City of Chester Beautification/Tourism Commission met March 21.
Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:
Members Present: Bob Lockhart, Linda Radar, Tom Sauer, Cathy Sauer, Brenda Owen, Jo Ann Simmons, Sandra Starr, Shane Wagner, Donella Butler, Bruce Luthy Sr., and Cynthia Lawder. Also present was City Councilman Ray Allison.
Pledge of Allegiance: All members stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting: Minutes of the February 26, 2019 meeting were reviewed. Tom made the motion to approve; Sandra seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Linda Rader’s report was presented. The balance in our account is $27,893.50 as of 2/26/19. The nontax portion of the balance is $23,269.57. The Stone Cottage fund is $651.76.
Public Petitions & Correspondence: No report.
Standing Committee Reports
Anti-Litter: No report.
Banners/Christmas lights: Alderman Allison reported that there was a cost of $600 to add appropriate electrical connections to poles on Swanwick to accommodate the Christmas snowflake decorations. The city has put moving the decorations on hold.
City Welcome sign: No report.
Farmer’s Market: No report.
Planters: Cathy advised that depending upon health issues, the commission may be looking for a new caretaker/waterer.
Riverboat/Tour Programming: We will have a few more tour guides this year.
Take Pride Award: Linda reported on two quotes for new signs: $265 for 2 signs, made of a composite material and different colors from Mariah and $102 for 2 signs similar to current signs from Blazing Colors.
Historic Preservation: The foundry in Chester is making 3 signs designating properties on the National Historic Register that should be available in 3-4 weeks. Brenda will be scheduling a meeting with the City Attorney to discuss Certified Local Government status for the City.
Special Committee Reports:
Riverfront Improvements: The painting of the pump station is being paid for by the city.
Evergreen Cemetery Self-Guided tour: Sandra reported that they are meeting on April 15 for the first meeting. They have a new member: Ann Randolph. Brenda commented that someone from SIU will likely assist with QR codes for the cemetery.
Popeye Statue Self-guided tour: Brenda has had a conversation with Mike McClure regarding the QR coding of the Popeye character statues and has the narrative completed to “attach” to each statue.
Committee Function Reports
Public Relations: No report.
City Council Update: No report.
Welcome Center Update: No report.
Randolph County Tourism: No report.
Old Business:
New “Take Pride” signs: Sign bids for the Take Pride awards were: Blazing Colors: $102 for 2 signs (24x24). $ 265 from Mariah Designs for Coraplast for 2 signs (24x24), Cathy made the motion to accept Blazing Colors bid; Sandra seconded. Motion carried.
Relay of Voices: No report.
New Business:
Tour of Honor: We will have more visitors during this summer visiting our war memorial at the Gazebo park.
Building Mural: Brenda will attend the City council meeting on April 15 to make an informational presentation and ask for fund-raising approval.
Budget: Brenda will submit a preliminary budget for the commission.
Next meeting: April 18, 2019 at 6:30 at City Hall.
Cathy made the motion to adjourn; Tom seconded. Motion carried.
http://www.chesterill.com/beautificationtourism-commission/
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