City of Chester City Council met June 20.
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 Jeremy Homan Alderman Ray Allison
Alderman Bob Buckham Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Bryce Hill
Absent: Alderman James Maes
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. READING OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Alderman Dudenbostel moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and to approve them as prepared by the city clerk. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Buckham, Hill, Rader, Platt, Allison, Homan, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
V. CORRESPONDENCE
• Tax Revenue Report for May, 2022 provided by City Clerk Berner
• Chester Christian Food Pantry newsletter dated June 8, 2022
• Memo on an upcoming Chester Bridge Replacement Meeting
• Randolph County BackStoppers Fish Fry on June 25th at 4:30 p.m. at Benson’s
• Notice of Hearing for the annual Appropriation Ordinance
• Letter of Resignation from Danielle Conway from the Parks & Recreation Board
• 2022 Chester Municipal Band schedule
• Chamber of Commerce “Thirsty Thursday” event on June 30th at Benson’s Wine Bar
VI. REPORTS
Mayor:
Mayor Page advised a public meeting will be held on June 23rd in Perryville on the upcoming Chester Bridge Replacement Project.
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented an application for raffle licenses for Friends of St. Mary Help of Christian School NFP. Alderman Hill moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Rader, Buckham, Homan, Hill. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried
City Engineer:
City Engineer Harold Sheffer advised Phase II of the Collector Wells Feasibility Testing will begin on July 5th. Mayor Page noted that a meeting was held with Senator Bryant requesting she sponsors a bill allowing the city to purchase ground from Department of Corrections for the Collector wells.
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, and to include payment to Bert’s Auto Service in the amount of $670.67 (fiscal year total, $790.69). Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Ordinance & Public Property Committee (Chairman Hill):
Chairman Hill asked Mayor Page if disciplinary action has been taken against the Code Enforcement Officer. Mayor Page advised disciplinary action is never discussed in an open meeting. Secondly, Chairman Hill stated he would like to schedule an Ordinance & Public Property Committee meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Streets & Alleys Committee (Chairman Rader):
Alderman Allison questioned if the Street Department had a list of streets and alleys that need repaired. Mayor Page asked Alderman Allison to contact Street Superintendent Steve Renner. Alderman Platt stated the city needs to develop a five-year plan on repairing streets and alleys.
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee (Chairman Allison):
Chairman Allison advised the Beautification/Tourism Commission approved a mural for the Korando Heating and Cooling Building. Cynthia Lawder gave each council member a picture of the mural. Mrs. Lawder advised the Beautification/Tourism Commission will be seeking donations for the mural. The estimated cost for the mural is $5,800.00. Secondly, Chairman Allison noted Shane Wagner will be at an upcoming council meeting to provide an update on the Housing Study. Lastly, Chairman Allison inquired about bids for painting city hall and the gazebo replacement project. Mayor Page advised the city is currently working on those two projects and they will be on an upcoming agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Larry Mitchell addressed the city council about the number of video gaming terminals and liquor licenses within the city limits. Mr. Mitchell urged the council keep the current limits on the number of liquor licenses and video gaming terminals.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
Park & Recreation Board:
Per the mayor’s recommendation, Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve the appointment of Wendy Atchison to the Park and Recreation Board. Alderman Buckham seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Homan, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Full-Time Police Dispatcher:
Alderman Hill moved to ratify the action of the city council and approve Sarah Hicks as a full-time dispatcher. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Homan, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21-2-7 OF CHAPTER 21 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE NUMBER OF LIQUOR LICENSES TO BE ISSUED WITHIN THE CITY OF CHESTER:
Alderman Platt stated he can’t see increasing the number of liquor licenses. Mayor Page advised the city is currently short two liquor licenses. Mayor Page stated the council has discussed revenue issues numerous times and allowing this new business would provide an additional source of revenue for the city. Alderman Homan stated the city needs to offer an incentive for new businesses. City Clerk Berner advised the Planning Commission created a business incentive package for new businesses in Chester. Mayor Page urged the council to consider opening up a license for this new business. Alderman Buckham moved to added an additional “Class A” liquor license. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: Alderman Allison, Platt, Hill, Homan. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion failed.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7-11-2 OF CHAPTER 7 AND PARAGRAPH “F” OF SECTION 21-3-19 OF CHAPTER 21 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, ILLINOIS, RELATIVE TO GAMBLING LICENSING AND FEES:
Mayor Page tabled this item.
Sewer Department – Pump Station #6 Renovation Project:
Alderman Hill moved to accept the low bid of $82,891.00 from Red Dot Construction and Equipment Rentals, Inc for the Pump Station #6 Renovation Project. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Sewer Department – Pump Station #1:
City Engineer Harold Sheffer advised Pump Station #1 needs major repairs. Chester has a low-to-moderate income level of 51.6% which makes the city eligible for Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grants. One of the requirements of the grant is that the City’s sewer rates need to be 1% of the Median Household Income for 5,000 gallons. The City’s Median Household Income is $51,830 so the sewer bill/customer that needs to be billed for 5,000 gallons to satisfy the 1% is $43.19/month. The City currently charges $34.44 for 5,000 gallons. City Engineers will explore other grant opportunities to complete the pump station renovations. Alderman Platt moved to authorize City Engineers to proceed with pump station #1 renovations. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Water Plant – Corrosion Control Study:
Alderman Hill moved to approve an agreement with Geosyntec Consultants to conduct a corrosion control study for $50,000.00. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
Cohen Complex – Outdoor Fitness Equipment:
Alderman Homan inquired about the total cost to install the new equipment. Secondly, the council discussed liability issues with the new equipment. Mayor Page tabled this item and will discuss possible liability issues with the city’s insurance company.
IDOT Resolution – Fall Festival Parade:
Alderman Dudenbostel moved to pass a resolution to request approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation for temporary closure of Route 150 from its intersection with Stacey Street to the intersection of Taylor Street and Route 150 for the purpose of diverting traffic on October 16, 2022 from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Fall Festival Parade. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
IDOT Resolution – Christmas Parade:
Alderman Dudenbostel moved to pass a resolution to request approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation for temporary closure of Route 150 from its intersection with Stacey Street to the intersection of Taylor Street and Route 150 for the purpose of diverting traffic on December 2, 2022 from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the Christmas Parade. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Rader. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:35 p.m., Alderman Platt moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Hill, Homan, Rader, Dudenbostel, Allison, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Maes. Motion carried.
http://www.chesterill.com/city-government/city-council-agendas/
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