City of Chester City Council met May 1.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, May 1, 2023, 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 Robert Buckham Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Bryce Hill Alderman Don Berry
Alderman Jeremy Homan Alderman James Maes
Alderman Ray Allison
Absent:
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
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 Homan seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Maes, Rader, Allison, Platt, Buckham, Homan. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
V. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was acknowledged:
• Monthly Superintendent Reports
VI. REPORTS
Mayor:
Mayor Page advised construction for the new bridge will begin in July. The new Chester Bridge should open in July 2026.
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented four applications for raffle licenses for the Chester Moose. Alderman Hill moved to issues the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Maes, Rader, Allison, Platt, Buckham, Homan. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented seven applications for raffle licenses for the Chester Eagles. Alderman Hill moved to issues the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Maes, Rader, Allison, Platt, Buckham, Homan. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented an application for raffle licenses for the American Legion. Alderman Hill moved to issues the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Hill, Maes, Rader, Allison, Platt, Buckham, Homan. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
City Engineer:
City Engineer Harold Sheffer advised the Final Pay Estimate for the TIF Area Projects – Chester Center Entrance Road and Water/Sewer Improvements is on this agenda for approval. The Final Pay Estimate was held until Spring to allow the contractor to spruce up the area.
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 Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Allison, Homan, Buckham, Hill, Platt, Maes. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the April report of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk as presented. Alderman Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Buckham, Hill, Platt, Allison, Homan, Maes. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the annual report of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk as presented. Alderman Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Allison Platt, Buckham, Homan, Hill, Berry, Maes. Nays: Alderman Dudenbostel. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt presented Pay Estimate #3 payable to Red Dot Construction and Equipment Rentals, Inc. for TIF Area Projects Chester Center Entrance Road and Water/Sewer Improvements for $1,000.00. Alderman Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Homan, Allison, Hill, Platt, Maes, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
Gas, Water, & Sewer Committee (Chairman Homan):
Chairman Homan thanked Mayor Page for the appointment of Alderman – Ward 4.
Ordinance & Public Property (Chairman Hill):
Chairman Hill noted the council will be discussing increasing deposits for rental property at an upcoming council meeting.
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee (Chairman Allison):
Chairman Allison stated it has been a pleasure to serve as Alderman in Ward 4.
VIII. DEPARTMENT HEADS
Police Department (Bobby Helmers):
The Chester Police Department responded to 472 calls for service in April. Lastly, Chief Helmers reported that Officer Martinez and Officer Woods graduated from the Police Academy. Chief Helmers recognized Officer Laura Martinez for winning the physical fitness award at the police academy.
Fire Department (Marty Bert):
The Chester Fire Department responded to 11 calls for service in April. Lastly, Chief Bert advised the department has completed flagger, HAZMAT, and Electric Car Training.
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT
X. OLD BUSINESS
XI. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES
Mayor Page recognized Alderman Homan, Alderman Allison and City Attorney Jeff Kerkhover for their years of service to the city and presented a plaque of appreciation. City Attorney Kerkhover expressed this sincere appreciation to the current and past administrations for allowing him to service as City Attorney for the past 19 years.
XII. INAUGURATION OF NEWLY ELECTED OFFICALS
The following officials were sworn into office: James D. Maes – Alderman Ward 2, Don Berry – Alderman Ward 3, Alex Moore – Alderman Ward 4, and Danny Valleroy – Alderman Ward 4. Alderman Randy Dudenbostel – Ward 1 was sworn in by City Clerk Berner prior to city council meeting.
XIII. ROLL CALL
Present:
Alderman Robert Buckham Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Bryce Hill Alderman Don Berry
Alderman Alex Moore Alderman James Maes
Alderman Danny Valleroy
Absent:
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
Mayoral Appointments:
Mayor Page recommended that the following committee appointments be approved for Fiscal Year 2024:
Cemetery & Finance Committee:
Alderman Robert Platt, Chairman
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
Alderman Don Berry
Gas, Water & Sewer Committee:
Alderman Danny Valleroy, Chairman
Alderman Bryce Hill
Alderman Robert Platt
Ordinance & Public Property Committee:
Alderman James D. Maes, Chairman
Alderman Alex Moore
Alderman Bob Buckham
Park & Recreation Committee:
Alderman Alex Moore, Chairman
Alderman Don Berry
Alderman Danny Valleroy
Streets & Alleys Committee:
Alderman Don Berry, Chairman
Alderman Bryce Hill
Alderman Alex Moore
Fire Department, Police Department & Public Safety Committee:
Alderman Bob Buckham, Chairman
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
Alderman Danny Valleroy
Insurance & Personnel Committee:
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel, Chairman
Alderman James D. Maes
Alderman Robert Platt
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee:
Alderman Bryce Hill, Chairman
Alderman James D. Maes
Alderman Bob Buckham
Alderman Maes moved to approve committee appointments as recommended by the mayor. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Moore. Nays: Alderman Hill. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
Mayor Page proposed the following appointments of department heads: Tim Crow, Water Plant Superintendent; Marty Reynolds, Sewer Superintendent; Joe Clark, Water Distribution Superintendent; Mark Allwardt, Gas Superintendent; Steve Renner, Maintenance Superintendent; Mark Gibbs, Cemetery Sexton; Randy Wofford, Cemetery Clerk; Robert Helmers, Chief of Police; Marty Bert, Fire Chief; Jerre Atchison, Assistant Fire Chief; Charles Bargman II, EMA Coordinator; Scott Stirnaman, Assistant EMA Coordinator; Patti Carter, Recreation Director; Tom Stewart, Animal Control Officer; Lorin Mott, Code Enforcement Officer; Lorin Mott, Zoning Administrator; Billy Belton, Cohen Park Superintendent; Jay Allison, Cole Park Superintendent. Alderman Buckham’s motion to approve appointment of department heads was seconded by Alderman Maes. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Alderman Hill and a second by Alderman Maes, Jason E. Coffey was appointed as city attorney. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
The firm of J. T. Blankinship, Inc. was appointed as city engineers, motion made by Alderman Hill and seconded by Alderman Maes. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
Alderman Maes moved to appoint Collette Powley, Wendell Quintana, Sara Dillman and Joby Petrowske for a three-year term to the park & recreation board. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
Alderman Platt moved to approve the appointment of Bob Owen, Evelyn Schuwerk, Donna Clendenin and Tammy Liefer for a three-year term to the library board. Alderman Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried
Stan Buchheit 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 Berry. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried
Alderman Platt moved to approve the re-appointment of Caleb Golding for a two-year term to the police pension board. Alderman Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried
Alderman Maes moved to approve the re-appointment of Glen Andrews for a five-year term to the zoning appeals board. Alderman Moore seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried
Mayor Page recommended the re-appointment of Wendy Lochhead, Bob Lockhart, JoAnn Simmons, Tony West and Jodi Moreno to the Beautification/Tourism Commission. Alderman Berry so moved, and Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried
Mayor Page read a list of Part and Full Time Police Officers and Fire Fighters.
ORDINANCE #1793 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHESTER ORDINANCE NO. 1689 TO DELETE TERRITORY FROM AND TO ADD TERRITORY TO THE MONROE/RANDOLPH COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE:
Alderman Platt moved to pass Ordinance #1793 amending the territories of the Monroe/Randolph County Enterprise Zone. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Moore, Valleroy, Buckham, Hill, Platt, Berry, Maes. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
Monroe/Randolph Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement Amendment:
Alderman Hill moved to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement Amendment for the Monroe/Randolph Enterprise Zone. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Moore, Buckham, Hill, Platt, Berry, Maes. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
At 6:27 p.m., Alderman Maes moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Moore, Valleroy, Berry, Maes, Hill, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Dudenbostel. Motion carried.
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