Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met May 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 13th day of May, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 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.

Mayor Stephens swore in City Clerk Gina Hunziker. City Clerk Hunziker swore in Mayor Will Stephens then Aldermen Jance Curry-Witzman, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, Angela Jackson, Gary McComb and Len Novara.

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, Len Novara, Don Gladden

Absent:

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Will add the aldermen who made the motion and second for the Shooting Range roof on page 3.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 22, 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 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 #2 for the Williams Street & Big Muddy Crossing Water Main Replacement Projects: Mr. Sheffer stated project is essentially done except some clean up. Pay Estimate #2 for $74,819.27.

Motion: To approve Pay Estimate #2 for the Williams Street & Big Muddy Crossing Water Main Replacement in the amount of $74,819.27.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Accounts Payable Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 36, 42 & 43, through May 13, 2025, accounts receivable through April 30, 2025, and payroll through April 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the register 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

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Budget Officer Evans discussed the Sales/HR Tax Receipts, Payroll and Healthcare.

Consideration of TIF Application - Ozburn Insurance Agency, 1331 Walnut Street:

Motion: To approve the TIF Application from Ozburn Insurance Agency for $8000 when the work is completed.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of TIF Application – Locust Lounge, 1106 Locust Street:

Motion: To approve the TIF Application from Locust Lounge for $8000 when the work is completed.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of TIF Application – Farm Fresh, 1904 Walnut Street: Date of application February 4, 2025.

Motion: To approve the TIF Application from Farm Fresh for $8000 when the work is completed.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of TIF Application – Premier Property Management and Development, 223 South 13th Street:

Motion: To approve the TIF Application from Premier Property Management and Development for 50% of the TIF portion of the Property Tax bill for fifteen years.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman McComb

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 Installation Proposals: Alderman Austin stated have met several times, feel good about the direction are headed. Mr. Evans stated there are two proposals – Straight Up Solar and A&I Solar. A&I had the superior bid, the direction we want to head, we recommend moving ahead. Believe we can do all seven instead of four original with significant savings. Alderman Pittman stated as rebates come in, have financers adjust. Attorney Blake stated know had solicited proposals but did not solicit bids, can vote to approve moving forward without going through the bid process.

Motion: To waive the formal bid process regarding Solar Installations.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To accept the Solar Proposal from A&I Solar.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens stated will direct Mr. Evans and Ms. Ripley to find financing from three contacts. Want to thank A&I for being here tonight.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

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

Old Business:

Consideration of Request for Street Closure from Small Town Scoop: Mayor Stephens stated reached out regarding request, said ok with shorter time frame, Friday after 6 and Saturday? Alderman McComb stated think should close street Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to evening. Chief McBride stated that is the only avenue to get to North 13th Street through the alley, if that not blocked will be okay. Pastor Frye asked if could use parking lot to north of the building? Alderman McComb stated Township owns that lot, could use parking lot in front of Township building on Walnut Street. Mayor Stephens stated Murphysboro is helping make dreams come true, good people trying.

Motion: To approve closing North 14th Street next to Small Town Scoop on Saturday of the Apple Festival from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

New Business:

Update on Old Logan School Project: Pastor Nathan Borish gave an update on the old Logan School – maintaining it, mowing, have fenced it in and added gates, have had several events there including Christmas Lights, Spring Fest, thanked the Street Department for sweeping the asphalt with the street sweeper, have had consistent problems with broken windows, have boarded up and put metal sheeting on access height and doorways, doing our best to keep it and everyone safe, have added swings, repaired the merry go round. Want a usable park for the entire community and to be able to host events. Mayor Stephens stated took the kids to the Christmas event, had a great time, appreciate the ministry.

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 Repairs to the Street Sweeper: Mr. Mills stated this is an estimate.

Motion: To approve repairs to the Street Sweeper.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Alderman Erbes stated he received a letter from Homefield Energy. Mayor Stephens stated met with them today, Jordan Harmon. Not much difference between Homefield rates and Ameren. Recommend not sign on next year. Alderman Pittman asked have residents opt in instead of opt out? Mayor Stephens stated not sure Homefield could do that. Will have our attorney review our current agreement. Attorney Blake stated the agreement required an ordinance. Opting in and out is a state statute.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens stated he spoke to CJ Calandro, soliciting proposals for tree removal and lagoon work.

New business:

Consideration of No Parking on one side of 2300 Block of McCord Street: Alderman Erbes stated this is a request from Scott Johnson who lives there, currently parking on both sides of 2300 block of McCord Street. Spoke to Chief Ellermeyer and Chief McBride who recommended no parking on the south side of that block. Robby Kupferer, spoke, stated lives on McCord, historically everyone parks on the south side, new residents are parking on the north side, tight angle, would like no parking on the north side, had a request signed by residents of the neighborhood. Alderman Erbes read part of the request, then stated the fire hydrant is on the south side of 23rd Street. Mr. Kupferer stated there is an Airbnb on north side of street, they park their big trucks on the north side, can’t get through the street. Alderman Gladden asked to table to give more thought to the particulars.

Public comment:

Alderman Novara stated he had been contacted by the Louis Wides Subdivision, driving becoming worse, would like slow children at play or speed limit signs. Mr. Mills stated if not specified, speed limit is twenty-five miles per hour. Chief Ellermeyer stated would be happy with fifteen.

Pastor Borish stated had opened First Baptist Church for the tornado warning, had 100 people, are currently discussing how to become a shelter. Mayor Stephens stated appreciated it. Pastor Borish also stated could possible give someone a key if they would be willing to stay at the church.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Hughes stated John Spradling is retiring, interviews tomorrow for his replacement

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Appointment of Scott Strack to Police Pension Board:

Motion: To approve the Appointment of Scott Strack to the Police Pension Board.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Welcome Mr. Novara to council.

Mike Austin Echo the same sentiments as Rick & Sandra have safe travels.

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Glad Len decided to run.

Gary McComb Nothing

Len Novara Thank you for the kind comments, excited to give back to the community.

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Auditors starting over the next few weeks.

Steve McBride Nothing

Jaime Ellermeyer Nothin

Brian Manwaring Nothing

Harold Sheffer Ameren clean up area closed date moved to June 2.

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absen

Pat Gladson Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-May-13.docx