Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Oct. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 15th day of October, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and invited Pastor Jim Frye to lead 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, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Rick Runge

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 24, 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 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: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #894,895 & 908, through October 15, 2024, account receivable through September 30, 2024, and payroll through September, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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/Home Rule Tax receipts, Balance Sheet, Profit/Loss and Healthcare costs. Alderman Hughes asked the date of health insurance renewal? Calendar year.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Offer to Purchase 2014 Lindell Avenue: Letter from Steve Kimbro with offer to purchase 2014 Lindell Avenue for the amount of $2000.00.

Motion: To approve the sale of 2014 Lindell Avenue Parcel# 14-08-278-016 to Steve Kimbro for the amount of $2000.00.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Alderman McComb asked for a list of the surplus properties at the next meeting. Mr. Eisert stated some have neighbors that are interested, has a spreadsheet with the information, will get it to the next meeting.

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 consensus he is getting is introduce some permitting. Alderman Pittman stated on application also have emergency contact information. Alderman Gladden stated in the handout doesn’t allow one night rental. Alderman Pittman stated are the current rentals exempt from permit? Attorney Blake stated no, can require a permit.

Motion: To move forward with the Project Regarding Creating a $25.00 Annual License Renewal for Short Term Rental for Each Address.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman McComb

Alderman Gladden withdrew his motion, Mayor Stephens will send the information to Attorney Blake.

New Business:

Halloween Trick or Treating – Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Ms. Ripley stated have employee interested in trunk or treat at the Daum Building. Alderman McComb stated would like to hand out candy again and have the side by side up there with the lights on.

Motion: To approve Trick or Treating on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of request for Parking Lot Closure: Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.:

Motion: To approve the Parking Lot Closure Request for October 31, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Alderman Austin stated issues with Tri County Special Education at the old MCA building. Chief Ellermeyer stated have been over there 14-15 times the last few weeks, kids walking off, aggravated battery, security guard they hired has been assaulted. The staff are really good to work with, good cooperation. Mayor Stephens stated spoke to couple classrooms regarding government, they have a large age range. Alderman Austin stated just wanted to bring attention to Police Department involvement and time. Alderman Erbes asked if the jail won’t keep them? Chief Ellermeyer stated not enough facilities for holding juveniles. The recent cars stolen and broken into has been the same group but can’t hold them. Mayor Stephens stated has spoken to Judges Solverson and Bost, State’s Attorney Cervantez, regarding this.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Agreement for Administrative Services with PSC Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors for CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program: Ms. Ripley stated the public hearing is Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

Motion: To approve the Consideration of Agreement for Administrative Services with PSC Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors for CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program.

Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman Strack

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 City Clean-Up: Alderman McComb stated people are bringing shingles, would like to include no shingles on the flyer. Alderman Strack stated he thinks E.T.Simonds still takes them.

Alderman McComb stated the current trailer for the skid steer is not safe. Mr. Mills stated brand new tilt, less than $7000. Alderman McComb stated would like it put on next agenda. Mr. Mills stated would like to look at what he has left in the budget and see about paying for it that way.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Discussion regarding Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens stated the Arbeiters said will donate half an acre, there was a mortgage, their bank sent us a release of mortgage on that half acre. Will let them know the deed is ready for their signature at the attorney’s office. Chief Ellermeyer stated waiting on corn to be cut to be surveyed. Mayor Stephens stated get a bid for fencing. Chief Ellermeyer stated 30X50 building, bids on the interior approximately $45,000 for metal building. Mayor Stephens stated would like to get the Arbeiters a gift card as a thank you.

New business:

Consideration of Request from John A Logan Museum for Street Light – North side of Oak Street between 16th & 17th: Alderman Erbes stated in the middle of the block.

Motion: To approve the Street Light Request from the John A Logan Museum on the North side of Oak Street Between 16th & 17th.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Amending Ordinance Regarding Enforcement of Animals Prohibited to be Kept Within City Limits: Mayor Stephens stated resident who has unsecured chickens, neighbor complaining, tickets have been written. Our ordinance doesn’t give us authority to remove chickens. Alderman Pittman asked where would we take them? Alderman Gladden stated ordinance allows for euthanizing. Attorney Blake stated add to existing ordinance: plus water fowl, plus are a nuisance and apprehend and remove animals, have to present evidence going to relocate the animal.

Motion: To approve Amending the Ordinance Regarding Enforcement of Animals Prohibited to be Kept Within City Limits.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding Traffic Signal Project at Rt. 13 and Williams Street: Mayor Stephens stated wanting to discuss pulling out, more costs, move water main. Now State has agreed to pay cost of moving water main, reimburse us

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

Murphy Pride Car Wash: The one looking at for the salt shed, owner has become antagonistic, have attorney draft a letter regarding past due water bills and cost of city having to clean up trash and let the bank know.

320 Rogers Street: Hold over, is on the tax sale, Mr. Green, neighbor, has been mowing, can afford to pay the city $1000 but can’t afford to demo. Will put on the agenda.

Motion: To approve the purchase of 320 Rogers Street from the Tax Sale.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

November 2nd if the Chamber of Commerce Annual Chamber dinner, sponsorship from the city.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Absen

Mike Austin Supporting Chamber of Commerce Golf Glo 11/15, will be Absent 10/29.

Angela Jackson Nothing

Gina Hunziker Turn in candidate paperwork October 21-28.

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

Scott Strack On behalf of the Murphysboro Trap Team, thank the Mayor for coming out and participating.

Don Gladden Thank Harold for his report, N. 7th Street project is closed.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley NothingScott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Absent

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Oct-15.docx