Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Aug. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 13th day of August, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and invited Pastor Jim Frye to lead the council in prayer then led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. City Clerk Gina Hunziker was directed 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

Presentation by Chief Ellermeyer to Former Chiefs Tincher and Manwaring: Chief Ellermeyer stated recognizing past Chiefs that spent their entire career here, how much we appreciate all you’ve done for the city and your community. Chief Tincher – 1965- 1991 and Chief Manwaring – 1972-2002 and both have continued helping. Both were presented a Chief’s badge for a dress uniform and were thanked for their service and all you do. Chief Tincher stated spent six years in the military before coming here, it was an honor to serve both. Chief Manwaring stated thank you very much, it’s an honor.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 30, 2024, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman McComb

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, Account Receivable and Payroll Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #866 & 867, through August 13, 2024, accounts receivable through July 31, 2024, and payroll through July, 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

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans presented the Sale/HR Tax Receipts, Healthcare, Operating versus Budget Expenses, Payroll and the Tourism fund.

Consideration of Donation Request from Murphysboro Hometown Christmas:

Motion: To approve Murphysboro Hometown Christmas Donation Request of $10,000.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of TIF Application and Agreement – 500 North 19th Street:

Motion: To approve the TIF Application and Agreement for 500 North 19th Street for $50,000 refund.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Austin stated the solar project is still in the works, still looking at the salt shed and looking at the Senior Citizens Building windows.

Mayor Stephens stated contact Jay Zeigler, will be doing an inspection of the District office tomorrow.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business:

Discussion regarding Nightly Room/Home Rentals: Mayor Stephens stated there is a broad spectrum of what communities are doing concerning these. Alderman Gladden stated need to take close look at what cities around us are doing and come up with a way to be aware of what is going on in our community. Mayor Stephens will ask Ms. Ripley and Ms. Meade to call some communities to see what they have. Alderman Hughes asked if we have had any concerns or complaints before the last meeting? Mayor Stephens stated the only thing was two or three not paying the hotel tax. Alderman Hughes stated would like to know amount of tax monies we collect. Chief Ellermeyer stated regarding so many cars with different license plates, they are solicitors going around town. Maybe look at if allow business to operate out of Airbnb’s, etc. Alderman Hughes stated see if can find out if vacationing, temporary for work, can’t afford something else or what. Mayor Stephens asked Alderman Strack if anyone had an update on the HOA? Alderman Strack had not heard anything. Alderman Hughes stated had talked to Teresa Strack, found the covenant, nothing about single family restriction. Alderman Strack stated the covenant has no expiration date, says hereafter. Alderman Austin asked if that was the only time there was an issue? Alderman Strack stated only been for the last month, being rented out, has had different person the last two weeks for each week.

New Business:

Consideration of Street Closure Request for Apple Festival – September 7-15, 2024:

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for Apple Festival September 7-15, 2024.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Street Closure Request for BBQ Cook-off – September 19-21, 2024.

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for the BBQ Cook-off September 19-21, 2024.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Pastor Jim Frye stated regarding the Airbnb, when he has used these type of establishments, has been asked what are you here for?

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business:

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 21 of the Revised Code: Alderman Gladden stated regarding the public/private events, nothing more so sent to codifier.

Motion: To approve the Revisions to Chapter 21 of the Revised Code.

Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Consideration of Taking Assignment of Tax Sale Certificate of Purchase for 2128 Hortense Street: Mayor Stephens stated not in good shape, caught up in the tax process. Attorney Blake stated Joni Bailey contacted Ms. Ripley regarding the tax sale, there was a sale in error request, city can step in as buyer, would have to pay the tax amounts. Best estimate is $6159.10. Alderman McComb asked if have to tear down? Attorney Blake stated not necessarily. Alderman McComb stated maybe the High School could rehabilitate it? Mr. Eisert stated my opinion is it needs to be torn down. Next door neighbor would be interested in it. Remodel would be extensive. Alderman Hughes stated maybe Habitat would be interested? Mayor Stephens stated think would be worth it to buy it and take a look at it. Alderman Runge asked is $6100 the hard cost, what the buyer has in it, no profit? Yes.

Motion: To approve Taking Assignment of Tax Sale Certificate of Purchase for 2128 Hortense Street for an approximate cost of $6159.10.

Motion by Alderman McComb 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: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding Condition of: Lake Forest Drive and Fiddler Ridge Road: Alderman McComb stated Mr. Sheffer was asked to take a look at both. Mr. Sheffer stated estimate of $140,000 for Lake Forest and $147,750 for Fiddler Ridge. Public – Mike Kalaher stated lives just outside city limits, has been there for twenty-eight years, road is in terrible shape. Cindy Barge stated is his neighbor, has been drivable but now can’t get over on the road, no room for two vehicles, has eroded, used to have pullout spots. Mayor Stephens asked if Motor Fuel tax eligible? Mr. Sheffer stated yes but bottom is considered flood plain, city could remove trees to help with the costs. Mayor Stephens stated drove out there, is in bad shape, needs to be fixed. Alderman McComb stated Mr. Mills could start removing trees as has time. Mr. Mills stated already talked to Ted Beggs, going to start removing trees. Mayor Stephens asked current balance of Motor Fuel fund? $700,000 to 800,000. Mr. Evans stated still have some expenditures. Mayor Stephens stated think could do both for $240,000, feel Lake Forest is worse. Alderman McComb stated have looked at Fiddler ridge and it is not as rough as Lake Forest. Mayor Stephens stated hold until next meeting.

Motion: To proceed with the project for making repairs to Lake Forest Drive.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

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:

Discussion regarding Animal Control Facility: Chief Ellermeyer stated shelter closed to us, Carbondale and Jackson County. Temporary shelter at the vet’s, have to get our license and go through application process. All three are trying to figure out a way to deal with this. Jackson County was going to buy a building and we would pay them what we had been paying the Humane Shelter. Then they wanted to divide it into thirds. Humane Shelter was supposed to be open until December. Have ground out by the shooting range. Looked at other cities that run their own. Cost to put up a 30x50 pole barn is $45,000 plus costs for the inside. Vet, food, employees, etc. – budget approximately $30,000 a year. Met with Mr. Sheffer, has to be ADA compliant, etc. Alderman Strack asked how many animals on average? Animal Control Officer Tincher stated in 2023 had 45 dogs and 60+ cats, total. Some had owners that picked them up. Have about ten indoor/outdoor kennels. Alderman Hughes asked if Dr. Landers is still willing? Officer Tincher stated allowing us to use a few, is temporary. Have five kennels working on. Alderman Erbes stated think we need to look into it.

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

Thanked Brew Fest Organizers – presented a $10,000 check to Liberty Theater.

Attended the Gospel Jamboree, was very well attended.

Carl Alexander is resigning from the Library Board.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

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 Motor Fuel Tax Fund has 1.3 million, $300,000 is for current projects, should have sufficient funds to do both road projects.

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Airshow on Facebook is fake, will be having one in October.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Absent

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Aug-13.docx