South West Illinois News

City of Chester City Council met Aug. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, August 18, 2025, in the Municipal Building, 1330 Swanwick Street. Mayor Eggemeyer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

Present: Alderman Bob Buckham 

Alderman Trenton Wagner

Alderman Danny Valleroy 

Alderman Randy Dudenbostel

Alderman Don Berry 

Alderman Nick Bert

Absent: Alderman James Maes 

Alderman Alex Moore

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 Buckham seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Wagner, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Berry, Bert, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Moore. Motion carried.

V. CORRESPONDENCE

• July 2025 Tax Revenue provided by City Clerk Berner

• July Park and Recreation Committee meeting minutes

VI. REPORTS

City Treasurer:

City Treasurer Colvis advised a $312,877.97 General Fund – Post Employment CD was reinvested at 4.05% for two years with Dieterich Bank and a $277,347.68 General Fund – Post Employment CD was invested at 4.05% for two years with BV Bank. In the Natural Gas Fund, a $250,000.00 Brokered CD from BMW Bank of North American at 3.5% for 3 years and a $108,000.00 Brokered CD from Toyota Financial Savings Bank at 4% for two years.

City Clerk:

The city clerk presented an application for raffle license for St. John’s Lutheran School. Alderman Dudenbostel moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Wagner, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Berry, Bert, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Moore. Motion carried.

VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Cemetery & Finance Committee (Chairman Wagner):

The Cemetery and Finance Committee met this evening at 5:00 p.m. to review city bills, and found them to be in order for payment. Chairman Wagner moved to approve payment of bills, subject to audit. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Bert, Wagner, Valleroy, Berry, Buckham, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Moore, Maes. Motion carried.

Park & Recreation Committee (Chairman Bert):

Chairman Bert advised 116 kids attended the Summer Splash event at Cole Park. Chairman Bert thanked all of the sponsors and volunteers at the event.

VIII. DEPARTMENT HEADS

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT

X. OLD BUSINESS

XI. NEW BUSINESS

Cemetery – HVAC System:

After a brief discussion on removal of the old system, Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve the bid from Korando Heating and Cooling for a 3-ton Bryant unit for $7,966.00. Alderman Bert seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Valleroy, Bert, Wagner, Buckham, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Maes, Moore. Motion carried.

Park Department – Sound System:

Alderman Bert moved to approve a new sound system for city events not to exceed $4,000.00. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Valleroy, Bert, Wagner, Buckham, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Moore, Maes. Motion carried.

Gas Department – Employee:

Alderman Buckham moved to hire Matt Keeton as a gas department laborer. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Valleroy, Bert, Wagner, Buckham, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Moore, Maes. Motion carried.

Billing Clerk:

After a brief explanation from City Clerk Berner, Alderman Dudenbostel moved to advertise for the position of billing clerk. Alderman Bert seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Valleroy, Wagner, Bert, Buckham, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Moore, Maes. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE 1846 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR SALE OF REAL ESTATE TO THE CITY OF CHESTER, ILLINOIS:

Alderman Dudenbostel moved to approve the Ordinance for the purchase of 2910 State Street. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Valleroy, Bert, Wagner, Buckham, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Moore, Maes. Motion carried.

Police Department – K9 Vehicle:

Alderman Berry moved to waive formal competitive bidding and purchase a new K9 vehicle for the police department not to exceed the budgeted amount. Alderman Buckham seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Valleroy, Bert, Wagner, Buckham, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Moore, Maes. Motion carried.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

At 6:22 p.m., Alderman Dudenbostel moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Bert, Berry, Valleroy, Wagner, Buckham, Dudenbostel. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Moore, Maes. Motion carried.

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