South West Illinois News

City of Chester Beautification/Tourism Commission met May 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Members Present: Brenda Owen, Linda Rader, Bobbi Junkin, Bob Lockhart, Sandra Starr, Shane Wagner, Marla Yankey, Linda Sympson, and Pam Fraley. Also present was Alderman Ray Allison.

Pledge of Allegiance: All members stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Minutes of the April 19 meeting were read. Bobbi made the motion to accept as presented; Linda Rader seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Linda Rader reported our account balance as of 4/30/18 is $27,942.88. Interest and motel tax were receipts for the month. Nothing changed from the non-tax amount. The report was filed for audit.

Public Petitions: Norma Baughman and Toni Hosick sent letters of resignation from the Commission to the Mayor.

Standing Committees:

Anti-Litter: No report.

Banners: No report.

Signs: No report.

Farmer’s Market: No report.

Planters: It was reported that soil and flowers have been stolen and yanked out. A report has been filed with the police. An anti-damage campaign has been presented on Facebook.

Riverboat/Tours: The following are the changes and updates made to date:

Shore Excursions: American Queen and American Duchess has added a 5th stop uptown. We may need to station someone uptown. The company advised that they are happy that Benson’s has gaming machines. The premium tour was changed to allow our guide 45 minutes for a tour of Chester. The Ste. Genevieve guides will board the bus at the river front.

American Cruise Lines: Will have 2 premier tours: One will be the Popeye character trail. The second will be the city tour consisting of Chester, historic Ft. Kaskaskia, Pierre Menard home and Kaskaskia Island. They will have their own shuttle with no guides on it.

There is guide training on 5/34 and 5/25 from through Shore Excursions. They will pay each attendee $100. On 6/18 we will have local training.

A non-cash stipend for tour guides is being looked into.

Shirts may be purchased for tour guides. There may a brochure for people on the tour.

The first boat is due in on 7/28.

Sandra suggested we tell boat employees about local hair salons and barbers in town.

Take-Pride Award: No report.

Historic Preservation: Brenda reported that it takes 10 to 45 days to hear from the National Park Service. Our information has been sent to them. The Stone Cottage has been switched to spring decorations and the yard is being cleaned. Rain barrels may be purchased. Bob Decker did a great job on steps. It may be open during boat tours. More furnishings are needed, like night stands, etc. Donations are being accepted.

Special Committee Reports

Riverfront Improvement: City Council approved the two signs for the river front. A third sign is in the works. They will take 2 weeks to be made. The city will install. The location is to be determined.

The Port of Chester sign was vandalized immediately after it was installed. Sandra will check on protective surface for signs. Marla suggested the use of cameras.

Painting in the port area was discussed. The pump house should be painted as well. No cottonwood trees will be planted on the landing.

The Scouts are having a clean-up day on June 4. Sandra will get a box of gloves for them.

Ray reported on the sunken sailboat.

State Bi-Centennial: No update.

Smithsonian Exhibit: Planning continues on the Museum on Main Street project. Three special programs are being planned. Information will be forthcoming about fund-raising. There will also be a reenactment of the inauguration of Shadrach Bond.

LST Visit: No report.

Public Relations: No report.

City Council: 8 new people appointed to planning commission.

Welcome Center: Volunteers are needed.

Randolph County Tourism: No report.

Old Business:

Difference of purchase & maintenance: No report.

Historic Marker in front of the Landmark: No report.

Monument placement on riverfront: This will not occur.

New Business:

Recommendation for Commission membership: Bruce Luthy, Sr. who attended the meeting expressed an interest.

At 7:30pm sandra made the motion to adjourn; Marla seconded. Motion carried.

Next meeting: June 21, 2018 at 6:30 pm at City Hall.

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