Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 24th day of September, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens 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, Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: John Erbes, Gary McComb

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 10, 2024, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Gladden

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:

Consideration of VA Marker Replacement: Mayor Stephens stated not conducive to try to investigate who it might have been. Alderman Pittman asked the cost? $875.00. Just pay for it now and get it fixed. Mayor Stephens stated Crain’s said it would pay half.

Motion: To approve the Payment to replace the VA Marker.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

New Business:

Consideration of Accounts Payable Registers: Alderman Gladden asked about the credit card charge on Page 3 for Zamora? Mayor Stephens stated helped a lady sleeping on the street, was able to get her into Union County Housing. Alderman Hughes asked about Cole on Page 3? Hotel for someone due to a fire.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #890,891,892 & 893, through September 24. 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: Officer Evans presented the State Income Tax Receipts and CD’s.

Consideration of Lease Purchase of Fire Department Pumper Truck: Chief McBride stated #2 Pumper is 27 years old, there is a three year build time, Carbondale is having one built, sat down with the representative to build a design, would replace the pumper and emergency rescue truck. Total cost $1.146 million. If pay up front approximate $103,500 discount. May be able to catch a demo truck but no guarantee. If put the money set back for the ladder truck plus the discount would equal $7400 per month. Will be a five percent increase at the first of the year. Bringing this up now due to that. Enter a contract with Pierce would equal $893,000, with discount and $150,000 set aside. Mayor Stephens asked current pumper have any value? Chief McBride stated maybe $8000-9000. Or trade for an academy slot. Mayor Stephens asked if have any additional asks at budget time? No. Chief McBride stated have applied for a grant, may free up approximately $420,000 in ARPA funds. Alderman Pittman stated question is, in three years going to ask for ladder truck? Would we be better off buying something ten years old? Mr. Evans stated ten years at 5.76 interest is $10,000 per month; fifteen years at 5.84 interest is $7500 per month. Alderman Hughes asked do you use pumper #2 more than a ladder truck? Chief McBride stated absolutely, use #2 all the time. Mayor Stephens stated table until next meeting. Mr. Evans stated not make a decision until we have a budget before us, to see where the numbers are. Mayor Stephens asked if there is another manufacturer? Chief McBride stated there are a couple of others. Mayor Stephens asked if we could go to them and get a price? Chief McBride stated he can ask them.

Consideration of 2025 Budget Request from Murphysboro Main Street: Mayor Stephens stated this is for six additional trash bins. Mr. Mills stated reach out to businesses, let them know why the trash bins are up against the building. Jamie Green stated will do that. Salt trucks make them rust and void the warranty. Alderman Pittman asked where in the budget will it come out of? Mr. Evans stated community Events or Building & Grounds. Ms. Green stated ask from the city is $10,000. Trying to get work done on Old Depot complete. Alderman Pittman stated don’t need to vote on it, will need to fit in 2025 budget.

Consideration of Donation to John A. Logan Museum: Betsy Brown stated endeavoring to add onto the museum, are the largest civil war museum, would like to add on 2800 square feet. In 2026, will have Logan Days Celebration – 200th birthday – and dedication for new addition. Alderman Gladden stated because it draws people in, would like to see us donate $1000 towards construction. Alderman Runge asked on Christmas stroll, are you closing streets? Ms. Brown stated not that far yet but probably should. Alderman Gladden stated delay until the budget process.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Right of First Refusal to Purchase Real Estate – 1101 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated Jackson County would like to purchase the Daum Building if we move out of it. Attorney Blake stated it is a standard Right of First Refusal. Can be a deterrent to others who may be interested. Mayor Stephens stated if we don’t enter into the agreement may produce some tensions. Alderman Gladden stated add stipulation that county keep employees from filling up city parking lot.

Motion: To approve the Right of First Refusal Agreement for 1101 Walnut Street with the Jackson County Board.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request to Purchase City Properties – Parcel #14-04-482-008 and 14-04-482-012: Ms. Ripley stated these are behind RollNUp on South 3rd Street. Calvin Whitfield requested to purchase from us, has been maintaining them. Recommend donating them to him. Attorney Blake stated need to sign ordinance. Alderman Austin stated those often flood. Alderman Jackson stated is all in favor of donating.

Motion: To approve the Purchase of City Properties Parcel #14-04-482-008 and 14-04-482-012 by Calvin Whitfield.

Motion by Alderman Jackson Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

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 looking at other communities that already have rentals, St. Louis has short-term rental/Airbnb requiring a basic permit, smoke detectors, number of guests. Have some kind of permit process. Alderman Pittman asked how do we find them, go online? Alderman Hughes stated most are good about paying their tax. Put the process through code? Yes. Alderman Gladden stated we already check the web sites. Mayor Stephens stated don’t want it to be punitive to the owners. Alderman Hughes stated don’t want to put more of a burden on city staff or that people won’t open/continue Airbnb. Alderman Strack stated think it’s a good idea. Others require owner to register with the city, so can get in touch with the owner. Also should be paying the hotel/motel tax. Mayor Stephens stated will distribute a copy of the St. Louis policy and discuss at the next meeting. Alderman Hughes asked continue to allow Airbnb? Alderman Runge stated brings business to our area. Don’t want to restrict them. Register is ok, not sure about permit. Mayor Stephens stated what would recommend would be very minimal.

New Business:

Discussion regarding Street Closure Request – General John A. Logan Museum for Buffalo Tro September 28, 2024: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated the form is complete.

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request from General John A. Logan Museum for September 28, 2024.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding John A. Logan Museum Christmas Stroll December 14, 2024: Will be December 14th and will have Santa. Betsy Brown stated will have Madrigal singers perform, Children’s Christmas Puppet Show, Home tours, Christmas Tree Auction, crafts

Parking Issues on South 18th Street: Alderman Austin stated Chamber of Commerce have meetings there. Hair salon park all up and down the street. Then they have to park in bank parking lot. Would like to designate space on the street for Chamber employees, from sidewalk to Spruce Street. Attorney Blake stated don’t think we can designate. Alderman Pittman stated they are there to promote businesses. Can 1st Mid Bank designate a spot in their parking lot since they are in their building? Attorney Blake stated it is different for judges since it is governmental. Mayor Stephens stated if we designate a spot, don’t know if it is enforceable if someone else parks there.

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Final Revisions to Chapter 1 of the Revised Code of Ordinances:

Motion: To approve the Final Revisions to Chapter 1 of the Revised Code of Ordinances.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding Condition of Keough Drive: Mayor Stephens stated drove it today, is in fairly good shape. Where it curves in front of the daycare there is gravel from it, couple of potholes need repaired.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Animal Control Facility: Attorney Blake stated property offered by David Arbeiter for one dollar, have started the process. Believe the city can approve taking title as long as the mortgage is released from this one-half acre.

Motion: To approve accepting one-half acre from David Arbeiter for the sum of one dollar.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Consideration of Stop Sign at 8th & Maple Street: Mayor Stephens stated he drove there, currently a two-way stop, this would make it a four-way stop.

Motion: To approve Making 8th & Maple Street a four Way Stop.

Motion by Alderman Gladden No second motion

Motion Died

Consideration of Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Protection Services to Murphysboro CUSD #186/McElvain School: Chief McBride stated he received email from Superintendent Annie Evers regarding fire alarm at McElvain School. School district would like to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement for fire protection services to Murphysboro CUSD #186/McElvain School.

Motion: To approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Protection Services to Murphysboro CUSD #186/McElvain School.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

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

Received a text from Tyler Bryant, positive feedback concerning the break on Logan Street, very positive.

Thursday evening, Saluki’s men basketball will be at Bridgewood basketball court from 5:30 to 6:30.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Thanked Darrin for all that’s been done recently.

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Will not be at the October 29 meeting.

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Thanked Fire, Police, Street and Water Departments, with all that’s going on recently, Apple Festival, BBQ, lot of work.

John Erbes Absent

Gary McComb Absent

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Parcel 1 – Daum and Parcel 2 – parking lot.

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Trash truck fire yesterday, thank Darrin for help cleaning up.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Water main break, searching for since Sunday. SCADA helped, caught it quickly.

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:45 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 Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:50 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Erbes, Alderman McComb

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular session.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Sept-24.docx