Murphysboro City Mayor Will Stephens | City of Murphysboro Website
Murphysboro City Mayor Will Stephens | City of Murphysboro Website
City of Murphysboro City Council met June 24.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 24th day of June, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:02 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, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Len Novara, Don Gladden
Absent: Rick Runge
The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Corrections are to remove “except” on page 2 motions and for Billboard contract motion to add “all in favor except Alderman Pittman”.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 10, 2025, council meeting, with corrections. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman Pittman | Second by Alderman Gladden |
Motion Carried
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Change Order and Pay Estimate #3 for Williams Street and Big Muddy Crossing Water Main Replacement Project:
Motion: To approve Change Order and Pay Estimate #3 for Williams Street and Big Muddy Crossing Water Main Replacement Project.
| Motion by Alderman Gladden | Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman |
Motion Carried
Consideration of Accounts Payable Registers, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers:
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 82, through June 24, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the register for their review, prior to the meeting.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Gladden |
Motion Carried
Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Budget Officer Evans discussed State Income Tax Receipts and payroll.
Consideration of Financing Quotes for Solar Installation Project: Mr. Evans stated each has unique structuring, they were blind bids, all had the same information, recommends going with First Southern Bank.
Motion: To approve financing for the Solar Project through First Southern Bank.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Hughes |
Motion Carried
Public comment: Mayor Stephens stated appreciate A&I being here, are looking at the contracts. Attorney Blake stated he started looking through the contracts last week, working on drafting provisions, would like to forward to the solar group to review. Have some provisions that need to be added.
Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.
Old Business: Nothing at this time.
New Business:
Consideration of Transfer to David and Barbara Arbeiter of one-half acre Donated by Arbeiters for Possible Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens stated talked to Chief Ellermeyer, have not entered into anything with Jackson County yet, would like to wait.
Consideration of Acquisition of Property Located at 1441 North 14th Street: Mayor Stephens stated have not been able to locate environmental records yet. Would like to consider an amendment to the sales agreement – move forward pending an inspection. Attorney Blake stated original offer was for it “as-is”. Revised to allow inspections and if city finds issues can 1. cancel or 2. ask for repair/negotiate price. Alderman Austin asked talk to school district, maybe be partners on the eight acres? Mayor Stephens stated legitimate question but believe need to move forward. Alderman Pittman stated should purchase then see if they want to join us in helping deal with it. Mayor Stephens stated owner sending check for $800 if we mow it, checked with Mr. Mills, stated that would cover it. Want to thank the council for being willing to purchase this property.
Motion: To approve Sales Agreement for Purchasing 1441 North 14th Street with suggested revisions.
| Motion by Alderman Curry-Witzman | Second by Alderman Gladden |
Motion Carried
Consideration of Declaring Vacant Properties as Surplus: Mr. Eisert stated these are the first round we want to put out for bid. Alderman Gladden stated neighbor on Hortense worried about trailer going in, told him not to worry, neighbors on west side going to purchase. Alderman Austin read the addresses into the record: 2041 Lindell Avenue, 231 South 9th Street, 205 South 3rd Street, 3 Lots between 8th & 9th Streets, 200 Wells Street, 603 Bridge Street, 2111 Alexander Avenue, 2334 Roblee Avenue and 2128 Hortense Street.
Motion: To approve Declaring the Vacant Properties read into the record as Surplus.
| Motion by Alderman McComb | Second by Alderman Pittman |
Motion Carried
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:
Consideration of Beautification Project at 5th & Walnut Street: Mayor stated have Dawn McClerren, Brooke Guthman and Paula Maloney here concerning the retaining wall. Ms. Maloney stated they are part of revitalize 62966 group. IDOT has ownership rights, did not approve a mural, says too distracting, no place to take pictures. Revitalize would like to try again. Recommend City of Murphysboro take ownership of wall. Idea would be limestone veneer with cap, initial bid $130,000. Lettering, signage, would be additional cost. Have found a grant through TMobile for $50,000 to finish it. Alderman Pittman asked if we buy it, why couldn’t we do a mural? Ms. Maloney stated ownership rights? Good question. Have had it inspected, bows backwards. Mayor Stephens stated have agreement from some years ago. Ms. Maloney stated request from IDOT that city take ownership. Alderman Gladden asked inspected? Unofficial, would need shoring.
Motion: To approve moving ahead with taking ownership of the retaining wall at Walnut and 5th Street.
| Motion by Alderman Austin | Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman |
Motion Carried
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: Alderman Erbes stated title work showed Township ROW, township is ok with abandoning it, presenting plans to the Health Department.
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
Special City Council Meeting: Thursday, June 26th, at 3:00 p.m.
There were a lot of people in town for the Big Muddy Monster Festival, went well.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Barb Hughes KFC? Health Dept said current ownership will never be issued license to operate there.
Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing
Rick Runge Absent
Mike Austin Congratulate Len on first grandchild coming this week.
Angela Jackson Nothing
W. J. Pittman Nothing
John Erbes Huck’s? Front facial rock and some remodeling. Mass transit interested in cleanup site? No, compaction isn’t what they need it to be.
Gary McComb Nothing
Len Novara Nothing
Don Gladden Nothing
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Richard Blake Nothing
Sandra Ripley Group council picture scheduled for July 22.
Scott Evans Nothing
Steve McBride Nothing
Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing
Brian Manwaring Absent
Harold Sheffer Nothing
Katharine Volle Absent
Tim Lee Absent
Charlie Eisert Summer help is doing phenomenal job.
Pat Gladson Nothing
Darrin Mills Absent
Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.
https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-June-24-1.docx
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