Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met March 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 26th day of March, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 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, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the March 12, 2024, 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

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Accounts Payable: Alderman Hughes asked about the Challenge coins on page 3? Chief McBride stated they hand them out to the instructors, etc.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #765, through March 26, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Hughes 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 Income Tax Receipts, Healthcare and Payroll.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Presentation by AGE and Review of Current Utility Contracts: Bruce Wallace and Brandon Bullard. Mr. Wallace stated new contract due in May, have received bids from Homefield, Direct, AEP and Constellation. Constellation has the best prices. Would also like the city to consider solar installation by the WWTP in the future. Mayor Stephens asked are we in a group? Yes, 110 cities for aggregation but cities are done individually. Mr. Wallace stated would recommend at least twenty-four month contract. Alderman Hughes asked who the city is with now? Constellation, residential is with Homefield. Mayor Stephens stated would recommend twenty-four months.

Motion: To approve the bid from Constellation for Street Light and Electric Supply for twenty-four months.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Mr. Bullard presented Community Solar – any Ameren customer can save money, mechanism is subscribing to this. Energy cost will be fifteen percent less, would get a bill from Community Solar. Mayor Stephens stated have been discussing this. Asked Alderman Austin if he would be willing to meet with Mr. Bullard regarding this? Alderman Austin stated he and Alderman Runge will meet with Mr. Bullard.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Proposal for Big Muddy Monster Footprints: Mayor Stephens stated received a letter from Tourism, would be similar to the Carbondale dog prints. Alderman Pittman stated don’t know if we can approve, that is state. Rob Graeff stated have to run through IDOT, don’t want to distract from crosswalks, will work with the city on this. Send it to me and I will handle it. Amy Mills stated it is not whole streets, just a few prints. Mayor Stephens asked if we could get a map.

Consideration of Big Muddy Monster Signage: Mayor Stephens stated he has reached out to Joe Koppies, will donate $2000 towards it. Similar in size to the Welcome sign. Tourism is willing to fund the lion’s share. Think would be easy to get it lit up. Will probably go with …Take a Picture… in block letters.

Consideration of Request for 5K Run/Walk Event for the American Cancer Society Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.: Paula Maloney stated have had this for six years, same route as the Apple Festival, usually lasts until eleven.

Motion: To approve the Request for 5K Run/Walk Event for the American Cancer Society Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Amendment to the Liquor Code regarding Sale of Alcohol on Sundays: Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to our attorney and the best way is to amend the current language. Amy Mills stated they are open Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., customers ask for Mimosa or Bloody Mary, appreciate your consideration. Attached a copy of Cobden’s amendment. Alderman Runge stated support of increasing business in our town. Alderman Hughes asked if we amend current ordinance, can make a motion tonight? Yes. Alderman Austin asked how many other restaurants are affected? Four. And will they be notified? Mayor Stephens stated will draft a letter. Attorney Blake stated amend permissible hours for the sale of alcohol by restaurants on Sunday.

Motion: To approve the Ordinance Amending the Permissible Hours for the Sale of Alcohol by Restaurants on Sunday.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Condition of Properties in the 900 Block of Locust Street: Mayor Stephens asked to table this as Mr. Eisert is not present.

New business:

Consideration of Accepting a Deed for 421 North 16th Street: Mayor Stephens stated this is a property that burned, needs demo’d. Attorney Blake stated in discussion with Mr. Eisert, owner will convey to city if city waives outstanding water bill. Neighbor is willing to buy. Can buy at tax sale for approximately $700. Can do expedited demo. Alderman Gladden stated table until we know how we are going to go about it.

Consideration of Downtown TIF District Building Improvement Grant Program: Mayor Stephens stated current TIF not productive, new program based off what other communities have done. Current TIF participants can apply and new. Alderman Erbes asked if the $50,000 includes back amounts? Mr. Evans stated we currently have $127,000.

Motion: To approve the downtown TIF District Building Improvement Grant Program.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 8 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden asked to table this until the next meeting.

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 9 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden asked to table this until the next meeting.

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 14 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden asked to table this until the next meeting.

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 15 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden asked to table this until the next meeting.

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 16 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden asked to table this until the next meeting.

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 17 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden asked to table this until the next meeting.

Public comment: Business owner stated appreciates the TIF agreement and being included.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Declaring Mosquito Fogger as Surplus: Alderman McComb suggested donating it to the city of Ava, needs fixing.

Motion: To approve declaring the old Mosquito Fogger as Surplus and donating to the city of Ava.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Opening and Consideration of Bids for Spring and Fall City Clean-up: Mayor Stephens stated received two bids. First bid from Southern Illinois Waste Container – bid of $13,629 for both clean-ups; Republic Services – bid of $9000 per clean-up for a total of $18,000. Recommend awarding the contract to Southern Illinois Waste Container.

Motion: To accept the bid of $13,629 from South Illinois Waste Container for Spring and Fall clean-up.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding Curb Cuts and Sidewalk Replacements: Alderman McComb stated have people cutting though our sidewalks, think we need to put in ordinance have to take whole square out, replace whole square. Alderman Runge asked in ordinance is only have to replace what they damage? Mr. Lee stated Darrin and I could come up with a spec. sheet, also need compaction. Alderman McComb stated can have code enforcement tell them when they come into the office. Place on the agenda for next meeting.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Changing Yield to Stop at Intersection of Future Ln and Enterprise Ave:

Motion: To approve changing Yield to Stop at Intersection of Future Lane and Enterprise Avenue.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Discuss Intersection of Williams Street and New Highway 13: Rob Graeff with IDOT discussed all the pros and cons to changing the green arrow – contract on September letting , eight months out on supplies, negative offset on turn lanes, going to do positive offset, pedestrian accommodations, make adjustments in signage, if we go fully protected we can’t go back. Alderman Runge stated appreciates depth of information provided. Chief Ellermeyer asked if going to extend time on green arrow? Yes.

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Change to Mayoral Duties and Salary: Alderman Hughes stated Mayor would like to table. Mayor Stephens stated have spoken to everyone, proposal to eliminate the one cent grocery tax is real, not comfortable with proposing this at this time. Has to be about the position not me personally. Alderman Hughes stated will have a task force study it. Thank you for all you do.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Consideration of Video Gaming Ordinance: would suggest limiting it to B2 areas and no closer than 100-200 feet to residential. Scott Maloney stated he has talked to the one on Chestnut Street, no problems yet but think it’s an awful location. Chief McBride stated have one that has been rehabbing a building at 7th & Walnut. Alderman Gladden asked if we want to limit the number in the city? Mayor Stephens stated feedback is not willing to do that. Attorney Blake stated will have to go to Zoning board of Appeals. Alderman Austin asked if one at 7th & Walnut has an understanding they will get a liquor license? Yes. If we’ve told him and now we limit it, he won’t get to? Mayor Stephens asked is it strictly a matter of writing this ordinance with exception? Attorney Blake stated yes, the city can state that. Alderman Gladden asked has this location applied for a liquor license? No. Alderman McComb stated maybe talk to the neighbors before granting a license. Mayor Stephens stated this is for gaming parlors.

Motion: To approve moving forward to Zoning board of Appeals with the Exception allowing the building at 7th & Walnut Streets.

Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

Yeas: Alderman Runge, Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Strack, Alderman Gladden

Nays: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Pittman

Abstain: Alderman McComb

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman

Motion Carried

Consideration of Appointment of Asia Watson to the Sallie Logan Public Library Board: Ms. Watson lives outside city limits so cannot move on this.

Southwest IL Connector Corridor: IDOT and Senator Dick Durbin notification – three million in budget and IDOT matched, therefore six million to complete environmental studies. $50,000 grant to update proposal, $15 million remains in the budget, working to get that released so work can continue north of Murphysboro.

When moving in to the Spears building found mold issue, they abated it, cost of $25,444. We and county inspected and no mold was found. This is a friendly request. Alderman Pittman stated should have told us before and we would have bid it out. Mayor Stephens stated asked if we would pay any or all. Attorney Blake stated would need to look at our agreement, wasn’t spoken to. Alderman Erbes stated would like to look at it. Mayor Stephens stated have our attorney review. Alderman Hughes stated as landlord we should have been informed before they did anything.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Review stuff in liquor license, not a resident of Jackson County can’t have license in Murphysboro, remove it or enforce it.

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Thank Amy and Maloney’s for what they do for the city.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.

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