Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Oct. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 10th day of October, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Jim Frye 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: Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Noah Fritsche, Don Gladden

Absent: Barb Hughes, W.J. Pittman

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 26, 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 Fritsche

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

Motion Carried

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Presentation by Jackson Growth Alliance and Consideration of Financial Request: Brooke Guthman with the Jackson County Economic Group, it is not-for-profit, current board chair. Daryl Bryant is the new board executive. Mr. Bryant stated they develop strategic initiatives, goals. There is a need for an industrial park, going to apply for a grant, future acquisition of property. Internal marketing plan – new website, community round tables. Website cost is approximately $4000. Will be signing up for a service that drives/directs attention to the website, that cost is $2000 per month. Alderman Runge asked if he is at liberty to discuss where they are looking to place the industrial park? Ms. Guthman stated ideally around the airport, non-partisan. Appreciates the city’s past support. Mayor Stephens stated have $5000 budgeted this year, recommend that disbursement.

Motion: To Approve the disbursement of $5000 budgeted in 2023.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers: Bills were discussed. New locator purchased due to it being damaged by Clearwave, who will be reimbursing the city. Chief McBride stated the hot water heater broke and had to upgrade electric to 60 amp.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, registers #649 & 651, through October 10, 2023, accounts receivable through September 30, 2023, and payroll through September, 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 Receipts, General fund Operating versus Budget Expenditures, Payroll, Tourism Fund and Healthcare.

Public comment: Rick Pierson voiced his displeasure of the August 22 resolution the city passed regarding the Shawnee National Forest, no notes in the minutes regarding discussion. Felt like a stab in the back, they ride horses there, live right by it. Shawnee National Park will limit where they can go, taking away from people who have paid for it. Disappointed in Mr. Runge. Mayor Stephens stated do not want anyone singled out. Alderman Runge stated the presentation was made and several meetings after to allow opposing voices to attend. Mayor Stephens stated numerous places to accommodate current uses. If they change that, would not support that. Mr. Pierson asked if anyone knows what the tourism is? Horse riders come from all over.

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:

Consideration of Request for Lot Closure from the Masonic Lodge for Tuesday, October 31, from 4:00-9:00 p.m.:

Motion: To Approve the Lot Closure Request for Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

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 Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Ordinance Amending Ordinance #18-19 to Amend Territory of the Carbondale/Murphysboro/Jackson County Enterprise Zone: Mayor Stephens stated this provides economic incentives within Jackson County, for several parcels, one of which is for a solar panel farm, a wedding venue across from Midland Inn, Carbondale has some. Board voted in favor 2-1, Mayor Stephens voted no due to the solar panel expansion. If the city votes this down, it will nix it. Alderman McComb asked if Carbondale is wanting more ground on country Club? No. Brooke Guthman stated the solar panel expansion will be taking away tax dollars from Jackson County, are only temporary jobs, out of state company. Alderman Erbes stated he attended the public meeting, this is a huge company creating a company for the solar panel, not long term ownership. Has Carbondale or Jackson County voted on it? Not sure. Mayor Stephens stated the corporation will do all of the work for everyone involved at their cost, Moran Development Group. Alderman Gladden asked if on page 3 all of these areas are under consideration? No, is existing versus proposed. Alderman Erbes asked about abatement of taxes – would stay at farm level. Attorney Blake explained tax abatement. Alderman Austin stated would like to table it.

Motion: To Approve the tabling of this agenda item.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of Jackson, City of Murphysboro and City of Carbondale for the Carbondale/Murphysboro/Jackson County Enterprise Zone:

Motion: To Approve the tabling of this agenda item.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding the condition of S. Williams Street and Old Route 13: Mr. Sheffer stated IDOT says that is the city’s. Mayor Stephens stated years ago asked why it isn’t striped and IDOT said not wide enough to stripe properly. Asked Mr. Mills if we have maintained it? Yes. Mr. Sheffer stated could fix the base. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Mills if we could patch it? Yes. Asked him to take a look and get an estimate for concrete. Mr. Mills stated we patch it, then traffic cuts farther over and have more ruts. Mayor Stephens stated has the email from IDOT stating it is the city’s.

Consideration of Change Order #2 for the ARPA Project: Mr Sheffer stated addition cost and additional manhole lined, recommend paying, $11,290.40.

Motion: To Approve Change Order #2 for the ARPA Project for $11,290.40.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Pay Estimate #2 to J.M.Jones for the ARPA Project: Mr. Sheffer stated is for $31,818.75.

Motion: To Approve Pay Estimate #2 for $31,818.75.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Bid for Tree Removal at 2104 Clay Street: Alderman McComb stated bid to cut it down, our guys will cut up and haul off. Mr. Mills stated it is in this year’s budget. Alderman Austin asked about an interruption of power. Mr. Mills stated he is working with Ameren, will have to drop the service.

Motion: To Approve the bid from Midwest Tree Service for $9800.00 for removal of the tree at 2104 Clay Street.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Alderman McComb discussed equipment to tear down houses. Guy from Cape Girardeau, $279,455, for all the equipment. Said John Deere at the end of the month will be raising their prices 2%. We would do a lot of work ourselves that we have bid out in the past. It can drive on the street, has rubber tracks, we budget $50,000 per year to tear down houses, think we can afford it. Put in next year’s budget. Put on next meeting agenda. Mayor Stephens asked if anything currently financed will be paid off in the next year? Mr. Evans stated not that he knows of.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Consideration of Adding Street Lights near 4th & Murphy Streets: Mayor Stephens stated this is request from Ryan Kennedy for their property that the state rents. Recommend approving one light for the parking lot but not the one for the dumpster area.

Motion: To Approve the addition of one Street Light for the parking lot area across the street on the west side from the building.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Motion Carried

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

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

The gentleman who owns the car wash is waiting for the bank to say the property is removed from collateral, then will donate to the city if the city will waive their liens.

Murphysboro football team continues to do good, lot of dedicated people.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Absent

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Thank you Darrin and Mayor regarding the request for a sign in the neighborhood where an autistic child resides.

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Absent

John Erbes Was asked about the grant for Walnut Street? Mr. Sheffer stated the city has to procure engineering services, waiting on IDOT approval of that.

Gary McComb Will pick up the Halloween candy, hand out at Smysor Park so people can see and the Mason’s will be in the city parking lot.

Noah Fritsche Nothing

Don Gladden Thank Mr. Sheffer for his report.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Have gotten the written agreement back from the heirs to the Property at 1834 Pine Street. County is still looking a the lease agreement for 1008 Locust Street.

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer 15th & Poplar – going to be a major project.

Steve McBride Appreciation for Darrin and his guys, my guys encounter trees and limbs, let Darrin know & they get right on them.

Jamie Ellermeyer Can have a car up at Smysor Plaza. Chief McBride stated can have the side by side up there, has lights. Ok. Mayor Stephens stated the police department had a runaway from Florida for a couple of days, had nothing, the got her some shoes, she was able to shower, did a great job helping her.

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Happy to be part of the Community Night Out, fun to interact with customers and kids. Water tower projects-installing telemetry and monitors, can track water levels, will notify of valve issues.

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Absent

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m.

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