Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met July 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 2nd day of July, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and led 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, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Angela Jackson

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 11, 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 Strack

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:

Presentation of Audit of Fiscal Year ending 12/31/2023 by Kerber, Eck & Braeckel: Amber Guetersloh presented her findings from the annual audit. Audit went great, full access, very cooperative. Recommendations: Question the disbursements to help prevent fraud and segregation of duties issues. Alderman Hughes stated there is cross training going on to help address these issues. Alderman Pittman thanked them for their hard work.

Motion: To approve the Audit of Fiscal Year ending 12/31/2023 as presented.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Change Order #3 for the ARPA Project:

Motion: To approve Change Order #3 for the ARPA Project in the amount of $11,910.25.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Pay Request #6 for the ARPA Project:

Motion: To approve Pay Request #6 for the ARPA Project in the amount of $88,078.54.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Accounts Payable Register: Alderman McComb asked about Jim Murphy’s glasses. Chief McBride stated they fell off at a call so paid to replace.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #835 & #836, through June 25, 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 Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Financial Statements prepared by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Scott Evans stated, regarding the audit, the audit report that lists assets, auditors started it, not sure how accurate, assigned a figure to some things. Presented Income Tax Receipts, Healthcare and Bank Loan Balances.

Consideration of Writing off Closed Water/Sewer Accounts from 2009 to 2013: Scott Evans stated small or old balances, greater than ten years old, approximately $49,888.64 uncollectible.

Motion: To approve Writing Off Closed Water/Sewer Accounts from 2009 to 2013 in the amount of $49,888.64.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Submitting Outstanding Water/Sewer Guarantee Checks to the State: Scott Evans stated approximately six pages of outstanding checks, state says can’t keep on books, have to give to them to go to unclaimed funds. $17,580.94.

Motion: To approve submitting Outstanding Water/Sewer Guarantee Checks in the amount of $17,580.94 to the State.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Increasing the Downtown TIF Program Budget: Alderman Pittman stated received more applications than expected. Mayor Stephens stated set aside $50,000 but part went to previous TIF to make them whole. Mr. Evans stated the previous TIF funds did not appear as we thought they would, through higher assessments. Increase to $60,500 from $50,000.

Motion: To approve increasing the Downtown TIF Program Budget to $60,500.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of TIF Applicant at 1339 Walnut Street:

Motion: To approve the TIF Application at 1339 Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of TIF Application at 2039 Walnut Street:

Motion: To approve the TIF Application at 2039 Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Financing HVAC Upgrade at Sallie Logan Public Library: Alderman Pittman stated the library came to the bank to finance the HVAC system. Abstract would like to see note go under city’s name instead of library since city is owner of record. Attorney Blake stated city accepted library from the will of Sallie Logan in 1936. Library is still part of the city. Library and city would need to pass resolutions authorizing a loan. Library will need to pass their resolution then present it to the city who will then need to pass a resolution. Mr. Evans asked what the amount is? Alderman Pittman stated $202,000 with three year ARM, fifteen year amortization, approximately $1500 per month. Mr. Evans stated how it effects the city is the library is in with the city’s tax levy. Alderman Gladden asked who the low bidder was? A & W Plumbing. Alderman Pittman asked if can direct Attorney Blake to get with the library board regarding their resolution? Yes. Library Director Zach Huskey stated have already paid $100,000 towards the cost. Jeanne Goforth stated can probably pay off in eight to nine years. Have not had heat since March. Alderman Pittman asked how extensive? Mr. Huskey stated ac condenser unit, boiler and all the components, ac controller, piping. Mayor Stephens stated seems like a substantial amount. Alderman Pittman stated large building.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Update on Windows at Senior Citizens Center: Alderman Austin stated Mr. Mills will take a look once he is back from vacation and will get some numbers together. Do not need to keep this on the agenda.

Solar Project: Alderman Austin stated they are still in the process of getting numbers.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Placement of Flag Retirement Box at City Hall: Mayor Stephens stated this is a good project.

Motion: To approve the placement of Flag Retirement box at City Hall.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Pittman

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:

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 1 of the Revised Code: Mayor Stephens stated population under 25,000 are given option. Attorney Blake stated can make it an appointed position instead of elected. Required to have a Treasurer, have salary of $5000. Amend the language to delete elected position and 1-2-14 change D to C.

Motion: To approve the Revisions to Chapter 1 of the Revised Code as presented.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 3 of the Revised Code: Alderman Gladden stated spent time with Animal Control Office Tincher, eliminated redundancies and typos, in 3-1-18 change “any” to “to”.

Motion: To approve the Revisions to Chapter 3 of the Revised Code as presented.

Motion by Alderman Strack

Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 4 of the Revised Code: Alderman Gladden stated removed Article 5 & 6, 4-1-2 changed membership from 9 to 7.

Motion: To approve the Revisions to Chapter 4 of the Revised Code as presented.

Motion by Alderman Strack

Second by Alderman Pittman

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: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Declaring 1960 Gallion 503 Road Grader as Surplus: Alderman McComb stated he will try to reach the guy at Wolf Lake to see if he is interested.

Motion: To approve declaring the 1960 Gallion 503 Road Grader surplus.

Motion by Alderman Pittman

Second by Alderman Gladden

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.

Mayor Stephens stated there will be additional auxiliary available for coverage of different things on the 4th of July. Chief Ellermeyer stated the Head of Housing let the tenants know about rules for fireworks.

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: Mayor Stephens stated would like to table, would like full council present. Alderman McComb asked go on ballot? Attorney Blake stated establish salary by October 31 but not for establishing as full-time. Alderman Austin stated if we decide to make it full-time can stipulate we look at it every four years. Attorney Blake stated can decrease salary within the time frame. Alderman Pittman stated no full-time or part-time mayor, it’s the salary we can change. Alderman Hughes stated think there needs to be some studies done, look at like-sized municipalities, to see what they are doing. Also would like Sandra here as she works one on one with the Mayor.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Consideration of Changing the July meeting dates to July 16th & July 30th:

Motion: To approve Changing the July meeting dates to July 16th & July 30th.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Commend the Fire Department, fire two weeks ago, responded quickly, under control in 1-1/2 hours. End of 15th Street only has a 2” line, need to look at doing something

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Absent

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Thanked council members who joined the unveiling of the billboard & grass was mowed quickly.

Gary McComb Lot of people with gardens, guy with electric fence told by code can’t do it. Would like to look at the ordinance. John did a good job at unveiling.

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Grateful for Brian Manwaring

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Absent

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Absent

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

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:38 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Meetings where the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is being considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Pittman

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Austin, Alderman Pittman, Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb, Alderman Strack, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Runge, Alderman Jackson

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:49 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Runge, Alderman Jackson

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular session.

Motion by Alderman Strack

Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

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