Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met June 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 27th day of June, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., gave the invocation and then led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Stephens then directed Deputy City Clerk Sandra Ripley to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:

Present: Barbara Hughes, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Don Gladden, Jance Curry-Witzman (arrived at 6:11 p.m.)

Absent: Rick Runge

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 13, 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.

Motion Carried

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

The council reviewed the Accounts Payable Register #612 that was included in their packet. Alderman Hughes questioned if the City would be receiving any reimbursement for the Mayor’s Washington DC trip. Mayor Stephens indicated that he had requested $675 from the SI Connector Project.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #612 as presented.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Scott Evans, Budget Officer, presented the financial report - Schedule of State Income Tax Receipts Vouchered. It was stated that we are well on our way to hit budget.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: No items were listed on the agenda for discussion. However, Alderman Austin noted that the new shed had been delivered and set-up at the Administration Parking Lot.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden 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: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding Fiddler Ridge water issues. Diana Keipp advised the Council that there have been frequent water main breaks in the Fiddler Ridge area and it seems like we are just putting band-aids on the water lines. The lines need to be fixed. Angie Porter stated that they are not being notified when boil water orders are cancelled. They are getting the notifications, but they never know when the water is good. Tim Lee indicated that the elevation is high in comparison to our water towers making the pressure lower than other parts of town. He also indicated that the line on Wells Street is a 6’ cast iron line and does need to be replaced. He plans to work on replacing the bad sections to PVC. Total replacement would be approximately 2500 ft. Harold stated that he would put together a cost estimate and see if there are any grants available for this type of project.

Consideration of Engineering Services Agreement for Enterprise Avenue Reconstruction. Harold Sheffer stated that this is a standard IDOT agreement. Funding for part of the project has been received and additional grant applications have been submitted. Funding notifications should be out in September. Alderman Gladden stated that the northern portion of Enterprise Avenue was not included in the project and asked why. It was stated that the roadway was still in good shape and was part of the IDOT ROW.

Motion: To Approve the Engineering Services Agreement for the Enterprise Avenue Reconstruction Project.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Pay Estimate #1 for the Water Tank Renovation Project. Harold Sheffer indicated that the 17th Street tower is complete and will be moving to the Bootcamp tower.

Motion: To Approve the Pay Estimate #1 to Maxcor for the Water Tank Renovation Project.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Pay Estimate #2 for the ARPA Project. Harold Sheffer indicated that the contractor, J.M. Jones, Inc., has completed the water line installation on McDowell Road, Sunset Gardens Drive and Harrison Road. They are now moving to the 14th Street portion and will start at Fair Drive and work North. They are making good progress.

Motion: To Approve Pay Estimate #2 to J.M. Jones, Inc. for the water line portion of the ARPA Project.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Public Comment – Alderman McComb advised that the contractor has started pouring sidewalks on the 7th Street Project.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding parking at 104 North 10th Street. Alderman Jackson advised that she was approached by Paula Craig who requested that parking be allowed in front of her business for her customers. It was stated that this request has been brought to the council previously and was denied due to an accident that had occurred at that intersection. In addition, allowing a parking space would be in violation as it would be within the requirements for distance from a stop sign. Alderman Jackson stated that she will let Ms. Craig know.

Consideration of Ordinance Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. Chief McBride indicated that the agreement with MABAS was re-done in 2022. The fire department works closely with other agencies through this agreement. This Ordinance will adopt that agreement.

Motion: To Approve the Ordinance Authorizing an Intergovernment Agreement for Participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of School Resource Officer Agreement. Chief Ellermeyer advised that this is the renewal of the previous agreement. All terms remain the same including the 75/25 split with the School District. The only change is that we are going from one SRO to two. Attorney Blake has reviewed the agreement and has recommended a few minor changes where the verbage needs to reference the two SRO’s.

Motion: To Approve the School Resource Officer Agreement with the recommended Attorney revisions.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Public Comment – Alderman Erbes inquired if there were plans to move the stop sign at 19th & Spruce where the tree was recently removed. Tim Lee indicated that he believes the Street Department intends to replace the sidewalk in that vicinity and move the stop sign at that time.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Stephens advised that Tri-County Education has purchased the former Christian Academy. They have plans to move some of their operations beginning with the August 2024 school year. Attorney Blake stated that the property is located in an SR-1 residential zone. A Special-Use Permit was issued in 1996 by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Attorney Blake outlined the process and indicated that a new permit was not required. Chief Ellermeyer provided a background of his experience with Tri-County and their programs. Alderman Austin indicated his main concerns would be students leaving the facility, confrontations with neighboring residents and possible confrontations with students from other schools. Alderman Erbes asked if we could require such items as taller fencing and cameras. Alderman McComb believes that everyone needs to be given a chance. Alderman Pittman suggested that we develop a list of concerns and continue discussion. Mayor Stephens requested that the topic be on the agenda so that everyone was aware.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Absent

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Commented on the Big Muddy Monster Statue. Asked if there was going to be IDOT signage, a plaque or other items to continue to dress up the area. Festival was a big success.

Gary McComb Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Advised that we have received the check for the Retail Theft grant in the amount of $126,000. Brian is helping coordinate installation. Hopes to be operational by September.

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Advised that we are due to have a few significantly warm days. In the past the City Hall has been identified as a cooling center. Alderman McComb stated that the Sr. Citizens Center is also open 8:30-3:30 Monday through Friday.

Darrin Mills Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.

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