City of Chester City Council met July 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 Jeremy Homan Alderman Ray Allison
Alderman Bob Buckham Alderman Bryce Hill
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel Alderman Robert Platt
Absent: Alderman James Maes Alderman Russ Rader
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 Allison disagreed with a comment in the previous city council meeting minutes. Alderman Allison stated the superintendents are under the direct supervision of the mayor not the aldermen. City Clerk Berner noted the statement was made during the previous council meeting and that is why it’s in the minutes. Alderman Allison reiterated the aldermen are not under the direction supervision of the mayor. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Buckham, Hill, Platt, Allison, Homan, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Rader, Maes. Motion carried.
V. CORRESPONDENCE
• Tax Revenue Report for June, 2022 provided by City Clerk Berner
• Chester Chamber of Commerce Open House on July 28th at 4:30 p.m.
VI. REPORTS
Mayor:
Mayor Page advised the upcoming bridge replacement project is moving quickly. The current bridge will be under construction until December, 2022. Secondly, Mayor Page met with the Chester Police Department to work through some scheduling issues and some vandalism problems.
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented an application for raffle licenses for the City of Chester – Fall Festival. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Homan, Hill. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. Motion carried
The city clerk presented three applications for raffle licenses for the Knights of Columbus Council 3790. Alderman Allison moved to issue the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Dudenbostel, Platt, Buckham, Homan, Hill. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. 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. Chairman Platt moved to approve payment of bills, subject to audit, and to include payment to Bert’s Auto Service in the amount of $60.00 (fiscal year total, $850.69). Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Rader, Maes. Motion carried.
Gas, Water & Sewer Committee (Chairman Homan):
Chairman Homan advised that he spoke with Superintendent Marty Reynolds about the current state of Lift Station #1. Chairman Homan stated Lift Station #1 repairs need to be addressed as soon as possible and noted this is a safety concern for our employees.
Secondly, Chairman Homan announced the water department will be flushing hydrants for the next two weeks. Superintendent Tim Crow provided a brief update on the collector well feasibility testing. The preliminary testing is looking very promising.
Ordinance & Public Property Committee (Chairman Hill):
Chairman Hill advised that he is researching the operation of motorized bicycles within city limits. The City of Chicago prohibits the use of motorized bicycles on walking paths and certain streets. Chairman Hill asked the council if they would like to proceed with plans to draft an Ordinance for the operation of motorized bicycles within the city limits.
Chief Helmers noted that mandating a permit for motorized bicycles will require the owners to obtain liability insurance. Discussion ensued on possible limitations and fees for the operation of motorized bicycles.
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee (Chairman Allison):
Chairman Allison advised two boats are scheduled to stop in Chester this coming week. Secondly, Chairman Allison stated the Welcome Center deck is nearly complete and the new mural will start in two weeks.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ken Hill suggested the city council consider requiring the installation of headlights and tail lights on all motorized bicycles.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
Sewer Department Employee:
Sewer Superintendent Marty Reynolds introduced Jason Lochhead to the council and recommended him for employment. Alderman Hill moved to approve his employment effective July 19, 2022. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Homan, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. Motion carried.
Solid Waste Collection Contract:
Alderman Hill moved to approve the proposal from Quivey Sanitation Inc. for solid waste collection for a period of three years. Alderman Buckham seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Homan, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. Motion carried.
Water Plant – Telemetry System:
Water Plant Superintendent Tim Crow presented a quote from Electric Controls Company for a SCADA System for the Water Plant and Water Towers. The SCADA system on the Grade School Water Tower was struck by lightning. Alderman Hill moved to waive formal competitive bidding and approve to purchase a new SCADA system from Electric Controls Company for $68,856.00. Alderman Homan seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Homan, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. Motion carried.
Chester Public Library – Pneumatic Controls:
Mayor Page advised a special meeting of the Chester Library Board was held on July 14, 2022, to discuss and act on the emergency replacement of the HVAC pneumatic controls. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to waive formal competitive bidding and approve to assist with the purchase of HVAC pneumatic controls for the Chester Public Library not to exceed $40,000.00. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Homan, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. Motion carried.
Gazebo:
Park Superintendent Billy Belton presented several quotes for a replacement gazebo. Alderman Hill moved to approve the purchase of a new gazebo from Kuntry Custom Creations for $35,000.00 and metal handrails from Concussion Motorsports for $9,117.00. Alderman Homan seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. Motion carried.
Police Officer:
Chief Helmers advised the police department needs an additional officer due to the recent Police Reform and Safety Law. Alderman Hill moved to hire an additional full-time police officer. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison, Platt, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. Motion carried.
Officer Lake Fogerson and Officer Eric Cowell were sworn into office by the city clerk.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:32 p.m., Alderman Dudenbostel moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Homan seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Hill, Homan, Dudenbostel, Allison, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Rader. Motion carried.
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