Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met March 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 11th day of March, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:03 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 (arrived at 6:09), Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Don Gladden

Absent: W.J. Pittman, Scott Strack

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 25, 2025, council meeting. 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

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Budget Officer Evans discussed Sales/HR Tax Receipts, Operating Expenses and Revenues, Payroll and Fire and Police Pension Fund Budgets. Mayor Stephens asked if required to fund a certain percentage? Mr. Evans stated actuaries figure a dollar amount. Alderman Hughes asked what percentage are we funded? Mr. Evans stated right around 70% funded.

Consideration of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 19, through March 11, 2025, accounts receivable through February 28, 2025, and payroll through February, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the register for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb 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:

Consideration of Community Solar Proposal: Brandon Bullar & Bruce Wallace present. Here to discuss Solar Subscription. Would be a three-year subscription to the solar farm, approximate savings of $8000/year. Mayor Stephens stated contractual agreement has been forwarded to Attorney Blake to review. Attorney Blake stated wait until it is filled out before presenting to the council. Mr. Evans asked if we can include a clause we still will buy what we need for the sewer plant? Mr. Bullar stated the sewer plant is a rate DS3, would be a twenty-year commitment for it.

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 for Murphysboro Event Center – Spring Spectacular Craft & Market Fair, Saturday, April 5, 2025: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated it is all in order.

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for Murphysboro Event Center, Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Street Closure Request for Brews Brothers Tap Room, Block Party Music Series, May to September: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated it is all in order.

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request for Brews Brothers Tap Room, Block Party Music Series, May to September.

Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Discussion regarding the 200th Celebration of General John A. Logan’s Birthday: Betsy Brown and Laura Varner present. Ms. Brown stated envisioning something spectacular, John A Logan’s bicentennial birthday is next year, included a list of suggested activities, need volunteers to help with planning, need someone from the city to help. Our brick streets add to the historical connection, need to be fixed with bricks, have people from the neighborhood who would like to see that also. Will be a jewel in Murphysboro’s crown. Mayor Stephens asked which committee? Ms. Brown stated the Events Committee, meets once a month, on Thursday, next meeting is March 20th at noon. Also wanted to say that we have an event each month this year. Mayor Stephens stated did repair of bricks on South 17th Street, similar cost. Mr. Beggs stated will look up who did it. Alderman Hughes asked have you looked into grants for brick street refurbishment? Ms. Brown stated looking for someone part-time to research grants.

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: Nothing at this time.

Mayor Stephens stated very happy to see Gary McComb here.

Alderman McComb stated the guy who does the dumpsters will do for the same price. Also wanted to know how many will be walking in the parade on the 22nd.

Alderman Hughes asked when the city wide clean-up is? June 6th & 7th.

Public comment: Mr. Mills stated one of the trucks engines went bad, approximately $10,000 for motor and labor, do have a line item, wanted to get the council’s ok to do that.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Alderman Erbes stated waiting on the county. Mayor Stephens stated spoke to Joanie, sent contract to Attorney Blake for review, County did purchase former Humane Society property.

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

Southwest Connector Update: Will be going to Springfield March 19, have meetings with legislators to update them. April 29 have meeting at Randolph County courthouse, IDOT and engineers will update. Alderman Erbes asked if anything is happening with Redbud? Mayor Stephens stated engineering will present different proposals, their mayor supports the concept.

I am thankful for the Jackson County Historical Society, applaud them for their hard work on the 100th anniversary of the Tri State Tornado.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Glad you are ok, Gary. Thanks Sandra for the appreciation gift.

Jance Curry-Witzman Second what Barb said.

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Absent

John Erbes Appreciate information from Historical Society.

Gary McComb Glad to be here.

Scott Strack Absent

Don Gladden Went by Curwood building, major electrical work going on.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake The 2 lots on N 13th St, received title commitment, 1 has a mortgage from 2001, will contact bank to see if release signed or still have debt.

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Good to see Gary.

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Ted Beggs Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Darrin Mills Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-Mar-11.docx