City of Murphysboro City Council met March 25

Murphysboro City Mayor Will Stephens | City of Murphysboro Website

By Philip Gonzales

Apr 22, 2025

City of Murphysboro City Council met March 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 25th day of March, 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

Presentation of Restoration Hero to SJ Properties: will reschedule.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the March 11, 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 Gladden

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 Pay Estimate #1 for the Williams Street and Big Muddy Crossing Water Main Replacement Projects: Mr. Sheffer stated cost to date is $75,504.23.

Motion: To approve Pay Estimate #1 for the Williams Street and Big Muddy Crossing Water Main Replacement Projects.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Accounts Payable Registers: Alderman McComb asked about List 21 page 3 Dentsmart, where are they located? DuQuoin. Also asked why we are taking business outside our city, like to keep it local. Mayor Stephens stated will check with Chief Ellermeyer. Alderman McComb asked about List 21 page 7, payment to Jackson County Treasurer, we have to pay taxes and pay to tear it down. Page 9, mechanic on site, is he doing anything? Page 11 Boudet tire damage? Mayor Stephens stated received a complaint regarding tire damage. Alderman Hughes asked about List 21 page 2 spit hood? Is put on suspects to keep from spitting on officers. Page 4 desk chair, it is for Code Office, would like it changed to Safety grant, is appropriate.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 20 & 21, through March 25, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the register for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Strack

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

Motion Carried

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Budget Officer Evans discussed State Income Tax Receipts.

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.

Alderman Curry-Witzman 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.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of No Parking on the West/South Side and Cul-de-sac of Sandra Court: Mr. Mills stated brought to him by Officer Spiet. Alderman Hughes stated her brother lives on street, biggest problem they have is people parking on the wrong side and blocking hydrants. Cul-de-sac seems to be the problem not the street. Mayor Stephens asked Sgt. Smelter to speak to Officer Spiet. Alderman McComb stated table it and have whoever wanted it to come to the meeting.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Alderman Erbes spoke to C.J. Calandro, they are putting money into fixing it up, are having an employee issue. Alderman Hughes asked if Dr. Landers is still okay with us continuing to bring dogs there? Mayor Stephens stated she is okay with it, spoke to Chief Ellermeyer and Animal Control Officer Tincher.

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: Last Wednesday traveled to Springfield and met with legislators, all agreed to give letters of support regarding the Southwest Connector. Has upcoming meeting at Randolph County, will have IDOT meeting. Also met with Speaker Welch regarding getting 15 million released. IDOT District 9 has 40 million of their own money to spend on it but Springfield office is opposed.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Keeping Gary and family in her prayers for the loss of his brother. Great St. Patrick’s Day parade. Asked Brian about bid on Generator? Brian stated they have opened the bids, one was for $5000 more than they originally paid for it.

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

Scott Strack Nothing

Don Gladden Express appreciation for Mayor Stephens sticking with the Southwest Connector.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake North 13th street property, mortgage was paid in full. 2128 Hortense Street, sale in error, paid back taxes. 345 North 14th Street, sons agreed to convey to the city.

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Sgt. Smelter Nothing

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Ted Beggs Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Absent

Charlie Eisert Absent

Pat Gladson Absent

Darrin Mills Williams Street intersection, looking at Monday and Tuesday, will be shut down for 2-3 days.

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m.