Carbondale Reporter

 City of Murphysboro City Council met Nov. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 21st day of November, 2023. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led 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, Noah Fritsche, Don Gladden Absent: Gary McComb

Alderman Runge stated his daughter’s class/school writes thank you notes and this year wrote them to the Mayor and City Council.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 7, 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 Fritsche

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, registers #673, through November 21, 2023. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Financial Report: Sales/Home Rule Tax Receipts printout was handed out to council members.

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: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Declaring the 2007 Ford Explorer as Surplus:

Motion: To Approve Declaring the 2007 Ford Explorer as Surplus.

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 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

Discussion regarding Tourism Board Ordinance: Mayor Stephens stated with Mike Jones passing, have a new chair – Lisa Mileur, pointed out no reference in the Ordinances to Tourism Board. Suggested we formalize it. Attorney Blake stated there is no consistence with the other boards and committees. Can speak to Lisa regarding what they do now. Mayor Stephens stated if you want to forward your thoughts, I can meet with Lisa.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Have a safe and wonderful holiday, thank you Darrin for fixing the hole.

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes For people visiting town, need some explanation as to why we have the Big Muddy statue. Mayor Stephens stated it sits on Joe Koppies’ property, asked him about some benches there, said yes. Alderman Hughes stated get some estimates on signage and benches. Mayor Stephens stated and get it lit at night.

Gary McComb Absent

Noah Fritsche Nothing

Don Gladden Go Dawgs.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Absent

Scott Evans Absent

Harold Sheffer Absent

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Shout out to Neil Voss, main unit blew, had one so they put that up there.

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Absent

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 6:17 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2023-Nov-21.docx