City of Chester City Council met May 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in the Municipal Building, 1330 Swanwick Street. Mayor Page called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Alderman Alex Moore
Alderman Danny Valleroy
Alderman Bob Buckham
Alderman Bryce Hill
Alderman Randy Dudenbostel
Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Don Berry
Alderman James Maes
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, Maes, Valleroy, Berry, Platt, Moore, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
V. CORRESPONDENCE
• Tax Revenue Report for April, 2023 provided by City Clerk Berner
VI. REPORTS
Mayor:
Mayor Page and City Engineer Harold Sheffer met David Duke with Ames Construction to discuss utility relocations for the upcoming Chester Bridge Project.
City Treasurer:
City Treasurer Dan Colvis advised a Motor Fuel Tax Certificate of Deposit matured and was deposited into the Motor Fuel Tax Checking Account.
City Clerk:
The City Clerk presented an application for raffle licenses for the River City Cruisers. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to issues the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Buckham, Hill, Maes, Valleroy, Berry, Platt, Moore, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: None. 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 for Bert’s Auto Service in the amount of $69.99 (fiscal year total, $69.99). Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Maes, Hill, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve Pay Estimate #11 payable to Korte Luitjohan for Water Treatment Plant Improvements Phase 1 for $166,802.50. Alderman Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Maes, Berry, Hill, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Gas, Water, Sewer Committee (Alderman Valleroy):
Chairman Valleroy presented a sewer bill ($115.25) of Richard Holley, 3024 State, for adjustment due to a water leak that did not infiltrate the sewer system. Chairman Valleroy’s motion to adjust the bill in the usual manner, was seconded by Alderman Platt. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Maes, Berry, Hill, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Streets & Alleys Committee (Chairman Berry):
Chairman Berry advised a flashing stop sign has been installed at the three way stop intersection by Taco Bell.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jim Johnston with Trane Technologies presented a Letter of Commitment for energy efficiency upgrades for some of the city’s public facilities. The Letter of Commitment authorizes Trane to complete an Investment Grade Audit that will address aging physical plant infrastructure, the HVAC systems, and other various capital projects. Mr. Johnston provided a brief background on Trane Technologies and OMNIA Partners Cooperative Agreement. The contract allows Trane Technologies to partner with public entities to provide design build projects that provide energy efficiency and resiliency. Under this contract, the city will have the ability to select the contractors and engineers. After 60% of design is complete, Trane will provide a guaranteed maximum price to the city resulting in no change orders for any of the projects. The Letter of Commitment states the city will owe Trane Technologies not to exceed $59,000.00 for design and engineering resource costs if the city does not execute a negotiated contract within 60 days of receiving the Investment Grade Audit. If the contract is signed, all engineering fees and evaluation fees will be rolled over into the overall project costs. Trane Technologies will research grant opportunities, ARPA funding, Inflation Reduction Tax funding, tax credits and various other funding sources to make these projects affordable for the city. With any remaining project expenses, the city could issue a standard bond or a municipal bond backed lease. Trane Technologies will evaluate city hall, the fire department, the cemetery, the library and the sewer plant. The energy efficiency incentives cover costs for HVAC systems, new lighting controls, window replacement, variable frequency drives and installation of a hydro electric generator in the 20-inch discharge pipe. It will take approximately 90-120 days to complete a full audit on the city buildings. Lastly, the engineers will explore the ability to add solar panels on various roofs or off-sight under a Power Purchase Agreement. Trane Technologies is currently working with the Alton, Normandy, Springfield and various school districts on similar projects. After an inquiry from City Attorney Coffey, Mr. Johnston stated the city does not have to follow through with every proposed project. Mr. Maes asked Mr. Johnston how confident he was on the various projects discussed and if he would negotiate the signing of the contract within 60 days and the potential $59,000 engineering costs. Mr. Johnston stated that he is open for negotiation.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
X. NEW BUSINESS
Appointment – Park & Recreation Committee:
Alderman Berry moved to approve the appointment of Rebekah Hillerman and Matt McCoy as new members of the Park and Recreation Committee. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Maes, Berry, Hill, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Appointment – Beautification/Tourism Committee:
Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve Jay Cooper as a member of the Beautification/Tourism Commission. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Hill, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Summer Student Workers:
After an inquire from Alderman Hill, City Clerk Berner advised one previously hired student worker is unable to work this summer. Alderman Buckham moved to hire Isaiah Ferrell and Justin Hayman for summer student employment. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: Alderman Hill. Absent: None. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #1794 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH PAY COURT DEBT COLLECTION:
The proposed Ordinance allows the mayor to execute a contract agreement for debt collection on court fines. Currently, the city is owed $5,200.00 in past due court fines. Alderman Platt moved to approve Ordinance #1794. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #1795 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT TO AMEND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT:
Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve the Ordinance to amend the water purchase agreement and rates with the Village of Ellis Grove. Beginning December 1, 2023, the Village of Ellis Grove will pay the City of Chester $4.02 per 1,000 gallons of water. On December 1, 2024, the Village of Ellis Grove will pay the City of Chester $4.14 per 1,000 gallons of water. Beginning December 1, 2025, the Village of Ellis Grove will pay the City of Chester $4.26 per 1,000 gallons of water. Alderman Buckham seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Agreement to Amend Intergovernmental Agreement with Ellis Grove:
Alderman Platt moved to amend the Intergovernmental Agreement with Ellis Grove adjusting the water rates. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Water Tank Contract:
Alderman Platt moved to terminate the water tank maintenance contract with Utility Services Co., Inc. for the 100,000-gallon elevated tank and authorize three aldermen to sign the termination letter. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Water Tank Contract:
Alderman Platt moved to terminate the water tank maintenance contract with Utility Services Co., Inc. for the 500,000-gallon elevated tank and authorize three aldermen to sign the termination letter. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Water and Sewer Fund – Capital Improvement Water Tanks:
Alderman Platt moved to authorize a monthly transfer of $4,250.00 within the Water/Sewer Fund for future capital improvement on the water tanks. Alderman Moore seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Symmetry – Natural Gas Management:
Alderman Platt moved to terminate the natural gas management contract with Symmetry. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
800 Opdyke:
Alderman Hill moved to approve the agreement commencing June 1, 2023, and ending May 31, 2024, to allow Douglas McDonald to reside in the residence at 800 Opdyke Street. Alderman Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Cohen Complex – Mower:
Park Superintendent Billy Belton presented several bids for new mowers for the Cohen Complex. A new mower is needed to mulch leaves and mow the ball fields. Next year, Superintendent Belton would like to mow the whole complex. Discussion ensued amongst the council regarding the upcoming mowing season. Alderman Maes moved to purchase a Rouge 61” FX 1000-EFI mower from Ruma Small Engine Repair Inc. for $10,816.98. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Executive Session:
At 6:51 p.m., Alderman Maes moved to enter into Executive Session under the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2(C) under exception (1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Valleroy, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The council returned from Executive Session at 7:30 p.m. No action was taken in Executive Session.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
At 7:31 p.m., Alderman Maes moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Valleroy, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
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