Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 12th day of August, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 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: Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Len Novara, Don Gladden

Absent: Barb Hughes

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Alderman Gladden stated only objected to the $95/two mentions in the advertising proposal. Also typing error on page 6.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the July 22, 2025, council meeting, as amended. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Austin

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: Alderman Erbes asked about List 113 bottom of page 2 City of Carbondale? Turbo charger on Engine 12.

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 112 & 113, through August 12, 2025, accounts receivable through July 31, 2025, and payroll through July, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the register for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Erbes

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 Schedule of Sales/HR Tax Receipts and Healthcare.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

Solar update: Ms. Ripley stated the paperwork is signed, Ameren has approved six of the seven, still reviewing the WWTP, Steven Tanner met with Brian Manwaring. Mr. Lee stated Brian asked him to mention the main power box has to be replaced on the Public Works building, now would be the time to do some other work needed.

Alderman Austin stated he appreciated the Mayor following through on the Housing Grant update.

New Business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

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

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Big Muddy Monster Statue Marker: Mayor Stephens stated landscaping around statue is coming along, just lacking a statue marker. Asking permission to seek out a marker for it and proceed. Alderman McComb stated city has paid in the past, anyone help in the past? Mayor Stephen stated could ask Tourism, will get updated quote. Alderman Erbes asked could have a QR code linked to the police report? Mayor Stephens stated could have something on there.

Consideration of Resolution in Support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration:

Motion: To approve the Resolution in Support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Requests from Murphysboro Apple Festival: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated they have filled out the form.

Motion: To approve the requests from Murphysboro Apple Festival.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Runge

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:

Consideration of Suggested Revisions to Chapter 30 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden stated all questions answered, city responsible over city property but not park district.

Motion: To approve the Suggested Revisions to Chapter 30 of the Revised Code of Ordinances.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Consideration of Suggested Revisions to Chapter 25 of the Revised Code of Ordinances: Alderman Gladden stated updated present Chapter 25.

Motion: To approve Chapter 25 of the Revised Code of Ordinances with additional revisions.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Austin

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Recommendation for Approval of Landmark Designation for the Limbert Cottage at 406 South 15th Street: Mr. Bittle stated he purchased the Limbert Cottage from the John A. Logan Museum. Needs a lot of work, sons are working with him on it. Goal is to preserve it. Alderman Erbes asked if there are any grants the historical designation will have any benefit for? Mr. Bittle stated not looking for that, everything has been out of pocket. Mayor Stephens stated happy you are doing the work you are.

Motion: To approve the Recommendation of Landmark Designation for the Limbert Cottage at 406 South 15th Street.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Quote for Tree Removal at 436 Walnut Street: Mayor Stephens stated the tree is dead, if it fell would fall on Walnut Street, maybe take out power line. Attorney Blake stated right now has tax buyer, bank holds mortgage, maintenance falls on Mark Costa. Question is will he make a fuss if we take down the tree. Mayor Stephens stated believes it is enough of a hazard that we can.

Motion: To approve bid from Midwest Tree Service to remove tree for $2850.00.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Donation of 1991 Dodge Pick-up to Grand Tower:

Motion: To approve donating the 1991 Dodge Pick-up to the City of Grand Tower.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Zoning Request from April Horstmann: April Horstmann made a presentation on her request for re-zoning. Much discussion ensued. Attorney Blake clarified livestock is not allowed within city limits no matter what zone it is. Mr. Eisert stated spoke to IDOT, current entrance can only be used for residence or agricultural purposes. Attorney Blake recommended against disconnecting this property from the city limits. Jim Frye suggested since can’t have animals on property could purchase a couple of acres from the adjoining property outside city limits and could do animals there. Mayor Stephens stated he would recommend re-zoning to agriculture and will let Scott Maloney know.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: alderman Erbes stated he spoke to CJ Calandro, they are contracting with Burkey to tear down the house. The December 1st date is open to the public, not the city. Mayor Stephens stated talked to Andrew, thinks October 1st for the city. Chief Ellermeyer stated need to meet with them and get the details worked out.

New business: Nothing at this time.

Public comment: Steven Hayden, who lives at 1515 Spruce Street, spoke regarding street parking in front of his residence. Stated all residences have rear parking, people continue to park in front of their home, they have done a lot of work on their home, worried about curb appeal. Mayor Stephens asked if requesting no parking in front of home? Mr. Hayden stated yes and in front of the yellow house next door. Would be okay with fifteen minute unloading zone and an exception for the Apple Festival. Mayor Stephens stated why don't you and I get together and take a look, get a visual.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Open House for New City Hall: Reminder - open house for the public to see the proposed plans, get their input. August 26 from 4:30 to 6:30, council meeting at 7:00.

The former Jackson County Rehab and Care facility: Progress towards the purchase of the Rehab & Care Center, spoke to another person regarding abatement. Attorney Blake stated from the title commitment, LLC that owns the property, involuntarily dissolved, needs to reinstate. Easements have nothing to be concerned about.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Absent

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Glad to see Gary back.

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

Gina Hunziker Thanked the Fire Department for providing the truck and water for VBS at First Baptist Church, the kids loved it.

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Asked Charlie about the old CIPS property by the river, supposed to be a green space? Will have to look into, thought there was an agreement with the state, will check.

Gary McComb Nothing

Len Novara Nothing

Don Gladden Thanked Harold for his report.

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Pat Gladson Absent

Darrin Mills Absent

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:22 pm for Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Meetings for the discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Act either for purpose of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as required by the Act.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Hughes

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:24 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Hughes

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular session.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To Continue to Hold the Executive Meeting Minutes from 5/27/25 and 6/10/25.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Motion: To Release the Executive Meeting Minutes from 2/11/25.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-Aug-12.docx