South West Illinois News

City of Chester City Council met April 18.

Here are 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 Page called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL 

Present:     Alderman James Maes                      Alderman Ray Allison

                  Alderman Bob Buckham                    Alderman Russ Rader

                  Alderman Randy Dudenbostel           Alderman Robert Platt

                  Alderman Bryce Hill                            Alderman Jeremy Homan

Absent:      None                                                  

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

IV. READING OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Alderman Maes 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 Buckham, Hill, Rader, Platt, Maes, Allison, Homan, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

V. CORRESPONDENCE

Popeye Newsletter dated March, 2022

Tax Revenue Report for March, 2022

Letter of Resignation from Sarah Roth from the Park & Recreation Board

Letter of Resignation from Jeannie Golding from city hall janitor position

VI. REPORTS

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. Chairman Platt moved to approve payment of bills, subject to audit. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Hill, Homan Dudenbostel, Maes, Buckham, Platt, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jennifer Raymond presented a proposal for professional services offered by Heartland Conservancy and their partner Steadfast City. Heartland Conservancy is an economic development consulting firm that specialize in comprehensive plans and housing studies. Planning Commission President Shane Wagner recommends the city council consider having Heartland Conservancy complete a Housing Market Assessment and Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment. Mayor Page asked the city council to review the proposal provided by Heartland Conservancy.

Secondly, Gary Stull addressed the city council regarding the current conditions on Harrison Street. Mr. Stull inquired about possible city funds or grant opportunities to repair the damaged street. Attorney Kerkhover advised that Mrs. Boyer from Illinois Department of Transportation was researching possible grants; however, he has not been in contact with her for several months. Alderman Platt stated the slide originated on private property; therefore Mr. Stull would need to fix his private property before the city could repair Harrison Street. Mr. Stull stated the city did not fix Harrison Street properly four years ago when the slide started. Mayor Page noted the city is unable to use Motor Fuel Tax Funds on private property. Alderman Buckham agreed with Alderman Platt stating the soil sliding down the hill is on Mr. Stull’s property not in the street. Mr. Stull advised that he would reach out to Mrs. Boyer for an update on possible grant opportunities.

IX. OLD BUSINESS

Cole Park & Gas Department – UTV:

The council discussed the need for a two-seater or four-seater utility terrain vehicle for Cole Park and the Gas Department. Alderman Hill moved to approve the purchase of a two-seater Polaris Side-by-Side for $27,390.00 from Midwest Sports Center. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Maes, Homan, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

X. NEW BUSINESS

Auxiliary Firefighter:

Alderman Platt moved to approve Matthew Holdman as an auxiliary firefighter. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Maes, Homan, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

City Hall & Police Department Janitor:

Alderman Hill moved to approve Wendy Atchison as janitor for city hall and the police department. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Maes, Hill, Homan Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

At 6:22 p.m., Alderman Maes moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Hill, Homan, Rader, Dudenbostel, Maes, Allison, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

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