City of Murphysboro City Council met Dec. 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 13th day of December, 2022. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and invited Pastor Jerry Hickam 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 (arrived at 7:08 pm during executive session), Gloria Campos, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien
Absent: Russell Brown, Don Gladden
Presentation of the Russell Breading Memorial Community Service Award: Mayor Stephens presented this to Ed and Jennifer O’Donnell, who have gone above and beyond and have given of themselves to the community. What they have done with 724 Ministries is more than helping hungry people, it is their contribution to helping the needy, so this is for their outstanding service and dedication. Ed O’Donnell stated they are proud to be a part of this community, very appreciative of the member of this community who donate their time and resources.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 29, 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.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #514, through December 13, 2022, accounts receivable through November 30, 2022, and payroll through November, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Campos
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:
Consideration of Minutes from 12/1/2022 and 12/6/2022:
Motion: To approve the Minutes from 12/1/2022 and 12/6/2022.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans discussed the Sales/HR Tax-another great month; Operating Expenses versus Budget-currently under budget but it contains ARPA funds, have exceeded Budgeted Revenues; Salaries-small surplus; Loan Balances-dump truck loan paid, update on balances.
Consideration of Increasing the Video Gaming Terminal Fee: Alderman Pittman stated possible increase from $25 to $150.
Motion: To approve the increase of the License Fee for Video Gaming Terminals to $150.00.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Changing the Minimum Gallons for Water Bills: Alderman Pittman stated change the minimum for a two month billing period from 5000 to 4000 gallons.
Motion: To approve Amending the Minimum Gallons of Water for a Two Month Billing Period to 4000.
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of placing the Proposed FY 2023 Budget on Display: Attorney Blake stated Public Hearing will be December 27 at 5:45 p.m.
Motion: To approve the Proposed FY 2023 Budget for Display.
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Bastien
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:
Consideration of Donation of 513 North 16th Street to Habitat for Humanity: Mayor Stephens stated he received an email from Mr. Eisert that he is in favor of this. Jim Nesler, with Partnership for Affordable Homes, stated they have a family already
Motion: To approve the Donation of 513 North 16th Street to Partnership For Affordable Homes, formerly known as Habitat For Humanity.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Cemetery Contract Renewal: Mayor Stephens stated same as previous years.
Motion: To Approve the Cemetery Contract Renewal with Steve’s Lawn Care.
Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
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:
Consideration of Quotes for Permanent Structure for Salt Storage: Mayor Stephens stated Mr. Mills asked for this to be tabled, still doing research.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Alderman McComb stated he has checked on a track hoe to tear down houses, is rent-to-own. Will have Mr. Mills check it out. Seller will let Alderman McComb know the price. It has a rubber track, will have more information at the next meeting.
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Sunday Only Parking on Spruce Street from 15th to 16th Street: Alderman Hughes stated St. Peters Church contacted her, used to have sign but is gone. They have members who have difficulty walking, would like church or handicapped parking on the north side of Spruce between 15th and 16th Street. Alderman Pittman stated he thought that was no parking except Sundays. Mayor Stephens stated Sunday parking would be a better option. Attorney Blake stated he believes we already have an ordinance covering that area. Alderman Hughes asked so can put the sign back up? Mayor Stephens asked Ms. Bryant to ask Mr. Mills to put a sign back up.
Public comment: Alderman Campos stated between Walgreen’s and Roll ‘Em Up Liquor, rails on staircase going down are smashed, safety issue. Mr. Lee stated will look at it. Mr. Manwaring stated he believes they are IDOT’s.
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 Moving the January Council Meetings: Asked to move the January meetings to the 17th and 31st.
Motion: To approve moving the January meetings to the 17th and 31st.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Wish everyone a Happy Holidays and stay safe. So proud ot he city employees. Sandra put together a beautiful Christmas party, thank you.
Jance Curry-Witzman Absent
Gloria Campos Blessed to have such caring and dedicated staff. Proud to be a member, wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Mike Austin Nothing
Russell Brown Absent
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Absent
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Absent
Tim Lee Business Highway 13 water main replacement is 40 feet shy of completion.
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Absent
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant: Nothing
Motion: To go into executive session at 6:46 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 and for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) Meetings on collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.
Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Hughes
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Brown, Alderman Gladden
Motion Carried
Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:25 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Bastien
Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien
Nays: None
Absent: Alderman Brown, Alderman Gladden
Motion Carried
Motion: To resume the regular council session at 7:26 p.m.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To Approve the Real Estate Purchase Agreement for 1008 Locust Street, the Spears Building, and the Ordinance granting the authority to sign the Agreement.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the Clerical Contract as Presented and the changes to clean up some language in said document.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve a base salary increase of $2000 in addition to the 3% raise for non-union employees Charlie Eisert, Sandra Ripley and Brian Manwaring, $8000 base salary increase for Chief Ellermeyer,3% raise for Chief McBride, a one dollar per hour raise for Blaise Ensor and a $2000 lump sum to Sandra Ripley for fulfilling the duties of AP/AR Clerk while the position was vacant.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Bastien
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman Bastien Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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