Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met Sept. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 23rd day of September, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:00 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: Jance Curry-Witzman, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, W.J. Pittman, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Don Gladden

Absent: Barb Hughes, Angela Jackson, Len Novara

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the September 9, 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 Curry-Witzman

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

Motion Carried

Dave Rednour, Director, Illinois Law Enforcement Training Board, Training and Certification: Commended Chief of Police Ellermeyer regarding his response to the Homecoming incident at the High School. He did a phenomenal job, officers there did a wonderful job for our community, has seen the growth, training, professionalism, great to see.

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Alderman Pittman opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of Request for TIF Reimbursement: Mayor Stephens recommends approval.

Motion: To approve the Request for TIF Reimbursement for Bally’s Nails Spa, LLC, in the amounts of $440.64 and $582.00.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Gladden

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of ARPA Project Change Order #4: Mr. Sheffer stated this is ARPA Project, down by the river was worse than thought, As Built quantity change order.

Motion: To approve the ARPA Project Change Order #4 in the amount of $18,546.50.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of ARPA Pay Estimate #7:

Motion: To approve the ARPA Pay Estimate #7 in the amount of $31,665.75.

Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Erbes

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

Motion Carried

Consideration of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, registers 140, 141 & 163, through September 23, 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 State Income Tax Receipts, General Fund Operating Expenses and Payroll.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Discussion regarding Project Authorization for New City Hall/Public Safety Complex: Mayor Stephens stated this is to move forward with the architectural firm regarding the New City Hall/Public Safety building. How are we going to pay the architect? How do we want to engage with them? Mr. Evans stated we have new budget lines for this. Don’t know if their fee is built in cost quote or how they will want to be paid. Alderman Pittman stated they may tell us how they want to get paid. Mayor Stephens stated will share at the next meeting their proposal.

Consideration of Resolution Authorizing Agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation for Ownership and Maintenance of Wall at 5th & Walnut Street:

Motion: To approve the Resolution Authorizing Agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation for Ownership and Maintenance of Wall at 5th & Walnut Street.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Curry-Witzman

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

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.

Lisa, with Tourism, discussed the handout regarding the Influencer Facebook and Instagram posts of the First Night of Apple Festival, received 190,000+ views and stated the Influencer loved the Apple Festival being in town. Alderman Runge thanked her for the information.

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Review and Consideration of Revisions to Chapter 24 of the Revised Code: Alderman Gladden stated the revisions are a big undertaking.

Motion: To approve the Revisions and additional changes as presented to Chapter 24 of the Revised Code.

Motion by Alderman Runge Second by Alderman Austin

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:

Discussion regarding No Parking Request at 1515 Spruce Street: Chief Ellermeyer stated kept a watch, only two vehicles parked there, one is now gone. Room for all to park in the alley except for two houses, would recommend no parking on both sides. Mayor Stephens stated would be fine with no parking on either side except on Sundays. Alderman Gladden asked what about if there are visitors? Where do they park?

Motion: To approve an Ordinance Establishing a No Parking of Vehicles Area on the south side of Spruce Street from 15th Street to 16th Street, except on Sunday.

Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

New business:

Discussion regarding Pond Creek Drainage Study: Mr. Sheffer stated need new culverts, put under the railroad tracks, first step is permit process. Alderman Runge asked is it all on the city or any on the school district? Mr. Sheffer stated believes city is on Harry Ray Drive. Alderman Austin asked if it is worth a call to Superintendent Evers to see if would contribute towards? Alderman Gladden asked if we go ahead with throwing more water north, will it be okay? Yes. Mayor Stephens stated send to Cary Minnis regarding grant money to help pay for, now that we have a report. Asked Mr. Sheffer to get some figures together for me.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business:

Consideration of Resolution Supporting the Safe Routes to School Grant Application: Mr. Sheffer stated have applied for a $250,000 IDOT reimbursable grant. Phase one would be High School to Illinois Avenue.

Motion: To approve the Resolution Supporting the Safe Routes to School Grant Application.

Motion by Alderman Pittman Second by Alderman Runge

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

Motion Carried

No public comment.

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

Went to South 19th Street Brown Shoe Factory site, doing site preparation. They can be on site for sixty days. Work will not include smokestack.

Apple Festival and BBQ Cook-off were well-attended. Whole city did great job.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Absent

Jance Curry-Witzman Nothing

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Thanked Chief Ellermeyer regarding Homecoming incident,

Alderman Novara is staying with his dad to help provide care, keep them in your prayers.

Angela Jackson Absent

W. J. Pittman Nothing

John Erbes Contractors across the river? Working at the intersection.

Gary McComb 1st Friday & Saturday in October is clean up days.

Len Novara Absent

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothing

Sandra Ripley Absent

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jamie Ellermeyer Nothing

Brian Manwaring Next week Earthquake consortium will be in town evaluating

buildings. Thanks to Blip, some remote camera sites were down, they replaced the equipment not working, covered all expenses.

Harold Sheffer Nothing

Katharine Volle Nothin

Tim Lee Nothing

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Darrin Mills Nothing

Motion: To go into executive session at 7:03 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 Pittman Second by Alderman Runge

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Novara

Motion Carried

Motion: To come out of executive session at 7:17 p.m.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Nays: None

Absent: Alderman Hughes, Alderman Jackson, Alderman Novara

Motion Carried

Motion: To resume regular session.

Motion by Alderman Gladden Second by Alderman Pittman

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

Motion Carried

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-Sept-23.docx