Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Nov. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 26th day of November, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 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, John Erbes, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Gary McComb

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Gladden requested change on page 4 from stuff to pump rebuild.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 12, 2024, council meeting with recommended change. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, 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

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Ordinance Amending the Assessment Fee for Water Service and the Base Minimum Residential Water Rate:

Motion: To approve the Ordinance Amending the Assessment Fee for Water Service and the Base Minimum Residential Water Rate as presented.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

New Business:

Consideration of Accounts Payable:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 945 & 946, through November 26, 2024. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable 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

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Alderman Pittman presented the Schedule of State Income Tax Receipts.

Consideration of Budget Meeting: Wednesday, December 4th at 4:30 p.m.

Consideration of Resolution for DRA Trunkline Grant:

Motion: To approve the Resolution for the DRA Trunkline Grant.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Line of Credit at First Bank & Trust Company: Alderman Pittman stated $500,000 line of credit.

Motion: To approve the Line of Credit at First Bank & Trust Company.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Gladden

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor, Alderman Pittman abstained.

Motion Carried

Consideration of Technology Fee for Cellular Read Water Meters: Tim Lee stated technology is rapidly changing, met with meter company, these are cellular read, will phase out need for meter reader and phase onto crew. Customer gets to be more pro-active with their account, there is an app, can set parameters, cost to customer would be 0.92 cents per month, approximate cost of $12.00 per year. Will take some time to change out all the meters. Will cut down on trips to check meters, can get reading on the computer. Alderman Pittman asked time frame to change all? Eight to ten years. Alderman Hughes asked cost to change one over? Mr. Lee stated complete change is $300, majority of meters only have to do partial change. Can apply for grants. Mr. Sheffer stated EPA loan programs, have loan forgiveness. Alderman Hughes asked will they be obsolete by the time you are done? Mr. Lee stated don’t think it will. Can get readings four times a day. Ms. Volle stated will be a really great thing to help catch leaks more quickly. Mr. Evans stated also try to focus outward and work our way in, will cut down on drive time, gas, etc. Really intrigued by the possibility of an EPA loan. Ms. Ripley stated Tim’s budgeted this year for the software and next year for meters. Mayor Stephens stated like having meter reader laying eyes on meters and infrastructure, but slowly coming around to it. Ms. Ripley asked if damaged, know about it faster? Yes. Alderman Pittman asked if battery operated? Twenty-year warranty. Ms. Ripley asked have 0.92 cents fee or just say that charge?

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Solar Project: Alderman Austin stated revisit solar project in 2025. Mr. Evans stated do not have a proposal yet.

Continued Discussion on Forming a Cemetery Committee: Mayor Stephens stated have assembled/agreed to serve – Howard Crawshaw, Laura Cates Duncan, Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Darrin Mills, Katharine Volle and the Mayor. Alderman Hughes asked can they go over this article and update and bring recommendations to the council? Yes. Think this will be nice for the families. Mr. Evans stated paragraph 9.2.4 and 9.2.17, we have done away with those lines.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Curry-Witzman 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.

Public comment: Alderman Erbes stated serves on S.T.A.R.T. board, getting an awning through the city program, on Koonce Building on 13th Street.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Oil & Chip Program for 2025: Mr. Sheffer stated Southeast quadrant this year. Mr. Mills stated adding Sewer Plant Road.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Mr. Sheffer stated soil testing for sanitary system, soil is poorly drained. Alderman Pittman asked money in the budget? Yes. Mayor Stephens asked for a copy of the soil report. Mr. Sheffer stated might be a lagoon, concentrated waste, looking at options.

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 REPORT

Consideration of Appointment of Tony Bittle to the Historic Preservation Commission: Mayor Stephens stated Tony Bittle is present, working on renovation on cottage near Logan property. Mr. Bittle apologized for missing the last meeting. Currently on the Carbondale Preservation and other committees, is an archivist at SIU, purchased the Limbert Cottage and is renovating it, interested in serving. Mayor Stephens stated background fits, appreciate renovating Limbert Cottage.

Motion: To approve the Appointment of Tony Bittle to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Thanked Mr. Bittle for joining the Historic Preservation Commission.

Jance Curry-Witzman Happy Thanksgiving

Rick Runge Thanked the city workers, so willing to help with events in town.

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Meeting for December? Ms. Ripley stated want to wait until the budget meeting.

Gary McComb Absent

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Ed Heller Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Received all contract easement on Enterprise – takings bids,

Williams Street relocation – plans have been sent in.

Steve McBride Absent

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Sent email, shout out to new Code Enforcement officer, woman with no heat or electric, got her some warmth for Thanksgiving.

Mayor Stephens stated has been doing a great job.

Tim Lee Have begun water main replacement on Wells Street.

Brian Manwaring Working with National Weather Service, 100th anniversary of Tri-State tornado, commemoration on March 15 at the high school.

Darrin Mills Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Nov-26.docx