South West Illinois News

Chester City Council met June 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

I.Call To Order

The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, June 18, 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 Nancy J. CrosslandAlderman Dan Ohlau

Alderman Robert PlattAlderman Donald R. Clark

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 Ohlau seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

V.Correspondence

The following correspondence was acknowledged:

•Tax Revenue report for the month of May provided by City Clerk Berner

Letter from Chester Public Library regarding upcoming Smithsonian exhibit

•Chester Christian Food Pantry Inc. newsletter dated June 13, 2018

•Information from Budslick Management Co. Inc. regarding possible affordable housing development

•Information about an Enterprise Zone from Morgan Economic Development

VI.Reports

City Treasurer:

City Treasurer Nancy Eggemeyer noted that the monthly financial reports were included in the packets.

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 $60.00 (fiscal year total, $60.00). Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Platt, Crossland, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Alderman Platt motioned to approve Pay Estimate #7 payable to Red Dot Construction and Equipment Rentals Inc. for the Buena Vista Street Project for $68,026.91. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Streets and Alleys Committee (Chairman Clark):

Chairman Clark advised the council that the Buena Vista Street project is nearly complete.

Gas Department & Public Property Committee (Chairman Ohlau):

Chairman Ohlau advised that he along with Gas Superintendent Jeremy Homan attended the annual Gas Utility Alliance conference in Effingham this past week.

VIII.Public Discussion

Bill Benefiel addressed the council about several ongoing issues. First, he requested that the concrete sidewalk be replaced on the side of his building located at 1529 State Street. The sidewalk was cut out to repair a water leak several years ago and never replaced. Mayor Page stated that Randy Eggemeyer would look into this matter. Secondly, Mr. Benefiel advised that a large tree that belongs to his neighbor fell on his property at 2826 State Street a year ago and has never been cleaned up. Mayor Page noted that the tree is located on private property but would advise Code Enforcement Officer Lorin Mott about this issue. Thirdly, he requested that the city’s property at 700 Stratton Street be mowed. Superintendent Randy Eggemeyer advised Mr. Benefiel that the city doesn’t own any property on Stratton Street and the mentioned property is owned by the nursing home. Discussion continued regarding the land sliding issues on Stratton Street. Superintendent Eggemeyer stated that the landslide on Stratton Street is an ongoing problem that he has been dealing with for 18 years. Discussion ensued. Finally, Mr. Benefiel advised that his motor home has a cracked windshield from a large concrete boulder that was lying next it. He accused a city employee of damaging the windshield while mowing near the area. In response, Superintendent Eggemeyer stated that Mr. Benefiel filed a police report on May 4th reporting the broken windshield and the city didn’t mow until May 6th. Discussion ensued. Mayor Page ended the discussion by thanking Mr. Benefiel for his comments and for keeping an eye out for beautification issues in town.

IX.Old Business

X.New Business

Ordinance #1679 – An Ordinance Establishing The Prevailing Wage Rate For Laborers, Workers And Mechanics Employed By Contractors Or Subcontractors In Performance Of Public Works Contracts For The City Of Chester:

Mayor Page presented this Ordinance to establish the prevailing wage rate as required by statue. Alderman Crossland moved to pass the prevailing wage Ordinance and Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Ordinance #1680 – An Ordinance Amending Section 4-1-2 Of Article I Of Chapter 4 Of The Revised Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Chester, Illinois, Relative To Planning Commission Membership:

Alderman Crossland moved to approve the Ordinance amending the number of members on the Planning Commission. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Clark, Geisen, Crossland, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

XI.Adjournment

At 6:28 p.m., Alderman Crossland moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Crossland, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Clark, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

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