stated by back door access to the White House Salon, have a need for it. They have built accessibility from the parking lot to that building. Alderman McComb stated sounds like we only need to strip it, just need one.
Motion: To approve the Request for Handicap Parking Space on the Parking Lot behind SJ Properties (North 14th Street).
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Bastien |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Consideration of Request for 4-Way Stop at 21st & Wall Street: Mayor Stephens stated have North/South stop signs, nothing East/West. Alderman Bastien stated have looked at it, no objection to it. Talked to Chief Ellermeyer, no accidents the last four to five years. Alderman Gladden stated there is nothing to yield for if there are stop signs North and South. Alderman Hughes asked if there are any other corners that are 4-way? 20th and Logan Street. Chief Ellermeyer stated he thinks yield signs will fix any problem.
Motion: To approve the Request for a 4-Way Stop at 21st & Wall Street.
Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Gladden
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden
Nays: Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb
Absent: Alderman Brown
Motion Carried
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
Tree lighting ceremony is Friday. Kudos to Public Works.
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 Asked everyone to keep their eyes open, tires are being slashed.
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Asked at what park? On Wall Street.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Absent
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Absent
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Making progress on 7th Street.
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Motion: To go into executive session at 6:48 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 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 7:00 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Erbes 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 resume the regular council session at 7:00 p.m.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
Motion: To Approve Purchase of the Spears Building at the Agreed Upon Purchase Price Pending Documents Subject to Finalizing the Terms of the Purchase Agreement.
| Motion by Alderman Austin | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
| Motion by Alderman Campos | Second by Alderman McComb |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:03p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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