Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Oct. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 24th day of October, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:01 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: Barb Hughes, Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Noah Fritsche, Don Gladden

Absent: None

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the October 10, 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 Austin

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 Pay Estimate #3 for the Water Tower Renovation Project: Mr. Sheffer stated it is for $241,200.72.

Motion: To Approve Pay Estimate #3 for the amount of $241,200.72 for the Water Tower Renovation Project.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Pay Estimate #4 for the Water Tower Renovation Project: Mr. Sheffer stated it is for $40,157.06.

Motion: To Approve Pay Estimate #4 for the amount of $40,157.06 for the Water Tower Renovation Project.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, registers #666, through October 24, 2023. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

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 State Income Tax Receipts and Loan Balances.

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.

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business:

Consideration of Ordinance Amending Ordinance #18-19 to Amend Territory of the Carbondale/Murphysboro/Jackson County Enterprise Zone: Arevon representatives present are Tommy Hudzik and Jeffrey Lee. Mr. Hudzik stated it is 1200 acres, 95 MW, start construction in 2025, start operations in 2026, one year construction, thirty year life, up to twelve full-time employees for operation and maintenance. Alderman Erbes asked the average salary? $40,000 – 60,000, based on experience. Alderman McComb asked will you hire local? As many as possible. Will you sign agreements with the local contractors/building trades groups? Still in talks, will do our best to utilize local skill sets, priority for us. Alderman Runge asked how long been working on this project? Two years. Life of this? Typical is thirty years, usually twenty year contract. Do you have customer for the product? Being marketed. Donate $75,000 to Elkville School District? Would love to have seen the full amount donated. Mr. Hudzik stated this is what we can do before we start. We also establish scholarships locally, want to be good neighbors, will have more funding over the life of the project, for the community. Believe in being a good steward, will have ongoing dialog. Alderman Erbes asked what is the longest the company has operated a solar project? Eight years. Alderman Pittman asked if the two big incentives are property and sales tax? Yes. What kind of assessed value change from start to improved? Mr. Hudzik stated the increase in value is based on what the equipment is. Alderman Hughes asked how many people, once it is up and running, will it supply electric to? 14,000 households. Are previous projects at full capacity? Yes. Alderman Erbes asked if it has onsite battery storage? No, no batteries. Kevin Spain, Superintendent of Elverado School District asked when the project is done, what impact will it have on the city of Murphysboro? None. Elverado School District will be the most impacted. Have any of the council reached out to the school district? Mayor Stephens replied that works both ways. Alderman Hughes stated she has had some people reach out to her. Mr. Spain continued stating someone felt Arevon should not give these incentives, we have old school buildings we want to replace, pay teachers more, opportunity to have students see the project in person, school board passed a resolution urging you to pass this. Alderman Pittman asked any other economic impact? No. Mayor Stephens stated suggest you don’t write “Sixth, this analysis assumes the Project pays the full property tax and that no tax abatement is involved” (page 20 of Economic Impact Analysis of Campbell Solar Project provided to council), your own words say you don’t contemplate the tax abatement. Will you do this with or without the abatement? Mr. Hudzik stated 90% chance it won’t happen without the abatement. Pastor Frye asked what the residual effects on property around the site are? No credible effect on property, preserve as much as possible. Alderman Erbes stated we build a road and paid into the wetlands. This will have no impact on the wetlands.

Motion: To Approve Ordinance Amending Ordinance #18-19 to Amend Territory of the Carbondale/Murphysboro/Jackson County Enterprise Zone.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Erbes

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 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 by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Consideration of Resolution for Legal Services Agreement for Phase 2 Awning Grant: Mayor Stephens stated received $82,500 from the second round.

Motion: To Approve Resolution for Legal Services Agreement for Phase 2 Awning Grant.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Fritsche

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:

Consideration of Estimate for Repair of WWTP Pump for the River Lift Station: Alderman McComb stated this is for the 2024 budget, cost of $13,593.20. Mr. Gladson stated it takes 18-20 weeks to get it, would recommend.

Motion: To Approve ordering the pump at a cost of $13,593.20.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding the Oil & Chip Program for 2024: Mr. Lee stated wanting approval to start prep work, will be in the northeast quadrant. Yes. Mr. Sheffer stated should be less than the $63,000 because that includes 7th Street and Enterprise Avenue. Covers East 16th Street over to Bob-A-Rosa.

Discussion regarding Junk Yard on Enterprise Avenue: Mr. Eisert stated the location is Norman Fred Trucking. There are some stipulations. Matt Shelton stated this is not a junk yard or salvage yard. The lawn mower business will rent the front for two to three years. We will use the rear. It will be a storage facility for impound vehicles. One of the clauses says storage for 90 days, some are there for greater than 90 days. Alderman McComb stated that is out of your control, if storing for the police department or the sheriff. Mayor Stephens stated he has talked to Mr. Shelton, is honest and reliable, Matt said he will consider planting some trees. Alderman McComb stated don’t need a motion, will get a permit for it. Attorney Blake stated for the requirements, will go through Mr. Eisert’s office. Mr. Shelton asked if the license applied for is for a junk yard? Yes. Attorney Blake stated as long as you stay within compliance, can’t deny your permit.

Discussion regarding Sewer Back-Ups on Tina Drive: Shelby and Melissa, Tina Drive residents, were present. Melissa stated she flushed and the toilet shot out raw sewage, went over the entire basement. Shelby stated sewage and water backed up, had to stay in a hotel. Mayor Stephens stated filed claims, insurance denied – citing did not know this could have occurred. Our insurance company seems to never cover a claim. They have presented some receipts. Shelby stated have to have sewage in their clause for insurance to cover it. Mayor Stephens stated feel like in this case, city should do something. Alderman McComb stated lot of people have dealt with this, city has never paid on any. Mayor Stephens stated we have looked at this main before, may have contributed to this. In this specific instance, should look at reimbursing some of their expenses. Alderman Gladden asked what the agent said? We could not have known. Shelby stated Melissa’s agent said insurance said if city doesn’t push back, nothing they can do. Alderman Pittman stated have told previous cases no. Mayor Stephens stated the difference is knowledge of sewer main issues. Alderman Erbes asked can we appeal the insurance denial? Attorney Blake stated not sure. Alderman McComb stated if we do it for them will have to do it for the next one. Alderman Fritsche stated this is a totally different situation. Think it ought to be a consideration. Mr. Lee stated there was a blockage of rags at the junction. Mayor Stephens stated if you wish to say what you have submitted is it or if there is more, let me know. Shelby stated she is okay with what she has submitted. Melissa stated you have my invoices, would add cost of trim.

Alderman McComb stated the machinery to tear down houses ourselves would cost $3800/month for six years with First Bank & Trust. Would have to call John Deere tomorrow to release it, they are holding it in Mt. Vernon.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

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

MYRC – Motivational Speaker Anthony Willis – November 8th & 9th: Barb with the MYRC wants to bring in this motivational speaker, requested $500-1000 to help with the speaker fee.

Motion: To Approve a $500 donation towards the Speaker Fee for Anthony Willis.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

Noah Fritsche Nothing

Don Gladden Appreciate council’s backing of Elverado School District.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Moved Nov & Dec meetings to the 1st & 3rd, group photo the 7th.

Scott Evans Will be meeting with Department heads for budgets.

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Kudos to Darrin, hay bale at old nursing home caught on fire, sent help right away. Glad for Matt, runs a tight ship.

Jamie Ellermeyer Glad for Matt, does a good job.

Charlie Eisert Tim’s crew does a phenomenal job, Hanson Street duplex torn down, did Pine Street job.

Tim Lee Mae’s Road – finished today.

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:46 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) Meetings on collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Pittman

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Runge, Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Fritsche, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:54 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Austin

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Runge, Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Fritsche, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

Motion: To go back into regular session.

Motion by Alderman Fritsche

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To Approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2023-Oct-24.docx