South West Illinois News

Chester City Council met March 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

I.Call To Order

The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, March 19, 2018, 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 Ray AllisonAlderman Daniel Geisen

Alderman D. Michael BlechleAlderman Russ Rader

Alderman Donald R. ClarkAlderman Dan Ohlau

Alderman Robert PlattAlderman Nancy J. Crossland

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 Clark, Crossland, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

V.Correspondence

The following correspondence was acknowledged:

•Regional Leaders Breakfast on April 12th at the World Shooting Complex at 7:30 a.m.

VI.Reports

Mayor:

Mayor Page reported that budget meetings were held this past week with each department. Secondly, Mayor Page noted a Bridge Replacement Meeting was held in Perryville and two different alternatives are being discussed. The Welcome Center will remain safe in its current location with both alternatives.

City Clerk:

A raffle license application for Breezy Hill RC Flyers was presented by the City Clerk. Alderman Crossland moved to issue the license and to waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle manager. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Crossland, Platt, Blechle, Rader, Allison, Geisen, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

A raffle license application for Liberty Bell of the West Chapter NSDAR was presented by the City Clerk. Alderman Crossland moved to issue the license and to waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle manager. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Crossland, Platt, Blechle, Rader, Allison, Geisen, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

City Attorney:

Attorney Kerkhover requested the council review the proposed Ordinance regarding a brew pub liquor license and advised that Tom Welge will be at the next council meeting.

VII.Committee Reports

Cemetery & Finance Committee (Chairman Platt):

The Cemetery and Finance Committee met this evening at 5:30 p.m. to review city bills, and found them to be in order for payment. Alderman Platt moved to approve payment of bills, subject to audit, and to include payment for Bert’s Auto Service in the amount of $322.13 (fiscal year total, $2,622.32). Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Water-Sewer Committee (Chairman Rader):

Chairman Rader presented a sewer bill ($86.98) of Mary Holzum, 200 Ridge Drive, for adjustment due to a water leak that did not infiltrate the sewer system. His motion to adjust the bill in the usual manner was seconded by Alderman Clark. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison, Crossland. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Chairman Rader presented a sewer bill ($106.84) of Chester Family Worship Center, 1216 Cole Place Road, for adjustment due to a water leak that did not infiltrate the sewer system. His motion to adjust the bill in the usual manner was seconded by Alderman Platt. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison, Crossland. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Chairman Rader advised that large rocks are falling from the hillside near the water plant and Superintendent Crow is concerned that the falling rocks could damage the fiberglass tanks. The Street Department will be placing several large concrete blocks behind the water tanks at the plant to keep the rocks from hitting the tanks.

Park & Recreation Committee (Chairman Blechle):

Chairman Blechle advised that an additional shelter house at the Cohen Complex is needed to provide shade for the back three diamonds.

Also, Chairman Blechle addressed the council regarding the need to start the demolition of the pool vessel. Chairman Blechle stated the National Guard of Sparta has a program and crew that complete similar projects and this would save the city a substantial amount of money. It was noted that Lorin Mott will be contacting the Sparta National Guard soon. Alderman Crossland requested that a written plan be in place with council approval before demolition begins. Mayor Page advised the council will have several upcoming discussions before any construction begins.

Street & Alleys Committee (Chairman Clark):

Chairman Clark reported that Red Dot Construction will be starting on the next phase of Buena Vista Street on Thursday.

VIII.Public Discussion

Brenda Owen (River City Renewal Board Member) requested an annual contribution of $5,000.00 to River City Renewal for projects for the betterment of the community. The organization is currently applying for membership in Illinois Main Street. This organization is “a coast-to-coast network of organizations and individuals working to bring vitality and prosperity to downtowns across the country.” After Alderman Platt’s inquiry, Brenda advised that the city’s contribution is 1/3 of the organization’s operating budget.

IX.Old Business

X.New Business

River City Renewal Donation:

Alderman Crossland moved to approve a $5,000.00 donation to River City Renewal and Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Flower/Plant Maintenance Employee—Bruce Rademacher:

Alderman Blechle moved to hire Bruce Rademacher as the flower/plant maintenance employee again this year for $10.50/hour. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Beautification/Tourism Commission—Benches and Trash Cans:

Alderman Crossland moved to approve the recommendation of the Beautification/Tourism Commission to purchase two benches and four trash cans for the riverfront for $2,560.00. Alderman Ohlau noted that these items need to be removed from the riverfront during a flood. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Beautification/Tourism Commission—Picnic Tables:

Alderman Platt moved to approve the purchase of four picnic tables for the riverfront from the Beautification/Tourism Fund. He advised that the picnic tables need to be sealed and anchored to concrete pads. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Appointment—Beautification/Tourism Commission:

Alderman Platt moved to approve the appointment of Judy McFaddin as a new member of the Beautification/Tourism Commission. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Appointment—Farmer’s Market Coordinator:

Alderman Allison moved to approve the appointment of David Eggemeyer as the Farmer’s Market Coordinator. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Employment—Telecommunicator:

Alderman Geisen moved to approve Kayla Laramore as a part-time telecommunicator for the Chester Police Department. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Employee Life Insurance:

Council members were informed by the city clerk that Dearborn National Life’s renewal rate is $3.60/employee for $15,000 of life insurance coverage. Alderman Crossland so moved, and Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

XI.Adjournment

At 6:38 p.m., Alderman Crossland moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Crossland, Clark, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

http://www.chesterill.com/city-government/city-council-agendas/