City of Chester Council met May 1.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
I.Call to Order
The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, May 1, 2017, in the Municipal Building, 1330 Swanwick Street. Mayor Tom Page called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II.Roll Call
Present:Alderman Nancy J. CrosslandAlderman Daniel GeisenAlderman Russ RaderAlderman Ray Allison
Alderman Dan OhlauAlderman D. Michael Blechle
Alderman Donald R. ClarkAlderman Robert Platt
Absent:None
III.Pledge of Allegiance
IV.Reading of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Alderman Crossland moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and to approve them as prepared by the city clerk. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Platt, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
V.Correspondence
The following correspondence was acknowledged:
•Catch & Eat Fishing Tournament in memory of James Brockmeyer on 6/17/17
•Bid from Mueller Painting for repainting of the Welcome to Chester signs
•Memo regarding summer workers from Mayor Page
•Ribbon cutting at Vintage Market on 5/3/17 at 1:00 p.m.
•April maintenance report provided by Supt. Randy Eggemeyer
•Beautification/Tourism Commission minutes from 3/20/2017
•Letter from Board of Police & Fire Commission
•Letter from IEPA regarding upcoming enhanced testing
•2017 Golf Tournament sponsored by CenterPoint Energy
VI.Reports
Mayor:
Mayor Page recognized the city employees for all their hard work during the recent severe weather.
City Treasurer (Donna Clendenin):
City Treasurer Donna Clendenin thanked the council for their help and support through the years. She noted that the city employees did an outstanding job controlling spending through the State of Illinois budget crisis.
City Clerk:
Three raffle license applications for the Kaskaskia VFW Post 3553 were presented by the City Clerk. Alderman Clark moved to issue the licenses and to waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle manager. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Platt, Blechle, Crossland, Rader, Allison, Geisen, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Two raffle license applications for Menard Correctional Center were presented by the City Clerk. Alderman Rader moved to issue the licenses and to waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle manager. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Platt, Geisen, Blechle, Crossland, Rader, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Three raffle license applications for the Chester Eagles Aerie #3252 were presented by the City Clerk. Alderman Clark moved to issue the licenses and to waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle manager. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Blechle, Crossland, Rader, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
VII.Committee Reports
Cemetery & Finance Committee (Chairman Platt):
Chairman Platt advised that the committee met prior to the council meeting at 5:30 p.m. to review city bills. His motion to approve payment of bills as prepared by the city clerk, subject to audit, was seconded by Alderman Rader. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Platt, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the April report of the Evergreen Cemetery as prepared by Randy Wofford. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Platt, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the annual report of the Evergreen Cemetery as prepared by Randy Wofford. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Platt, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Park & Recreation Committee (Chairman Clark):
Chairman Clark reported that due to the recent storms the Cohen Complex had wind damage to the backstop on field two and a dugout roof. After Alderman Platt’s inquiry, Alderman Clark noted that there is no damage to the new ball fields.
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee (Chairman Crossland):
Chairman Crossland asked the council to review the bids from Mueller Painting. She noted that the signs are sandblasted and need repaired.
VIII.Department Heads
Chief of Police (Ryan Coffey):
Chief Coffey summarized the monthly status report for the Chester Police Department as provided to council members. Chief Coffey noted that several upcoming events are planned to honor fallen Officer James Brockmeyer. The Police Commissioners have appointed Seth Buch to fill the vacant full time police officer position. Officer Buch will start on May 9, 2017.
Fire Chief (Marty Bert):
Chief Bert reported that the Chester Fire Department responded to nine calls during the month of April.
IX.Old Business
X.Inauguration of Newly Elected Officials
The following officials were sworn into office: City Clerk Bethany Berner, Mayor Tom Page, City Treasurer Nancy J. Eggemeyer, Daniel Geisen – Alderman Ward 1, Dan Ohlau – Alderman Ward 2, Robert Platt – Alderman Ward 3, and D. Michael Blechle – Alderman Ward 4.
XI.Roll Call
Present:Alderman Nancy J. Crossland Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Daniel Geisen Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman Donald R. Clark Alderman D. Michael Blechle
Alderman Dan Ohlau Alderman Ray Allison
Absent:None
XII.Public Discussion
Paul Powley thanked the city council, the street department and Chief Coffey for their assistance with the abandoned property at 309 Murphysboro Road.
Pete Spitler reported that construction has started on the Taco Bell restaurant. The restaurant is scheduled to open in July.
XIII.New Business
Mayoral Appointments:
Mayor Page recommended that the following committee appointments be approved for Fiscal Year 2018:
Cemetery & Finance Committee
Alderman Robert Platt, Chairman
Alderman Ray Allison
Alderman Russ Rader
Water & Sewer Committee
Alderman Russ Rader, Chairman
Alderman Dan Geisen
Alderman Nancy Crossland
Ordinance Committee
Alderman Nancy Crossland, Chairman
Alderman Dan Ohlau
Alderman Donnie Clark
Park & Recreation Committee
Alderman Donnie Clark, Chairman
Alderman Dan Geisen
Alderman Mike Blechle
Streets & Alleys Committee
Alderman Mike Blechle, Chairman
Alderman Donnie Clark
Alderman Ray Allison
Fire Department, Police Department & Public Safety Committee
Alderman Dan Geisen, Chairman
Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman Robert Platt
Gas Department & Public Property Committee
Alderman Dan Ohlau, Chairman
Alderman Mike Blechle
Alderman Nancy Crossland
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee
Alderman Ray Allison, Chairman
Alderman Dan Ohlau
Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Ohlau moved to approve committee appointments as recommended by the mayor. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page proposed the following appointments of department heads: Tim Crow, Water Plant Superintendent; Marty Reynolds, Sewer Superintendent; Dennis Hartenberger, Water Distribution Superintendent; Jeremy Homan, Gas Superintendent; Randy Eggemeyer, Maintenance Superintendent; Mark Gibbs, Cemetery Sexton; Randy Wofford, Cemetery Clerk; M. Ryan Coffey, Chief of Police; Marty Bert, Fire Chief; Ron Shemonic, Assistant Fire Chief; Charles Bargman II, EMA Coordinator; Scott Stirnaman, Assistant EMA Coordinator; Patti Carter, Recreational Director; Elanna Bradley, Animal Control Officer; Lorin Mott, Code Enforcement Officer; Dean Andrews, Zoning Administrator. Alderman Clark’s motion to approve appointment of department heads was seconded by Alderman Platt. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Alderman Geisen and a second by Alderman Allison, Jeff Kerkhover was appointed as city attorney. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The firm of J. T. Blankinship Inc. was appointed as city engineers, motion made by Alderman Ohlau and seconded by Alderman Clark. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Clark moved to approve the re-appointment of Evelyn Schuwerk, Richard Pautler, and Tammy Liefer for a three-year term to the library board. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
James Holder was re-appointed as a member of the Chester Police & Fire Commission for a three-year term and Patrick Miller as a member of the police pension board of trustees for a two-year term, motion made by Alderman Geisen and seconded by Alderman Clark. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page recommended that Armin Montroy be re-appointed to the zoning appeals board for a five-year term. Alderman Clark so moved, and Alderman Geisen seconded his motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Crossland moved to approve the mayor’s appointments for part-time police officers, and Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Officers include: Brad Coleman, Aaron Runge, Chris Bradley, Ken Stout, Kevin Woods, Tony Lochhead, Noah Wunderlich, and James Winters. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Appointment – Deputy City Clerk:
The city clerk asked that council members approve the appointment of Carolyn Rucker as deputy city clerk. Alderman Crossland so moved, and Alderman Blechle seconded the
motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Ordinance #1642 – An Ordinance Amending Section 38-3-1 of
Chapter 38 of The Revised Code of Ordinances of The City of
Chester Relating to Increasing Water Rates in The City:
Attorney Jeff Kerkhover explained that Ordinance #1642 provides an increase in water rates by dropping the two bottom tiers. The following monthly charges are hereby established for water consumption for customers within the City limits of Chester:
First 2,000 gallons at….……………………………. $7.50 per 1,000 gallons
From 2,000 – 22,000 gallons at….…………………. $3.79 per 1,000 gallons
From 22,000 – 42,000 gallons at…………………… $3.31 per 1,000 gallons
Over 42,000 gallons at……………………………… $2.53 per 1,000 gallons
Alderman Crossland moved to approve Ordinance #1642 and her motion was seconded by Alderman Clark. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Ordinance #1643 – An Ordinance Accepting Deeds to Real Estate in The City of Chester:
Attorney Jeff Kerkhover explained that Ordinance #1643 allows the City to accept Quit-Claim Deeds for the real estate at 314 Church Street. The motion to approve Ordinance #1643 was seconded by Alderman Clark. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Resolution & Agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation:
City Engineer Harold Sheffer explained the resolution is between the city of Chester and IDOT to establish funding for the upcoming Buena Vista Street project. City Engineer Sheffer explained that the project is 80% funded by the state and is expected to cost approximately $900,000.00. Alderman Clark moved to approve the resolution and agreement between the city of Chester and IDOT. This motion was seconded by Alderman Crossland. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Quivey Sanitation Inc.:
Alderman Crossland moved to waive competitive bidding and approve Quivey Sanitation Inc. to provide residential garbage collection for the city and authorize City Attorney to prepare the solid waste collection contract. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blechle. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Allison, Blechle, Clark, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Executive Session:
At 6:40 p.m., Alderman Clark moved to enter into Executive Session under the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2 (C) under exception (1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Platt, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The council returned from Executive Session at 7:26 p.m. No action was taken in Executive Session.
Salary Caps:
Alderman Clark moved to approve a $55,000.00 salary cap for employees who are not part-time, not temporary, non-police, non-dispatchers, non-appointed and non-elected. It is noted that once an employee’s salary is $55,000.00, that employee will not be eligible for any additional pay through licenses or certifications. Alderman Crossland seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Ordinance #1644 – An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Various Appointed Municipal Officers of The City of Chester:
Alderman Blechle moved to pass the Ordinance to set salaries of appointed officials of the city. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Salaries—City Employees:
Alderman Clark moved to approve salaries as set forth in the FY2018 list received by council members as follows: Teri Crum, $38,902.00 – Josh Straight, $38,800.00 – Aaron Gibbs, $32,600.00 – Wayne Chambers, $45,214.00 – Steven Renner, $44,464.00 – Gary Rust, $44,530.00 – Todd Yankey, $38,800.00 – Scott Maes, $38,800.00 – Charles Bargman, $39,425.00 – Todd Frazer, $55,000.00 – Lorin Mott, $33,200.00 – Dean Renner, $49,683.00 – Danny Valleroy, $35,300.00 – Danielle Valleroy, $30,200.00 – Randy Wofford, $45,345.00 – Doug McDonald, $ 38,100.00 – William Brown, $40,200.00 – Billy Belton, $34,600.00 – Joe Clark, $34,600.00 – Carolyn Rucker, $40,525.00 – Chris Nordmeyer, $33,200.00 – Mark Garniss, $35,300.00 – Jonathan Hopkins, $38,800.00 – Jennifer Vasquez, $35,100.00 – Jay Allison, $45,068.00 – Joshua Louveau, $33,200.00. This motion was seconded by Alderman Platt. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Platt, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Certification/License Incentives:
Alderman Clark moved to approve salary increases for employees with certifications and licenses. A Class “A” water license, Class “1” sewer license and a fully certified gas employee will receive an additional $50.00 per pay. A Class “B” water license and Class “2” sewer license will receive an additional $40.00 per pay. A Class “C” water license, Class “3” sewer license and an on-call gas certification will receive an additional $30.00 per pay. A Class “D” water license, Class “4” sewer license and a CDL license will receive an additional $20 per pay. These incentives will only be paid to employees actively using the certification to perform their job duties. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark, Platt. Nays: Alderman Crossland. Absent: None. Motion carried.
XIV.Adjournment
At 7:32 p.m., Alderman Crossland moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Platt, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
http://www.chesterill.com/city-government/city-council-agendas/
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