City of Chester City Council met Aug. 3.
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 James Maes Alderman Ray Allison
Alderman D. Michael Blechle Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel Alderman Dan Ohlau
Alderman Robert Platt Alderman Daniel Geisen
Absent: None
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 Maes, Ohlau, Allison, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Dudenbostel, Geisen. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
V.CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was acknowledged:
•Monthly Superintendent Reports
•Red Cross Blood Drive on August 19th at the American Legion
•Memo from City Clerk Berner providing quote from Utility Pipe Sales
VI.REPORTS
Mayor:
Mayor Page advised a meeting is scheduled with Pinckneyville city officials to discuss the proposed meter system from Utility Pipe Sales.
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented four applications for a raffle licenses for the Chester Ducks Unlimited Chapter 137. Alderman Geisen moved to issue the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Maes, Geisen. Nays: None. Absent: None. 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 Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Maes, Geisen. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the June report of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk as presented. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Maes, Geisen. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Park & Recreation Committee (Chairman Maes):
Chairman Maes advised a Park Board meeting is scheduled for next week. Mayor Page noted that grade school baseball and softball will begin next week. Park Superintendent Billy Belton noted the sidewalk will be poured at the Cohen Complex this week.
Streets & Alleys Committee (Chairman Blechle):
Chairman Blechle advised Street Department Superintendent Steve Renner has poured several new sidewalks and will begin to oil and chip streets soon.
Mayor Page advised IDOT has agreed to come look at the Harrison Street damages. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unknown when IDOT will come view the damages to Harrison Street. Mayor Page noted that Superintendent Steve Renner and City Engineer Harold Sheffer will attend the meeting with IDOT.
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee (Chairman Allison):
Chairman Allison advised Mayor Page signed a resolution offering support to turn the French Historic District of Randolph County into a national park. Alderman Allison asked the council members if they had reviewed the information submitted by Chris Martin and had any questions for him. The council members did not have any questions about the information provided by Chris Martin. Lastly, Alderman Allison advised the Beautification/Tourism Commission is waiting on a preliminary design for the lot located next to Korando Heating and Cooling.
VIII.DEPARTMENT HEADS
Chief of Police (Bobby Helmers):
Chief Helmers reported that Officer Steve Laramore and his canine Sabo passed recertification on their first attempt. Secondly, Chief Helmers stated the department is currently short two police dispatchers.
Fire Chief (Marty Bert):
Chief Bert announced the new fire truck is ready for the final inspection. Four firemen are flying to Louisiana on Wednesday for the final inspection on the new truck. Secondly, Chief Bert requested that Lake Fogerson and Jarod Meyers be moved from auxiliary firemen to regular firemen. This item will be on the next agenda.
IX.PUBLIC COMMENT
Gary Stull reported the conditions on Harrison Street aren’t any worse after the large amount of rain last week. After Gary Stull’s inquiry, Mayor Page advised the city has not discussed or mentioned condemning any properties on Harrison Street.
X.NEW BUSINESS
City Hall Renovations:
Mayor Page presented a quote from Liberty Glass Company for installation of an airlock entrance way at city hall for $18,544.00. After voiced concerns from Alderman Allison, Mayor Page advised there could be additional costs for the installation. Code Enforcement Officer Lorin Mott will be doing some of the work. Alderman Allison recommended tabling the agenda item until more information is provided. After an inquiry from Alderman Platt, Mayor Page stated the windows will be tempered glass not bullet-proof glass. Alderman Dudenbostel recommended approving the agenda item and setting a dollar amount for the project not to exceed. Mayor Page suggested setting a $25,000.00 limit for the installation of the airlock entrance way. Alderman Blechle moved to waive formal competitive bidding and approve the installation of an airlock entrance way at city hall not to exceed $25,000.00. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Geisen, Ohlau, Maes, Platt, Rader, Blechle. Nays: Alderman Allison. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Part Time Dispatcher:
Police Chief Bobby Helmers introduced and recommended the council hire Kristi Beam as a part time dispatcher effective immediately. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve Kristi Beam as a part time dispatcher at $12.00 per hour during her training period and $16.00 per hour after completion of the required training. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Maes, Geisen. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Beautification/Tourism Commission:
Alderman Blechle moved to approve the mayor’s appointment of Connie Surman to the Beautification/Tourism Commission. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Maes, Geisen. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Parks Department – John Deere Loader:
Park Superintendent Billy Belton presented a quote from S & N Partners for a 2018 John Deere Loader for $4,900.00. Superintendent Belton advised the attachment could be used for multiple projects at Cole Park and the Cohen Complex. Alderman Allison questioned Superintendent Belton on the need for the new loader. Alderman Allison recommended borrowing equipment from other departments to save money. Superintendent Belton stated another department’s equipment is not always available. Alderman Blechle moved to approve the purchase of the John Deere loader for $4,900.00. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Maes, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Dudenbostel. Nays: Alderman Allison. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Prior to adjournment, Alderman Allison asked Mayor Page when the sale of recreational cannabis will be placed on the agenda. Mayor Page noted this item is not on the current agenda and that he would be happy to discuss this issue with Alderman Allison outside of an open meeting.
XI.ADJOURNMENT
At 6:30 p.m., Alderman Platt moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Dudenbostel, Maes, Allison, Platt, Rader, Blechle. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Geisen. Motion carried.
http://www.chesterill.com/city-government/city-council-agendas/
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