Chester City Council met May 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
I. Call To Order
The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, May 7, 2018, 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 Ray Allison Alderman Daniel Geisen
Alderman D. Michael Blechle Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman Donald R. Clark Alderman Dan Ohlau
Alderman Robert Platt Alderman Nancy J. Crossland
Absent: None.
III. Pledge Of Allegiance
IV. Reading Of Minutes Of Previous Meeting
Alderman Crossland moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and to approve them as prepared by the city clerk. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Clark, Crossland, Ohlau, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
V. Correspondence
The following correspondence was acknowledged:
• Center Point Energy Customer Golf Outing on June 7, 2018
• Letter of Resignation from Jim Holder from the Police & Fire Commission
• Letter of Resignation from Toni Hosick from the Beautification/Tourism Commission
• Letter of Resignation from Norma Baughman from the Beautification/Tourism
Commission
• Maintenance Report for April 2018 provided by Randy Eggemeyer
• Fundraiser dinner for Liberty Bell of the West, NSDAR, Bicentennial Memorial Project
• End of the Year Street Party for St. Mary’s School at the Knights of Columbus on May 11th
• Press Release regarding the upcoming USS LST 325 Ship Memorial visit
• Beautification/Tourism Commission minutes dated March 15, 2018
VI. Reports
Mayor:
City Clerk:
The city clerk presented an application for raffle license for the Knights of Columbus Council 3790. Alderman Crossland moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Geisen seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented an application for raffle license for the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post 3553. Alderman Crossland moved to issue the raffle license and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The city clerk presented six applications for raffle licenses for the Chester Eagle’s Club Aerie #3252. Alderman Allison moved to issue the raffle licenses and waive the fidelity bond required of the raffle managers. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
VII. Committee Reports
Cemetery & Finance Committee (Chairman Platt):
Chairman Platt moved to approve the April report of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk as presented. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Chairman Platt moved to approve the annual report of the Evergreen Cemetery as prepared by Randy Wofford. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
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 Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Platt moved to approve Invoice #19691 for $14,178.40 payable to J.T. Blankinship, Inc. for construction engineering for Buena Vista Street project. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Platt moved to approve Invoice #19713 for $21,500.00 payable to J.T. Blankinship, Inc. for design engineering services for road improvements at the Chester Center entrance. Alderman Allison seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
After Alderman Crossland’s inquiry, Mayor Page noted the Chester Center project should begin in the next couple of months.
Pay Estimate #6 to Red Dot Construction & Equipment Rentals, Inc. for Buena Vista Street Project was presented. Alderman Platt’s motion to pay $226,479.25 to Red Dot Construction and Equipment Rentals, Inc. was seconded by Alderman Rader. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Geisen, Crossland, Platt, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Park & Recreation Committee (Chairman Blechle):
Chairman Blechle reported the Cohen Complex has been very busy with numerous ball games.
Streets & Alleys Committee (Chairman Clark):
Chairman Clark advised the sidewalks and driveways are being poured on the Buena Vista Street project.
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification Committee (Chairman Allison):
After Alderman Allison’s inquiry, Mayor Page advised the cottonwood trees will not be planted along the riverfront because the falling debris from the trees will cause problems at the water plant.
Chief of Police (Ryan Coffey):
Chief Coffey summarized the department’s monthly status report. Secondly, Chief Coffey addressed the council regarding the need for another squad car. An additional squad car was budgeted in Fiscal Year 2018 but never purchased due to the amount of money owed by the State of Illinois. After Alderman Allison’s inquiry, Chief Coffey noted all salvageable equipment is removed from an old squad car and placed in the new vehicle.
Fire Chief (Marty Bert):
Chief Bert advised that the Chester Fire Department responded to 11 calls in April totaling 33 calls year to date. Secondly, Chief Bert announced the department will be attending several upcoming training events. Finally, the Fire Department performed a mock accident for the Chester High School highlighting the danger of distractive driving.
VIII. Public Discussion
Sandra Starr presented information on a Beautification/Tourism Commission project to make the riverfront more presentable for the upcoming tour boats. The Commission is requesting the council’s consent to purchase three aluminum interpretive displays. The three interpretive displays will cost $3,725.00. After Mayor Page’s inquiry, Sandra stated the signs are designed to withstand a flood. Discussion ensued regarding the placement of the signs. Mayor Page advised that the council will vote on the purchase of the signs this evening but requested the Commission involve Superintendent Randy Eggemeyer on the placement of the signs.
IX. Old Business
Summer Student Workers:
Mayor Page advised a memo listing two student workers was included in each alderman’s packet. The two summer workers will work at Cole Park and the Cohen Complex. The two student workers will be paid out of the General Fund. Alderman Crossland moved to hire Brady Kelkhoff and Nicholas Meyer as seasonal student workers. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
X. New Business
Beautification/Tourism Commission—Interpretive Display:
Alderman Clark moved to approve the purchase of three aluminum interpretive displays for $3,725.00 from the Beautification/Tourism Fund. Alderman Blechle seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayoral Appointments:
Mayor Page recommended that the following committee appointments be approved for Fiscal Year 2019:
Cemetery & Finance Committee
Alderman Robert Platt, Chairman
Alderman Ray Allison
Alderman Russ Rader
Water & Sewer Committee
Alderman Russ Rader, Chairman
Alderman Dan Geisen
Alderman Nancy Crossland
Ordinance Committee:
Alderman Nancy Crossland, Chairman
Alderman Dan Ohlau
Alderman Donnie Clark
Park & Recreation Committee:
Alderman Mike Blechle, Chairman
Alderman Donnie Clark
Alderman Dan Geisen
Streets & Alleys Committee:
Alderman Donnie Clark, Chairman
Alderman Mike Blechle
Alderman Ray Allison
Fire Department, Police Department & Public Safety Committee:
Alderman Dan Geisen, Chairman
Alderman Russ Rader
Alderman Robert Platt
Gas Department & Public Property Committee:
Alderman Dan Ohlau, Chairman
Alderman Mike Blechle
Alderman Nancy Crossland
Economic Development, Chamber & Beautification/Tourism Committee:
Alderman Ray Allison, Chairman
Alderman Dan Ohlau
Alderman Robert Platt
Alderman Crossland moved to approve committee appointments as recommended by the mayor. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page proposed the following appointments of department heads: Tim Crow, Water Plant Superintendent; Marty Reynolds, Sewer Superintendent; Danny Valleroy, Water Distribution Superintendent; Jeremy Homan, Gas Superintendent; Randy Eggemeyer, Maintenance Superintendent; Mark Gibbs, Cemetery Sexton; Randy Wofford, Cemetery Clerk; M. Ryan Coffey, Chief of Police; Marty Bert, Fire Chief; Ron Shemonic, Assistant Fire Chief; Charles Bargman II, EMA Coordinator; Scott Stirnaman, Assistant EMA Coordinator; Patti Carter, Recreational Director; Elanna Bradley, Animal Control Officer; Lorin Mott, Code Enforcement Officer; Dean Andrews, Zoning Administrator. Alderman Clark’s motion to approve appointment of department heads was seconded by Alderman Platt. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Upon a motion by Alderman Allison and a second by Alderman Geisen, Jeff Kerkhover was appointed as city attorney. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The firm of J. T. Blankinship, Inc. was appointed as city engineers, motion made by Alderman Rader and seconded by Alderman Blechle. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Geisen moved to re-appointment Brandy Maes and to appoint Coleen Runge for a three-year term to the park & recreation board. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Blechle moved to approve the re-appointment of Dr. Stephen Miller, Betty Welge, and Melissa Gross for a three-year term to the library board. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Gary Knop was re-appointed as a member of the Chester Police & Fire Commission for a three-year term, motion made by Alderman Clark and seconded by Alderman Geisen. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Clark moved to re-appoint Donna Clendenin to the police pension board of trustees for a two-year term. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page recommended the re-appointment of Richard Brown, Richard Allison and Andy Schuwerk to the cemetery board. Alderman Allison so moved, and Alderman Platt seconded his motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page recommended that Glen Andrews be re-appointed to the zoning appeals board for a five-year term. Alderman Ohlau so moved, and Alderman Geisen seconded his motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page recommended the re-appointment of Sandra Starr, Cynthia Lawder, Barbara Junkin, Linda Rader, Brenda Owen, Pam Fraley, Bob Lockhart, Judy McFaddin, Tom Sauer, Cathy Sauer, Marla Yankey, Shane Wagner and Linda Sympson to the Beautification/Tourism Commission. Alderman Allison so moved, and Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Alderman Geisen moved to approve the mayor’s appointments for part-time police officers, and Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion. Officers include: Brad Coleman, Aaron Runge, Ken Stout, Kevin Woods, Tony Lochhead, Jeff Hammel, Zane Wallace, and James Winters. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Clark, Ohlau, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page acknowledged the members of the fire department and full-time police officers:
Officer’s include: M. Ryan Coffey, Chief of Police; Robert Young; Robert Helmers, Sergeant; Joe Jany, Sergeant; Marc Stout; Steve Laramore; Joe Crain; Seth Buch; Caleb Golding; Deb Canady, Telecommunicator; Michelle Nelan, Telecommunicator; Brandy Zahringer, Telecommunicator.
Firemen include: Marty Bert, Chief; Ron Shemonic, Asst. Chief; Jerre Atchison, Captain; Dan Hecht, Captain; Glen Andrews, Captain; Lorin Mott, Captain; Tim Crow, Lieutenant; Charles Bargman II, Lieutenant; Paul Gaertner; Roy Heldebrant Jr.; Robert Smith; Scott Stirnaman; Jerrod Hasemeyer; Jeff Hammel; Nick Schweizer; Steve Bicket; Jonavon Richelman; Zach Heldebrandt; Joshua Louveau; Mike Maciura; Greg Rowold; John Powell; Christian Gray; Derek Mott, Auxiliary; Josh Ruch, Auxiliary; Bruce Hoffman, Auxiliary; Hunter Cushman, Auxiliary; Aaron Gibbs, Auxiliary
Ordinance #1676—An Ordinance Amending Sections 38-3-1 And Section 38-3-3 Of Chapter 38 Of The Revised Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Chester Relating To Increasing Water Rates Inside And Outside Of The City:
Attorney Kerkhover presented the following monthly charges for water consumption for customers inside the City limits of Chester for water bills sent after June 1, 2018:
First 2,000 gallons at………………………………$7.50 per 1,000 gallons
From 2,000 gallons – 22,000 gallons at…………...$3.82 per 1,000 gallons
From 22,000 – 42,000 gallons at…………………..$3.34 per 1,000 gallons
Over 42,000 gallons at……………………………..$2.56 per 1,000 gallons
The following monthly charges are hereby established for water consumption for customers within the City limits of Chester for water bills sent after June 1, 2019:
First 2,000 gallons at………………………………$7.50 per 1,000 gallons
From 2,000 gallons – 22,000 gallons at…………...$3.85 per 1,000 gallons
From 22,000 – 42,000 gallons at…………………..$3.37 per 1,000 gallons
Over 42,000 gallons at……………………………..$2.59 per 1,000 gallons
The following monthly charges are hereby established for water consumption for customers within the City limits of Chester for water bills sent after June 1, 2020:
First 2,000 gallons at………………………………$7.50 per 1,000 gallons
From 2,000 gallons – 22,000 gallons at…………...$3.88 per 1,000 gallons
From 22,000 – 42,000 gallons at…………………..$3.40 per 1,000 gallons
Over 42,000 gallons at……………………………..$2.62 per 1,000 gallons
The following monthly charges shall be charged for water consumption for customers outside the City limits of Chester for water bills sent after June 1, 2018:
First 2,000 gallons (minimum charge)…………….$32.00
Next 20,000 gallons……………………………….$5.55 per 1,000 gallons
Over 22,000 gallons……………………………….$5.05 per 1,000 gallons
The following monthly charges shall be charged for water consumption for customers outside the City limits of Chester for water bills sent after June 1, 2019:
First 2,000 gallons (minimum charge)…………….$32.00
Next 20,000 gallons……………………………….$5.60 per 1,000 gallons
Over 22,000 gallons……………………………….$5.10 per 1,000 gallons
The following monthly charges shall be charged for water consumption for customers outside the City limits of Chester for water bills sent after June 1, 2020:
First 2,000 gallons (minimum charge)…………….$32.00
Next 20,000 gallons……………………………….$5.65 per 1,000 gallons
Over 22,000 gallons……………………………….$5.15 per 1,000 gallons
After Alderman Ohlau’s inquiry, Attorney Kerkhover advised the Ordinance could be amended if necessary. Alderman Crossland moved to pass Ordinance #1676 and Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Police Department—Squad Car:
Alderman Clark moved to purchase a new 2018 Dodge Charger for the Chester Police Department. Alderman Crossland seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Sewer Plant—Standby Emergency Generator Installation:
Alderman Blechle moved to accept the bid from Red Dot Construction and Equipment Rentals, Inc. in the amount of $45,044.00 for the installation of a standby generator. Alderman Crossland seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Resolution Accepting Oil Bid—2018 Motor Fuel Tax:
Alderman Platt moved to accept the proposal submitted by Heartland Asphalt Materials to furnish bituminous materials in the amount of $31,208.00 and to pass the resolution that the Illinois Department of Transportation be requested to approve such acceptance. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Executive Session:
At 6:52 p.m., Alderman Ohlau 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, 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 Geisen seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Geisen, Clark, Rader, Blechle, Ohlau, Crossland, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
The council returned from Executive Session at 7:22 p.m. No action was taken in Executive Session.
Ordinance #1677 – An Ordinance Fixing The Salaries Of Various Appointed Municipal Officers Of The City Of Chester:
Alderman Clark moved to pass the Ordinance #1677 to set salaries of appointed officials of the city. Alderman Ohlau seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Salaries—City Employees:
Alderman Clark moved to approve salaries as set forth in the FY2019 list received by council members as follows: Teri Crum, $39,902.00 – Josh Straight, $39,800.00 – Aaron Gibbs, $33,600.00 – Wayne Chambers, $46,214.00 – Steven Renner, $45,464.00 – Gary Rust, $45,530.00 – Todd Yankey, $39,800.00 – Scott Maes, $39,800.00 – Charles Bargman, $40,425.00 – Todd Frazer, $55,000.00 – Dean Renner, $50,683.00 – Danielle Valleroy, $31,200.00 – Randy Wofford, $46,345.00 – Doug McDonald, $ 39,100.00 – William Brown, $41,200.00 – Billy Belton, $35,600.00 – Joe Clark, $35,600.00 -- Jacob Eggemeyer, $33,000.00– Carolyn Rucker, $41,525.00 – Bradley Hamilton, $33,000.00 – Chris Nordmeyer, $34,200.00 – Mark Garniss, $36,300.00 – Jonathan Hopkins, $39,800.00 – Jennifer Vasquez, $36,100.00 – Jay Allison, $46,068.00 – Joshua Louveau, $34,200.00 – Mark Allwardt, $33,000.00. This motion was seconded by Alderman Ohlau. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Platt, Geisen, Ohlau, Rader, Blechle, Allison, Clark. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Page announced the following salaries for appointed officers:
Sewer Superintendent……………………………….$52,753.00
Water Plant Superintendent…………………………$52,753.00
Maintenance Superintendent………………………. $54,700.00
Water Distribution Superintendent……………….....$46,200.00
Gas Superintendent………………………………….$52,753.00
Cemetery Sexton…………………………………….$53,700.00
Cemetery Clerk……………………………………...$3,034.00
Chief of Police………………………………………$64,535.00
Zoning Administrator……………………………….$3,000.00
EMA Director……………………………………….$1,800.00
Assistant EMA Director…………………………….$1,200.00
Fire Chief……………………………………………$4,800.00
Assistant Fire Chief………………………………….$3,300.00
Recreation Director………………………………….$29,000.00
Animal Control Officer…………………………….$11.00/hour
Code Enforcement Officer…………………………$42,300.00
XI. Adjournment
At 7:31 p.m., Alderman Crossland moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes: Aldermen Ohlau, Crossland, Clark, Geisen, Platt, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
http://www.chesterill.com/city-government/city-council-agendas/
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