City of Murphysboro City Council met Feb. 11

Barbara Hughes - Aldermen, Ward 1 | City of Murphysboro Website

By Philip Gonzales

Mar 10, 2025

City of Murphysboro City Council met Feb. 11.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 11th day of February, 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, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: John Erbes

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Gladden pointed out two typos on page 5.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 28, 2025, council meeting, as amended. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, 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

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 13, through February 11, 2025, accounts receivable through January 31, 2025, and payroll through January, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the registers for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman McComb

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 Tourism Fund, General Fund Operating versus Budget and Healthcare.

Consideration of Submission of Bid for Generator at Murdale Water District: Mr. Manwaring stated internet prices are $7000-40,000 depending on different variables. Would use in emergency situation when needed for heating/cooling situation, could be hauled by any of our trucks. Have some funds in the Emergency Management Fund. Mr. Lee stated could sell the old one and put that amount towards the new one.

Motion: To authorize Mr. Manwaring and Mayor Stephens to put together a bid.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Downtown TIF District Building Improvement Applications: Alderman Pittman stated these are under the new program that was established last year and have been budgeted for.

Small Town Scoop – 1400 Walnut Street:

Motion: To approve the Downtown TIF Rebate to Small Town Scoop in the amount of $8000.00.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Apple City Steakhouse – 1525 Walnut Street: Jim Vestal, owner, was present and stated it is for the brick foundation wall and drywall.

Motion: To approve the Downtown TIF Rebate to Apple City Steakhouse in the amount of $8000.00.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Lofts on Main – 1330 Walnut Street:

Motion: To approve the Downtown TIF Rebate to Lofts on Main in the amount of $8000.00.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Brews Brothers Taproom – 1105 Chestnut Street:

Motion: To approve the Downtown TIF Rebate to Brews Brothers Taproom in the amount of $8000.00.

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:

Consideration of Solar Project: Alderman Austin stated Brent Ritzel is present. Mr. Evans stated looking into potential financing, suggest do those locations with ten years or less pay back, will have to finance the full amount. Alderman Pittman asked able to self-fund until receive the incentives? Mr. Ritzel stated would be looking at fifteen months. Mr. Evans stated could self-fund. Alderman Gladden asked if there is a reason why couldn’t for all extraneous buildings? Mr. Ritzel stated will be one meter, Ameren Illinois doesn’t do that.

Motion: To approve 4 locations for solar installation, including the Sewer Plant, Public Works Building, Shooting Range Building and Building next to Fire Station.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

New Business:

Consideration of Offer to Purchase 404 North 13th Street and Adjacent Lot: Alderman McComb stated one and a half acre plus lot, abuts the north end of our property, agreement to purchase for $10,000. Attorney Blake stated get Jackson County Abstract – basic sales agreement and title work done, for Keith to sign.

Motion: To direct Attorney Blake to proceed with the sales agreement for the purchase of 404 North 13th Street and adjacent lot.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Curry-Witzman opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Street Closure Request: Oak Street Art Fair, April 26, 2025: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated paperwork is complete.

Motion: To approve the Oak Street Art Fair Street Closure Request for April 26th, 2025.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Runge

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:

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 7 of the Revised Code: discussed revisions to Chapter 7.

Motion: To approve the Chapter 7 Revisions as amended and removing #6 from Schedule A.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of the Revisions to Chapter 30 of the Revised Code: Attorney Blake stated State Statute and FAA regulations restrict home rule authority regarding unmanned aircraft systems and regulate the airspace. Mayor Stephens stated only instance is during Hometown Christmas and Apple Festival, have had a drone in the past do aerial views.

Motion: To approve the Chapter 30 Revisions as amended, taking out Article VI with regulations suggested for Article VI.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 39 of the Revised Code: Alderman Gladden talked to Mr. Eisert who feels that $250 is adequate.

Motion: To approve the Chapter 39 Revisions as amended and keep the fee at $250.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Bids for the Wolf Hill Road/Lake Forest Drive Project: Received bid from Samron for $196,465.00.

Motion: To approve the bid from Samron in the amount of $196,465.00.

Motion by Alderman Strack Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens stated spoke to Brian Chapman with the county, have purchased the Jackson County Humane Shelter. Draft version would invoice us on month to month basis, $20 regular dog or cat per day, bite dog would be $30/day. They are cleaning up the entire property, fencing all in, tearing down the house, thinks will be beneficial.

New business:

Consideration of Purchase and Financing of Fire Department Pumper Truck: Chief McBride stated Rosenbauer had the low bid of $1,099,016.00 with a 100% pre-pay discount of $49,347.00 for a total cost of $1,049,669.00.

Motion: To approve the bid of $1,049,669.00 from Rosenbauer for the Fire Department Pumper Truck, pending financing.

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 Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPOR

Jackson County Historical Society – Tri-State Tornado 100th Anniversary Commemoration Event – March 13th – March 18th: 100th anniversary commemoration information.

Logan Neighborhood Meeting Minutes in the packet.

Letter from Southern Illinois Airport thanking for our assistance.

ComEd clean up status? Mr. Sheffer stated sent plans to IDOT and have been approved, waiting on date to begin, replacing sewer, storm sewer and resurfacing.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUEST

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Thanked Harold for the pen and pocket calendar.

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Absen

Gary McComb Nothing

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Commend and thank personnel manager for all her work on codification process.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Thanked the council for keeping us in good equipment.

Jamie Ellermeyer Absent

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Harold Sheffer All bonds are back for Williams Street and Big Muddy crossing.

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:17 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Meetings for the discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Act either for purpose of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as required by the Act.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Runge, Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Pittman, Alderman McComb, Alderman Strack, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Erbes

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:25 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Runge

Yeas: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Runge, Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Pittman, Alderman McComb, Alderman Strack, Alderman Gladden

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Erbes

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular session.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To Release the Executive Meeting Minutes from 9/13/22, 7/2/24, 7/30/24 and 9/24/24.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Pittman

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor, Alderman Runge in favor for all except 9/13/22.

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.