South West Illinois News

City of Chester City Council met April 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, April 1, 2024, 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 Bob Buckham

Alderman Bryce Hill

Alderman Danny Valleroy

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, Maes, Hill, Berry, Platt, Moore, Dudenbostel, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

V. CORRESPONDENCE

VI. REPORTS

Mayor:

Mayor Page stated Ames Construction has moved a significant amount of dirt on the Illinois side for the Chester Bridge Replacement Project. Mayor Page noted the bridge project is progressing well and is ahead of schedule.

City Clerk:

The city clerk presented four applications for a raffle license for the Chester Moose Lodge. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to issue the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Buckham, Maes, Hill, Berry, Platt, Moore, Dudenbostel, Valleroy. 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 $1,974.59 (fiscal year total, $3,641.96). Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Hill, Valleroy, Maes, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Chairman Platt moved to approve the March report of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk as presented. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Hill, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Park and Recreation Committee (Chairman Moore):

Chairman Moore encouraged the community to attend the upcoming events will for Solar Eclipse. The Solar Eclipse events begin April 5th at Cole Memorial Park. Mayor Page advised the city will be hosting a meal for all volunteers and city employees at the Chester Eagles on April 8th at 6 p.m.

Streets & Alleys Committee (Chairman Berry):

Chairman Berry advised the street department had a resignation and is in desperate need of a mechanic.

Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee (Chairman Hill):

The Beautification/Tourism Commission will be selling Eclipse merchandise on April 8th at the gazebo and Buena Vista Bank’s parking lot.

VIII. DEPARTMENT HEADS

Chief of Police (Bobby Helmers):

Chief Helmers summarized his monthly status report. Secondly, Chief Helmers advised Cody Usher has started with the department.

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT

General Manager Ed Weilbacher from the Kaskaskia Regional Port District addressed the city council requesting letters of support for two grant applications. The Kaskaskia Regional Port District is applying for a grant to add a new third dock at KRPD #2 and another grant to replace existing diesel locomotives with new battery-powered locomotives.

X. OLD BUSINESS

XI. NEW BUSINESS

Park and Recreation Board:

Alderman Moore moved to appoint Greg Davitz as a new member of the Park and Recreation Board. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Moore, Berry, Platt, Valleroy, Hill, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Agreement for Demolition – 951 State Street:

City Attorney Jason Coffey presented an agreement for the demolition of commercial property located at 651 State Street. The agreement states the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council will demolish and pay all demolition expenses for 651 State Street within 90 days. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve the demolition agreement with Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council. Alderman Hill seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Moore, Berry, Maes, Platt, Valleroy, Hill, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

City Website and App:

This item was tabled.

Sewer Department – mower:

Alderman Hill moved to approve the purchase of a 25hp Kubota tractor without the quoted canopy for $23,023.00 from Sparta Equipment Sales and Service. Alderman Berry seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Hill, Maes, Valleroy, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

At 6:25 p.m., Alderman Maes moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Maes, Berry, Hill, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

http://www.chesterill.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/04-01-24.doc