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Chester says 'yes' to Enterprise Zone plan

The Chester City Council unanimously approved an agreement with Moran Associates for technical services and assistance for an Enterprise Zone application - a move leaders hope will help spark economic growth in the city.

During Monday's meeting, Shane Wagner, chairman of the newly formed Planning Commission that reviewed the proposal, said the panel supported the plan for the city to join in seeking application for the Enterprise Zone. The commission looked at the prospects of being selected in the endeavor and recognized that major incentives to new and existing businesses could strengthen the local economy.

Wagner said his group felt like this would be a positive move for the city as it would show that the city is committed to drawing new business interest while offering assistance to established small businesses.

The Illinois Department of Commerce designed the Enterprise Zone to stimulate economic growth. Businesses located or expanding in a zone may be eligible for state and local tax incentives and exemptions. Keith Moran of Moran Associates approached the council last month with the proposal. The council followed up on July 11 with a more in-depth special meeting.

Under the agreement, Moran will prepare and propose an application for the city, which would be very specific and include maps of the area being designated.

Chester joins Sparta, Red Bud and Randolph County in seeking to have designated Enterprise Zones. Moran Associates is writing a proposal for Monroe and Randolph counties combined with specific areas, of which Chester would now be included.

The application will be processed and submitted by Dec. 30 and - if approved - would go into effect in 2020. The initial cost to the city is $6,000. This cost, which is only for the application, does not come with any guarantees. Alderman Donny Clark recognized that this is a gamble but feels the possibilities outweigh the cost. Clark said he feels the city must try with everything that is available to help attract new small business and assist those already established.

Due to sickness and vacations, Aldermen Robert Platt, Nancy Crossland and Dan Geisen were not at Monday's meeting.

In other action, the council approved the purchase of a new Dodge Charger for the Police Department at a cost between $18,000 and $19,000 from state bids. This price does not include installation of the police equipment for the car, which could add several thousand dollars to the final cost. Mayor Tom Page suggested that the car being retired from police service could possibly be used by the code enforcement officer as he performs his inspection of properties.

The council approved the mayor's recommendation to appoint Stan Buchheit to the Police and Fire Commission for a two-year term. They also gave approval to advertise for an office/billing clerk position in the City Clerk's office.

The next scheduled City Council meeting is at 6 p.m. Aug. 6.