Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met June 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 11th day of June, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.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, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman

Mayor Stephens asked that we lift up Alderman Jackson in prayer, husband’s health has taken a serious turn.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Erbes asked that “yes” be added to Chief McBride’s response on page 4 under Public Safety New Business - Consideration of Amended Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Protection Services with Kinkaid-Reed’s Creek Conservancy District.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 28, 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 Erbes

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: Alderman Hughes stated over $19,000 for Tourism, does anyone know anything? That is a lot. Mayor Stephens stated will request a meeting with Lisa to review where they are, where they’re going.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #826 & #830, through June 11, 2024, accounts receivable through May 31, 2024, and payroll through May, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Strack

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/HR Tax Receipts, General Fund Operating Expenses vs. Budget and Payroll. Next month will probably have auditor’s report.

Consideration of Request for Sponsorship of Big Muddy Monster Brew Fest: Mayor Stephens stated same amount as last year.

Motion: To approve the Request for Sponsorship of Big Muddy Monster Brew Fest in the amount of $2000.00.

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:

Update on Windows at Senior Citizens Center: Mayor Stephens stated he spoke with Brad Fager, his guy Patrick looked at. Spoke to Sandi Bullar, not interested in putting in actual windows, lot of work involved. No brick masons around here so not really an option. Patrick stated approximately $4000 plus $750 to paint. Could ask Darrin and his crew if they would do the work. Alderman McComb stated they put in some new boards, should be good for another year or so. Mayor Stephens stated maybe have Mr. Mills look at the rest of them. Alderman Austin stated have Mr. Mills take a look and see what his thoughts are. Mayor Stephens stated table, will talk to Mr. Mills when he gets back from vacation.

New Business:

Consideration of Replacement of Bathroom Flooring at Senior Citizens Center: Mayor Stephens stated Ms. Bullar stated toilet replaced in small bathroom, not the same size, there is a gap. Started looking at the floor and is in rough shape. Alderman McComb stated is a small area, have Ms. Bullar call Distinctive Flooring to repair.

Motion: To approve the repair of the bathroom floor.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Acceptance of Request for Qualifications from PSC Engineering for submission of Housing Rehabilitation Grant Application: Ms. Ripley stated they are the only one to submit a proposal.

Motion: To approve the Acceptance of Request for Qualifications from PSC Engineering for submission of Housing Rehabilitation Grant Application.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of 5K Run/Walk Event – Murphysboro Main Street, Saturday, June 22, 2024: Alderman Austin stated no check information, no signatures, will they use any employees? Auxiliary. Chief Ellermeyer stated this is a normal request.

Motion: To approve the 5K Run/Walk Event on Saturday, June 22, 2024, based on the Chiefs’ approval.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Street Closure Request – Goodwin Family Reunion, Saturday, July 6, 2024:

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for the Goodwin Family Reunion on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Steven White, Boy Scout Troop 4: Mayor Stephens stated his Eagle Scout project is boxes where people can deposit tattered flags to be collected and disposed of. There is a concrete pad here to place one on. Steven stated looking at multiple sites with donations, use concrete pads – city hall, sheriff’s office, Congressman Bost’s office. Crucial Aviation is donating scrap metal and Penn Aluminum will fabricate the boxes. Mayor Stephens stated have our approval, will put on the next agenda for official approval.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Gladden stated codification is ongoing, making progress.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Alderman Erbes stated Highway meeting last week, money available for bike trails. Mayor Stephens stated thinks there is funding for between Carbondale and Murphysboro, just waiting on contractor. Will check on it.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Alderman McComb stated Clean-Up Day went well. Mr. Mills and his guys did a wonderful job. Filled up seventeen dumpsters. Talked to Mr. Lee regarding his part-time person maybe picking up the trash that fell out.

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:

Consideration of Approval of Update to Personnel Policy: Alderman Hughes stated Ms. Ripley, Alderman Erbes and I have been working on updating this. Changes: Live within 25 mile radius of the city corporate limits, added $250 per year clothing allowance for non-bargaining employees, changes due to Federal mandates regarding vacation for part-time employees, updates for ADA purposes, updated Nepotism rules and corrected typo’s. Mayor Stephens stated thankful for getting these reviewed and updated. Alderman McComb stated nobody under 18 can drive our vehicles. Alderman Hughes stated need to add that to Article VIII Section 5 – be 18 or older.

Motion: To approve the Updates to the Personnel Policy as presented and with the Amendment to Article VIII Section 5 “..and must be 18 or older” to drive city vehicles.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Consideration of Incident/Complaint Report submitted by Logan Dagner: Mr. Dagner filled out a formal complaint. Alderman Erbes stated if he had something from a contractor, might be different. Alderman McComb stated there is a buildup in water heaters and they do go out.

Update on ITEP Streetscape Project: Mr. Sheffer stated have had a hard time finding an electric engineer but have it now and have sent to IDOT, trying to bypass the lengthy process with a clause IDOT has to speed it up. Bring sidewalks up to ADA compliance, from 5th to 16th Streets, street lights, Phase 1. Alderman Erbes asked about a time limit? Mr. Sheffer stated yes but takes time. Alderman McComb stated if you start doesn’t the grant stay open? Mr. Sheffer stated typically this kind of grant has a four to six year time frame.

Mayor Stephens stated have also received grant funding from DRA and IDOT to help pay for the upgrading of Enterprise Avenue in the Industrial Park.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Put on next agenda discussion moving Mayor’s position to full-time.

Angela Jackson Absent

W. J. Pittman Absent

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

Steve McBride Thank Tim and Darrin and crews, patched apparatus ramp.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Absent

Pat Gladson Absent

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens stated Charlie is working hard and overtime to keep things going, thank you for your hard work.

Alderman Gladden asked about the clean-up at old CIPS? Charlie stated 68% done.

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.

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