Murphysboro's new website still under construction
Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens demonstrated the new city website for aldermen last week, saying he wanted to "bring everybody up to date" on the change.
The mayor directed anyone interested to the website for Logan City, Utah, which was designed and implemented by the company, Revise, that will be overhauling Murphysboro's.
"It's user-friendly and very sharp looking," Stephens said. "We talked about using drone footage of Murphysboro on the site, so we have been filming with our drone. Revise just sent an update on what it will look like. We have some great photos that showcase the city. And everything on our current website will be migrated over to the new one."
The contract with Revise is for $4,000, which includes updates and changes for the first year. There is an annual maintenance fee and the website would be overhauled every four years. The city can opt out of the arrangement at any time.
City honors local Kiwanis on club's anniversary
Stephens read a proclamation honoring the local Kiwanis Club on their 65th anniversary. It was noted at the time that there are more than 8,000 Kiwanis clubs in 79 nations.
The Kiwanis Club was formed in Detroit, Mich., in 1915 as an organization dedicated to serving children.
"They do great work," Mayor Stephens said after the meeting. "I'm always happy to celebrate with them. I get a lot of credit I don't deserve and a lot of time these organizations are doing that community work."
City to advertise this fall for grant writer
The Murphysboro council is advertising for a grant writer, following weeks of discussion and information gathering on job descriptions and advertisements.
"We will advertise the position starting Sept. 30," Mayor Stephens said after the meeting. "We want to put it in the city budget starting no later than January."
The job description and advertisement had been changed recently from a city employee to a contract employee.
Alderman W.J. Pittman suggested that the council review the matter in the fourth quarter of the year.
Alderman Barbara Hughes suggested starting the interview process in September or October.
Stephens thanked everyone for "working so hard on this."
Cleanup money donated to community night out
The council decided to donate some of the money gained from the citywide cleanup of scrap metals to a community night out.
Building and grounds committee chairman Gary McComb said that $100 of the $323 raised would go to co-sponsor an annual golf scramble to benefit Relay For Life.
But that the rest of it could be used to help the Murphysboro Park District with its annual community-night-out event in October.
"We put dollar coins in a big pile of hay and let the kids find them," McComb said. "It's a great event. It brings out all of the non-profit agencies and churches and there are lots of activities for kids."