City of Marion City Council met Feb. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 28th day of February, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Marty McMichael 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, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes*, Mike Bastien, Don Gladden
*Teleconference
Absent: Gary McComb
Recognition of Probationary Period completion by Firefighter Alex Crawshaw: Chief McBride stated is now fully qualified, presented his permanent shield. Mayor Stephens congratulated him on his completion of his probationary period.
Historic Preservation Commission Presentation of Restoration Hero to Amy Mills for 1616 Walnut Street: Mr. Barnett presented the Restoration Hero award to Amy Mills for Faye Café and the Sauce Factory. Ms. Mills stated she is grateful to everyone that helped make it come true.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 14, 2023, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Austin |
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #551, #554 & #555, through February 28, 2023. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Campos | Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman |
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 State Income Tax Receipts, Healthcare, Operating v Budget expenses and revenue and Payroll.
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Safe Haven Baby Box: Attorney Blake stated current Illinois law requires the parent to make an in-person anonymous drop-off of an infant. A bill was proposed in 2021 that would allow for a Safe Haven Baby Box but did not make it out of committee. If the city proceeded anyway, there would be no immunity fort he parent and the city would be liable. Alderman Hughes stated very upset that Illinois law does not allow this. Will let Pastor Nathan know. Alderman Campos asked can the church do it? No.
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 START Block Party, Saturday, May 20th, 2023:
Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for START Block Party May 20th, 2023.
| Motion by Alderman Hughes | Second by Alderman Campos |
Motion Carried
Consideration of Street Closure Request for Molly’s Pint – St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th – March 19th: Alderman Hughes asked if the whole street would be blocked off? Nick stated only ½ the block that is in front of his business. Alderman Hughes stated make sure down by 2 p.m. Alderman Austin stated last year put up five hours early and up until Monday. Nick stated the rental is location is in Murphysboro, so none of those concerns. Chief McBride asked how much of the street will be covered by the tent? Nick stated will leave twenty feet open. The tent is 20 x 30. Chief McBride asked will you put it to your side of the street? Yes. Will you move the barricades each day when over? Yes.
Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for Molly’s Pint, St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th through March 19th,2023.
| Motion by Alderman Bastien | Second by Alderman Gladden |
Motion Carried
Consideration of Parking Lot Closure Request: March 15, 2023:
Motion: To approve the Jackson County State’s Attorney Parking Lot Closure Request for Special Olympics March 15th, 2023.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Gladden |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Bastien opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Main Street Presentation of Downtown Historic District: Jamie Green stated here to keep the council informed regarding the Main Street Downtown Historic District. Was passed at the stated level, then passed in December, 2022, at the Federal level. This is a start, will later have options to add more buildings, etc. Rachel Ensor had a slide presentation regarding the Downtown Historic District, boundaries are 9th to 15th and Locust to Chestnut. Boundaries are drawn by the State commission. This is a commercial district, 1869-1969. Amy Mills stated she would like to recognize Rachel for her incredible work on this. Disappointed Faye, the Old Depot, John A. Logan home not on included. Was blindsided by this information, maybe could have had more oversight. Alderman Hughes asked more can be added later, correct? Yes.
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding Costs for Salt Storage: Nothing new.
New business:
Consideration of Declaring Water Department Vehicles as Surplus: 1998 Dodge and 1998 Ford Explorer: Mr. Lee stated are ready for auction.
Motion: To declare the 1998 Dodge and 1998 Ford Explorer Water Department Vehicles as Surplus.
| Motion by Alderman Hughes | Second by Alderman Austin |
Motion Carried
Consideration of Purchase of Ferris ISX 2200 Mower: Darrin Mills stated this would be for the Street Department, is budgeted.
Motion: To Approve the Purchase of a Ferris ISX 2200 Mower.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman |
Motion Carried
Frontier Communications: Mayor Stephens stated Frontier is wanting to do similar project as Clearwave, 65% overhead and 35% underground. Would go through the same permit process recently enacted. Have called other communities and their experience has been good. Alderman Pittman asked if the distance in the ordinance is only for boring? Yes. Alderman Campos asked if can make Frontier do underground not overhead wires? Mayor Stephens stated don’t believe we can require that. Alderman Hughes stated some concern on Oak & 16th, waiting on them to transfer wires to new poles so old poles can be removed.
Public comment: Male attendee stated there is a difference between overhead and underground, was not fun being without power for ten days, like in the derecho.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Declaring 2002 Ford F150 (Animal Control Truck) as Surplus:
Motion: To declare the 2002 Ford F150 Animal Control Truck as Surplus.
| Motion by Alderman Campos | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Alderman Hughes stated she spent a good part of the day with Angela Jackson. Took her around the Admin building, fire dept. and police dept. Look forward to working with her, going to be a wonderful asset.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Appointment of Angela Jackson as Alderman for Ward 3: Mayor Stephens swore in Angela Jackson as the new Alderman in Ward 3. Alderman Jackson stated eager to serve, looking forward to working with everyone.
Motion: To Approve the Appointment of Angela Jackson as Alderman of Ward 3 to finish retired Alderman Russell Brown’s term.
| Motion by Alderman Hughes | Second by Alderman Austin |
Motion Carried
Attended the Table Top Tour Fundraiser at the Murphysboro Event Center, commend all who put the event together.
The city allocated funding to overhaul the website, have a meeting with them tomorrow.
Clearwave asked for two amendments to the permit: Allow 5000 feet, checked with Mr, Eisert, ok with that; wanted the work hours to change to 7:00 p.m. and weekends, not agreeable to that. Mr. Eisert stated received eleven permit applications, so they are eager to start. Alderman Austin asked if they have paid the past due? Chief McBride stated all outstanding invoices have been paid.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Commend Public Works, sewer break under Shomaker, repaired in one day, thank you. Poured over 700ft on 7th St.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Gloria Campos Welcomed Angela, Water Dept and Public Works working very hard over the weekend, thank you.
Mike Austin Nothing
Angela Jackson Nothing
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Absent
Mike Bastien Nothing
Don Gladden Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer After the citizen that was at a meeting regarding traffic cameras at Williams St & Walnut, studied the east and west traffic, in the left turn lane arrow only green for 3 seconds. Checked Walmart intersection green arrow 8 seconds. Mayor Stephens contacted IDOT, said will reconstruct the turn lane instead of making green arrow only. Will send a letter to make suggestion have only green arrow.
Charlie Eisert Remediation at the 500 block of Walnut Street has started, block off 6th Street, will have flaggers for trucks.
Tim Lee Thanked Darrin and crew for providing additional resources to repair the road.
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant: Absent
Motion: To adjourn.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman |
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
https://www.murphysboro.com/government/administration/council_meetings/meeting_agendas_and_minutes.php
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