NW Illinois News

City of Chester City Council met May 6.

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 6, 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 James Maes

Alderman Danny Valleroy

Alderman Randy Dudenbostel

Alderman Robert Platt

Alderman Don Berry

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

V. CORRESPONDENCE

• Tax Revenue Report for April, 2024 provided by City Clerk Berner

VI. REPORTS

Mayor:

Mayor Page stated Ames Construction has experienced some delays due to high water levels. Secondly, Mayor Page advised the old Carpenter’s Hall was demolished. This is a big improvement for the downtown area.

City Clerk:

The city clerk presented six applications for a raffle license for the Chester Eagles. 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, 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. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Valleroy, Maes, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. 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 Berry, Moore, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Streets & Alleys Committee (Chairman Berry):

Chairman Berry advised the street department would like to remind citizens to avoid throwing lawn waste in the roadways. Secondly, City Wide Clean Up is the week of June 3rd through June 7th. The city will not pick up any large items until the week of City Wide Clean Up.

VIII. DEPARTMENT HEADS

Chief of Police (Bobby Helmers):

Chief Helmers summarized his monthly status report.

Fire Department (Jerre Atchison):

Assistant Chief Atchison advised the fire department responded to fifteen calls for service in April.

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT

Dennis Trask, Youth Prevention Coordinator for Healthy Communities Alliance asked the council to consider passing a proclamation declaring “Prevention Week” May 12th -May 18th . Mr. Trask read the proposed proclamation to the city council.

X. OLD BUSINESS

XI. NEW BUSINES

Executive Session:

At 6:12 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, 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 Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Moore, Berry, Platt, Valleroy, Maes, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

The council returned from Executive Session at 6:25 p.m. No action was taken in Executive Session.

ORDINANCE #1813 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, RANDOLPH COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AMENDING SECTION 38-1-5 OF THE UTILITIES CODE OF THE CITY OF CHESTER:

Alderman Maes moved to pass Ordinance #1813 amending the Utilities Code establishing the position of Sewer Distribution Superintendent. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Moore, Berry, Maes, Platt, Valleroy, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE #1814 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, RANDOLPH COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AMENDING SECTION 1-2-121 OF THE ADMINISTRATION CODE OF THE CITY OF CHESTER:

Alderman Platt moved to pass Ordinance #1814 amending the Administrative Code creating the position of Sewer Distribution Superintendent and establishing the duties of Sewer Distribution Superintendent. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Moore, Berry, Maes, Platt, Valleroy, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE #1815 – AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SECTION 1-2-123 AND 1-2-124 OF CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, ILLINOIS, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE SEWER DISTRIBUTION SUPERINTENDENT:

Alderman Maes moved to pass Ordinance #1815 establishing the duties of Sewer Distribution Superintendent. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Moore, Berry, Maes, Platt, Valleroy, Dudenbostel, Buckham. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Mayoral Appointments:

Mayor Page recommended that the following committee appointments be approved for Fiscal Year 2025:

Cemetery & Finance Committee:

Alderman Robert Platt, Chairman

Alderman Randy Dudenbostel

Alderman Don Berry

Gas, Water & Sewer Committee:

Alderman Danny Valleroy, Chairman

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

Mayor Page proposed the following appointments of department heads: Tim Crow, Water Plant Superintendent; Marty Reynolds, Sewer Superintendent; Heath Menefee, Sewer Distribution 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; 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 Dudenbostel’s motion to approve appointment of department heads was seconded by Alderman Maes. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Upon a motion by Alderman Maes and a second by Alderman Dudenbostel, Jason Coffey was appointed as city attorney. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

The firm of J. T. Blankinship, Inc. was appointed as city engineers, motion made by Alderman Maes and seconded by Alderman Dudenbostel. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Alderman Maes moved to appoint Rebekah Hillerman, Heather McCartney and David Delcau for a three-year term to the park & recreation board. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Alderman Berry moved to approve the appointment of Dr. Stephen Miller, Betty Welge and Melissa Gross for a three-year term to the library board. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Kevin Woods was re-appointed as a member of the Chester Police & Fire Commission for a three-year term, motion made by Alderman Berry and seconded by Alderman Valleroy. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried

Alderman Berry moved to approve the re-appointment of Donna Clendenin for a two-year term to the police pension board. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Alderman Berry moved to approve the re-appointment of Richard Brown and Richard Allison for a three-year term to the cemetery board. Alderman Valleroy seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Alderman Maes moved to appoint Richard Allison, Tom Search, Pastor Mike Fogerson, Chris Naeger, Terry Moore and Shane Wagner for a three-year term to the planning commission. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Alderman Maes moved to approve the re-appointment of Larry Blechle for a five-year term to the zoning appeals board. Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Page recommended the re-appointment of Mary Ann Heberlie, Melissa Gross, Cynthia Lawder, Barry Harle, Linda Rader, Brenda Owen, Carla Draves and Dave Randall to the Beautification/Tourism Commission. Alderman Maes so moved, and Alderman Platt seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Page read a list of Part and Full Time Police Officers and Fire Fighters.

800 Opdyke:

Alderman Maes moved to approve the agreement commencing June 1, 2024, and ending May 31, 2025, to allow Douglas McDonald to reside in the residence at 800 Opdyke Street. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Summer Student Workers:

Alderman Platt moved to hire Lannin Caron, Justin Hayman, Brayden Juenger, Nate Maes, Shae Menefee and Devante Palacio for summer student workers. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Valleroy, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Alderman Maes abstained. Motion carried.

Auxiliary Firefighters:

Alderman Berry moved to approve Nolin Crain as an auxiliary firefighter. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Proclamation for Prevention Week:

Alderman Platt moved to approve a proclamation declaring May12th – May 18th Prevention Week. Alderman Maes seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Berry, Maes, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Platt. Nays: None. Absent: None. Alderman Valleroy abstained. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE #1816 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, RANDOLPH COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AMENDING SECTION 40-4-30 OF THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF CHESTER:

Alderman Maes moved to approve Ordinance #1816 adding additional nuisances within the commercial zoning district. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Buckham, Berry, Maes, Dudenbostel, Moore, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Water Plant – Roof Replacement Change Order:

City Engineer Harold Sheffer requested this item be tabled until all costs are presented from the contractor.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

At 6:40 p.m., Alderman Maes moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Dudenbostel seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Platt, Maes, Berry, Moore, Dudenbostel, Buckham, Valleroy. Nays: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

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