The City of Murphysboro City Council met Tuesday, April 12.
The City Council conducts much of its business through its committees: Public Works, Budget & Finance, Public Improvement, Buildings & Grounds, Public Safety, Personnel, and Community Relations. Committee meetings are held on the fourth Mondays of each Month at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall, Council Chambers.
Here are the minutes as provided by Murphysboro:
Murphysboro City Council Meeting
April 12, 2016
The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 12th day of April 2016. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Mayor Stephens led the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens led the council in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Mayor Stephens then directed City Clerk Cottonaro to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:
Present: Russell Brown, Herb Voss, Gary McComb, Bill Pierson, Danny Bratton,
John Erbes, Gloria Campos
Absent: Barb Hughes, Mark Costa, Tom Ridings
Chief Hollo presented awards honoring staff for the Murphysboro Police Department who have shown exemplary service: Officer Craig Smelter 2014 Officer of Year and Detective Michael Laughland 2015 Officer of Year.
Motion: To approve the minutes of the March 8, 2016 council meeting and the special council meeting of March 22, 2016. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Brown
Mayor called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register #629 through April 8, 2016, accounts receivable through April 8, 2016 and payroll through April 8, 2016.
All aldermen received a copy of the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll for their review, prior to the meeting.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
REQUESTS FROM THE FLOOR
Sheri Green of SPIN informed the council they are holding a fund raiser on the 30th at the Elks Club and will be serving Pat’s BBQ at a cost of $10 per plate and holding a silent auction.
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Budget and Finance Committee meeting of March 28, 2016
Motion: To approve paying accounts payable register #626, #627 and #628.
Motion by Alderman Pierson Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Motion: To accept Scott Evans reports.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pierson
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Motion: To approve the mayor’s compensation package at $15,000 for his mayor salary in addition to $2,200 for liquor commissioner with paid, single health insurance consistent with employees’ paid benefit of health insurance.
Motion by Alderman Pierson Second by Alderman Voss
Ayes: Alderman Brown, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Pierson,
Alderman Erbes, Alderman Campos
Nays: Alderman Bratton.
Motion carried.
Motion: To approve formally writing off the water and sewer accounts that are past the eligible collection period of seven years.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Voss
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Building and Grounds Committee meeting of March 28, 2016.
Motion: To table the approval of the franchise agreement with Ameren for electric and gas utilities pending attorney approval.
Motion by Alderman Hughes Second by Alderman Voss
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried.
Motion: To approve an Ordinance setting forth the adoption of franchise fees in the amount of 5% and terms for cable services.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried.
Bid is $2570 for the main building and $5878 for the loading dock.
Motion: To approve the bids from Baine Roofing for roof repairs at the Murphysboro Youth and Recreation Center with reimbursement from the park district as per their lease agreement.
Motion by Alderman Brown Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried.
Motion: To approve the 24 month AGE electric aggregation contract.
Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Public Works Committee Meeting of March 8, 2016.
Motion: To approve the use of fiber for communications to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Motion by Alderman Pierson Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor
Motion Carried
Motion: To approve allowing the basement walls to remain on the property at 803 Mulberry Street with the basement floor being broken up and a deed restriction placed on the property for no future construction.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Motion: To approve the city hosting a spring clean-up June 3 and June 4,
2016.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Motion: To approve the requested change order for the 20th Street Lift Station.
Motion by Alderman Erbes Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Motion: To approve declaring the used pumps and accessories at the Wastewater Treatment Plant as surplus property and process with disposal.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Jarod Starrick, the new public works, street division, employee was introduced to the council.
Community Relations Committee meeting of March 28, 2016.
Motion: To to approve closing Manning Street from 13th to 14th Street from
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on May 27, 2016 for S.T.A.R.T.
Motion by Alderman Pierson Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Motion: To approve web streaming of the City Council meetings.
Motion by Alderman Campos Second by Alderman Campos
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Motion: To approve the 5K on June 4, 2016.for the First Baptist Church.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried
Public Improvement Committee meeting of March 8, 2016.
Motion: To approve proposed rental property code.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Voss
Ayes: Alderman McComb, Alderman Voss
Nays: Alderman Brown, Alderman Erbes, Alderman Campos, Alderman Bratton,
Alderman Pierson
Motion failed.
This issue can be taken back to committee to revise.
Motion: To approve the request from Immanuel Lutheran School for extension and connection to the MurphyNet.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Brown
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion carried.
Public Safety Committee meeting of March 28, 2016.
Alderman Pierson has safety concerns, Alderman Erbes is worried about safety, Alderman Bratton has serious safety concerns, and Chief Hollo sees issues with enforcement and has safety concerns.
Motion: To approve allowing side-by-side ATV’s/golf carts using the Ava Ordinance as a model.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Campos
Ayes:Alderman Brown, Alderman Voss, Alderman McComb, Alderman Pierson,
Alderman Campos
Nays: Alderman Bratton, Alderman Erbes
Motion carried.
Personnel Committee meeting of March 28, 2016.
No action taken.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Motion: To approve appointment of Joni Beth Bailey to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pierson
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried.
Motion: To approve to proceed with demolition paperwork for the Old Depot.
Motion by Alderman Voss Second by Alderman Pierson
Ayes: Alderman Brown, Alderman Voss, Alderman Pierson, Alderman Bratton,
Alderman Erbes, Alderman Campos
Nays: Alderman McComb
Motion Carried.
Darrin is to get bids and proceed up to $800.
Motion: To approve the removal of trees at 21st & Walnut Street up to $800.
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Pierson
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried.
Motion: To approve the letter of recommendation for the fire department grant.
Motion by Alderman Bratton Second by Alderman McComb
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried.
ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Russell Brown Nothing
Herb Voss Encourage input on code
Gary McComb Nothing
Bill Pierson Nothing
Danny Bratton On the northeast corner of Walnut Street. What about the perpetual yard sale, can he continue to do this? Enforce ordinance.
John Erbes Not against having a code but need revision as presented.
Gloria Campos Same about code.
DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Ed Heller Nothing
Sandra Ripley Nothing
Harold Sheffer Sewer plant 56% done. Pump station project all up and running.
Steven Swafford ISO insurance rating should drop premium to 4 (1000 foot fire
hydrant 5 miles fire station)
Brian Hollo Nothing
Eric Kennedy Nothing
Brian Manwaring Nothing
Ron Manwaring Nothing
Darrin Mills Nothing
Jim Stewart 19th Street lift station has a tree issue.
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by Alderman McComb Second by Alderman Bratton
Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
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