Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 9th day of January, 2024. 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: Barb Hughes, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, Gary McComb, Don Gladden

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Angela Jackson, John Erbes, Noah Fritsche

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 19, 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 Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 19, 2023, Public Hearing meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Hughes

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 #5 for the ARPA Project:

Motion: To approve Pay Estimate #5 for the ARPA Project in the amount of $27,030.05.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Accounts Payable Registers: Alderman Hughes asked if #705 pp. 4 & 9 were replenishing supplies? Yes.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #705 & 709, through January 9, 2024, accounts receivable through December 31, 2023, and payroll through December, 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: Scott Evans presented the year-to-date salaries, which were under budget and Healthcare, which was also under budget. Mayor Stephens stated he is very thankful to have budgets close to balanced and everything Mr. Evans does to keep us on track.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Estimate to Replace Gate at Wal-Mart Lift Station: Mr. Gladson stated the new vac truck is wider, need wider gate to get in to the lift station.

Motion: To approve the Estimate of $2816.00 to replace the gate at the Wal-Mart Lift Station.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

New Business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Darrin Mills stated the Catholic Cemetery is expanding and the city butts up against theirs. They want to know if we will have ours cleared, they will do all the grade work and expand their cemetery.

Mayor Stephens 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.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Clearwave’s Continued Activity: Alderman McComb stated not the safest people to be around, have holes right in the middle of the sidewalk. Mayor Stephens asked Attorney Blake if the city has any obligation to allow them to continue? Attorney Blake stated entered into an agreement with Clearwave with right of way to install their cable, only addresses the fiber optic, nothing else. Do not believe they have a statutory right to use the city’s right of way. Do not see that they have a continued right, no ongoing agreement. Mr. Eisert stated sent a list, 44 total boxes need addressed, have fixed fourteen, found four new today, seven in progress. Is in contact with Nathan Columbo, he knows no more boring until this list is complete. Chief McBride stated they have paid the bills that were past due. Mayor Stephens stated continue to do shoddy work, can demand they hire someone to fix the concrete as soon as they are done. Mr. Lee stated told them only do 3000 feet at a time for locates, maybe audit some random addresses where they worked to make sure they stuck to the agreement. Mayor Stephens stated had instructed Mr. Eisert no more permits until discussed tonight. Alderman Pittman stated it does open options for the community. Alderman McComb stated they don’t have to stick with this subcontractor. Mayor Stephens asked continue the stay on any new permits? Mr. Eisert stated until the list is complete and finish what currently on. Alderman McComb asked if they have paid the bills for the hit gas lines? Mr. Lee asked if they are getting ARPA money? Mayor Stephens stated maybe only allow 1500 feet instead of 3000 feet. Alderman Pittman stated maybe limit the number of sites to work on a day. Mr. Eisert agreed. Alderman McComb stated maybe hold them to one to two blocks at a time. Mayor Stephens stated should have them come back in to a council meeting.

Motion: To approve no more permits be issued to Clear Wave until they come in for a meeting.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Motor Fuel Resolution for Oil & Chip Program 2024: Mr. Sheffer stated this year will be the northeast quadrant, appropriating $90,000.

Motion: To approve the Motor Fuel Resolution for Oil & Chip Program 2024 in the amount of $90,000.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request to Vacate Alley by 2352 McCord Street: Mr. Lee stated no city utilities there. Chief McBride stated fire department would come from the streets. Mr. Eisert stated Mr. Johnson has maintained it for 42 years. Mr. Scott Johnson stated it is a green space. Attorney Blake stated not enough aldermen present to vote, need eight. This is two separate plats, would stay with the subdivision and it would go to the owners there and they could sell/give it to Mr. Johnson. Mayor Stephens stated so if the city vacates, Mr. Johnson could go to those others and they would sell/.give it to you. Attorney Blake stated he can give Mr. Johnson what is needed. Mr. Johnson thanked the council.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens 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

At the Logan/Jones Memorial Breakfast Fundraiser, the Museum is starting a capital campaign to add two-thousand feet to have a facility to hold functions, Mike Jones’ hat was passed and the Mayor committed the city to $1000 donation.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin 15th Street boring & surveys? Mayor Stephens stated the company camering the sewers weren’t able to go very far.

Mr. Sheffer stated may end up being a pretty big project, will bring to the next meeting. Where are we at on the salt shed?

Mayor Stephens stated not able to communicate with Mr. Miller the owner of the car wash, had some liens at the bank & if the city will forgive their liens.

Angela Jackson Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Absent

Gary McComb Go solar at the sewer plant, government offset 30% of cost. Mayor Stephens stated have a field directly east of the plant, need to look into. Alderman Pittman stated his brother works for Ameren, can see if he can take a look at it, that is what he does. Maybe do it at the proposed city hall.

Noah Fritsche Absent

Don Gladden Codification of Ordinances - $10,000 budgeted. Mayor Stephens had asked Alderman Gladden to lead the effort and he has said yes. Thank him for being willing to take that on.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Kincaid Lake cleanup, really need volunteers this year.

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Remember the Dosch family and Ralph Davies family.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Keep employee Big Mike in our prayers for health problems. 7th & Illinois had a hit hydrant, going to take little while.

Brian Manwaring Complaints regarding the boil water orders, misconception, only send them to those affected.

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Jan-9.docx