Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 10th day of September, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and invited Pastor Jim Frye to lead the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens lead 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: Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Barb Hughes

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 27, 2024, public hearing. 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

Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 27, 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:

Consideration of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers: Page 5 says Humane, should be Humms, page 7 oil change says Jackson County Sheriff Department, should be Humms, both have been changed. Alderman McComb asked about page 6. Stated he and Mr. Mills looked at the VA monument. Looks like monument company ran a fork over a corner, not a lawn mower. Family should get ahold of JW Reynolds to repair. Hold payment. Mayor Stephens stated JW Reynolds said would be at their cost and they do not run any equipment so it would not have been them. Alderman McComb stated marker is in front of the tombstone, should be at the foot, can see tracks. Mayor Stephens stated don’t know how can track down who it was. Alderman Gladden stated ask JW Reynolds who put it in? Alderman Strack stated there is $630 again for influencer meals. Mayor Stephens stated asked Amy Mills, stated we are finished with influencer this year. Ask tourism how much going to spend on this type and will only approve so much.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #878, through September 10, 2024, accounts receivable through August 31, 1012, and payroll through August, 2024 except for the check to JW Reynolds Monuments. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Officer Evans presented the Sales/HR Tax Receipts, Healthcare Costs, Operating vs. Budgeted Expenses and Payroll.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Purchase of Tax Deeds: 1210 North 20th Street, 440 North 9th Street, 419 North 8th Street, 231 South 9th Street, 519 North Street, 707 Chestnut Street, 1834 Pine Street, 812 South 23rd Street, 2136 Commercial Avenue and 403 Fiddler Ridge Road: Mayor Stephens stated these were identified by Mr. Eisert, Alderman Erbes and Pittman drove by some. Approximate cost of $9000.

Motion: To approve the Purchase of Tax Deeds for 1210 North 20th Street, 440 North 9th Street, 419 North 8th Street, 231 South 9th Street, 519 North Street, 707 Chestnut Street, 1834 Pine Street, 812 South 23rd Street, 2136 Commercial Avenue and 403 Fiddler Ridge Road.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Ms. Ripley stated met with Brett regarding solar, is a work in progress. Mr. Evans stated Brett would like to see what else can be solar’d, this is the company that would do the actual work. Potentially 80% paid by other sources. Alderman Austin encouraged council to contact Ms. Ripley and Mr. Evans with any questions for Brett.

No public comment.

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

Old Business:

Discussion regarding Nightly Room/Home Rentals: Ms. Ripley stated no new information. Alderman Strack stated has been pretty quiet. Alderman Pittman stated he spoke to Noah’s dad, said no one has reached out to him, would be glad to speak to anyone. Alderman Strack stated he doesn’t believe the covenant addressed this issue.

New Business:

Consideration of Alley Closure Request from Uffelman Enterprise: They sent an email asking for it to be removed from the agenda.

Consideration of Request for Assistance for Murphysboro Mud Monster Obstacle Race: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated she checked with both Chiefs, Chief Ellermeyer stated is ok and Chief McBride stated can provide hose and hydrant but not a truck. Mayor Stephens stated under space request says south of trap but already have an event. Alderman Strack stated map shows east of, Gene Basden said would get with me, won’t happen again.

Motion: To approve the Request for Assistance for Murphysboro Mud Monster Obstacle Race.

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 from Murphysboro Hometown Christmas:

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Requests from Murphysboro Hometown Christmas.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Strack

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: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Alderman Erbes stated regarding the Muddy Monster billboard, Chris DeShazo suggested we put sealant on it. Mr. Mills stated she changed the plan, will get it done.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of IDOT Agreement for Traffic Signals and Illumination: Mayor Stephens stated resolution, when Robbie Graeff was here there was no discussion of the city having a cost. Ms. Ripley stated will add language to add cameras on signal poles. Chief Ellermeyer stated add camera system so can use electric we’re already paying for. Mayor Stephens stated approve with caveat to add language regarding cameras on poles.

Motion: To approve the IDOT Agreement for Traffic Signals and Illumination with additional language regarding cameras on poles.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Bid for Tree Removal at 2142 Logan Street:

Motion: To approve the Tree Removal bid from Midwest Tree Service in the amount of $3850.00.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Pittman

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:

Discussion regarding Animal Control Facility: Alderman Erbes asked with dogs there and barking, any other options? Mayor Stephens stated out by the bootcamp water tower, reached out to David Arbeiter, will sell a half acre to us for one dollar. Asked Mr. Sheffer to go out there, Mr. Lee to check sewer and water connection. Also talked to the Supervisor of Life Skills Re-Entry camp, maybe inmates work with dogs as one of their programs. Alderman McComb stated saw a thirty by fifty pole barn with concrete floor. Chief Ellermeyer stated thirty by fifty pole barn is the size needed, National Steel representative quoted $45,000. Will have to have ADA and other stuff. Alderman Erbes stated good option, thanks.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Change to Mayoral Duties and Salary: Alderman McComb stated would like for citizens to vote on the next ballot. Alderman Austin stated if we do that will have to wait another four years. Attorney Blake stated has to be done greater than one-hundred eighty days before the next mayoral term. Not sure what has to be done regarding timing for the next ballot. Alderman Austin stated would like to do something now, currently makes $15,000 plus $2200 for Liquor Commissioner. Attorney Blake stated ordinance would have to be in effect by November first. Alderman Erbes stated talking about a higher rate of pay, can you specify part-time or full-time? Attorney Blake stated ours says salary and position, doesn’t say part-time or full-time. Alderman Erbes stated the clerk makes almost as much as the mayor. Alderman Gladden stated we do need to raise salary, effective after next election. The position is due at least a twenty percent increase based on the last two years of negotiations with the unions. Suggest $3000 raise. Alderman Runge stated feasible/possible for any future mayor to have health insurance with his wife and they take that and add to the salary? Attorney Blake stated not sure could do that, it should be set. Mayor Stephens stated state statute controls some of this, job description. Alderman Curry-Witzman stated feel even for next mayor, salary should be increased. Ms. Ripley, what do you need from the Mayor? Ms. Ripley stated would love to see the Mayor in the office more hours. Alderman McComb stated $500 per month increase, total of $6000 per year. Alderman Austin stated shouldn’t we also increase the Liquor Commissioner salary? No, increase salary so it will contribute to IMLF.

Motion: To approve an increase in the Mayor’s salary of $6000 per year.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Austin

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Pittman and Alderman Gladden.

Motion Carried

Public comment: David Mason asked what do other like towns have? Set hours? Expected duties? Mayor Stephens stated looked at populations of 5000-10,000, $2000 - $80,000 salaries, no set job description.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Consideration of moving the October Council meetings: Change dates to October 15th and 29th.

Motion: To approve changing the October Council meeting dates to the 15th and 29th.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Remember tomorrow is September 11, all those who sacrificed their lives.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Absent

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Reminder, Chamber of Commerce November 15th Glow Golf, will

Ask city for participation.

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman 10:00 Saturday? Yes, at Wiffle Boys.

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Thanked council for making a move on the Mayor’s salary.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Water main under Big Muddy, need to have replaced. Will get

some prices. William St. and Rt. 13 intersection, water main runs

north to south, looks like will need to relocate or lower.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Sept-10.docx