City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 12th day of September, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Pastor Frye gave the invocation and then Mayor Stephens 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, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Noah Fritsche, Don Gladden, Jance Curry-Witzman (arrived at 6:31 p.m.)
Absent:
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Erbes advised that in the August 22nd minutes on page 2 the names of the Alderman making the motion was not referenced and should be corrected.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 22, 2023 and August 29, 2023 council meetings as corrected.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman
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: There were no items under old business.
New Business:
The council reviewed the Pay Estimate #2 in the amount of $271,834.65 to Maxcor for the Water Tower Renovation Project. This project is funded by an IEPA loan. The reimbursement request has been submitted.
Motion: To approve Pay Estimate #2 in the amount of $271,834.65 to Maxcor, Inc for the Water Tower Renovation Project.
Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Runge
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
The council reviewed the Accounts Payable Register #645 that was included in their packet.
Motion: To approve the accounts payable register #645 as presented.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Erbes
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, and the Comparison of Budgeted vs Actual Payroll.
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: There were no items listed under old business.
New Business:
Included in packets were the ordinances authorizing the transfer of properties to be considered.
Motion: To approve the Ordinance Authorizing the Transfer of the property commonly known as 305 Walnut Street to Dorothea Richardson.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
YES – Alderman Hughes, Runge, Austin, Jackson, Pittman, Erbes, McComb, Fritsche, Gladden
NO –
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the Ordinance Authorizing the Transfer of the property commonly known as 1018 Maple Street to Steve Gariepy.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
YES – Alderman Hughes, Runge, Austin, Jackson, Pittman, Erbes, McComb, Fritsche, Gladden
NO –
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the Ordinance Authorizing the Transfer of the property commonly known as 1605 Stecher Street to Christina Spain.
Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.
YES – Alderman Hughes, Runge, Austin, Jackson, Pittman, Erbes, McComb, Fritsche, Gladden
NO –
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: There were no items listed under old business.
New Business:
The council considered the street closure request for Hometown Christmas.
Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request as submitted by Murphysboro Hometown Christmas.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
The council then considered a request from the Class of 2003 for their 20 year reunion for the closure of Chestnut Street from 11th to 12th Street on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.
Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request as submitted by the Class of 2003.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Public Comment – Pastor Frye reminded everyone of the annual Apple Festival Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday morning beginning at 7:00 a.m. All were invited.
Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business: There were no items listed under old business for consideration.
New business: There were no items listed under new business for consideration.
Public Comment – Alderman Gladden stated that the city looks good with all of the lawns mowed and prepped for Apple Festival.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business:
The council discussed the demolition of 1834 Pine Street. Mayor Stephens advised that we would be obtaining a waiver of responsibility by the heirs of the deceased owner. Attorney Heller explained the various routes the City could take to demolish the property and stated that this route would cost the City less in funds and in time.
Motion: To approve the demolition of 1834 Pine Street with waiver of responsibility by heirs of the deceased owner.
Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
New business: There were no items listed under new business for consideration.
No public comment.
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business: There were no items listed under old business.
New business:
Mayor Stephens advised that there is a traffic flow issue at the intersection of Muddy Monster Road and Mike Mills Street. Currently there are no stop signs or yield signs that have been approved by ordinance. Temporary yield signs have been placed, but with the addition of the strip mall under construction and the potential for other businesses, the roads will see a lot of traffic. Ownership of the roads were questioned. It was stated that the plat was recorded and we do own the roadways. Attorney Heller stated that this item would need to be held for consideration and approval at the next meeting.
Public Comment – Pastor Frye questioned the strip mall. Mayor Stephens advised that currently a Dominos and a Jersey Mike’s sub shop were planned. Alderman McComb advised that the brush that was removed from the construction area was placed closer to the river by the City’s sewer line.
Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.
Old business: There were no items listed under old business.
New business: There were no items listed under new business.
Public Comment – Alderman Hughes advised that she met with the Administration office staff and developed a plan to cross train Denise.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Stephens advised that he spoke with the owner of 1309 Poplar Street and he has agreed to donate the property to the City with an agreement to waive the outstanding water bill and mowing liens. The owner advised that the property is currently collateral on a loan and would get back to us once that issue was taken care of.
Mayor Stephens stated that he was looking forward to Apple Festival.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Advised that the United Methodist Church Men’s group will be hosting their annual Apple Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, September 16th from 7 to 10 a.m.
Jance Curry-Witzman Apologized for being late
Rick Runge Advised that he will miss the next city council meeting
Mike Austin Inquired if the Kids Free Fair booth was taken care of. Yes, it is
being staffed by Denise Beavers.
Angela Jackson Nothing
W. J. Pittman Expressed his appreciation of Shawn Stearns and his team of volunteers that do a wonderful job with Apple Festival each year
John Erbes Reminded that we would meet at Whiffleboys at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday for those walking in the parade
Gary McComb Stated that he would pick up the apples for the parade and requested that the Street Department pick up the extra boxes behind Whiffleboys.
Noah Fritsche Nothing
Don Gladden Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Ed Heller Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Steve McBride Advised that we had a near miss fire at Cummare’s due to oily rags being combustible. Suggested everyone take a look at the back lobby
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Charlie Eisert Absent
Tim Lee Nothing
Brian Manwaring Absent
Darrin Mills Absent
Pat Gladson Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Motion: To adjourn.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2023-Sept-12.docx
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