Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met March 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 12th day of March, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and invited Pastor Charlie Allen 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, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: None

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 27, 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 Gladden

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, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers: Mayor Stephens stated on page 8 concerning the payment of $4067 for the historic marker: $1000 from Jackson County Government, $200 from Jackson County NAACP and $500 from Mayor Stephens personally.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #751, through March 12, 2024, accounts receivable through February 29, 2024, and payroll through February, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Scott Evans presented Schedule of Sales/HR Tax Receipts, very good month. Concerning the Grocery Tax, if the Governor does away with it, trying to get a number, looking like approximately $100,000-250,000 annually. Mayor Stephens stated if it passes, may be phased in so it doesn’t hit in the middle of communities’ fiscal year.

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:

Consideration of Street Closure Request for Historic Marker Celebration – Saturday, May 25, 2024: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated police chief signed? He has signed it.

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for Saturday, May 25, 2024, for the Historic Marker Celebration.

Motion by Alderman Runge

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:

Discussion regarding Condition of Properties in the 1900 Block of Locust Street: Mayor Stephens stated owner of adjacent hair salon, these have affected her building. Tax status – looks like may be tax sale soon. Mr. Eisert stated pulled file, goes back to 2016, two buildings in real bad shape and other one isn’t quite as bad. Tree growing in one, holes in roof. Mayor Stephens asked could city purchase off tax sale if so wish? Mr. Eisert stated possibly within a year. Mayor Stephens suggested preliminarily get a cost estimate for demo, push Trustees to secure the building, there are open windows. Alderman Erbes asked issue order to demolish? Attorney Blake stated could possibly do that. Mayor Stephens stated have Mr. Eisert get some numbers together.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Drainage Issues at 307 North 22nd Street: Alderman McComb stated table for two meetings until the local contractor can take a look at it.

New business:

Consideration of Bids for Culverts: Mr. Sheffer stated took bids, only one is from Energy Culverts Company for $38,988.10, would recommend accepting their bid.

Motion: To approve the bid from Energy Culverts Company in the amount of $38,988.10.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Pittman

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.

Public comment: IDOT Meeting, attended by Alderman Strack, Alderman Erbes and Mayor Stephens, regarding Williams Street & Route 13 intersection. Talked at length of solutions. Mayor Stephens stated he made a suggestion of a protected green arrow, they are not crazy about that, think they will extend it from three to six seconds. They may do a blinking yellow turn arrow. Alderman Erbes stated they have been talking about a year for their suggested solution. Mayor Stephens stated they are very dedicated to their process. Alderman Erbes stated don’t think they are going to budge on a dedicated green arrow. Alderman Hughes stated it took a death at Walmart to get a dedicated green arrow. Chief McBride asked what about a weight sensor to turn the arrow? Mayor stated also discussed South Williams and Old 13 – disputed apron, said they JT’d (Jurisdictional Transfer) that area to the city. Told them we need a copy of that paperwork, they will try to find it. Mr. Manwaring stated he thinks it is outside the city limits so they could not have deeded it to us. Chief Ellermeyer stated if there is an accident at that intersection, county responds. Mayor Stephens stated so it is the county’s.

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

Consideration of Video Gaming Ordinance: Mayor Stephens stated primary complaint regarding video gaming lounges, close to residential – parking, noise, etc. Could possibly limit expansion to Business 2 Zoning, couldn’t be within 100 feet of residential. Alderman Hughes stated $12,000 from that last month, shouldn’t eliminate them but can place restrictions. Mayor Stephens stated have to have Class A liquor license. Could create specific license and then cap the numbers. Alderman Austin stated if liquor licenses are capped, then no possibility of gaming license. Alderman Pittman stated has an issue with capping number, if individual wants to do this but if there is a cap, you’re saying I didn’t decide fast enough. In 2022 there were 55 machines, in 2023 there were 63 machines and the dollar amount didn’t change, same people at all the machines. Alderman Austin stated just spreading it out. Mayor Stephens stated possibly effects investment in their home. When receive complaints feel he needs to bring to the council. Attorney Blake stated Carbondale defines video parlor as derives primary income from video gaming. Alderman Erbes stated torn between liking and disliking them, good and bad, interested in looking at zoning map. Mr. Eisert stated he has a color-coded map for different zones.

Consideration of Appointment of Tammy Williams to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board: Mayor Stephens stated provided a letter from her in the packet.

Motion: To approve the Appointment of Tammy Williams to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Pittman

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor, Alderman Runge abstained.

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 Meet at Walnut & 6th for parade at 10:30. See if Ava wants to buy old fogger since we have a new fogger.

Scott Strack Eclipse Activities – April 5-8 at Big Muddy Brewing, will also have shuttle for around town.

Don Gladden Full house.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Have eclipse glasses.

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Opening bids for oil & chip program.

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Awarded a grant for $307,000 for recruitment, Ashley Etherton did the leg work.

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Wells Street, completed permit application and ordered pipe.

Survey is included in water bill. Alderman Hughes asked about Electronic bill? Can compile a list and get a survey to them.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens stated, regarding the adjustment of the Mayor position, can’t do an executive session. Alderman Runge asked if have to publicize it? Not if just a discussion. Alderman Hughes stated would like to have the job description, salaries, put on the next agenda. Alderman McComb asked if the city every had a full-time mayor?

No. Population has decreased. Alderman Pittman stated if trying to grow, maybe have someone full-time to help city grow. Alderman McComb stated Main Street is growing.

Alderman Austin asked if anyone is opposed to reviewing? Alderman Pittman stated if we do it the right way. Alderman McComb stated need to discuss money, hours in office. Mayor Stephens stated has to be done prior to six months of next election, would like to not be in the chamber during the discussion, there is a lot of communication/time.

Alderman Pittman stated have to look at the future.

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.

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