Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Feb. 13.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 13th day of February, 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, Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, John Erbes, Don Gladden

Absent: W.J. Pittman, Gary McComb, Noah Fritsche

Mayor Stephens read into the record an email from Alderman Fritsche tendering his resignation from the city council effective immediately.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 23, 2024, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Gladden

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:

Consideration of TIF Reimbursement to Murphysboro Holdings, LLC: Mayor Stephens stated this is part of the agreement we entered into to help with the hotel development.

Motion: To approve the TIF Reimbursement to Murphysboro Holdings, LLC in the amount of $189,873.09.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Business District Reimbursement to Murphysboro Holdings, LLC:

Motion: To approve the Business District Reimbursement to Murphysboro Holdings, LLC in the amount of $14,332.26.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Hughes

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, register #737, through February 13, 2024, accounts receivable through January 31, 2024, and payroll through January, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Scott Evans presented Sales/HR Tax Receipts, represents November sales.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Clearing Trees in Tower Grove Cemetery: Mr. Mills stated he spoke to Ryan Edwards concerning this, stated approximately $5000, and covers about one-half an acre.

Motion: To hire Ryan Edwards to clear trees in Tower Grove Cemetery for $5000.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

New Business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Alderman Erbes stated Voss Heating sold to Heartland. Mayor Stephens stated the city’s contract with Voss expired in December, will put it back out for bid. Alderman Erbes asked if we have anything warrantied with them? Attorney Blake stated any warranty is through the manufacturer. Alderman Austin stated check for anything with a warranty before going out for bid.

Alderman Curry-Witzman opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Street Closure Request – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Saturday, March 16th, 2024: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated no fire chief’s signature. Chief McBride stated it says close North 13th Street but put tent up next day, change to 6 am on March 16. Also will need to place their tent on East side by their building. Mayor Stephens asked if he had communicated that with them? Yes. Alderman Austin stated last two years have had a problem with their request. Chief Ellermeyer stated they want flashing red light at that intersection till 6 pm, will have Mr. Mills change back after that. Alderman Hughes asked if chief should also include the date and time for take down?

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request with amendments for St. Patrick’s Day Celebration March 16th, 2024.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Street Closure Request – 2024 Total Eclipse – Bid Muddy Brewing – April 4-9, 2024: Mayor Stephens stated Dave Murray has spoken to Big Muddy Brewing and worked everything out.

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for the 2024 total Eclipse, Big Muddy Brewing, April 4-9, 2024.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Erbes

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: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business:

Consideration of Request to Vacate Alley by 2352 McCord Street: Table, not enough aldermen, need eight.

Discussion regarding Estimates for Repairs to Intersection of 15th & Poplar Streets: Mayor Stephens stated estimated cost of $293,000. Mr. Sheffer stated can see about seeking grants fort his or possibly city doing it. DCEO or IEPA wouldn’t be funded until next year. Mayor Stephens stated think we should pursue those but be prepared if need to fix before then. MR. Sheffer stated most of the design is done, will get permits. Mayor Stephens asked if there is routine maintenance that can be done there? Mr. Lee stated can do monthly if our equipment can navigate through the issue.

New business:

Consideration of Declaring 1980 John Deere 410 Backhoe as Surplus:

Motion: To approve declaring the 1980 John Deere 410 Backhoe as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Declaring 2018 Ford F250 8’ Truck Bed as Surplus: Mr. Lee stated this is spare part from truck we replaced.

Motion: To approve declaring the 2018 Ford F250 8’ Truck Bed as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding Drainage Issues at 307 North 22nd Street: Mr. Mills stated he spoke with Chuck Novara, not draining, they said there is a sewer smell, will check with Ryan Edwards, had been this way for a while. Mayor Stephens stated hold over on the agenda.

Diamond Map Presentation: Mr. Lee and Mr. Manwaring – in 2023 entered into an agreement with Diamond Maps, can GPS all water and sewer parts, valves, meters, etc. Have been very pro-active, has account number, attach pictures, make notes, better than someone trying to remember, cost is $960/year, can easily update, employees can call it up on their phone. Mr. Manwaring stated if anyone wants to logon, he can help with that/

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Fire Department – Annual Report: Chief McBride presented the annual report. Their time out the door has improved, had 20 calls for gas leaks but that has since slowed down, lot of training hours, no injuries last year. Mayor Stephens asked what the mutual aid we received was for – three structure fires.

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Mayor Stephens stated received notice from Blaine Ensor that he would like to retire at the end of the month, spoke to him and asked him to extend for training his replacement, agreed to work through April 12.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Consideration of Video Gaming Ordinance: Attorney Blake has three different options to craft an ordinance for video gaming parlors. Will forward the email to everyone and hold over to the next meeting. Alderman Erbes asked if he would send a list of what we currently have? Yes.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Congratulations to Mr. Runge on his retirement on Friday and keep family of Molly McDaniel in our prayers.

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Absent

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Absent

Noah Fritsche Absent

Don Gladden Community has really lost a star, great loss. Mayor Stephens stated the city should make a contribution – Abundant Life Church or Gideon Bibles.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Dave Sullivan memorial is Sunday at the American Legion, he was also a member of the auxiliary.

Charlie Eisert Working on cell tower permit, will send to all.

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 6:57 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 or employees.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Pittman, Alderman McComb, Alderman Fritsche

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:02 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Pittman, Alderman McComb, Alderman Fritsche

Motion Carried

Motion: To go back into regular session.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the non-union employees increases by the amount budgeted for on January 1, 2024.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Feb-13.docx