South West Illinois News

City of Chester Beautification/Tourism Commission met September 18. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:

Members Present: Linda Rader, Pam Fraley, Cynthia Lawder, Toni Hosick, Bobbi Junkin, Tom Sauer, Cathy Sauer, Marla Yankey, Bob Lockart and Andrea Costilow.

Pledge of Allegiance: Members stood and recited.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: Cynthia made a motion to accept as written. Seconded by Toni. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Balance on hand as of September 5, 2017 $19,502.58. The nontaxable balance is $12,614.88. The report stands and will be set aside for audit. Pam made a motion to reimburse Linda Rader the $40.00 she spent on supplies. Cynthia seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Public Petitions and Correspondence: No Report

Standing Committee Reports:

     Anti-Litter: There were a number of Coozies left from the parade. They will be stored and used in 2018.

     Banners/Christmas Lights: Pam reported the banners need to be changed. The Christmas light swag will                   remain in Cole Park if the Santa house is there. Tom will ask for approval to hang the swag across the                        state highway in the event the park isn’t decorated.

     City Welcome Signs: No Report

     Farmers Market: The market will continue as long as vendors have produce. The new location was a success.

     Planters: Cathy reported the plants still look good. She and Tom worked at the river to get it cleaned up. The                side of the Welcome Center doesn’t look good. She will talk to Linda about adding shrubs.

     Riverboats and Tours: Norma reported the normal route for the boat tour had to be changed due to the road               construction on Buena Vista. Norma suggested having a guide at the gazebo to answer questions and/or                  direct people to other places in town. This would alleviate the problem with answering questions when                          people are getting off the bus.

     Take Pride Award: It was suggested property belonging to Mary Long on Rte. 3 north looks nice. She will take            it under consideration.

     Historic Preservation: No report.

     Stone Cottage: Vendors are responding to the scheduled market. The church behind the courthouse will be                 open for facilities use. The date for the market is October 21.

     Evergreen Cemetery: Bobbi made a motion to spend $50.00 on a gas gift card for Phil Keeton in exchange                  for running the shuttle service during the Evergreen event. Toni seconded the motion. Motion carried.                         The volunteers are asked to be at the cemetery NLT 12:30. Enactors are asked to arrive by 1:00.                               Toni will have refreshments available for the enactors. Gilster will provide the brownies. The BV                                     bank provided napkins. At present, Brenda, Bob, Tom, Cathy, Shane, Andrea and Sandra                                               volunteered as guides.

      Solar Eclipse: Everyone agreed the eclipse event was a success. Cathy has soda available if anyone is                       interested.

      Riverfront Improvement: No report.

     State Bicentennial: Norma reported there was a good crowd on the island for the Re-enactment of the 1818                 Illinois Constitution signing. Both the Governor and the Lt. Governor were in attendance. The Lt.                                Governor toured the Pierre Menard Home. She was briefed on the condition of the home as well as                                   the shelter house.

Commission Function Reports:

     Public Relations: Pete Spitler is writing an article for the newspaper regarding the Evergreen Cemetery                       event. Flyers have been distributed around town. Several individuals have posted to Facebook. The                             marquee on Rt. 3 will also announce the event.

     City Council Update: No report

     Welcome Center: No report

     Randolph County Tourism: No Report

Old Business:

     Location for the Christmas swag needs to be determined.

     There was a consensus on changing the meeting time to allow working people to be able to participate. The                new meeting date and time will be the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm.

New Business:

     Per Tom, Patti Carter will ask the city to provide picnic tables for the riverfront.

     There isn’t enough information at this time relating the tour guide survival kits. Tabled for the next meeting.

     The request for replacement flags was also tabled for the next meeting.

Adjourn: Cathy made a motion to adjourn. Bob seconded. Motion carried.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18 at 9:00 AM until further notice.

http://www.chesterill.com/beautificationtourism-commission/