City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 17th day of January, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Cindy Frye 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, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden
Absent: Gloria Campos
Dave Ardrey, Southern Illinois Airport Authority Board, was present. He tendered his resignation from the board, finishing Carl Stokers term. He has been on the Board for ten years, third busiest airport in Illinois, urging everyone present to never under-estimate the value of our airport. Mayor Stephens thanked Mr. Ardrey for his service.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 27, 2022, Special Meeting, Public Hearing and 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 |
Motion Carried
Alderman Hughes inquired about the locator kit – it was a replacement.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #529 & #530, through January 17, 2023, accounts receivable through December 31, 2022, and payroll through December, 2022. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Austin |
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 Sales/HR Tax Receipts – another good month; General Fund ended with a surplus but also contains ARPA funds of almost one million; Salaries ended the year under budget; Healthcare ended under budget; Tourism Fund ended the year with a deficit, are using some of their reserves; Cash Summary – has moved some money from Market Accounts to CD’s, short term.
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:
Discussion regarding Costs for Salt Storage: Alderman McComb stated Mr. Mills has some figures, table until next meeting. Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to Mitch Burdick with the county, did not rule out city being able to use their storage facility.
New business:
Consideration of a City-Wide Groundwater Ordinance: Attorney Blake stated it meets IEPA requirements, contractors will not have to request it, will be on file with the IEPA.
Motion: To approve the City Wide Groundwater Ordinance.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Gladden |
Motion Carried
Discussion regarding the Clearwave construction Issues: Alderman McComb stated the crews have been leaving holes open, piles of dirt on sidewalks, truck with lights are far away. Mayor Stephens stated had Attorney Blake review. Attorney Blake stated there is a ROW license agreement, reviewed it. City can request plans be submitted, they do need a permit. Mr. Lee stated working after dark, no advanced warning of area working in, no lights, asked crew to stop working, barely clearing water lines, anywhere the lines cross will need to work carefully to minimize future mishaps. Do not see any quality control, hard to communicate with the crew, leave equipment in the road, no signs, conage, etc. Alderman Gladden stated the crews are hardly being supervised. Alderman Hughes stated couldn’t communicate with them to move their vehicle blocking her driveway. Chief McBride stated have responded to several gas leaks. Boring before JULIE’s are up, blind boring, can’t communicate. Mayor Stephens stated in my opinion and the council, all work needs to cease and desist until requirements for a permit are met. Mr. Eisert stated his first six hours today were spent on the phone with residents, no rhyme or reason where they work, in different spots. Digging today and JULIE was up at 0800 tomorrow. Handed out a picture packet to the council, these pictures were taken in about five minutes today. Major concern this summer, will have tall grass and will not be able to mow. Mr. Lee stated need to limit number of open permits at one time, have to consider manpower available, lots of JULIE’s, are having to re-mark /refresh because they didn’t get to them. Clearwave Representative Mr. Columbo thanked everyone, appreciated the comments and concerns regarding proper controls, construction, will be able to move forward with these issues brought up. Whatever the council acts on, will deliver it up the food chain. There are quality control problems, no supervision for the subcontracted crews, thanked Mr. Lee for his observations, it is a great help. Alderman McComb asked if can shut down since no permits? Attorney Blake stated yes, not complied with. Alderman Erbes asked if can include re-doing ones not done properly? Attorney Blake stated where there’s damage, yes. Chief Ellermeyer stated they need to go back and fill holes, if going to shut them down. Mayor Stephens stated can craft the permitting process however we want. Mr. Lee, Mr. Eisert, Mr. Mills, Alderman McComb and I can meet and figure out the permit and requirements. Alderman McComb asked if can require insurance? Yes. Alderman McComb asked if we are in favor of shutting them down? Mayor Stephens stated yes, except for filling in holes, making it safe. Clearwave Representative Dylan Gamble stated just moved here, goal is to help with community relations, making it safe. Alderman Erbes asked what percentage is done? Approximately 15%. Mr. Eisert stated will keep a list of customer complaints. Alderman Erbes asked about ROW where there are no sidewalks? Mr. Lee stated it typically is either thirty or forty feet, half that distance from the middle of the road/street to either side.
Motion: To approve requiring Clearwave to cease all construction effective midnight tonight and repair and fix all work in progress and not allow it to continue until the permit process is complete.
| Motion by Alderman Gladden | Second by Alderman Bastien |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
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
Discussion regarding Awnings: Worthen family purchased the old Pet store and Cutting Edge, asked who owns the awning? Can the Street Department assist in removing it? Mr. Mills had no problem with it. Alderman Bastien stated Russell Breading always said it belonged to the owner of the building. Alderman Hughes stated when some of the old awnings were replaced, had to make some repairs since they had been attached to the building. Concern regarding liability, have some kind of agreement. Alderman Austin asked if it is attached to any others? Don’t think so. Mayor Stephens stated draft a basic liability waiver. Attorney Blake stated can do that.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Absent
Mike Austin Nothing
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Attended the Southwest Illinois Connector Highway meeting, Mayor is the chair, encourage everyone to continue to support, attend meetings. Mayor Stephens stated it will go up to Pinckneyville, swing west to Waterloo, from two lanes to four lanes. Greater than 150 people have signed their support. We need 800 million Federal and 200 million State funds to build.
Gary McComb Nothing
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Thanked Chief McBride and Mr. Eisert for the great report on the Spears building.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Update on purchase of Spears Building-verification of funds to Complete purchase given to them, no title issues, just two Easements, everything is ready to move forward with the closing.
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Ted Beggs Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Nothing
Tim Lee Commended the Street department and the Water department, had some bad weather over the holidays, 31 calls regarding frozen pipes, etc.
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Absent
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant: Absent
Motion: To adjourn.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Pittman |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
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