Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met July 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 8th day of July, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:05 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, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, John Erbes, Len Novara, Don Gladden

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, W.J. Pittman, Gary McComb

Mayor Stephens spoke regarding Alderman McComb, stating that we are thinking of him and wish him a speedy recovery.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting and special session meeting. Two typing errors were found.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 24, 2025, council meeting with corrections. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To approve the minutes of the June 26, 2025, special council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Stephens 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: Alderman Hughes asked about William Myers payment on page 15, he broke down vehicle and made some repairs.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 84 & 85, through July 8, 2025, accounts receivable through June 30, 2025, and payroll through June, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the register for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Erbes 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 Annual Per Capita LGDF, Healthcare, General Fund Operating Expenses, Tourism Fund, Payroll and Sales/Home Rule Tax Receipts.

Consideration of Purchase of Trash Receptacles and Lids: Mayor Stephens stated consideration from Main Street. Ms. Ripley stated would be for six trash receptacles with lids and five extra lids, requested $10,000.

Motion: To approve the purchase of Trash Receptacles and Lids in the amount of $10,000.

Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Downtown TIF Building Improvement Application: Mayor Stephens stated saw that he saw some work going on at this location.

Motion: To approve the Downtown TIF Building Improvement Application from Smooth Move Real Estate, LLC – 115 South 8th Street, in the amount of $8000.00.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Local Grocery Tax: Mayor Stephens stated previously the State collected and disbursed to municipalities. No longer going to do that. If do not enact, potential loss of approximately $211,000. Recommend we keep it.

Motion: To implement a 1% Local Grocery Sales Tax, also known as the Municipal Grocery Tax, effective January 1, 2026.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of the Reimbursement of Expenses from Injury to Farmers Market Vendor: Amy Marcum stated at the June 21 Farmer’s Market, there was a lot of wind, tent next to her, wind took the tent and she was struck by it, broke her glasses, smart watch and canopy. City submitted claim to their insurance, not covered under City insurance. Went to the emergency room, concussion, bruises. Mayor Stephens asked what the total amount is? $867.69. Alderman Erbes asked if vendors are required to have insurance? No. If customer injured, ours cover it? No. Alderman Hughes asked if contract of any kind was signed? Yes. Waiver of liability? Yes. Signed? Yes. Alderman Runge asked cost to participate? Nothing. Would this set a precedent? Mayor Stephens stated the council can always say no. Attorney Blake stated do not see any legal liability on the city’s part. Alderman Jackson asked about the owner of the tent that hit her? Hurried up and left.

Motion: To approve the Reimbursement of Expenses from Injury to Farmers Market Vendor in the amount of $435.00.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Erbes

Mayor Stephens called for a roll call vote.

Yeas: Alderman Austin, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Novara, Alderman Gladden

Nays: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Runge

Absent: Alderman Curry-Witzman, Alderman Pittman, Alderman McComb

Motion Did Not Pass

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

Alderman Austin stated had spoken to Tammy Campbell regarding the Housing Rehabilitation funding. June and July meetings were cancelled, still does not know about award but if money is released, Murphysboro will get the award.

New Business:

Consideration of Transfer of 231 South 9th Street to William Douglas: Mr. Eisert stated the property had been cleaned out and demolished, Mr. Douglas lives next door, had been taking care of it.

Motion: To approve transferring title of the property located at 231 South 9th Street to William Douglas.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Hughes

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Request for Assistance – Saturday, September 27, 2025 – Murphysboro Mud Monster Run/Obstacle Race & After Party: Chief Ellermeyer stated clear with it. Chief McBride stated spoke to them and will hook up hose and provide nozzle.

Motion: To approve the request for assistance at the Murphysboro Mud Monster Run/Obstacle Race and After Party as amended by Chief McBride.

Motion by Alderman Austin Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Suggested Revisions to Chapter 30 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden stated have updated the present code. Article VI was updated due to State prohibitions. City controls air space on city property, will require permit. Only question is what department be in charge of issuing the permit. Would like to have the police department in charge so it can be on their radar. Chief Ellermeyer stated would like to meet with Attorney Blake to get more clarification. Mayor Stephens stated ACO Tincher and Detective Wunderlich are currently in charge of flying the city’s drones. Alderman Gladden stated will table for now.

No public comment.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Declaring 1991 Dodge D-150 Truck as Surplus: Mr. Lee stated had been used as a fuel truck.

Motion: To approve Declaring the 1991 Dodge D-150 Truck as Surplus.

Motion by Alderman Novara Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens stated spoke to CJ Calandro, voting on terminology for some RFP’s for the lagoon and cutting trees, believe they will be open end of September. Alderman Erbes stated still waiting on paperwork from Joni Bailey.

New business:

Consideration of Request for a Light in the Alley of the 2000 Block of Roblee Avenue and Commercial Avenue: Ms. Ripley stated received request for light in alley, no poles there, would cost to run it there, resident was invited to be here. Mayor Stephens stated recommend we table, see if we hear more.

Public comment: Alderman Novara stated residents of Louis Wides wanted to pass on their thanks for the traffic control signs installed.

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

The former Jackson County Rehab and Care facility: Regarding the asbestos, spoke to two former long-term employees who said the asbestos was abated from the furnace and the floor tile during remodels. Still trying to track down the official report.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Thanked Mr. Mills for getting signs up at church, will be hosting a caregivers class through Shawnee Health starting July 16 from 9-11 for the next three Wednesdays. Everyone welcome.

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Asked if received anything from Hometown Christmas? Today.

Mike Austin Prayers to Gary and his health.

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Absent

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Absent

Len Novara Nothing

Don Gladden Saw vehicles at old Curwood. Mayor Stephens stated toured with SIU, looks brand new in there, fully lit, very busy. Alderman Erbes asked if there are plans for rest of building? They are already running out of space, working on rehabbing more of the

building.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Fireworks went well, no injuries.

Brian Manwaring Absent

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Pat Gladson Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-July-8.docx