Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Dec. 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 December, 2024. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:01 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

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 26, 2024, council meeting with recommended change. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb 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: Alderman McComb asked about Media Marketing on page 8? Tourism funds. Alderman Hughes asked about Arthur Agency on page 2, just received a bill for nine months. Can we ask for quarterly billing? Or an annual bill? Mayor Stephens stated he knows them, will ask.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 949, through December6, 2024, accounts receivable through November 30, 2024, and payroll through November, 2024. 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: Mr. Evans presented the Sales/HR Tax Receipts, State Income Tax Receipts, Healthcare, Operating Expenses vs. Budget and Payroll.

Consideration of Tax Levy for 2024: Ms. Ripley stated the city portion is 0% increase, library has a 2.17% increase.

Motion: To approve the Tax Levy for 2024 as presented.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Payment of Invoice from PRG for damage to Mediacom Cable minus the Cost for UG-Directional Bore: Alderman Pittman stated Mediacom service damaged while we were digging. Attorney Heller stated wrote a letter, presenting for approval, not paying the other part, only damages, approximately half of the bill.

Motion: To approve paying $2546.09 ($2165.00 + $381.09) for damages and not paying $2657.00.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Runge

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: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

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.

Public comment: Jim Frye asked about the old furniture store, going to be a parking lot? Mayor Stephens stated for the time being the north side is going to be a parking lot and the south side has been seeded, eventually plan to build.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Resolution for the Rt. 13 water main project: Mr. Sheffer stated utility main replacement permit.

Motion: To approve the Resolution for the Rt. 13 Water Main Project.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Alderman Erbes asked if anyone is doing fiber boring? Mr. Lee stated just drops for residences.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Chief Ellermeyer stated he, Ms. Ripley, the Mayor and Mr. Sheffer met, went over the plans. Mayor Stephens stated working on Health Department requirements, lots of details.

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 moving the last City Council meeting in December: Move to December 19th at 6:00 p.m., public hearing at 5:30 p.m.

Motion: To approve moving the last City Council meeting in December to December 19.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

Adopting a zero percent increase in the levy, acting responsibly. Thankful for that.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Hometown Christmas lighting was fabulous, great organizational skills. Appreciated the assistance of all the city employees.

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Charlie & Gary, knocks on doors, talks to them, does good job.

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Thanks to Mr. Sheffer for the updates.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Ed Heller Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Darrin Mills Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Leandra Bryant: Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2024-Dec-10.docx