Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 9th day of September, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:01 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 (arrived at 6:10), Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Don Gladden

Absent: Len Novara

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Two typos were found.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 12, 2025, council meeting, as amended. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Hughes

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, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, registers 138 & 139, through September 9, 2025, accounts receivable through August 31, 2025, and payroll through August, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the register for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Austin

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 presented the Schedule of Sales/HR Tax Receipts and Healthcare.

Review of Tourism Social Media Statistics: Ms. Ripley stated the first page is from Southern Illinois tourism website then influencer statistics. Have three influencers who post each month.

Presentation of Audit of Fiscal Year 2024: Anna Guetersloh with KEB presented the results of the annual audit. Auditors express opinions, look at risk assessment. KEB gave an unmodified opinion. Did have a couple of audit adjustments, one being the library capital assets. Have also discussed segregation of duties, improvements regarding payroll risk and regarding disbursements, they are cross-training. Mayor Stephens thanked the staff for their hard work.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Approval to Move Forward with City Hall/Public Safety Complex: Mayor Stephens stated would like to move forward with the architect – craft documents to be put out for bid. Public hearing was good. Alderman Hughes stated may need to change the last plans, do we need to get them changed before we move forward? Mayor Stephens stated would like a small group to meet and go over the plans then present to the architect. Alderman Gladden stated need to move forward, let the architect know.

Motion: To approve the Moving Forward with the City Hall/Public Safety Complex.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

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

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Street Closure Request – Brews Brother Taproom – Blocktoberfest, Saturday, October 18: Alderman Curry-Witzman stated have all the information and has been signed off on.

Motion: To approve the Street Closure Request from Brews Brother Taproom for Blocktoberfest, October 18, 2025.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Pittman

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: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Discussion regarding Parking Issue at 1515 Spruce Street: Stephen Hayden presented the council with a packet regarding his no parking request. Chief Ellermeyer asked if neighbors park in front of your house? Yes. Did you? Up until a year ago. Alderman Hughes asked if he has a driveway? In the rear. Alderman Pittman asked if he had discussed this with his neighbors? No. Alderman Gladden asked if we do no parking, where do visitors park? Chief Ellermeyer asked open parking in front of 1511 so they can park in front of their own home? Can knock on doors, see if have places to park in rear.

Public comment: Jim Frye stated he drove a school bus for three years, this street was on his route, would have to wait on cars to go before he could go. Mayor Stephens stated will table to give Chief Ellermeyer time to knock on doors.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business:

Update on Animal Control Facility: Alderman Erbes stated have vacated road and has been recorded, still aiming for October 1st. Attorney Blake stated Joanie Bailey asking if we have any provisions. Chief Ellermeyer stated need some clarification, have another meeting. Mayor Stephens stated may have to send a proposal.

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.

Alderman Hughes stated employee in Public Works completed his ninety day probation.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Apple Festival Parade – 10:00 a.m. at Whiffleboy’s.

Met with seventeen High School students who are members of the Jackson CEO Program. Talked local government and local businesses.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Kudos to Tim’s crew, quick to respond and repairs, thank you.

Jance Curry-Witzman Would like to sponsor Freshman football meal? October 10, is away game. Mayor Stephens stated let us know.

Rick Runge Thank you Chief Ellermeyer for his report.

Mike Austin Nothing

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Enjoy the Apple Festival.

Gary McComb Prayer breakfast is Wednesday.

Len Novara Absent

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Thursday is the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Brian Manwaring Absent

Harold Sheffer Received Pond Creek hydraulic study, will look through it and get with the city.

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Absent

Pat Gladson Absent

Darrin Mills Nothing

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-Sept-9.docx