Johnston City Community Unit School District 1 Board of Education met July 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 11th day of July, 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, Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Don Gladden
Absent:
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Erbes suggested that the discussion regarding the request for a parking space on North 10th Street be corrected to include reference of distance to a stop sign as additional reason for denial.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 27, 2023, council meeting as corrected.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman
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 #613, the Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers for June that were all included in their packet. The invoice for tires at Plaza Tire was questioned. It was stated that they were for the Street Department Backhoe.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #613, accounts receivable and payroll registers as presented.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Scott Evans, Budget Officer, presented financial reports including the Schedule of Sales/HR Tax Receipts, the Schedule of Healthcare Costs, the Comparison of Budgeted vs Actual Payroll, the Schedule of General Fund Operating Expenses by Department vs Budget and the Schedule of Tourism Fund Operating Expenses by Line Item vs Budget.
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business: Nothing at this time
No public comment.
Alderman Curry-Witzman opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business: Nothing at this time.
Public Comment – Alderman Erbes inquired if Brews Brothers Taproom provided information on any donations made from the block parties. Mayor Stephens stated that he had received a text from Rachel Fager that provided that information and would forward it to the council.
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 the condition of 15th Street (specifically the intersection of 15th & Poplar). Alderman McComb advised that there have been several sewer line repairs made in that area. Harold Sheffer indicated that there are many different slopes in that area, but the repairs could be done with concrete. If it were ran through IDOT and motor fuel funds used, the intersection would have to become ADA compliant with accessible ramps, curbs and guttering. It is estimated that traffic in that area will increase when the proposed restaurant opens. Alderman McComb suggested that we camera the sewer lines prior to doing any repairs.
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Public Comment – Alderman Curry-Witzman asked about the stairs off of 5th Street behind the “Smoke Shop”. It was stated that there was a vehicle incident that caused the damage. The Street Department attempted a quick fix, but believes this falls under IDOT ROW. Mayor Stephens will inquire with IDOT.
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
Mayor Stephens updated the Council on various locations that are being added to the Jackson County/Murphysboro/Carbondale Enterprise Zone including a wedding venue at the SW Corner of Old Route 13 and Country Club Road. South 13th Street in Murphysboro was being proposed to include the properties of the former Unemployment Office, the Hamilton House and former Capital Supply.
Mayor Stephens also updated the Council on the development of a commercial complex near the new Holiday Inn. Proposed businesses include a Domino’s Pizza and Jersey Mike’s Subs.
The Liberty Theatre Board has received interest from Cinema Club members willing to join. Mayor Stephens met with them and listened to their ideas for the Historic Liberty Theatre. He welcomed their excitement and energy.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Streets in the Historic District need to be repaired. Possible brick replacement. Look into grants for funding. Praise to Darrin and the Street Department for the many street patches completed in Ward 1.
Jance Curry-Witzman Thanked Tim and the Water Department for the many water
breaks.
Rick Runge Nothing
Mike Austin Thanked Tim – Wedgewood Court
Angela Jackson Nothing
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Thanked all departments for working hard.
Don Gladden Proud to serve on the Council
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Main Street is beginning Phase 2 of the Renovations to the Old Depot. Making the ground floor safe
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Harold Sheffer Stated that 17th Street Water Tower was online and had received the IEPA Operating Permit.
Charlie Eisert Absent
Tim Lee Shout out to his crew. Very fortunate to have them and their willingness to work overtime. Have had a lot of water breaks recently.
Brian Manwaring Absent
Darrin Mills Absent
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2023-July-11.docx
Alerts Sign-up