City of Chester City Council met June 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session 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 D. Michael Blechle Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel Alderman Dan Ohlau
Alderman Robert Platt
Absent: Alderman James Maes
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. READING OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Alderman Ohlau 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 Allison, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve minutes of Executive Session held on June 1, 2020, as prepared by the city clerk. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
V. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was acknowledged:
Chester Area Christian Food Pantry Inc. newsletter dated June, 2020
Letter of resignation from Tom Sauer effective June 30, 2020
City of Chester Tax Revenue for May, 2020
VI. REPORTS
Mayor:
Mayor Page stated that the State of Illinois should move into Phase 4 for the COVID-19 Recovery Plan on June 26th. This will allow restaurants and bars to open with a maximum capacity of fifty people in each establishment.
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented an application for a raffle license for Friends of St. Mary Help of Christian Schools. Alderman Allison moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Blechle seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented an application for a raffle license for Chester Boat Club. Alderman Allison moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Blechle seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented six applications for a raffle licenses for Chester Eagles Aerie #3252. Alderman Allison moved to issue the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Blechle seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
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, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Alderman Platt presented Pay Estimate #7 and final payment to Red Dot Construction & Equipment Rentals Inc. for the Chester Turn Lane Project for $8,867.21. Alderman Platt noted there was a clerical error on Pay Estimate #6. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
VIII. DEPARTMENT HEADS
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT
Gary Stull addressed the council regarding the horrible road conditions on Harrison Street. Mr. Stull asked the council if they could provide an update on when or if the street will be repaired. There are two households located on Harrison Street that have no access to their driveways. City Attorney Kerkhover advised the city is trying to determine if Harrison Street is an actual plotted street and where Harrison Street ends. Attorney Kerkhover noted this process has been delayed due to the Randolph County Courthouse closure due to COVID-19. Mr. Stull advised the street has been maintained by the city for a number of years. Mayor Page noted the slide started on private property owned by Mr. Stull. Mr. Tim Wilber voiced frustration with the condition of the road and requested that the council provide any updates to them. Mayor Page advised City Engineer Harold Sheffer will be in Chester on Friday and the issues with the street will be discussed. Mr. Stull and Mr. Wilber provided their contact information to the city clerk. The city will provide updates to these two individuals after the meeting with the City Engineer Harold Sheffer.
X. NEW BUSINESS
Water Department – Tank Mixers:
Water Superintendent Tim Crow requested the council approve the purchase of two tank mixers for each water tower. The IEPA is requiring water suppliers to implement a Nitrification Action Plan. The tank mixers will constantly turn over the water in the towers which will help maintain adequate chlorine levels. After Alderman Allison’s inquiry, Superintendent Crow advised the city engineers will apply for all required IEPA permits. Alderman Dudenbostel moved waive formal competitive bidding and approve the purchase of two tank mixers with installation for $27,833.00. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Geisen, Allison, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Cooperative Agreements – Illinois Department of Natural Resources:
City Clerk Bethany Berner presented two cooperative agreements with Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The agreements will allow the Chester Fire Department the ability to receive excess equipment from IDNR. Attorney Kerkhover explained the fire department will have twelve months to put the excess equipment to use otherwise the equipment must be returned to IDNR. Alderman Blechle moved to approve the cooperative agreements with Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Proposed Budget/Statement of Income:
Alderman Platt questioned why the city pays Randolph County Economic Development $9,750.00 each year. The city doesn’t receive any help or assistance from the Randolph County Economic Development. Alderman Allison stated that the city needs to give Chris Martin some direction or a proposed project. Alderman Dudenbostel noted that several years ago Mr. Crow attended council meetings and helped the city of Chester. Alderman Platt asked City Attorney Kerkhover to find out if the city has a contract with the county and look into terminating the contract. Secondly, Alderman Platt asked the council to consider stopping the annual donation to the Popeye Picnic Statue Trail. Mayor Page noted the statues are a huge tourist attraction and he has reservations about ending the annual contribution. Lastly, Alderman Ohlau voiced concern about the million-dollar radio read system budgeted to be paid from the Gas Fund. Alderman Ohlau noted that approximately 2/3 of the expenses for the new system are Water Department expenses. Alderman Ohlau requested that the Water/Sewer Committee address their rates structures to cover their annual costs. Discussion ensued. Alderman Platt moved to approve the FY2021 Budget and Statement of Income. Alderman Blechle seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Appropriation Ordinance Hearing:
After explanation from City Attorney Kerkhover, Alderman Platt moved to set the Annual Appropriation Hearing for June 6, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Salaries – City Employees:
Alderman Platt moved to approve salaries as set forth in the FY2021 list received by council members as follows: Teri Crum, $42,402.00 – Aaron Gibbs, $35,600.00 – Gary Rust, $47,530.00 – Todd Yankey, $41,800.00 – Scott Maes, $41,800.00 – Charlie Bargman, $42,425.00 – Charlie Bargman II, $33,000.00 – Dean Renner, $52,683.00 – Chris Nordmeyer, $36,200.00 – Melissa Cushman, $33,000.00 – Randy Wofford, $48,345.00 – Doug McDonald, $41,100.00 – William Brown, $43,200.00 – Joe Clark, $37,600.00 – Jacob Eggemeyer, $35,000.00 – Ricky Casten, $33,000.00 – Carolyn Rucker, $43,525.00 – Billy Berkbuegler, $34,000.00 – David Menefee, $33,000.00 – Danielle Valleroy, $35,200.00 – Jay Allison, $48,068.00 – Joshua Louveau, $36,200.00 – Mark Allwardt, $35,000.00. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #1734 – AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES OF VARIOUS APPOINTED MUNICIPAL OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF CHESTER:
Mayor Page presented the proposed salary increases for the appointed positions. Alderman Allison recommended an additional $500.00 added to Patti Carter’s annual salary increase. Alderman Allison made a motion to increase Patti Carter’s salary by $1,500.00 instead of $1,000.00 for FY2021. There wasn’t a second to the motion. Motion failed. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve salaries as set forth in the FY2021 list received as follows: Sewer Superintendent, $55,753.00 – Water Plant Superintendent, $55,753.00 – Maintenance Superintendent, $51,464.00 – Water Distribution Superintendent, $50,700.00 – Gas Superintendent, $55,753.00 – Cemetery Sexton, $56,700.00 – Cemetery Clerk, $3,034.00 – Chief of Police, $72,035.00 – Zoning Administrator, $3,000.00 – EMA Director, $1,800.00 – Assistant EMA Director, $1,200.00 – Fire Chief, $4,800.00 – Assistant Fire Chief, $3,300.00 – Recreation Director, $33,000.00 – Animal Control Officer, $11.00 per hour – Code Enforcement Officer, $46,800.00 – Park Superintendent, $45,300.00. Alderman Blechle seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Mayor Page recognized and thanked Superintendent Tim Crow and Marty Reynolds for all of their hard work.
ORDINANCE #1735 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE III, SECTION 1-3-1 (B) OF CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, ILLINOIS, RELATING TO THE CITY CLERK’S SALARY:
Mayor Page recommended setting the city clerk’s salary at $66,000.00 per year. Alderman Blechle noted the city clerk’s salary is set every four years therefore this raise will be from May, 2021 until April, 2025. Alderman Allison asked Mayor Page what this raise was based on. Mayor Page stated the city clerk deals with many complex issues and problems that no one realizes. Bethany has dealt with the State of Illinois Budget Impasse and is currently dealing with FEMA submissions. City Treasurer Nany Eggemeyer noted that Bethany hasn’t received a raise for six years now and this raise will be for the next four years. Alderman Ohlau moved to set the salary of the city clerk at $66,000.00 and Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Adult Workers:
Mayor Page recommends a salary increase of $1.00 per hour ($13.00/hour) for the adult workers. Alderman Blechle moved to approve the increase for the adult workers. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: Alderman Ohlau. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Part Time Dispatchers:
Chief Bobby Helmers requested the council consider increasing the hourly rate for dispatch from $12.00 per hour to $16.00 per hour. The Chester Police Department uses part time staff extensively. Randolph County pays part time dispatchers $19.00 per hour. Chief Helmers advised new dispatch employees will be asked to sign a contract. The contract requires that new employees work for the police department for two years; otherwise the employee will be required to reimburse the department for all training expenses. Alderman Geisen moved to increase the salary for part time dispatchers to $16.00 per hour. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Sewer Plant Employee:
Marty Reynolds recommends the city council hire Thomas Stewart as a new sewer plant employee at $32,000.00 per year. Alderman Platt moved to hire Thomas Stewart as a sewer plant employee. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:55 p.m., Alderman Ohlau moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Dudenbostel, Allison, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
http://www.chesterill.com/city-government/city-council-agendas/
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