Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met April 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 April, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:01p.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, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Angela Jackson

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the March 26, 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 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:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #770, 772 & 777, through April 9, 2024, accounts receivable through March 31, 2024, and payroll through March, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Runge

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/Home Rule Tax Receipts – another good month.

Consideration of TIF Application for 1400 Walnut St:

Motion: To approve the TIF Application for 1400 Walnut Street in the amount of $8000.00.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of TIF Application for 19 North 11th street:

Motion: To approve the TIF Application for 19 North 11th Street in the amount of $8000.00.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Austin stated he, Alderman Runge and Alderman Gladden met with Brandon Bullard regarding the solar project, would like it to be on the next agenda. Alderman Gladden stated lots of information. Alderman Runge stated know a lot more now, think it is a good proposition, received a copy of the contract proposal. Alderman Austin stated thinks this is something we should pursue.

New Business:

Consideration of Bids for General Maintenance of Heating and Cooling Units: Received two bids. 1. Heartland: $3140 spring check, $3140 fall check, $140/hour service call rate. 2. Craine: $2000 spring check, $2000 fall check, $110/hour service call rate.

Motion: To accept the bid from Craine Heating & Cooling for $2000 each spring and fall check and $110/hour service call rate.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Engaging PSC Engineers for Housing Rehabilitation Grant Application: Alderman Gladden, Alderman Runge, Alderman Austin and Ms. Ripley met with Tammy Campbell. Alderman Austin stated minimal work, maximum benefits. Ms. Ripley stated thinks it’s a win/win. Alderman Gladden stated lot of people in need of repairs they can’t afford, this would help, would be a good move for the city to help people. Alderman Austin stated every decision stops with her, no back lash to city. Mayor Stephens asked when the work is to be done, who determines who the contractor is? Alderman Austin stated specifically requested use local. Alderman McComb stated people used it to work on rentals. Alderman Austin stated will put five-year lien, has to be owner occupied. The city could put $20,000 towards it to purchase points and get higher on the list. Mayor Stephens stated could do $15,000 and get eight points and go to the top. Alderman Austin stated maximum grant is $650,000. Alderman Erbes asked how do they apply? Ms. Ripley stated have to be within city limits, they will fill out application and Ms. Campbell will take care of all of it. Alderman Pittman asked minimum $4000, maximum? Alderman Hughes asked if Ms. Campbell takes care of the decisions? Yes. Alderman Austin stated have to have public hearing, resolution of support, put in newspaper. Mayor Stephens stated good opportunity to fix up some homes, lot of need.

Motion: To approve Engaging PSC Engineers to Pursue the Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program and put $15,000 towards it to purchase eight additional points.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

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

Old Business:

Consideration of Big Muddy Monster Signage: Mayor Stephens had a mock-up of a proposed sign that was the creation of Christine Deshazo, Route 66 theme, adjacent to statue. Font at bottom be white not blue to stand out more. Mr. Mills will see if he and his guys can do it or have to contract out. Alderman Erbes asked size? Approximately same size as Welcome to Murphysboro sign. Mayor Stephens stated need a marker to tell the story. Alderman Gladden stated thinks there is too much on it, need arrow pointing other way. Mayor Stephens stated can ask to remove some of the stuff. Alderman McComb asked double sided? One sided. Mayor Stephens stated can provide feedback and get a mock-up for all to see.

New Business: Nothing at this time

Public comment: Pastor Jim Frye stated regarding the sign, less is more.

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 stated message from adjacent property owner, lot of issues. Question is who owns the buildings. My view is we’re going to need to take control at some point. Table for now. Mr. Eisert stated he reached out to demo crews, have not heard back yet and to see if wall shared with hair studio will be ok.

Consideration of Accepting a Deed for 421 North 16th Street: Attorney Blake stated the owner wants outstanding water bill waived ($282), plus the 2022 taxes (approximately $790.xx) and pay the 2023 taxes.

Motion: To accept the Deed for 421 North 16th Street and carry the existing expenses relating to the property.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 8 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: no changes.

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 9 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Mayor Stephens stated concept of Cemetery Committee should remain. Records need to be digitized. Have someone review records. Alderman Pittman asked if we could use the map program? Mr. Lee stated you could, would have to go to each grave. Could do a search easily. Alderman Erbes stated see what’s on the death certificate, leave out color and ethnicity. Attorney Blake asked who would be the committee? Mayor Stephens stated doesn’t say ad hoc so defaults to city council. Amendments: Change the word “color” to “race” and add age. Leave 9-1-2 and remove 9-1-3 through 9-1-5.

Motion: To approve the revisions as presented and amended.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 14 of the Revised Code of Ordinances:

Motion: To approve the revisions as presented.

Motion by Alderman Runge

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 15 of the Revised Code of Ordinances:

Motion: To approve the revisions as presented.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 16 of the Revised Code of Ordinances:

Motion: To approve the revisions as presented.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Curb Cuts and Sidewalk Replacements: Alderman McComb stated should repair the sidewalk square. Mr. Lee stated wrote up spec sheet, adding to excavation permit. Replace square, tied together with rebar, depth, responsibility for two years or city will repair and bill. Mr. Eisert stated found old price sheet, can update costs.

Discussion regarding proposed Salt Shed: Mayor Stephens stated do not believe owner of car wash is going to follow through. Sounds sincere but not getting anything done. Alderman Hughes asked have attorney send a letter? Mr. Eisert stated has not paid taxes at either facility. Chief Ellermeyer stated he knows him, can call him. Mayor Stephens stated hold over to next meeting.

New business:

Consideration of Bids for MFT Oil & Chip Program: Mr. Shaffer recommended awarding to Illini Asphalt for $76,281.20.

Motion: To approve the bid from Illini Asphalt for the MFT Oil & Chip Program in the amount of $76,281.20.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Estimate from JC Highway Department for Repairs to Blair Street: Mr. Mills stated was approved last year but Illini Oil & Chip shut down for the year. Mr. Sheffer stated already approved by council. County doing the repairs.

Motion: To approve the estimate from Jackson County Highway Department for Repairs to Blair Street.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Purchase of Skid Steer for the Street Department: Alderman McComb stated would be useful for Street and Water departments. Mr. Mills stated would replace road grader that is sixty years old. Alderman McComb stated have some farmers that are interest4ed in the grader. Can buy attachments. Mr. Mills stated can add attachments at any time. Mayor Stephens stated we rent on from time to time. Mr. Mills stated it depends on how often it is needed. Mayor Stephens stated the question is the money. Cost is? $105,000 minus the John Deere. Mr. Evans stated is not budgeted, interest rates are relatively high. Maybe wait until budget time, rates may be lower. Mayor Stephens asked are there other brands? Let our financial team give us some options on how. Alderman Pittman stated put back on next month’s agenda.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Solar Light on Birkner Lane: Mayor Stephens stated Susan Birkner asked for a street light on Birkner lane at the intersection. Now asked for a solar light. Ameren’s cost was going to be several thousand and solar lights are expensive and we would have to maintain it. Alderman Erbes stated a lot of people put them on their property.

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

Discussion of Monday Eclipse: Brought a ton of people to town. One incident north of Jackson Square, trying to sell t-shirts through car windows. Chief Ellermeyer stated it went well.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Jim Murphy Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Tomorrow is Blaine’s last day, will be missed, does fantastic work. Will be handling things until hire replacement.

Tim Lee Broken water main on Easter Sunday, guys came out, did it live and kept the water going.

Brian Manwaring On 4/26 police, fire, ambulance, sheriffs department, hospital and School district will have a community-wide disaster drill at 1:00.

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:46 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 Gladden

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Jackson

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 8:05 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Jackson

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular session.

Motion by Alderman Erbes

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve new Police Department Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Motion by Alderman Strack

Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve new Fire Department Collective Bargaining Agreement proposed at Mediation.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve Communicating to the Public Works Department council is good with the new Bargaining Agreement requests.

Motion by Alderman Strack

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.

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