Chester City Council approves release of executive minutes
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The following portion of minutes of Executive Session held on June 1, 2009, was determined to no longer be confidential and was made available for public inspection by action of the Chester City Council on July 20, 2009.
On Monday, June 1, 2009 at 8:26 p.m. the City Council of Chester, Illinois, entered into Executive Session under the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) to consider appointment, employment, compensation, discipline and performance of specific employees.
Upon roll call, the following aldermen were present: Nancy J. Crossland, Dan Colvis, Carolyn S. Schwent, Richard Brueggemann, Russ Rader, D. Michael Blechle, and Clint Cowan. City Attorney Jeff Kerkhover, Mayor Joe Eggemeyer, Police Chief Ryan Coffey, and City Clerk Nancy Eggemeyer were also present. Alderman Carole C. Abernathy was absent.
Alderman Crossland questioned the city superintendent position and Kevin Diercks' possible return as park superintendent. Mayor Eggemeyer stated that he would propose to eliminate the city superintendent position as it does not seem to be working out and told council members that he would like to put Kevin Diercks back as park superintendent. He would also propose eliminating assistant superintendent positions and changing those to superintendent positions (but leaving pay scales the same). The mayor also proposed making the park superintendent's salary comparable to what assistant superintendents are presently making ($43,000.00 range). Alderman Crossland asked if anyone has spoken to Kevin Diercks about the proposed change, and Mayor Eggemeyer indicated that Kevin is fine with going back to the park.
Discussion was held on restructuring positions. Mayor Eggemeyer stated that he does not see a need to have assistant superintendents. Alderman Blechle questioned who would be in charge if the superintendent is gone, and Attorney Kerkhover noted that the ordinance can be written so that the superintendent recommends to the mayor who is to be in charge when he is gone.
Alderman Schwent stated that everyone seems to agree that it is time to get someone back in the park and that the city superintendent position was not working for lots of reasons. The change did show the council that the city could survive without somebody in the park full-time. The other thing was that a lot of projects were completed in the last few years as Kevin was available to do these. Alderman Schwent remarked that it is her opinion that even though someone is needed at the park she doesn't feel that it would have to be a full-time person. This person could also be designated to oversee construction projects, etc.
Discussion ensued as to incentives for utility workers to get licensed. Concern was noted that the city will need someone to replace Sewer Supt. Surman a few years down the road (no one presently has the qualifications). Mayor Eggemeyer stated that there needs to be an incentive for city employees to get to that next level.
Discussion returned to Kevin Diercks. The council was in agreement that the ordinance be changed to eliminate the city superintendent position and to re-create the park superintendent position to also include construction-type duties; however, the salary was questionable. Alderman Schwent asked Mayor Eggemeyer if he had talked to Kevin about this change. Mayor Eggemeyer stated that he talked to Kevin about this for a few hours on Saturday and that Kevin said he was fine with it.
No action will need to be taken upon return to Regular Session.
At 10:23 p.m., Alderman Colvis moved to adjourn Executive Session and to return to Regular Session. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Colvis, Schwent, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Cowan. Nays: None. Absent: Alderman Abernathy. Motion carried.
 The following portion of minutes of Executive Session held on July 6, 2009, was determined to no longer be confidential and was made available for public inspection by action of the Chester City Council on July 20, 2009.
On Monday, July 6, 2009, at 8:58 p.m. the City Council of Chester, Illinois, entered into Executive Session under the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) to consider appointment, employment, compensation, discipline and performance of specific employees.
Upon roll call, the following aldermen were present: Nancy J. Crossland, Dan Colvis, Carolyn S. Schwent, Richard Brueggemann, Carole C. Abernathy, Russ Rader, D. Michael Blechle, and Clint Cowan. City Attorney Jeff Kerkhover, Mayor Joe Eggemeyer, and City Clerk Nancy Eggemeyer were also present.
Kevin Diercks' salary was left at the current dollar amount even though his position is changing (city superintendent to park superin- tendent). It has been calculated that he would currently be making close to this amount had he remained in the park superintendent position and taking the living arrangements into consideration (park house).
Alderman Schwent noted that one of the big issues in the past was should the salary change if the position changes. Previously, the salary was left as is when the position changed. Alderman Schwent stated that the council has had grief over that ever since. She stated that she believes the council should look at this carefully since changes were made again and be prepared to justify decisions that will be made.
Attorney Kerkhover remarked that the council should only consider salaries of appointed positions at this time. Other salaries cannot be discussed until a meeting is held with a union representative. Alderman Schwent asked about salaries for other employees who will not be covered by a union contract, and Attorney Kerkhover advised that those employees have not yet been determined. The council should budget for whatever may transpire and appropriate as well.
Alderman Schwent asked the mayor if he has a negotiating team yet, and the mayor noted that he does not; however, he will be setting that up. Two teams should actually be set up - one for the regular employees and one for the FOP (current contract will expire in 2010). Alderman Crossland stated that she doesn't feel that any alderman should have to be on both negotiating committees. Aldermen should have to share the burden. Attorney Kerkhover advised that probably three aldermen should be on each committee.
The only salaries to be discussed at this point are the salaries for appointed officials. Kevin's salary is the only one that would not change. Mayor Eggemeyer stated that Kevin would be right on target in salary had he remained in the park superintendent position. Alderman Schwent informed the council, that as she sees it, positions that were changed at the last meeting were city superintendent to park superintendent, maintenance superintendent, and cemetery sexton. The maintenance superintendent's responsibilities were probably cut in half by the action taken at the last meeting (he had the cemetery, parks, and recreational director under him). Although in reality he wasn't doing all duties as defined, the council should keep in mind that the position did change drastically by taking away these responsibilities (but the proposal is to increase the salary). The present cemetery sexton was not in that position but was considered in the utility pool (he is also getting a raise).
Alderman Crossland stated that she is having a hard time paying the park superintendent $52,277.00 while taking responsibilities away and then paying the maintenance superintendent $45,150.00 (and he has to cover a lot of things). Discussion ensued. Attorney Kerkhover noted that construction duties are also covered in the park superin- tendent's job description.
Proposed salaries for zoning administrator, EMA coordinator, assistant EMA coordinator, cemetery clerk, fire chief, assistant fire chief, and animal control officer are to remain the same.
There were no further comments or questions in regard to salaries.
Mayor Eggemeyer pointed out that he has listed Donal McKinney as chief of police on his list of appointments to be made this evening. He asked that the council take into consideration that, if appointed to the chief position, Mac does not want any insurance coverage because he is covered by the state.
Alderman Schwent stated that she has two more comments about salaries. In regard to the park superintendent, maintenance superintendent, and recreational director, these three people do not get along. She felt that possibly recent changes would improve the situation; however, she does not see any improvement. She would like to see this remedied. If they cannot get along, there may possibly be other solutions. This has affected not just their work performance but the relationships of other employees within the city and their attitudes. The other thing is the ordinance fixing salaries of appointed officers. If in fact there are changes to be made to people in the current positions, she stated that this would affect the way she would vote on the ordinance. She believes employees currently in these positions would merit the proposed raises; however, if there are changes in positions, she would not be in favor of these salaries. Alderman Crossland noted that the money spent on the position that Alderman Schwent is referring to would actually be less as the city would not be required to pay insurance on that person. In regard to Alderman Schwent's question, Mayor Eggemeyer noted that the deputy chief's position is not filled in on his appointment list as this position is appointed by the chief of police.
Alderman Blechle questioned appointment of city engineers. Mayor Eggemeyer indicated that he will appoint J.T. Blankinship, Inc.
Alderman Colvis stated that he is curious to hear an explanation of why the mayor is not appointing Ryan Coffey as chief of police. Mayor Eggemeyer remarked that he has had several complaints about Ryan over the last two weeks. One complaint was from the guy on Chestnut Street that was at the meeting this evening. Mayor Eggemeyer also stated that there are morale issues in the police department. There was also an issue with Rick Wofford (another instance where nothing was done). Alderman Schwent asked why Ryan's name was on the last list that the council received to consider for appointment. The city clerk noted that she was told by the mayor to leave all appointments the same and that is why the list was presented that way to the council. Alderman Colvis stated that he has not heard any complaints about Ryan Coffey. Alderman Cowan asked the mayor if he has addressed Ryan in this regard, and Mayor Eggemeyer stated that he has talked to Ryan.
Regarding the problem on Chestnut Street, Mayor Eggemeyer advised that there was actually a stabbing there a week ago. Alderman Brueggemann noted that a lady who lives in the apartment building is moving out due to the circumstances. Alderman Brueggemann told the council that something must be done about this man. He has told Christina Medford that the next time an officer comes down there he will have a gun and he is going to wax him. Alderman Brueggemann informed the council that he was the alderman who was threatened, and he has told Ryan about this several times.
In regard to morale in the police department, Alderman Crossland told council members that some of the older officers feel like they were passed over with the deputy chief position. They feel like it is very clique-ish (from what she has heard). Mayor Eggemeyer stated that it does create a problem when the younger group comes in and takes over. Alderman Colvis remarked that he has not heard any complaints and that Ryan Coffey has done a lot of good things. He always submits a nice report keeping the council updated. He has attended chief training. Alderman Colvis asked how bringing in someone from the outside can increase morale in the department. Alderman Cowan further remarked that the person being talked about (Mac) is a great officer, and Alderman Colvis agreed that he is, by far, one of the best. Regardless of this, Alderman Cowan stated that it is his feeling that Mac already has had a career and is retired from the state. Ryan has done a lot as the chief. Alderman Crossland acknowledged that no one is disputing that Ryan is a fine officer; apparently, the mayor wants to make a different appointment. Mayor Eggemeyer remarked that it is hard for a younger guy to get the respect of the older guys. They don't feel that he has actually paid his dues, but then maybe not all of them are suitable for that position either. Mac can bring the morale up, and he can bring things into the police department. The mayor stated that he knows he can keep a handle on Mac with spending. Alderman Crossland noted that if spending was a problem in the past, the council should have been watching this all along and monitoring the situation. It is the council's job to watch the city's money. Mayor Eggemeyer told the council that Don Stallman talked to him the other night about the kids on Hardees' parking lot late at night, and this continues to be a problem.
Alderman Colvis referred to a letter sent to the mayor dated April 20, 2009, signed by Randolph County Sheriff Fred Frederking, Steeleville Chief of Police Lyn Thies, Sparta Chief of Police Tom Ashley, Coulterville Chief of Police Jason Schlesinger, and Red Bud Asst. Chief Dan Brotz. The letter asks that Mayor Eggemeyer take special consideration in keeping Ryan Coffey as Chester Police Chief. Mayor Eggemeyer asked how Alderman Colvis got a copy of this letter, and Alderman Colvis responded that it was sent to him at his home address. Alderman Colvis stated that it is his feeling that these guys know what is going on and that their opinions should be highly regarded. Alderman Crossland asked if area mayors approved for their chiefs to sign that letter, and Mayor Eggemeyer noted that he spoke with a few of them who were not very happy about the situation.
Attorney Kerkhover asked Mayor Eggemeyer what his understanding is for Ryan Coffey and Bobby Helmers if they are not re-appointed to their present positions. The mayor stated that he understands that Ryan would return to his previous position as a detective. He doesn't believe that the city needs a deputy chief, so Bobby would go back into the ranks.
Alderman Blechle stated that he does not believe that the mayor can blame Ryan for drug dealing. There was a drug dealer right across the street from his house when McKinney was the chief. He does not believe bringing Mac back will solve that problem. Alderman Crossland agreed with Alderman Blechle that there will always be that problem regardless of who is chief.
Attorney Kerkhover suggested that upon returning to regular session the mayor go through appointments one by one so that council members can vote on each separately.
Alderman Colvis brought up the recent phone call that he received from the mayor (he prefers that this be left in Executive Session). Taking time away from his own work schedule, Alderman Colvis met with the city engineer (who was donating his time) and residents of Ward 1 who were asking for help. While at this location, Alderman Colvis received a phone call from the mayor who was upset with him for not asking permission to meet with the city engineer. Mayor Eggemeyer told the council members that he was upset because he was not aware if the city was being billed for this service or not. Alderman Colvis then told Alderman Crossland that if she would like to address him in the future, it would be nice if she would stop and address him (instead of yelling out her car window as she drives by). Alderman Crossland responded that she was infuriated when she saw him with the city engineer at this location because she had asked that something be done about the issue two and a half years ago, and nothing was done. It was noted that past issues were between her and the previous mayor. Mayor Eggemeyer stated that he would not have been upset if Alderman Colvis had just told him what was going on, and Alderman Colvis noted that he had given this request to the mayor a month ago. Both sides agreed that there is a lack of communication. Alderman Colvis stated that he believed he was just doing the homeowner a favor by asking for advice so that the owner could do the work himself.
Alderman Blechle asked the mayor if superintendents clear things with him first. The mayor responded that there are on-going things, but they do clear things ahead of time. Alderman Schwent stated that she thinks it would be a good idea to include superintendents n the first meeting of the month - either a report should be sent in agenda packets or they should be listed individually on the agenda. Alderman Crossland also felt that it is important to have department heads at the meeting to field questions.
At 10:08 p.m., Alderman Crossland moved to adjourn Executive Session and to return to Regular Session. Alderman Blechle seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Colvis, Schwent, Brueggemann, Abernathy, Rader, Blechle, Cowan. Nays: None. Absent: Motion carried.