Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 26th day of September, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:04 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, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Noah Fritsche, Don Gladden

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Gary McComb

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 12, 2023, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Gladden

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:

Consideration of Accounts Payable Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #646, through September 26, 2023. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Erbes

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 State Income Tax Receipts and CD’s Report.

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.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Alderman Hughes stated the United Methodist Church and St. Frances are having a blessing of animals on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Ms. Ripley stated this Friday is City Employee Appreciation Night at the High School Football game. October 3rd is the Community Night Out, if you are able to help be there by 4:45. October 31st is Halloween and will be handing out candy at the Daum Building. Mayor Stephens stated he will contact Alderman McComb.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Resolution for Complete Codification of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden stated this has not been done since 1991. Can use the same company as before, they still have our files. Alderman Erbes stated he assumes Attorney Blake will be spending some time on this? Attorney Blake stated he does not know how much. Mayor Stephens stated may want to bring some up to the council level for review. Ms. Ripley stated the work will continue into next year so will have to budget for that.

Motion: To Approve the Resolution for Complete Codification of Ordinances.

Motion by Alderman Austin

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 Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Motor Fuel Resolution for Street Repairs: Mr. Sheffer stated the county will be doing some of the work, cost should be around $20,000. This is for the Blair Street widening and Birkner Street.

Motion: To Approve Motor Fuel Resolution for Street Repairs to Blair and Birkner Streets.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of 2-way Stop at the intersection of Muddy Monster Rd and Mike Mills St:

Motion: To Approve the 2-way Stop at the Intersection of Muddy Monster Road and Mike Mills Street.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Pittman

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.

Public comment: Ms. Ripley stated started direct deposit with bi-weekly employees, any council members interested? Will be having group photo on November 7 at 5:30.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Ministerial Alliance Funding Requests: At least once a month have had requests from churches regarding assistance needed. Wanted to make the council aware have used his discretion to put up at the hotel for a night, hotel only charges $55/night. Alderman Hughes stated don’t want to have you taken advantage of. Alderman Fritsche asked if churches or people are calling? Both. Maybe refer them to the Ministerial Alliance, will get you that information and the reimbursement form. The Ministerial Alliance has funds.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Absent

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Add to agenda possible street lights at parking lot for DHS building at 4th & Murphy. Street light not working alley south of Murphy Street, if Gina would look into that.

John Erbes Bridge issues, contractor usually have a bond? Mr. Sheffer stated usually for five years. Mayor Stephens stated the ground 60’ below piers has shifted.

Gary McComb Absent

Noah Fritsche Possible to use the street sweeper to clean the city parking lot south of City Hope Church due to the Apple Festival? Yes.

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Would like to look at the ordinances.

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Red water tower completed, 1st water sample sent over.

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Absent

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 6:48 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Meetings where the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is being considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Erbes

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Fritsche, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Runge, Alderman McComb

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:03 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Erbes

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Fritsche, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Runge, Alderman McComb

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular Council Meeting.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Jackson

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To adjourn.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Jackson

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

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2023-Sept-26.docx