Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met June 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 10th day of June, 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. 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, Len Novara, Don Gladden

Absent: John Erbes

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the May 27, 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, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 52, through June 10, 2025, accounts receivable through May 31, 2025, and payroll through May 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

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Budget Officer Evans discussed Sales/Home Rule Tax Receipts and Healthcare.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Solar Credit Purchase and Sale Agreements: Attorney Blake stated two agreements for 7% total. 3% savings would start 1st quarter 2026 with Sunswept and 4% savings would start 3rd/4th quarter with Ember Sun. Available sooner than one agreement for 7%. Alderman Austin stated if council have any questions, can forward to Brandon. Alderman Runge asked Mr. Evans if he is comfortable with these? Yes. Attorney Blake stated WWTP will be for twenty years and the others three year renewable. Mayor Stephens stated we are buying from a solar field, supplemental.

Motion: To approve the Credit Purchase and Sale Agreement with Sunswept Solar LLC.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the Credit Purchase and Sale Agreement with Ember Sun LLC.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman McComb

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Community Solar Subscription Agreements:

Motion: To approve the Community Solar Subscription Agreements.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Public comment: Dee Tanner stated contracts have been sent, just awaiting approval. Attorney Blake stated has the contracts, think there will be some re-drafting. Alderman Austin thanked everyone for the patience and support and Dee Tanner for coming to the meeting. Mayor Stephens stated he appreciates all Alderman Austin’s work on this.

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

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Billboard Advertising: Alderman Austin stated Dawn McClerren called to see if any interest in advertising on two billboards owned by Chamber of Commerce. $200 per month, one in Murphysboro and one west of Marion. Mayor Stephens stated lot of community events we could high-light there. Alderman Gladden asked who is going to take on the work load? Would require constant attention. Ms. Ripley asked how often do they change? As often as we want it to. Alderman Curry-Witzman asked can it be sent from the city web page? Mayor Stephens stated there are certain requirements, format, etc. In some ways this falls under Tourism. Alderman Hughes asked could we split it with Tourism?

Motion: To approve a twelve month contract with the Chamber of Commerce for the Digital Billboard for $2400.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Gladden stated the No Parking signs are up on McCord Street, thank you. Understand they are not being adhered to. Officer Minemann stated have been checking at night, will keep an eye on.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Bid for Oil & Chip Program: Mr. Sheffer stated only bidder was Illini Asphalt Corporation in the amount of $76,725.00.

Motion: To approve the bid from Illini Asphalt Corporation for the amount of $76,725.00.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Alderman Hughes asked how Clean Up Days went? Alderman McComb stated went really good.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens spoke to Brian Chapman, legal description did not show they owned the area of the lagoon, approving a new legal description at their next meeting. Also will have new software and will be posting jobs soon.

New business:

Consideration Declaring 2014 Dodge Charger as Surplus:

Motion: To approve Declaring the 2014 Dodge Charger as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens stated the Arbeiter family gifted some land to the city, now not using it, feel should return it.

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

Special City Council Meeting: Thursday, June 26th, at 3:00 p.m. Architect will be presenting plans for the new city hall. Mr. Evans will have some numbers.

Motion: To approve Re-Appointment of Judy Bost to the Historic Preservation Committee.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve Re-Appointment of Scott Johnson to the Historic Preservation Committee.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Methodist Church had their 200th anniversary, wonderful celebration, thank you Mayor for presenting the Proclamation.

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Ditto what Alderman Hughes said, thank you.

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Absent

Gary McComb Employees do a good job keeping the city running, appreciate them.

Len Novara High School boys State track, sent nine, three advanced to finals.

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Met with Terri Bryant & David Friess, toured the building, pledged

to help us with funding for new building. Chicken Dinner fundraiser – Veterans and first responders

Nick Minemann Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Harold Sheffer Started on Walnut Street repaving project.

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Have begun installing the cellular meters.

Charlie Eisert Demo’d – 11th Street, 12th Street & Hortense Street. Locust Street, talked to Mitch – running into issues with finding a contractor

Pat Gladson Nothing

Darrin Mills Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 6:57 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 Jackson Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Erbes

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:09 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Runge

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Erbes

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular session.

Motion by Alderman Jackson Second by Alderman Novara

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-June-10.docx