City of Chester City Council met March 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, March 2, 2026, in the Municipal Building, 1330 Swanwick Street. Mayor Eggemeyer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Alderman Bob Buckham
Alderman Alex Moore
Alderman James Maes
Alderman Trenton Wagner
Alderman Don Berry
Alderman Nick Bert
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
Alderman Danny Valleroy
Absent: None
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. READING OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Alderman Maes moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and to approve them as prepared by the city clerk. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Moore, Dudenbostel, Maes, Buckham, Berry, Wagner, Bert, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
V. CORRESPONDENCE
• Monthly Superintendent Reports
• Beautification/Tourism Commission minutes dated January 14, 2026
• Letter from Katie Keller, Downstate Outreach Director for Senator Duckworth awarding the State Route 150 Water Main Replacement Project under the Congressionally Directed Spending Appropriations
VI. REPORTS
Mayor:
Mayor Eggemeyer stated budget meetings will be next week.
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented applications for raffle licenses for St. Mary’s School, Knights of Columbus and Chester Community Golf Club (3). Alderman Dudenbostel moved to issue the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Maes, Moore, Valleroy, Wagner, Buckham, Dudenbostel, Berry, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented an application for a general business license for Maui Hauling. Alderman Maes moved to issue the business license. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Maes, Moore, Valleroy, Wagner, Buckham, Dudenbostel, Berry, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented an application for a general business license for West Coast Vibes. Alderman Maes moved to issue the business license. Alderman Wagner seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Maes, Moore, Valleroy, Wagner, Buckham, Berry, Bert. Nays: Alderman Dudenbostel. Absent: None. Motion carried.
City Attorney:
City Attorney Jason Coffey reported an application for demolition has been filed for 20 E. Holmes. Lastly, the city should be receiving a deed for 1309 Brenda Street.
City Engineer:
City Engineer Harold Sheffer reported the Grade School Water Tower will be inspected the week of April 20th. Mayor Eggemeyer noted a new fire hydrant, and tank mixers will be installed.
VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Cemetery & Finance Committee (Chairman Wagner):
The Cemetery and Finance Committee met this evening at 5:00 p.m. to review city bills, and found them to be in order for payment. Alderman Wagner moved to approve payment of bills, subject to audit. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Maes, Valleroy, Dudenbostel, Wagner, Bert, Moore, Berry, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Gas, Water & Sewer Committee (Chairman Valleroy):
Chairman Valleroy suggested another Gas, Water & Sewer Meeting be held prior to adopting the upcoming budget.
VIII. DEPARTMENT HEADS
Fire Department (Chief Bert):
Chief Bert reported that the fire department responded to seven calls for service (16 for the year). Chief Bert advised the department received training and $6,800.00 of equipment from Wildfire Fight LLC.
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT
X. OLD BUSINESS
XI. NEW BUSINESS
Switch-N-Go – Attachments:
Alderman Dudenbostel moved to ratify the purchase from CSTK for $19,995.00 for attachments for the Switch-N-Go Truck. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Wagner, Maes, Bert, Moore, Buckham, Berry, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Menard Pump House – Generator Connection Box:
Alderman Bert expressed concern about the bids being high. Superintendent Tim Crow advised the quote includes new wiring and a transfer switch. Alderman Maes moved to approve the bid from MC Electric for $7,800.00 for installation of a new generator connection box, conduit and new wire. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Wagner, Maes, Bert, Moore, Buckham, Berry, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #1868 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7-11-2 OF CHAPTER 7 AND PARAGRAPH “F” OF SECTION 21-3-19 OF CHAPTER 21 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, ILLINOIS, RELATIVE TO GAMBLING LICENSING AND FEES:
Alderman Maes moved to approve Ordinance #1868 limiting the number of video gaming terminals to fourteen establishments with no more than eighty-four machines. Alderman Wagner seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Wagner, Maes, Bert, Moore, Berry, Buckham, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Executive Session:
Mayor Eggemeyer advised the Executive Session will be tabled.
Napoli Skolnik PLLC:
Alderman Maes moved to approve a legal contract with Napoli Skolnik PLLC. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Wagner, Maes, Bert, Moore, Berry, Buckham, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Resolution – Authorizing the Purchase of Natural Gas from PEFA, Inc.; Approving the Execution and Delivery of a Gas Supply Agreement and Approving the Issuance of Bonds by PEFA, Inc.:
Alderman Maes moved to approve the resolution allowing the city to participate in a discount program for the purchase of natural gas from PEFA and allow the mayor to sign the amendment to the agreement. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Wagner, Maes, Bert, Moore, Berry, Buckham, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Summer Student Workers:
Mayor Eggemeyer advised the city will hire eight summer student workers. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to advertise for summer student workers. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Wagner, Maes, Bert, Moore, Berry, Buckham, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:27 p.m., Alderman Dudenbostel moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Maes, Dudenbostel, Bert, Wagner, Berry, Moore, Buckham, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
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