City of Chester City Council met April 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I.CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, April 1, 2019, 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 Allison, Alderman Daniel Geisen
Alderman Robert Platt, Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman D. Michael Blechle, Alderman Dan Ohlau
Alderman Nancy J. Crossland
Absent:Alderman Donald Clark
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 Geisen seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Blechle, Crossland, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Alderman Crossland moved to approve minutes of Executive Session held on March 18, 2019, as prepared by the city clerk. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
V.CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was acknowledged:
•Maintenance Report for March 2019 provided by Randy Eggemeyer
•Monthly status report provided by Police Chief Bobby Helmers
VI.REPORTS
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented an application for raffle licenses for St. Mary’s School. Alderman Crossland moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented two applications for raffle licenses for Chester Community Golf Club. Alderman Crossland moved to issue the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented an application for raffle licenses for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Alderman Crossland moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented an application for raffle licenses for Renegade Pigs. Alderman Ohlau moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Alderman Platt advised that some municipalities charge a fee to issue raffles licenses.
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. Alderman Rader seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Blechle, Crossland, Platt, Rader, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the March report of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk as presented. Alderman Allison seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Gas Department & Public Property Committee (Chairman Ohlau):
Chairman Ohlau advised that a phone conference was held with CenterPoint Energy regarding open receipt points.
VIII.DEPARTMENT HEADS:
Police Chief (Bobby Helmers):
Chief Helmers summarized his monthly status report.
Fire Chief (Marty Bert):
Chester Fire Department responded to 11 calls during the month of March. Also, Chief Bert advised Korando Heating and Cooling is donating $100 for each new unit sold for the purchase of a washing machine at the fire department.
IX.PUBLIC COMMENT
Chris Koeneman read a letter of support and encouraged the council to approve the addition of a dog park at Cole Memorial Park.
X.OLD BUSINESS
XI.NEW BUSINESS
Appointment – Maintenance Superintendent:
Mayor Page recommended the appointment of Steve Renner as Maintenance Superintendent. Alderman Crossland moved to approve Steve Renner as Maintenance Superintendent effective April 1, 2019. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Blechle, Geisen, Rader, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #1707 – AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARY OF THE MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CITY OF CHESTER:
Mayor Page recommended a salary of $48,464.00 beginning April 1, 2019 for the maintenance superintendent position. Alderman Crossland moved to approve the salary and Alderman Rader seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Blechle, Geisen, Rader, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Sewer Department – Tractor:
Alderman Platt moved to ratify the action of the council in the purchase of a Kubota tractor and mower from Sparta Equipment Sales & Service for $9,730.00 and waive formal competitive bidding. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Blechle, Geisen, Rader, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Dog Park:
After Mayor Page’s inquiry, Kyle Koeneman stated the individuals using the dog park will help maintain the dog park and bags will be provided to users for the disposal of dog waste. Alderman Geisen advised that he has received a few phone calls from neighbors with concerns over the noise associated with a dog park. Kyle Koeneman read a letter of support from the dog park committee expressing the need for a dog park in Chester. Petitions were circulated throughout town and there are numerous supporters for a dog park. Mrs. Koeneman noted the expense should be minimal and should be covered by the registration fees. Alderman Ohlau expressed concern about the location of the proposed dog park. The site is very soggy. Mrs. Koeneman asked the council for permission to use the existing ball field for a temporary location. Recreation Director Patti Carter stated the ball field is used for Stinger practices and various other events throughout the year. Discussion ensued on various other locations for the placement of a dog park. Alderman Platt stated the proposed area is a mushy slope and the fence quoted in the proposal isn’t tall enough for large dogs; therefore he couldn’t vote in favor of this proposal. Mrs. Koeneman noted the committee is willing to make modifications to the proposal according to the desires of the council. Mrs. Koeneman noted the committee prefers to use the old ball field or a portion of it as the location for the dog park. The existing ball field is much larger and flatter for the dogs. Alderman Crossland expressed concerns over the location and suggested the location be moved to the Cohen Complex by the flying fields. Discussion ensued over various locations. Veterinarian Jodi Bainter expressed her support for a dog park and volunteered to take care of the registrations for the dog park. The council asked the dog park committee to explore other possible locations for a dog park and gave residents permission to use the ball field at Cole Park temporarily until a better location is determined.
Fire Department – Pumper Tanker:
Alderman Allison moved to approve the fire department to proceed with the design of a new pumper tanker. Alderman Platt seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Blechle, Geisen, Rader, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Vacating of Dawnview Road:
Alderman Crossland moved to vacate a portion of Dawnview Road and Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Attorney Kerkhover advised a ¾ vote is required. Alderman Platt requested discussion on this topic before a vote. Alderman Platt questioned why the city isn’t being compensated for the land. Attorney Kerkhover advised the statute allows for compensation for a street vacation. Alderman Platt recommends a public hearing set to allow neighbors the opportunity to provide input on the road closure. Jana Kothe advised the closure of this road would provide more security for the impound lot and close the dangerous intersection located at the corner of Dawnview and Old Plank Road. Alderman Crossland and Alderman Geisen withdrew their motions. Mayor Page advised a public meeting will be scheduled to discuss the street vacation.
Vacating alley in Cole and Erskines Addition:
Attorney Kerkhover recommended discussing both street vacations at a scheduled public meeting. This item was tabled.
Resolution – 868 State Street:
Alderman Crossland moved to pass a resolution to declare property at 868 State Street as dangerous and unsafe. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Blechle, Geisen, Rader, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Popeye Statue Trail – Purchase Stone
The 2019 statue will be located at the Chester Fire Department. Mayor Page noted the city owns each statue. Alderman Blechle moved to approve the purchase of a stone for $3,000.00 from the Popeye Statue Trail. Alderman Crossland seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Blechle, Geisen, Rader, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Executive Session:
At 7:12 p.m., Alderman Crossland moved to enter into Executive Session under the Open
Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2 (C) under exception (1) the appointment, employment,
compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public
body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the
public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Crossland Geisen, Allison, Blechle, Rader. Nays: Alderman Ohlau. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
The council returned from Executive Session at 7:38 p.m. No action was taken in Executive Session.
Adult Work Program:
Alderman Ohlau moved to approve the adult work program limited to six individuals to work less than 600 hours at $12.00/hour. Alderman Rader seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Blechle, Geisen, Rader, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
Employment – Cemetery:
Alderman Geisen moved to approve Kevin Diercks as a part time employee for the Cemetery not to exceed 600 hours at $12.00/hour. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion.
UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Blechle, Geisen, Rader, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
XII.ADJOURNMENT
At 7:39 p.m., Alderman Crossland moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Blechle, Crossland, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Clark. Motion carried.
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