Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Aug. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 27th day of August, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and led the council in prayer then 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, Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: John Erbes

Executive Director of the Jackson County Housing Authority Mac-Rizzo addressed the issue of Public Safety, specifically the incident that took place recently on North 13th Street. Wanted to extend her gratitude to the county, city, Mayor’s office, for the ability to back up our housing, can’t thank everyone enough. Only complaint was she was not called, has distributed her number, give her a call and she will help any way needed.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 13, 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 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 Agreement for Advancement of TIF Eligible Expenses for 500 North 19th Street: Attorney Blake outlined what has been discussed. Mayor Stephens stated on page one under #2, since the city is not a party to the transaction, not willing to hold escrow, strike the last sentence. Alderman Gladden thanked the Mayor for leading this project. Attorney Blake stated Green Data will receive $50,000 through TIF, won’t be present, will be done by wire transfer instead of check.

Motion: To approve the Agreement for Advancement of TIF Eligible Expenses for 500 North 19th Street in the amount of $200,000 and striking the last sentence under #2.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Accounts Payable: Alderman Hughes stated there is $14,299 from Tourism this time. Looks like they have gone through most of their budget and reserve. Ms. Ripley stated not enough to cover this check run but haven’t received allotment from the hotel, emailed Lisa. Mayor Stephens stated he emailed Lisa also.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #873 & 874, through August 27, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Alderman Pittman presented the Income Tax Receipts, Cash & Cash Equivalents, Outstanding Loan Balances and Water/Sewer Loan Balances.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Ownership of 819 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated he sent out the inspection report to everyone. Mr. Manwaring stated one HVAC unit has had issues in the past. Mayor Stephens stated electrical, outlets, additional insulation, basement water and mold. His perspective is the building will take a lot of money to get back to functional. It’s still a lot on Walnut Street, even if we tear down the building. Recommend taking the building to better control what happens to that area. Alderman McComb asked how valuable would it be to the county for parking? Attorney Blake stated the school district will have to pass a resolution.

Motion: To approve the Purchase of 819 Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Ownership of 435 North 14th Street: Mayor Stephens asked if there are any liens or title issues? Mr. Eisert stated have not gotten that far, back half is falling in. Owner is elderly, can’t keep up with it. Attorney Blake stated State of Illinois placed a lien while Jim Cook was in Jackson County Nursing facility, need research on title, need Jackson County Abstract to do search to see what needs to be done for the city to get clean title. Mr. Eisert stated own two pieces of property by this house and there are two empty lots adjacent for sale. Alderman Austin stated hold for the future.

No public comment.

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

Old Business:

Discussion regarding Nightly Room/Home Rentals: Mayor Stephens stated has reached out to other communities. So far received information that they are doing nothing/no ordinance. Table.

New Business:

Discussion regarding Tower Grove Cemetery Walk in March 2025: Mayor Stephens stated the Jackson county Historical society in conjunction with the 100-year anniversary of the Tri-State Tornado, telling stories of those who were there.

Consideration of 2024-2025 Murphysboro Football/Basketball Broadcast Sponsorship: Mayor Stephens stated for consideration. Alderman Pittman stated okay with the $95 per month, six months. Alderman Gladden stated he agrees with Alderman Pittman, Booster for $95 per month.

Motion: To approve the Booster Broadcast Sponsorship for $95 per month.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried.

Consideration of Street Closure Request forms from Brews Brothers Taproom – Class of 1984 Reunion 9/27/2024 and MHS Homecoming 9/28/2024:

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Requests from Brews Brothers Taproom for the 1984 Reunion 9/27/2024 and MHS Homecoming 9/28/2024.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Mary Jo Porter – attended the Jackson County Board meeting regarding animal control. Her concerns are the limit on the number of cats and dogs, if feed strays are considered yours, why are people being punished for trying to help. Feel like something needs to be done, need a program in place, low cost spay and neuter facility. Mayor Stephens stated have been considering what we’re going to do. Realize we have to do something. We are aware of it and are making plans to address it. Alderman Hughes asked how many cats? Three. How many dogs? Three. Chief Ellermeyer stated enforced by word of mouth, get a call and go investigate.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Ordinance Authorizing Execution of an Annexation Agreement for 230 White Tail Road:

Motion: To approve an Ordinance Authorizing Execution of an Annexation Agreement for 230 White Tail Road.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Report of Zoning Board of Appeals an Ordinance Amending Zoning Code Section 40-4-43 to allow Multiple-Family Dwellings as a Special Use in the Community Business District (B-1): Mayor Stephens stated typically we take their recommendation.

Motion: To approve an Ordinance Amending Zoning Code Section 40-4-43 to Allow Multiple-Family Dwellings as a Special Use in the Community Business District (B-1).

Motion by Alderman Strack 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:

Consideration of Replacement of VA Marker: Alderman McComb buried on the hill, think damaged by people mowing. Ms. Ripley stated it is in Tower Grove, the burial plot of Roosevelt Ward Sr. Alderman Gladden asked does the mower have insurance? Can ask them. Alderman McComb stated don’t know when it happened or who did it. Alderman Gladden stated make that effort first. Mayor Stephens asked can we move forward and then seek reimbursement? Attorney Blake stated think can replace then present bill to their insurance. Mayor Stephens stated maybe family could write an affidavit as to when they noticed the damage.

Motion: To proceed with the Replacement of the VA Marker with the understanding that will pursue insurance reimbursement.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Resolution for Maintenance of Fiddler Ridge Road and Wolf Hill Road: Mr. Sheffer stated for total repair on both, $300,000.

Motion: To approve the Resolution for Maintenance of Fiddler Ridge Road and Wolf Hill Road in the amount of $300,000.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Estimate for Pond Creek Drainage Study: Alderman McComb stated all the studies are for the other side which is county and school district. Mr. Sheffer stated think we can get by without a retention pond. Mayor Stephens stated if we are going to do this, will probably be rather expensive, would help with writing a grant to help. Mr. Sheffer stated they always like to see a study. Alderman McComb stated think should seek school district and county to help with it. Alderman Austin stated Brian has sent file to Bost’s office. Mayor Stephens stated agree, send letter, and attend board meetings. Alderman Gladden stated have been discussing this for several years, had a grant and lost it, major blockage at the bridge lip.

Motion: To approve $44,000 for the Pond Creek Drainage Study.

Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens 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: Nothing at this time

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPOR

Has spent the last five days on the phone with Senator Fowler and Congressman Bost. Have heard the idea that they are wanting to move the School of Aviation from Carbondale to Springfield. Urge everyone to be aware of that and speak up. Such an asset to our area.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Hometown Christmas asked if council could set up table Dec 6 at 6 pm for the tree lighting and help with activities. Will do it.

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Close to time crunch for mayor’s position, put on next agenda, vote on it in September to meet the deadline.

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Absent

Gary McComb Think about who wants to walk in the Apple Festival parade,

Alderman Curry-Witzman stated put signs up – do not approach vehicle.

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Apologized for missing the public hearing.

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Absent

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Put in for Attorney General Retail grant, would help cover camera system.

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m.

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