City of Murphysboro City Council met Aug. 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 8th day of August, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Ed O’Donnell to lead the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Appointment by Mayor of Noah Fritsche to fill Alderman Vacancy Ward 5: Mayor Stephens stated this is to fill the vacant position left by former Alderman Mike Bastien.
Confirmation of City council of Appointment of Noah Fritsche as Alderman of Ward 5:
Motion: To Approve the appointment of Noah Fritsche to fill the remainder of the term of Alderman Ward 5 vacated by Alderman Mike Bastien.
Motion by Alderman Austin
Second by Alderman Gladden
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Swearing in of Noah Fritsche as Alderman of Ward 5: City Clerk Hunziker swore in Noah Fritsche as the Alderman of Ward 5. Mr. Fritsche thanked the Mayor and city council for the opportunity, excited about the city of Murphysboro – growth and all the encouragement and so much life, is excited to serve.
Mayor Stephens then directed City Clerk Gina Hunziker to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:
Present: Barb Hughes, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Noah Fritsche, Don Gladden
Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman
Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Dakota Ticer: will move to the next council meeting.
Elks Presentation to Firefighter Charlie Nance: Darcy from the Elks presented a certificate to Firefighter Charlie Nance on behalf of the Elks and the community of Murphysboro on behalf of his work with youth activities and all the other volunteering he does, in our community. Chief McBride stated he is also the trainer, gives a lot of his time.
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 25, 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 Hughes
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:
Consideration of Increase to Alderman Salaries: Mayor Stephens stated it has been forty years since the aldermen have had an increase in compensation. For comparison: Marion - $20,000/year, Pinckneyville - $8400/year, Du Quoin - $7500/year, West Frankfort - $7000/year and Carbondale - $4200/year. Would recommend $500 per month. Attorney Blake stated it would take effect 5/1/2025 and 5/1/2027, would need to be done by ordinance. Alderman Gladden stated increasing it to $500 wouldn’t even cover the cost of living increase.
Motion: To direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance increasing the Alderman compensation to $500 per month.
Motion by Alderman Gladden
Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman and Alderman Runge.
Motion Carried
New Business:
Consideration of Accounts Payable Registers, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers: Mayor Stephens stated had to have a different band cover the Sunset Concert, had to cancel some music lesson, asked if we could cover that. Alderman McComb asked if the price increased to take a dog to the pound? How many do we take out there? Sgt. Minemann stated he will leave a note for the Chief. Alderman Hughes asked about page 6, was there a break somewhere? Replacing inventory.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #627 & 630, through August 8, 2023, accounts receivable through July 31, 2023, and payroll through July, 2023. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Gladden
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 and Home Rule Tax, General Fund Operating versus Budget, Payroll and Healthcare.
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Bids for Fire Department Shower Valve Replacement: Chief McBride stated leaking, hot water back feeding into toilet. Alderman Hughes asked if there is an amount can spend without bringing to council? Thinks $1400. Received two bids. Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing for $500.00 and A&W Plumbing for $1625.00.
Motion: To Approve bid from Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing for $500.00.
Motion by Alderman Pittman
Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman McComb.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Bids for Fire Department Rescue Building Air conditioning Repair: Alderman Austin stated he called each alderman concerning this.
Motion: To Approve Voss Heating & Air to make repairs for $1726.72.
Motion by Alderman Hughes
Second by Alderman Runge
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Declaring Properties as Surplus: 305 Walnut Street, 1605 Stecher Street & 1018 Maple Street: Mr. Eisert stated these are properties acquired through the tax sale, all three have neighbors interested in the properties, all three are now vacant, 1605 Stecher is two lots.
Motion: To Approve Declaring Properties at 305 Walnut Street, 1605 Stecher Street and 1018 Maple Street as Surplus.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Report from Liberty Theatre Board: Charlie Ferrenbacher and wife Lauren, on the new board, former board members are still volunteering. Both are movie makers. Have applied for grants, want to set up a film making class. Have two asks of the city: annual donation to help restore the façade, $3000, and this Friday they are having the 48 Hour Film Race then the 19th will showcase the movies made. Ask that the film makers be allowed to film on city property as long as they are respectful. Alderman McComb asked what was budgeted? $2000. Mayor Stephens stated will put it on the next meeting’s agenda.
Consideration of Request for Street Closures – 9/9/2023 – Class of 2013:
Motion: To Approve Street Closure Request from Class of 2013 for 9/9/23.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Requests for the Murphysboro Apple Festival:
Motion: To Approve the Requests for assistance for the Murphysboro Apple Festival.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Consideration of Participation at Apple Festival – Kids Free Fair: Ms. Ripley stated she was approached by the chair of that committee, would be Saturday of Apple Festival from 3-5 pm, would be in charge of a game. Mayor Stephens stated let Ms. Ripley know if you are able to help.
Consideration of Request for the Murphysboro Mud Monster: Mayor Stephens stated there is a trap shoot that day. Alderman McComb stated have to have their own insurance. Alderman Pittman asked if they would be able to get to the trap shoot? Mr. Gladson stated both start at 9:00 am. Alderman Pittman stated they should be there by then so should be ok.
Motion: To Approve providing assistance at the Murphysboro Mud Monster.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Gladden
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Public comment: William Thomas with the Murphysboro Lodge 498 stated they are working to get the building on the historical register. Lot of water in the basement, trying to fix it. Mayor Stephens asked if they had consulted a contractor? Mr. Thomas stated Helitech only looked at the inside, will need to coordinate with the city. Mayor Stephens stated will set up a time to meet.
Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Recommendation of Landmark Designation for 724 Walnut Street: Alderman Gladden stated Historical Preservation has met and approved recommendation to allow landmark designation. Mayor Stephens asked what does it do? Attorney Blake stated the landowner can use it to get recognition by the state, etc. then can apply for grants. Mr. O’Donnell stated it has no effect on taxes, etc.
Motion: To Approve Recommendation of Landmark Designation of 724 Walnut Street.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Runge
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
Discussion regarding Salt Shed: Mr. Mills stated $25,000-30,000 for building with Public Works doing the work. Carwash on Poplar, he is wanting to sell. Mr. Eisert stated Graff offered property to me so think he would offer to the city. Alderman Hughes stated find out about property first. Mr. Mills stated would be a flat area. Approximately $26,500 depending on cost of concrete and amount of rebar. Alderman Pittman stated could approve then figure out where we’re going to put it. Mr. Sheffer stated could use motor fuel tax. Mr. Evans stated he believes we have the funds to cover this.
Motion: To Approve the purchase of the salt shed.
Motion by Alderman Austin
Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
New business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment. Mayor Stephens stated on North 8th and John Street, heavy rain, met with residents there, lots of drainage. David Stein Sr. stated on July 19 had a hard rain, street flooded, son drove through to go to work, came home, 6-8 inches in his basement, was sewer water, lots of damage. Mayor Stephens stated sent you the paperwork, met with Mr. Mills over there. Point where everything drains to and it was a hard rain. Mr. Stein stated lived there all his life, no problems until last five years, sewer water. Mayor Stephens stated can use the camera to take a look. Alderman McComb stated rain water should not be in the sewer. If it was tapped on the side, will back up on you, will need to put a trap in it. Lot of old sewer lines are tapped in the side.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Discussion Regarding Steps off of South 5th Street: Mr. Mills stated that they can take care of it, may just take some time.
New business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment: Christine Paul who resides at 914 North 24th Street, stated there is fast traffic down the street at Illinois/Borgsmiller/Cemetery Hill, asked that speed be reduced to 15 and put up children playing signs, maybe have a patrol. Sgt. Minemann asked if it was anyone in particular or random? Random. Attorney Blake stated will need an ordinance to change the speed limit. Mayor Stephens stated will put it on the agenda.
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
Received word that Hardees is under new management, Hardees Corporate, will be remodeling the building and fixing the parking lot.
The first Sunset concert was rained out. There is an illness in this week’s band so next week’s band will perform this week.
Condolences to the family of Dean Atkins at his passing.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Thoughts & prayers to Mike Jones, started chemo. Congratulations Charlie Nance, lucky to have such good employees, so good for the community to see.
Jance Curry-Witzman Absent
Rick Runge Nothing
Mike Austin Nothing
Angela Jackson Nothing
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Welcome Mr. Fritsche.
Gary McComb Nothing
Noah Fritsche Really excited about the theatre.
Don Gladden Thank Mr. Sheffer for his report, 7th Street only has driveways left.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Recipient of second round of Awning Grant - $82,000.
Scott Evans Budgeted $50,000 in salt storage for this year in General Fund.
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Nick Minemann Nothing
Charlie Eisert Nothing
Tim Lee Continue to make repairs on broken water mains.
Brian Manwaring Absent
Darrin Mills Nothing
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Leandra Bryant: Absent
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman McComb
Second by Alderman Hughes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
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