Murphysboro City Mayor Will Stephens | City of Murphysboro Website
Murphysboro City Mayor Will Stephens | City of Murphysboro Website
City of Murphysboro City Council met Jan. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 28th day of January, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 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, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden
Absent: None
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Gladden found a typo on page 4, slop which should be slope.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 14, 2025, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Gladden | Second by Alderman Hughes |
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 984, through January 28, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Strack | Second by Alderman Gladden |
Motion Carried
Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Mr. Evans presented the State Income Tax Receipts, 2024 Operating versus Budget Expenses and Healthcare.
Consideration of TIF Rebate to Murphysboro Holdings LLC: Alderman Pittman stated is the Route 13/127 TIF District, for $210,837.13. Mayor Stephens stated based upon agreement and positive revenue flow.
Motion: To approve the TIF Rebate to Murphysboro Holdings LLC in the amount of $210,837.13.
| Motion by Alderman Runge | Second by Alderman Gladden |
Motion Carried
Consideration of Business District Rebate to Murphysboro Holdings LLC: Alderman Pittman stated for $41,657.67.
Motion: To approve the Business District Rebate to Murphysboro Holdings LLC in the amount of $41,657.67.
| Motion by Alderman Gladden | Second by Alderman Strack |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business:
Presentation by Brent Ritzel of Straight Up Solar: Mr. Ritzel stated appreciated assistance from staff. Has nine solar proposals, which would cover 80% of kWh costs over next three decades. Up front cost is 1.825 million, net cost after incentives and flow back is $280,000. Will save approximately 2.7 million net over the next 25 years. At 15-25 years will need to change out inverters. Sewer plant rebates, etc. – over seven years, other eight locations over eighteen months. Mayor Stephens asked if the incentives are reliable? Yes, we manage those for you and keep a close eye on them. Alderman Hughes asked what if we pick less than all of them? Yes, you can do that. Mayor Stephens asked Mr. Evans how do we pay for it? Mr. Evans stated would get financing. Mayor Stephens asked annual cost? 1.8 million over ten years at 6% interest would be $20,000 per month. Mr. Ritzel stated other communities they have worked with – Carbondale, Pinckneyville, DuQuoin, Marissa. Mayor Stephens asked Ms. Ripley about the insurance? Approximate $5000 per year for all nine projects. Do they get damaged by weather? More by limbs. Alderman Pittman asked how hard is it to maintain them? Mr. Ritzel stated easy to work around, recommend clover for a bee habitat, also. Alderman Austin stated would like to put on the next agenda to see which we want to do.
Motion: To approve placing the Question of Solar Installations on the next agenda.
| Motion by Alderman Gladden | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
Alderman Austin stated regarding the Housing Rehabilitation Program, state has received the paperwork, spoke to Tammy. Probably going to be May or June before hear from state. Then will take approximately three months to get everything lined up. Mayor Stephens asked if updates can be delivered to him via email? Yes, will call and ask her to do that.
Brandon Bullar stated has full confidence in Brent, they partner with them. Pitched Community Solar, would work up solar savings on other Ameren accounts. Alderman Pittman stated looking at building new building, how long? Mr. Bullar stated Community Solar does subscriptions, depending on rate, DS1 no commitment, DS2 is three years and DS3 is a twenty year term. Mr. Evans asked if can subscribe for what is not covered by solar? Yes.
New Business: Nothing at this time.
Public comment: Brigitta Mac-Rizzo with Public Housing asked if another municipality be able to tap into your solar? Brent – no, Brandon – yes. High School student asked how will this affect trade workers? Employing a lot of local contractors.
Alderman Curry-Witzman opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Street Closure Request: START Block Party – Saturday, May 3rd, 2025:
Motion: To approve the START Block Party Street Closure Request for May 3rd, 2025.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Runge |
Motion Carried
Alderman Hughes stated the Historical Preservation Area in the Logan Neighborhood is forming a community type group to take care of some issues in that area. Lot of new owners that have bought homes to rehab. Will include their minutes in our next packet.
No public comment
Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Agreement with Owner of 423 North 12th Street and 429 North 11th Street for Demolition by the City of Buildings Located Thereon in Exchange for Transfer to the City of 423 North 12th Street: Mr. Eisert stated Harry Raines owns both, we demo both and he will keep the 11th street property and the city will get the one on 12th Street, city will own down to his business. Alderman McComb asked the cost? Mr. Eisert stated both are in the $4000-5000 range, Harry has taken care of the taxes owed. Attorney Blake stated Harry has a clear title and has paid the taxes. Mr. Eisert stated it is in this year’s budget, top of the list.
Motion: To approve the Agreement with Owner of 423 North 12th Street and 429 North 11th street for Demolition by the City of buildings Located Thereon in Exchange for Transfer to the City of 423 North 12th Street.
| Motion by Alderman Strack | Second by Alderman Austin |
Motion Carried
No public comment.
Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.
Old business: Nothing at this time.
New business:
Consideration of Motor Fuel Resolution for Wolf Hill Road/Lake Forest Drive Project: Mr. Sheffer stated also includes Fiddler Ridge Road.
Motion: To approve the Motor Fuel Resolution for Wolf Hill Road/Lake Forest Drive Project.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Austin |
Motion Carried
Consideration of Bids for the Enterprise Avenue Reconstruction Project: Mr. Sheffer stated $444,614.00, one bid from Samron. Alderman Austin asked the timeline? Two to three months to start then take five to six months.
Motion: To approve the Bid from Samron in the amount of $444,614.00.
| Motion by Alderman Gladden | Second by Alderman Erbes |
Motion Carried
No public comment
Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.
Old business:
Update on Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens stated Samron estimate to be the general contractor and the building to be turnkey, cost estimate of $716,819. Spoke to C.J. Calandro, the county purchased the former Humane Shelter property and is updating that facility. Reserving five kennels for us. Suggested we pay what we had been paying the Humane Shelter. Alderman Erbes asked if five spaces will fit our needs? Mayor Stephens stated maybe build another five kennels onto that structure for less than cost of our own facility. Alderman Gladden stated is interested in how much all regulations that have to be met have added to the cost. Alderman Pittman stated can negotiate with county for a future addition.
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
Alderman Hughes thanked Mayor Stephens for handling Personnel while she was gone and for the raises to non-union employees.
No public comment.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Frontier Issues: Think we have that situation corralled again. Thank Charlie, Tim, the police department and the city attorney for assistance with it. Alderman Erbes stated yesterday someone knocked on the door to see if anyone interested in their service to see if should continue boring. Mr. Eisert stated work included poles, Ameren not doing joint use, still looking into.
Grand Opening – Sweet Lou’s Bakery – Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes Nothing
Jance Curry-Witzman Apologized to Darrin for missing him on the form.
Rick Runge Nothing
Mike Austin Thanked Darrin & Tim, quick to respond.
Angela Jackson Nothing
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Nothing
Gary McComb Nothing
Scott Strack Thanked Darrin & crew for clearing up the limbs.
Don Gladden Recognize the students that are here, appreciate you coming and thank Chief McBride for the report.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Scott Evans Nothing
Steve McBride Annual Report. Problems with the boiler, repaired.
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Brian Manwaring Absent
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Katharine Volle Nothing
Tim Lee Nothing
Charlie Eisert Thanked Richard & Ed for their support & guidance.
Pat Gladson Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-Jan-28.docx
Alerts Sign-up