Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met June 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 June, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited Alderman Hughes 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, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Don Gladden

Absent: None

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 30, 2023, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Austin

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor, Aldermen Hughes and Curry-Witzman abstained.

Motion Carried

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Presentation of Audit for Fiscal Year ending 12/31/2022: Anna Guetersloh, with KEB, presented the annual audit results. Very healthy Balance Sheet. Recommendations – segregation of duties in certain areas, but do have very good oversight. Mayor Stephens thanked everyone for running their departments honestly, to receive a good report.

Motion: To accept the KEB Auditor’s Report for FY2022.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Alderman Hughes stated Tourism is making donations, leery regarding ones for businesses. Would like to make sure it is still doing for non-profits. Mayor Stephens stated he can check with Rachel Fager. Alderman Hughes asked if the charges on page 14 for demolitions were in the budget? Yes, for all three. Alderman Erbes asked how many block parties? Alderman Pittman stated one each month, the night before Cruise Night. Would like Rachel to give us another report. Mayor Stephens stated the hotel/motel money goes to Tourism. Attorney Blake stated it is an Illinois Statute.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #610 through June 13, 2023, accounts receivable through May 31, 2023, and payroll through May, 2023. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans reviewed the Sales/HR Tax Receipts, Healthcare costs, General Fund Operating versus Budget and Payroll.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Declaring Properties as Surplus: Mr. Eisert discussed various properties, will table until next meeting.

Motion: To table the item.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Public comment: Steve G. stated would be interested in 1018 Maple as it adjoins his property.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Sponsorship Request for the Murphysboro Barbeque Cook-off: Mayor Stephens stated have done various things over the years. Alderman McComb stated the Water Department hooks up all the water spots for free. Alderman Gladden stated plus all the hours the Street Department puts in. Mayor Stephens stated will ask if Tourism is donating. Alderman McComb stated just buy cookies and do the water work, should be enough. Alderman Pittman asked if we are reimbursed for the Auxiliary officers? No. Mayor Stephens stated will check and bring back next meeting

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding parking at 21 North 11th Street/1101 Locust Street: Mayor Stephens stated Cindy B’s Restaurant is looking to purchase the buildings and demo them for parking. It would eliminate a couple of city street parking spots. David Mason stated his wife is one of the owners, the café has used the city parking lot that is to the north. With the new city building, will be using that parking for the city employees, will need additional parking. Best path is to demo and make a parking lot with one way in and one way out. They close at 2 so the public can use after the diner closes. Alderman Pittman asked 11th Street is state? Mr. Mason stated he met with DOT, Mr. Eisert, they are ok with it, only have two city maintained parking spots. Attorney Blake stated will need an ordinance and a specific date. Council stated will approve the elimination of the two parking spaces upon beginning of the demo of the property, will re-visit when they are closer to the time of demolition.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Change Order #1 for the Water Tank Renovation Project: Mr. Sheffer stated was in the riser pipe, recommends approving.

Motion: To approve the Change Order #1 for the Water Tank Renovation Project.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request for a Watering Well at the Murphysboro Soccer fields: Alderman McComb stated soccer pays for the water to water the fields. Would like to give permission for a watering well or donate the water, just for the fields. Attorney Blake stated the city ordinance defines potable water, if it is just to water the fields, it is ok. To drill a well goes through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Mr. Eisert stated the estimated cost of a well is approximately $8000. Tournaments held there draw a lot of people, tourists. The fields get a lot of usage, they have to water it. Mayor Stephens stated would like Tim Lee to take some photos during the installation.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Declaring Police Department Rifles as Surplus: Chief Ellermeyer stated budgeted for new AR rifles this year. Will sell the old ones to the officers for $400 each. Would get $350 at auction.

Motion: To Approve Declaring the Police Department Rifles as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request for Street Light at 221 Potter Lane: Alderman Gladden stated he looked at it. Mayor Stephens stated is a city street. Alderman Erbes asked who is requesting it? Chuck Novara.

Motion: To approve the request for a street light at 221 Potters Lane.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes

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

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.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Water tower on 17th Street looks really good.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman On wells St going up the hill there are ruts on the side of the road.

Mayor Stephens stated he will have Darrin look at.

Rick Runge Will be absent at the next meeting.

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Good turnout at Clean Up Day, think had 16 dumpsters.

Don Gladden Thanked Harold for his report and Mr. Evans and crew for a fine audit report.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer 17th Street tank contractor will be heading out to start on the boot camp water tower.

Steve McBride Nothing

Jaime Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Will email updates of property, thumbs up to Darrin and crew on

14th St, good job.

Tim Lee Absent

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Absent

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/government/administration/meeting-agendas-and-minutes/