City of Murphysboro City Council met Feb. 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 14th day of February, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Nathan Borish 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
Presentation to Russell Brown: Proclamation Russell Brown Day March 30, 2023, for his 20 years of service as a Police Officer, almost 20 years as an Alderman and as a former business owner, presented by Mayor Stephens to retired Alderman Russell Brown. Chief Ellermeyer presented a shadow box with previous police badges and the current badge worn.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 31, 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 Hughes |
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 Sales/HR Tax receipts, continues to be strong numbers.
Consideration of Pay Estimate #1 for the ARPA Project: Mr. Sheffer stated for the water main replacement materials, ARPA project.
Motion: To approve the Pay Estimate #1 for the ARPA Project.
| Motion by Alderman Campos | Second by Alderman Austin |
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #548 & #549, through February 14, 2023, account receivable through January 31, 2023, and payroll through January, 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 Campos |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment: Pastor Nathan Borish was present, stated the Ministerial Alliance wants to meet a real need this year. Holly Thompson, with the FCA, presented an idea brought to her by the FCA students of a Safe Haven Baby Box. This is a box with sensors in it that a mother, who is wanting to give up her child, could safely place the baby in, an alarm would sound and personnel present would respond to. The cost would be covered by the Ministerial Alliance and area churches. Would like to see if it could be an addition to the design of the new city safety building. May need a city ordinance to allow this, requirement by the state. Mayor Stephens asked City Attorney Blake to review and then will place on the agenda at a future date.
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 Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Saturday, March 18, 2023:
Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Celebration March 18, 2023.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Bastien |
Motion Carried
Ashley Runge, with Hometown Christmas, was present. Thanked everyone – city crews, park district, employees, aldermen - for their support of their crew and events.
Public comment: Alderman Campos stated we are one year away from the total eclipse. Mayor Stephens stated has talked to Joe Fry, Riverside Park was used for viewing. Also joined a conference call to coordinate local happenings.
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 nothing additional, looking at cost of $25,000 – $30,000, bottom of hill would be ideal or move rock to bottom and have salt at the top. Mayor Stephens stated look at budgeting it for next year. Township mixes turkey grit in their salt and don’t have to store it inside. They used to have an agreement with the county but not anymore.
New business:
Consideration of Ordinance amending requirements for permit applications, fees and regulations for building and fence permits: Charlie Eisert stated has updated the ordinance, how a fence is defined, revamped the permit fee. Alderman Gladden asked if it can be submitted electronically? Mr. Eisert stated change permit fees and definition, can pay electronically. Alderman Gladden stated would like for it to be that they pay first. Attorney Blake stated that is already in there.
Motion: To approve the Ordinance Amending Requirements for Permit Applications, Fees and Regulations for Building and Fence Permits.
| Motion by Alderman Gladden | Second by Alderman Bastien |
Motion Carried
Public comment: Clearwave representatives present: Nathan Columbo, Brittany, Chad Bishop, General Manager Strider Dennison. Mr. Columbo stated have a permit written up to be adopted. Mayor Stephens stated wrote it up and sent it to Clearwave for their review. Mr. Columbo stated would like to roll from one permit into the next as soon as work on the first permit is completed. Alderman Hughes commended them for sending people out to clean up and fix the areas that needed it. Alderman Campos thanked them for doing a good job. Chief McBride stated still have over $2000 due. Clearwave Rep stated will expedite payment.
Alderman Erbes 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
Potential City Council Appointment: Mayor Stephens stated Angela Jackson is a potentially appointee to replace Russell Brown. Her information is in your packet.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Happy Valentine’s Day.
Mike Austin Nothing
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Thanked Charlie & his crew for their input and getting it done.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Thanked Attorney Blake for his assistance with the ordinance.
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Absent
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant: Absent
Motion: To adjourn.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Campos |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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