Chester City Council hears Halloween comments

<span>CHESTER -- The Chester City Council met for its first post-Halloween regular session on Monday and the topic of the Trick or Treat in River City event came up during public comment.</span>

<span>Chester resident Don Stallman spoke about safety concerns regarding the annual event, which drew more than 460 children according to Chester Mayor Tom Page.</span>

<span>Stallman referenced an incident in Santa Ana, Calif., where a hit-and-run driver struck and killed three 13-year-old girls on Halloween.</span>

<span>Jaquinn Bell, 31, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the tragedy, while trick-or-treaters were also injured and killed in collisions in New York, Florida and Washington state.</span>

<span>"(Trick or Treat in River City) has gotten big and safety is the No. 1 issue with these kids," Stallman said.</span>

<span>Stallman suggested blocking off a section of Swanwick Street so that children could cross the street safely, trimming uptown trick-or-treating hours to 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and having a police presence between the Chester Fire Department's firehouse at 1330 State St. and the uptown shops and businesses.</span>

<span>Stallman also suggested additional police presence at the First Baptist Church, which was the location of the Trunk or Treat event.</span>

<span>"I think it should be donated time by the police department," Stallman said.</span>

<span>Stallman asked the council what the age restrictions were for trick-or-treating and was told 12 years of age and younger.</span>

<span>During his mayor's report, Page thanked the city superintendents for another successful Halloween.</span>

<span>"It was a very good night," he said. "I think the children had one too."</span>

<span>City Treasurer Donna Clendenin reported the city's police pension fund has a 7 percent assumed investment return compared to the average of 5.75 percent.</span>

<span>"We're keeping ahead of most issues," said Clendenin, who added there are five people in retirement and one survivor.</span>

<span>During his report, Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert informed the council of the resignation of firefighter Dave Holder after 12 years with the department. Holder has also resigned as assistant EMA coordinator for the city.</span>

<span>Bert said the department performed presentations for 720 children during its Fire Prevention program that was conducted last month.</span>

<span>"We got a lot of good responses on that," Bert said. "We plan to continue that next year."</span>

<span>Under new business, the council approved adding Zach Heldebrandt and Josh Louveau as regular firefighters to the Chester Fire Department. Heldebrandt is replacing Holder on the paid roster.</span>

<span>Bert said after the meeting the maximum number of firefighters his department can have is 30, with 25 paid positions and five auxiliary. There are currently 24 paid firefighters.</span>

<span>In other action, the council approved to renew the lease agreement for Pinky's Sugarland, 1006 State St., for another year and approved amending a water purchase contract with Washington County Water Company.</span>

<span>The council discussed the purchase of two pumps, at $3,647.80 per pump plus freight costs, for the Chester Water Treatment Plant.</span>

<span>Plant Superintendent Tim Crow said the facility has been running on one pump. The purchase is being made through Illinois Electric with a total cost of around $9,000.</span>

<span>The new pumps have a one-year warranty and Crow said the current ones will be scrapped after installation of the replacements.</span>

<span>Alderman Russ Rader asked Crow about the status of the current pump at the facility.</span>

<span>"My opinion is to run it until it quits and approach the council about a third one," Crow said.</span>

<span>The council also ratified action relocating a gas line on Garfield Street.</span>

<span>"Garfield has new gas, water, sewer and sidewalks in the near future," Page said.</span>

Committee Reports

<span>The Chester Cemetery and Finance Committee approved the expense report for Evergreen Cemetery in the amount of $1,175, approved an invoice from J.T. Blankenship, Inc. for engineering services for water system improvements to Welge Drive and Route 3 ($6,477) and approved a pay estimate to Amrent Contracting, Inc. for the work on that same project ($71,290.32).</span>

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