Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 31.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 31st 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*, Gloria Campos*, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Mike Bastien*, Don Gladden

*Teleconference

Absent: None

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Erbes stated page 4 second line change Estes to Erbes.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 17, 2023, council meeting with correction. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Erbes

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Alderman Erbes inquired as to #542 page 3 animal control box? For the new animal control truck, will be permanently mounted. Alderman Hughes inquired as to #542 page 5 CDL – did he pass? Yes.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #532 & #542, through January 31, 2023. 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 Pittman

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 reviewed the year end numbers for the Balance Sheet and Income Statement; Income Tax Receipts for the month and a posting correction for the Tourism Fund.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Discussion regarding Heating Unit at 1818 Walnut Street: Alderman Austin referenced the bid in the packet from Voss Heating & AC. Alderman McComb asked if another bid should be gotten? Alderman Hughes stated the Park District voted to repair not replace. Mayor Stephens suggested going with repair.

Motion: To approve the bid from Voss Heating & Air to replace the heat exchanger at a cost of $4820.00, to be split equally with the Park District.

Motion by Alderman Campos

Second by Alderman Erbes

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Street Closure Request for Murphysboro Cruise Nights 2023 – 1st Saturday of each month from April to September: Mayor Stephens stated Josh Sayer is unable to attend but wanted to thank all who have helped facilitate Cruise Night over the years.

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for Murphysboro Cruise Nights 2023 – 1st Saturday of each month from April to September.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Pittman

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Consideration of Street Closure Request for the Oak Street Art Fair Saturday, April 29, 2023:

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for the Oak Street Art Fair Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Austin

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

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: Darrin Mills stated he has found a couple of less expensive options. Approximate cost of $25,000 to pour concrete or possibly pay the county a storage fee, would have to work out the details. Would prefer to have something by the Public Works building. Alderman Gladden stated get more particulars from the county. Alderman McComb stated would use more fuel running out to the county. Mayor Stephens stated he will reach out and see what the others’ arrangements are. Mr. Mills stated might want to speak to Mitch Burdick. Alderman McComb stated look at both options. Mr. Lee stated maybe build a smaller facility on site and could go out and bring it in before the bad weather.

New business:

Digital Mapping: Brian Manwaring showed a presentation on Digital Mapping software for water and sewer facilities. Can map from scratch. Enterprise rate is $80/month, $960/year for as many employees as we want. Can export our data and import somewhere else. Mr. Lee stated the advantages are communication between departments, can update information in real time, is backed up twice a day/every twelve hours, information is stored off-site on their servers. Mr. Manwaring stated would like to pursue a subscription to this. Alderman Hughes asked if you sign a contract? Mayor Stephens stated monthly subscription, usually sign for one year at a time. Alderman Pittman asked if we don’t need the change option, can we quit the subscription? Mr. Manwaring stated can do that, can export the data. Another benefit can find needed information immediately, for example for a JULIE. Mr. Lee stated can also use for code enforcement, can enter notes, set reminders, fire department can use it to add their facilities, can use for cemeteries.

Motion: To approve the purchase of a one year subscription to Digital Mapping for a cost of $960.00.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Erbes

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Fire Department Statistics – 2022: Chief McBride presented the 2022 Fire Department Statistics. Mayor Stephens asked what the current agreement is regarding Southern Illinois airport? We are the initial responding agency for all except City of Carbondale and SIU facilities that are out there.

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

Consideration of Appointment of Gary Miller to the Southern Illinois Airport Authority Board: Gary Miller is highly qualified, served as their attorney in the past. Mr. Miller stated he is looking forward to going home there and helping out.

Motion: To approve the appointment of Gary Miller to the Southern Illinois Airport Authority Board.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Pittman

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Clearwave update: Included in the packets is an example of an Infrastructure Permit Application. Also includes an email from Attorney Blake regarding some things he would like to see added. Cost would be $100 per permit, 2000 linear feet maximum. One active permit at a time. Chief McBride stated still have greater than $5000 in invoices not paid. Can we include that needs to be taken care of before the permit is approved? Mayor Stephens stated Attorney Blake has stated a need for that. Attorney Blake stated should have general language regarding outstanding debt should be paid before permitting. Alderman Pittman asked Clearwave or the subcontractor? Mr. Lee stated should be whoever is doing the work. Mayor Stephens stated the form will have contractor and subcontractor information. Mr. Sheffer asked if there is a provision for as-built drawings? Mayor Stephens stated can ask for it, will have attorney include language for that. Alderman Pittman asked if they have addressed the damages that needed to be fixed? Mr. Lee stated they went back and fixed what needed to be done. Attorney Blake stated amend the city code regarding use of city right-of-way. IML has a model more comprehensive than what the city has.

Motion: To adopt this Infrastructure Permit pending revisions to be made as discussed.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman gladden

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Thanked Tim and Harold for the quick action at the problem at my Home with the clean out on Tina Drive.

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Gloria Campos 7th Street progress is looking nice.

Mike Austin School District Supt, regarding the South side of Edith Street,

Darrin resolved the issue, thank you.

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Street light? Waiting on part.

Gary McComb Nothing

Mike Bastien Nothing

Don Gladden 7th Street update? Mr. Gladden stated pouring concrete, moving along.

Mayor Stephens Stated he received an email from a concerned citizen along 7th Street that they would not be able to respond to emergencies when pouring the concrete. Dave Murray stated they are only pouring ½ at a time so that residents have access.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Storm Spotter Training at the High School library February 15, 6pm.

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:20 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Meetings for the discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Act either for purpose of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as required by the Act.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:35 p.m.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Campos, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Bastien, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume the regular council session at 7:35 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Austin

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Motion: To Release Executive Meeting Minutes 6/11/19, 12/3/19, 2/11/20, 9/8/20 and 8/9/22.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Motion: To Continue to Hold Executive Meeting Minutes 11/12/19, 6/22/21, 8/24/21, 1/11/22, 2/22/22, 3/8/22, 5/24/22, 6/14/22, 6/28/22, 9/13/22, 9/27/22, 11/29/22 and 12/13/22.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Erbes

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Campos

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php