Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Nov. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 12th day of November, 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 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, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman (attending the Sports Awards Banquet)

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the October 29, 2024, council meeting, with the correction of the word personal to personnel on page 1. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Runge 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 Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers: Alderman Hughes asked about IDS payment of $500? Ms. Ripley stated annual fee of $5000, this is an installment. Chief Ellermeyer stated plan is to keep Lawman since have so much information in it. Ms. Ripley stated on page 11 Murdale Water should be Murdale True Value. Alderman Erbes asked about State of Illinois check on page 17? Mayor Stephens suggested not pay it, bill from 2017. Alderman Pittman stated Mr. Koppeis was going to pay it. Mayor Stephens stated would like to see it clearly laid out and why did it take so long.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #912, through October 29, 2024, except the payment to IDOT on page 17, accounts receivable through October 31, 2024, and payroll through October, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable 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

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

Consideration of Submission of Outstanding W/S Guarantee Checks to the State: Mr. Evans stated send uncashed checks to state, 2007-2021, total $16,591.91.

Motion: To approve submission of Outstanding W/S Guarantee Checks to the State.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Writing Off Uncollectible Accounts from 2009 to 2013: Mr. Evans stated uncollectable for 2007-2013 is $49,888.64.

Motion: To approve Writing Off Uncollectable Accounts from 2009-2013 in the amount of $49,888.64.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Water Rate Increase: Mr. Evans stated Ms. Ripley, Mr. Lee, Ms. Volle and himself met regarding this. Are consistently losing money. Approximately $160,000 increase each year to keep up with costs. Mayor Stephens stated people appeal to himself and Katharine for hardships, maybe have a round-up or donate a dollar program for a hardship program. There is a need. Alderman Erbes asked should we explain the rate increase, let people know? Mayor Stephens stated people expect communication. Alderman Gladden asked want to add one dollar on to it? Mayor Stephens stated don’t want to mandate, would be optional, want to talk to Katharine first.

Motion: To approve the Water Rate Increase as presented.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden

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:

Discussion regarding forming a Cemetery Committee to discuss issues: Ms. Volle stated it would be extremely helpful, there are a lot of questions that come up that she does not have the answer for. Would be nice to have a committee to get with for answers. There are a lot of components. Mayor Stephens stated cemetery committee exists in our ordinances. Alderman Hughes stated that funeral homes are supposed to send update when someone gets buried at 14th Street or Tower Grove. Would like to send letter to remind them. Also like to get the book updated. Alderman Pittman asked why does it fall on Ms. Volle and not the code office? Program to map the water lines, etc., can it be used for the cemeteries? Mr. Lee stated believes it could work, there are a lot, thousands. Alderman Erbes stated should look at the ordinance and see what it says. Mayor Stephens stated would like a copy in the packet for next meeting. Alderman McComb stated a lot are not marked. Ms. Ripley stated current ordinance does not specify the number to be on the committee. Mr. Lee stated maybe check funeral home records. Mayor Stephens stated maybe ask Howard Crawshaw, wealth of knowledge.

Public comment: Pastor Frye stated also have military buried there and the Catholic Church? Alderman Hughes stated Catholic Church takes care of their own, it’s their own separate cemetery.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman McComb stated had to order pump rebuild for sewer plant, $9814.23. Told Pat to go ahead and order, don’t want to be without.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Chief Ellermeyer stated looking at options, getting ready to put out for bid. Mr. Sheffer stated meeting with Public Health regarding waste disposal.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Mayor Stephens stated emphasize for people to lock their vehicles, be vigilant. Received a message from a resident, thrilled we took care of rogue chickens next door.

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

Consideration of Appointment of Tony Bittle to the Historic Preservation Commission: Asked him to be here, table until next meeting.

Crucial Aviation have lights into the building today.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Congrats to High School sports teams and individuals. Should we move out to hospital for trick or treating?

Gary McComb Thank Mike and John for showing up and helping hand out candy. See if Masonic Lodge wants to be up front at the fountain with the city next year.

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Ed Heller Richard’s surgery went well.

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans NothingHarold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Remember family of Jack Pieron who passed away.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Darrin Mills Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Nov-12.docx