Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 14th day of January, 2025. 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: Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Barb Hughes

Mayor Stephens stated he had spoken to Alderman Hughes, pray for a good healing.

Promotion of Steven Zang to Sergeant: Chief Ellermeyer stated he started his career in 1985-2014, was part-time with the city of Murphysboro from 2003-2014 and became full-time in 2014. Mayor Stephens administered the oath of office and Chief Ellermeyer presented him with his Sergeant’s badge.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 19, 2024, Public Hearing. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 19, 2024, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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 Erbes asked about List# 976 page 11 the pole replacement? It was hit by a vehicle and insurance should reimburse.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 958, 960 & 976, through January 14, 2025, accounts receivable through December 31, 2024, and payroll through December, 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: Mr. Evans presented the Sales/Home Rule Tax Receipts.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Update on Potential Solar Projects: Alderman Austin thanked Ms. Ripley and Mr. Evans for the handout. Mr. Evans stated they met with Straight Up Solar, Brent Ritzel. $1,825,390 up front cost to do it all. $279,680 up front cost after rebates. Alderman Runge stated sewer plant kWh cost offset percentage for the sewer plant seems high? Limited by the amount of space/number of panels can install. Mayor Stephens suggested Mr. Ritzel come to the next meeting. Alderman Austin stated Ms. Ripley reached out to Brandon Bullar, he is still interested in providing electricity. Mayor Stephens stated thankful for all the work put into this. Mr. Evans asked the cost to insure this? Ms. Ripley stated asked Marla, will check what she says. Alderman Gladden stated would like to go with this purchase of electricity concurrently with the solar. Mayor Stephens stated could do the shooting range as a trial.

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:

Consideration of Membership with the National League of Cities: Mayor Stephens stated when he sent emails out regarding the new building, received a mailer from them. Would have access to an information sharing service and others things, for $1314 a year. This year really want us to take a step forward regarding the building.

Motion: To approve the Membership with the National League of Cities.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Donation to 724 Ministries: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated we have $3000 in our budget. Mayor Stephens stated he asked for this to be in the budget, have eaten there, treat people like they have value, is already budgeted.

Motion: To approve proceeding with the donation of $3000 to 724 Ministries.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

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:

Consideration of Ordinance Authorizing the Installation of Cellular Read Water Meters and Charging a Service Fee Therefore: Mr. Lee stated doing in-house and seeking a grant. Fee is $1 per month for interactive.

Motion: To approve the Ordinance Authorizing the Installation of Cellular Read Water Meters and Charging a Service Fee.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Motor Fuel Resolution for 2025 General Maintenance: Mr. Sheffer stated we do this annually, $400,000.

Motion: To approve the Motor Fuel Resolution for 2025 General Maintenance.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Bids for Water System Improvements at Williams Street and Big Muddy Crossing: Mr. Sheffer stated A&W had the low bid of $152,247.83. Williams Street is IDOT funded.

Motion: To approve the bid received from A&W in the amount of $152,247.83 for Water System Improvements at Williams Street and Big Muddy Crossing.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Engineering Services Agreement for Bridge Inspection: Mr. Sheffer stated Watson Road and road to High School, city required to inspect, have to do slope, approximate cost $4500.

Motion: To approve the Engineering Services Agreement for Bridge Inspections in the amount of $4500.00.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Purchase of Cinder Spreader: Alderman McComb stated have had a lot of problems. Mr. Mills stated have worked on it 7-8 times recently.

Motion: To approve the purchase of a Cinder Spreader.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Mayor Stephens stated lot of limbs down from the storm. Mr. Mills stated will start tomorrow, if they are on the boulevard, will pick up, can also bring down to the yard. Mayor Stephens asked if will open the yard an extra day? Mr. Mills stated let me know what day. Alderman Erbes stated did a really good job on the streets.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Chief Ellermeyer stated met today with Samron. Mayor Stephens stated met with Dave Murray, would be the general contractor, asked Dave for timeline, built by first of June. Making good progress.

New business:

Consideration of Purchase of Camera Recording Hardware and Software: Mr. Manwaring stated current system does not work well, time to replace. NovaCom, approximately $52,000 is budgeted, no annual fee.

Motion: To approve the Purchase of Camera Recording Hardware and Software as budgeted.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of installation of New Fiber for LEADS: Mr. Manwaring stated connection to LEADS - driver’s license checks, wanted, etc. Currently goes through county or courthouse, having issues. If state put router in our building, $12,000-15,000 per year, we pay internet. Or if we upgrade, replace fibers with dedicated, waiting on quote, think closer to $25,000 cost. Chief Ellermeyer stated have difficulty getting others to make repairs and fix issues and Brian does not have access. Mr. Manwaring stated pipes are already in the ground, have to pull wires through. Alderman Erbes asked cost if we build new building? Mr. Manwaring stated back pull to new site. Alderman Gladden stated negotiate with county. Mr. Manwaring stated ok to speak with county and see what funds they have available, to their advantage also.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Salary Increases for Non-Union Employees: Mayor Stephens stated adopted a 4-1/2% increase in the budget.

Motion: To approve the budgeted increase for Non-Union employees.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Increase in Hourly Rate for Auxiliary Officers: Mayor Stephens stated suggested increases to be: $22 Auxiliary Chief, $19.50 Assistant Chief, $18.50 Sergeant, $17.50 Officer and $17.50 Part-time Animal Control Officer.

Motion: To approve the Hourly Rate increases as proposed.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Went to the Depot fundraising Open House, continue to be impressed. Mr. Evans stated have spent approximately $370,000 on the Old Depot Building – roof, floor, piping stubbed in, close to 50% done mark, also actively seeking grant money.

Mark Burton with Crucial Aviation sent a floor plan, making progress.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Absent

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Thank employees for the past week-amazing job.

Mike Austin Housing Rehab Application deadline is January 18, 80 residents have submitted requests.

Angela Jackson Happy New Year.

W. J. Pittman Thanks to all employees, appreciate it.

John Erbes Appreciate all the employees’ hard work.

Gary McComb guys worked all night, no place to eat, get some food for them. Mayor Stephens stated Martel’s donated pizzas.

Scott Strack Thanks to all our employees.

Don Gladden Thank you letter from Hometown Christmas committee.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Received thanks from SI Airport, sand spreader broke, went out with a couple of trucks and spread sand. They are the 3rd busiest general aviation airport.

Jamie Ellermeyer Thank you for keeping the building going.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-Jan-14.docx