Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Feb. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 27th day of February, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and led council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Appointment by Mayor Stephens of Scott Strack to fill Alderman Vacancy of Ward 5: Mayor Stephens present Scott Strack to fil the Alderman position in Ward 5. Scott introduced himself and stated he is looking forward to working with and serving the community.

Confirmation of City Council of Appointment of Scott Strack as Alderman of Ward 5:

Motion: To Confirm the Appointment of Scott Strack as Alderman of Ward 5.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Swearing in of Scott Strack as Alderman of Ward 5: Scott Strack was sworn in as Alderman of Ward 5 by City Clerk Gina Hunziker.

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, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: W.J. Pittman

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 13, 2024, council meeting as amended. 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

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #743, through February 27, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Scott Evans presented State Income Tax Receipts.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Austin stated at the last meeting regarding the transition from Voss to Heartland, bid spec sheet is in the packet for review. Ms. Ripley stated typically asked for maintenance in April and October. Mayor Stephens stated will move forward with putting it out for bid. Alderman Erbes stated the service charge for Voss was $35, is that in there? Ms. Ripley stated bid that separate. Alderman McComb stated call Purcell at the Hall, may know of someone. Alderman Austin asked how long it is put out for bid? Mayor Stephens stated thirty days and can approve first meeting in April.

Alderman Gladden stated he and Ms. Ripley have been working on the codification. Regarding the cemetery area where trees are is sloping. Do we want to spend $5000 to clear an area that is not usable? Mr. Mills stated if do not clear will have a pond and mosquitoes will be an issue. Catholic Church is willing to work with us regarding the dirt work.

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.

Alderman Curry-Witzman asked Chief McBride if he had talked to Molly Blew regarding changes to her request? Chief McBride stated he has talked to her, all is good.

Alderman Erbes asked if there are any groups in town doing anything for the eclipse? Mayor Stephens stated the park has adopted some rules for tent camping, Big Muddy Brewing is. Alderman McComb stated he thinks 715 is also.

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:

Consideration of Request to Vacate Alley by 2352 McCord Street:

Motion: To approve the request by Scott Johnson to Vacate the Alley by 2352 McCord Street.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding Drainage Issues at 307 North 22nd Street: Alderman McComb stated Mr. Lee and Mr. Mills have been there, no sewage leak, just get Ryan Edwards in there to take a look.

New business:

Discussion regarding Issues on Fiddler Ridge Road: Alderman McComb stated replace six-inch water line. Mayor Stephens stated received feedback about issues, to be proactive move forward with the EPA permit to replace the line. Mr. Lee stated they will be able to do the work. Mayor Stephens asked for ballpark cost? $5000-6000. Mr. Lee stated will probably need two hydrants, approximate cost of $5000 but have six in stock.

Motion: To approve our engineer to move forward with filing permit to replace six-inch water line on Fiddler Ridge Road.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration and Approval of Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code to Provide for Wireless Communication Facilities Development, Siting and Installation Standards: Mayor Stephens stated this is for language for cell phone tower. Mr. Eisert stated it was brought to his attention we do not have one so drafted one with our attorney. Have someone waiting to put one on the west side of Walmart, cost is $25/foot of tower. Alderman Gladden stated moving all ordinances to be January through December, change the last page from May 1 to April 30 to January 1 through December 31. Mr. Manwaring stated the police department has a communications tower and the sheriff’s department and some businesses, will this affect those? Attorney Blake stated pre-existing are grandfathered. Mr. Manwaring stated it says permit each year, does it apply? Attorney Blake stated if it has a tower it applies. Mr. Manwaring stated word it for cell towers that are selling service? Alderman Gladden stated at the end of the proposed ordinance, drop “an existing”, section 40-5-40, first sentence. Mayor Stephens asked if we have collected the permit fee yet? No. Attorney Blake asked to have someone help him with the technical language. Mayor Stephens stated could state applies only to towers that are part of a cellular network. Alderman Austin asked how quick would they start their project? Mr. Eisert stated pretty quickly. Alderman Erbes asked if it would have to go back to the Zoning Board? No. Alderman Gladden asked if we should exempt government units? Mr. Manwaring asked change language to just cell towers then re-visit it? Remove “existing” Sect. 40-5-40 and exempt government entities.

Motion: To approve the Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code to Provide for Wireless Communication Facilities Development, Siting and installation Standards as amended.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

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.

Alderman Hughes stated she and Ms. Ripley have started working on revising terminology in the employee handbook, policies that are not under bargaining agreements, if anyone would like to take a look. Alderman Erbes stated he will.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Consideration of Video Gaming Ordinance: Tabled.

Consideration of Appointment of Sue Gindlesparger to Tourism Commission: Ms. Gindlesparger is unable to attend, she sent an email which was included in the packet.

Motion: To approve the Appointment of Sue Gindlesparger to the Tourism Commission.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Runge

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 Absent

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Needs to know who is going to walk in the parade March 16, let him know at the next meeting.

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Ted Beggs Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Another accident at Walnut & Williams Street, would like green Arrow.

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Severe weather threat this evening, encourage people to sign up for code.

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Absent

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 6:55 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 Austin Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Pittman

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:05 p.m.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Pittman

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

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/government/administration/meeting-agendas-and-minutes/