Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met May 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 27th day of May, 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, Len Novara, Don Gladden

Absent:

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 13, 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 Accounts Payable Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 45 & 46, through May 27, 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 Balance Sheet, Income Statement 2023 versus 2024, Schedule of CD’s, List of Cash & Cash Equivalents, 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.

Alderman Austin stated Straight Up Solar has requested a meeting with the Mayor.

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: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens stated talked to Chairman Calandro, still updating facility. Said he is in favor of a lump sum payment from the city.

Consideration of No Parking on one side of 2300 Block of McCord Street: Alderman Erbes stated probably most prevalent in the evening. Alderman Hughes asked if public still prefer the south side to park on? Yes. Alderman Gladden stated on south side there is usable alley, on north side there is a dead end alley. Alderman Erbes asked the number that have back parking? Scott Johnson stated every north side house has rear parking. 2330 McCord is the main problem, has parking in the rear, no front driveway. Problem started with Airbnb rental. Would prefer no parking on north side. Chief Ellermeyer stated alley on south side properties have no parking in the rear. Mayor Stephens stated talking to Fire Chief earlier, cars would be trapped. Chief McBride stated supply line from hydrant will track to the south, cars parked there would not be able to be moved until we’re done. Mayor Stephens stated I think we should have parking on the south side. Robbie Kupferer stated there are other street like ours and no parking is on the north side.

Motion: To adopt No Parking on the North side of McCord Street between 23rd and 24th Streets.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor except Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson and Alderman Gladden.

Motion Carried

New business:

Consideration of 15 mph Speed Limit in Louis Wides Subdivision: Alderman Pittman stated drove around it at 15 mph, slow going. Alderman Hughes asked put up Children At Play signs? Can do that. Chief Ellermeyer stated need signs put up, period. Mr. Mills stated will need direction as to whose yard to put sign in. Chief Ellermeyer stated put in area just as you turn into Louis Wides Drive. Alderman Novara stated would not mind reaching out about Children At Play signs.

Motion: To adopt a 20 MPH speed limit in Louis Wides Subdivision and put up Children At Play signs.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Alderman Hughes stated drive down Historic Preservation area, amazed at how much has been done. Mr. Bittle has removed a huge tree from a house and purchased another house, thank you. Tony Bittle stated Essex house has been purchased by someone native to Murphysboro. Alderman Hughes stated the sidewalk Oak to Stecher Street is new on the west side, looks great.

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

Update on City Hall: Spent time meeting with department heads. Last week received new contractor’s estimate of single story building, $13.2 million, believe is doable without tax increase. Will meet with the Building committee and bring in the architect to talk through the next steps, maybe a special council meeting.

Alderman Erbes asked when the Food Sales tax going off? January 1, 2026. Think needs to go back on.

Mayor Stephens stated have some major problem areas, possibly add ½ cent on to repair those, have to adopt grocery tax by October.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Nothing

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Clean Up Days are June 6 & 7.

Len Novara Shout out to Red Devils track teams. Harper Ellermeyer set record, boys team to state this weekend.

Don Gladden Good to have Len here.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jaime Ellermeyer 6 months body cameras have been implemented, working out well.

Brian Manwaring Absent

Harold Sheffer Ameren cleanup site, sign says June 2.

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Pat Gladson Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Motion: To go into executive session at 6:53 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) Meetings where the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is being considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:13 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular session.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-May-27.docx