City of Chester City Council met May 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
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.
ROLL CALL
Present: Alderman Dan Ohlau Alderman Ray Allison
Alderman D. Michael Blechle Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel Alderman James Maes
Alderman Russ Rader
Absent: Alderman Dan Geisen
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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 Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Maes, Rader, Allison, Platt, Blechle, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Geisen. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was acknowledged:
Letter of Resignation from Jacob Eggemeyer
Letter from Mayor Page and Perryville Mayor Baer to Missouri Dept. of Transportation regarding the bridge replacement
Chester Christian Food Pantry, Inc. newsletter dated April 14, 2021
Memo from Chamber of Commerce announcing McFaddin’s Kennel as the Business of the Month
Monthly Superintendent Reports
REPORTS
Mayor:
After several meetings with state legislators, Mayor Page announced the replacement bridge will remain in the same location.
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented three applications for raffle licenses for Chester Community Golf Club and an application for the Chester Eagles. Alderman Dudenbostel 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, Ohlau, Blechle, Maes. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Geisen. Motion carried.
City Attorney:
City Attorney Kerkhover advised the city is accepting bids for the property at 110 Morrison Street. The bids will be opened at the June 7th council meeting.
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, Ohlau, Blechle, Maes, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Geisen. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the April report of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk as presented. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Ohlau, Blechle, Rader, Maes. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Geisen. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the annual report of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk as presented. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Ohlau, Blechle, Rader, Maes. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Geisen. Motion carried.
Streets & Alleys Committee (Chairman Blechle):
Chairman Blechle advised the Street Department has been busy completing various projects.
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee (Chairman Allison):
Chairman Allison advised the Planning Commission met on Thursday. Chairman Allison requested a copy of the Business Incentive Package information be sent to each business in Chester. Attorney Kerkhover will prepare the incentive Ordinance. Alderman Allison presented information to the council on a proposed sidewalk replacement. Mayor Page asked City Engineer Sheffer to review the sidewalk replacement and explore the Delta Regional Authority grant application process.
DEPARTMENT HEADS
Chief of Police (Bobby Helmers):
Chief Helmers advised the department responded to 522 calls for service in April. Secondly, Chief Helmers noted there are delays with the equipment installation on the new squads cars due to COVID-19.
OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE #1749 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 38-3-1 AND SECTION 38-3-3 OF CHAPTER 38 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER RELATING TO INCREASING WATER RATES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CITY:
Attorney Kerkhover explained the proposed Ordinance provides an increase in water rates. The following monthly charges are hereby established for water consumption for customers with the City limits of Chester for water bills sent after June 1, 2021:
First 2,000 gallons at $8.00 per 1,000 gallons
From 2,000 – 22,000 gallons at $4.00 per 1,000 gallons
From 22,000 – 42,000 gallons at $3.50 per 1,000 gallons
Over 42,000 gallons at $2.70 per 1,000 gallons
The following monthly charges are hereby established for water consumption for customers outside of the City limits of Chester for water bills sent after June 1, 2021:
First 2,000 gallons at (minimum charge) $33.00
Next 20,000 gallons $5.82 per 1,000 gallons
Over 22,000 gallons $5.30 per 1,000 gallons
The water rates set forth above shall be automatically increased by three percent on June 1, 2022 and annually on June 1 of each year thereafter.
Alderman Allison moved to approve Ordinance #1749 and his motion was seconded by Alderman Dudenbostel. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Ohlau, Rader, Maes. Nays: Alderman Blechle. Absent: Alderman Geisen. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #1750 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 38-4-111 OF CHAPTER 38 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER RELATING TO INCREASING SEWER RATES IN THE CITY:
Attorney Kerkhover explained the proposed Ordinance provides an increase in sewer rates. Sewer charges for users inside the City Limits of Chester shall be based on water consumption per month and shall be as follows:
First 1,000 gallons of water (minimum charge) $12.00
Over 1,000 gallons $4.39 per 1,000 gallons
Sewer charges for users outside the City Limits of Chester shall be based on water consumption per month and shall be as follows:
First 1,000 gallons of water (minimum charge) $28.00
Over 1,000 gallons $4.89 per 1,000 gallons
The sewer rates set forth above shall be automatically increased by three percent on June 1, 2022 and annually on June 1 of each year thereafter.
Alderman Maes moved to approve Ordinance #1750 and his motion was seconded by Alderman Dudenbostel. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Ohlau, Rader, Maes. Nays: Alderman Blechle. Absent: Alderman Geisen. Motion carried.
PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES
Mayor Page recognized Alderman Ohlau, Alderman Blechle and City Treasurer Nancy Eggemeyer for their years of service to the city and presented a plaque of appreciation.
OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEWLY APPOINTED OFFICIAL
The following officials were sworn into office: City Clerk Bethany Berner, Mayor Tom Page, City Treasurer Dan Colvis, Bryce Hill –Alderman Ward 1, James D. Maes – Alderman Ward 2, Bob Buckham – Alderman Ward 2, Robert Platt – Alderman Ward 3, Larry Bert – Alderman Ward 4.
ROLL CALL
Present: Alderman Ray Allison Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
Alderman Bryce Hill Alderman James D. Maes
Alderman Bob Buckham Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Russ Rader Alderman Larry Bert
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENT
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE #1751 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1-2-5(A) OF CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, ILLINOIS, RELATING TO COMMITTEES:
After explanation from City Attorney Kerkhover, Alderman Platt moved to approve the proposed aldermen committee changes. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayoral Appointments:
Mayor Page recommended that the following committee appointments be approved for Fiscal Year 2022:
Cemetery & Finance Committee:
Alderman Robert Platt, Chairman
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
Alderman Russ Rader
Water & Sewer Committee:
Alderman Russ Rader, Chairman
Alderman Ray Allison
Alderman Larry Bert
Ordinance & Public Property Committee:
Alderman Bryce Hill, Chairman
Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman Larry Bert
Park & Recreation Committee:
Alderman James Maes, Chairman
Alderman Bob Buckham
Alderman Bryce Hill
Streets & Alleys Committee:
Alderman Larry Bert, Chairman
Alderman James Maes
Alderman Ray Allison
Fire Department, Police Department & Public Safety Committee:
Alderman Bob Buckham, Chairman
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
Alderman Robert Platt
Gas Department & Personnel Committee:
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel, Chairman
Alderman James D. Maes
Alderman Robert Platt
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee:
Alderman Ray Allison, Chairman
Alderman Bryce Hill
Alderman Bob Buckham
Alderman Platt moved to approve committee appointments as recommended by the mayor. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page proposed the following appointments of department heads: Tim Crow, Water Plant Superintendent; Marty Reynolds, Sewer Superintendent; Danny Valleroy, Water Distribution Superintendent; Jeremy Homan, Gas Superintendent; Steve Renner, Maintenance Superintendent; Mark Gibbs, Cemetery Sexton; Randy Wofford, Cemetery Clerk; Robert Helmers, Chief of Police; Marty Bert, Fire Chief; Ron Shemonic, Assistant Fire Chief; Charles Bargman II, EMA Coordinator; Scott Stirnaman, Assistant EMA Coordinator; Patti Carter, Recreational Director; Elanna Bradley, Animal Control Officer; Lorin Mott, Code Enforcement Officer; Dean Andrews, Zoning Administrator; Billy Belton, Park Superintendent. Alderman Allison’s motion to approve appointment of department heads was seconded by Alderman Platt. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Alderman Platt and a second by Alderman Hill, Jeff Kerkhover was appointed as city attorney. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The firm of J. T. Blankinship, Inc. was appointed as city engineers, motion made by Alderman Platt and seconded by Alderman Allison. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Motion carried.
Alderman Allison moved to re-appointment Samuel Higgerson for a three-year term to the park & recreation board. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Allison moved to approve the re-appointment of Stephen Miller, Betty Welge, and Melissa Gross for a three-year term to the library board. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried
Kevin Woods was re-appointed as a member of the Chester Police & Fire Commission for a three-year term, motion made by Alderman Platt and seconded by Alderman Dudenbostel. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve the re-appointment of Richard Brown, Richard Allison, and Andy Schuwerk for a three-year term to the cemetery board. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried
Alderman Allison moved to approve the re-appointment of Tom Search, Richard Allison, Chris Naeger, Terry Moore and Shane Wagner for a three-year term to the planning commission. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried
Jeff Bohnert and Dennis McDonald were re-appointed as members of the Zoning Appeals Board for a five-year term, motion made by Alderman Dudenbostel and seconded by Alderman Platt. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried
Mayor Page recommended the re-appointment of Donella Butler, Bob Lockhart, JoAnn Simmons and Tony West to the Beautification/Tourism Commission. Alderman Rader so moved, and Alderman Allison seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried
Alderman Hill moved to approve the mayor’s appointments for part-time police officers, and Alderman Platt seconded the motion. Officers include: Matthew Holdman, Bradley Gielow, and James Winters. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried
Hydro Excavator – Gas Department:
Superintendent Jeremy Homan presented a quote from Vermeer Midwest for a 2021 McLaughlin Hydro Excavator for $91,200.00. The piece of equipment can be used by every department within the city for various line locations. After an inquiry from Alderman Hill, Superintendent Homan advised the equipment will have a warranty and training will be conducted by Vermeer Midwest for each operator. Superintendent Homan advised the equipment does not require a special license to operate. Alderman Platt moved to waive formal competitive bidding and approve the purchase a hydro excavator. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried
Sanitary Manhole Replacements:
City Engineer Harold Sheffer presented a quote from Red Dot Construction Inc. to replace three sanitary manholes in State Route 3. City Engineer Sheffer noted the quote is slightly higher than expected because the work will be done at night to avoid the busy daytime traffic. Alderman Platt moved to approve the bid from Red Dot Construction Inc. for the sanitary manhole replacements for $25,646.15. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Rader, Maes, Hill, Bert. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried
Mayor Page thanked Nancy Eggemeyer and Dan Ohlau for their commitment and hard work for the city over the last several years.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:41 p.m., Alderman Platt moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Maes, Rader, Dudenbostel, Hill, Allison, Platt, Bert, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
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