Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met April 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 23rd day of April, 2024. Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called the meeting to order at 6:00p.m. and asked Alderman Gladden to lead the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Pro Tem Erbes led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes then directed City Clerk Gina Hunziker to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:

Present: Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Barb Hughes, Jance Curry-Witzman, Will Stephens

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 9, 2024, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman McComb

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes 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 #778 & #788, through April 23, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes 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 – another good month, and Healthcare Costs – trending higher but still early. Mayor Pro Tem Erbes asked if Income Tax next month is tax filing money? Yes. Alderman Austin asked which are three payroll months? May and October.

Consideration of TIF Application for 1306 Walnut St: Alderman Pittman asked they were under the previous TIF, work already done? Yes.

Motion: To approve the TIF Application for 1306 Walnut Street in the amount of $8000.00.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Runge

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes 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.

New Business:

Discussion regarding Credit Purchase and Sale Agreement for Solar Energy: Brandon Bullard and Ross Rubenacker made their presentation and discussion is ongoing regarding Solar Energy and a potential Solar Farm at the WWTP. Alderman Pittman asked if we can finance it? Mr. Evans stated there are a lot of factors.

Consideration of Bids for Replacement of Heating & Cooling Unit at Shooting Range: Chief Ellermeyer stated the old unit was used when we got it, have budgeted some each year, Trane builds Run Tru, same except the sticker.

Motion: To approve the bid from Craine Heating & Air Conditioning in the amount of $8558.75.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Big Muddy Monster Signage: table

Consideration of Placement of Big Muddy Monster Footprints: Alderman Pittman stated we would help them with the process. Alderman Runge asked which way are they going? Towards Riverside.

Motion: To approve working with Tourism on getting State approval for Placement of Big Muddy Monster Footprints.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

New Business: Nothing at this time

Public comment: Alderman Pittman stated he had spoken to Alderman Hughes about feeding the girls soccer team on April 30, which is the last home game and Senior Night. Alderman Hughes will make the arrangements, would eat between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Alderman Austin stated he thinks we should, others agreed.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Condition of Properties in the 900 Block of Locust Street: table.

New business:

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 17 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden stated one typo and recommend changing number of members for the Historic Preservation Committee from nine to seven.

Motion: To approve the revisions as presented.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Austin

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes 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 asked if need ordinance? Attorney Blake stated yes, incorporate it into the ordinance. Alderman McComb stated will get with them and get it written up.

New business:

Discussion regarding condition North 7th Street from old railroad tracks to Illinois Street: Alderman McComb stated not very wide. Mr. Sheffer stated that work is in the second phase, expensive. Alderman Pittman asked about a weight limit? Alderman McComb stated trucks not allowed. Alderman Pittman stated make them, Bost and Samron, go north. Alderman McComb stated thought there was a sign. Mr. Lee stated need signage for trucks, restricting. Mr. Sheffer stated can price some repair work. Alderman Austin stated when Chuck called, think he was looking for some repairs to pot holes. Alderman McComb stated will call Mr. Mills in the morning regarding repairs/pot holes. Attorney Blake stated will look for that ordinance regarding no trucks or restrictions.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Declaring 5 Aluminum Ladders as Surplus: Chief McBride stated five old aluminum ladders off previous trucks, no longer certified.

Motion: To approve Declaring 5 Aluminum Ladders as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Runge

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Bridgewood Court Update: Posted something on Facebook. Ms. Ripley stated the logo is there, working on the rest of it.

Phelps/Barry Update: table.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Absent

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Thank Don and Sandra for going through the ordinances.

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Thank everyone for your prayers, Mom is doing really well.

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Chief, do you have anyone down for the city cleanup? Will try.

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Flyers regarding upcoming events, help spread the word.

Scott Evans Audit has started.

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Pro Tem Erbes adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m.

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