Chester City Council minutes

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CALL TO ORDER

The City Council of Chester, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, May 7, 2012, in the Municipal Building, 1330 Swanwick Street. Mayor Joe L. Eggemeyer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Alderman Kenny Dillman Alderman Russ Rader

Alderman Donald R. Clark Alderman D. Michael Blechle

Alderman Richard Brueggemann Alderman Ray Allison

Absent: Alderman Nancy J. Crossland Alderman Carole C. Abernathy

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

READING OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Alderman Brueggemann moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and to approve them as prepared by the city clerk. Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

The following correspondence was acknowledged:

April 10, 2012, minutes of Chester Parks & Recreation Board meeting

Memo from Water Plant Supt. Mitch Eggemeyer in regard to two EPA violations

Announcement of clean-up days to be held on May 29, 30, and 31

REPORTS

Mayor:

Mayor Eggemeyer informed the council that Alderman Carole Abernathy is currently in the hospital. Depending upon test results that she is to receive tomorrow, she may be having surgery and could be in the hospital for a few weeks.

City Treasurer:

Council members received a copy of the treasurer's receipt report for the month of April, 2012.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Cemetery & Finance Committee (Chairman Abernathy):

In the absence of Chairman Abernathy, Alderman Rader reported that the committee met prior to the council meeting and reviewed city bills. His motion to approve payment of bills as prepared by the city clerk's office, subject to audit, was seconded by Alderman Allison. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Alderman Rader moved to approve the monthly and annual reports of the Evergreen Cemetery Clerk, and Alderman Allison seconded his motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Alderman Allison moved to approve payment of $219.84 to Gunners Run Rescue (bill held for payment at the last council meeting). Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Parks & Recreation Committee (Chairman Clark):

Chairman Clark reported that the new batting cage at the Cohen Complex has been completed. He also reported that he met with a sod company from Columbia last week in regard to the baseball diamonds. The company is planning to do some testing prior to submitting a price for proposed work. Discussion ensued.

Fire Chief (Mike Lochhead):

Chief Lochhead reported that the fire department responded to three fire calls last month. He further noted that the ConAgra trial will be coming up next week.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

OLD BUSINESS

Website Proposal - Megabytes:

Per discussion at the last council meeting, Attorney Jeff Kerkhover confirmed that the website proposal from Megabytes provides that the city has complete control over the domain name. Initial set-up charges total $2,700.00 with an annual web hosting fee of $119.00. Alderman Allison moved to approve the website proposal from Megabytes, and Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Proposed Budget - Fiscal Year 2013:

Council members received a copy of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2013. Alderman Allison presented a list of his comments in regard to the proposed budget which can be discussed at the next meeting. Attorney Kerkhover noted that he would like to talk to the city clerk about a few items prior to formal action being taken on the budget. Mayor Eggemeyer asked that council members review the proposed budget and be prepared for discussion at the next meeting.

Great River Ranch - Drainage Repair:

An invoice from Great River Ranch in the amount of $9,299.55 was received by the city for repair work due to drainage problems supposedly caused by storm water runoff from the city's property onto property owned by Norman Pensoneau. Alderman Blechle stated that he disagrees with Mr. Pensoneau's assertion that the problem was caused by runoff from the city's property. Harold Sheffer, J. T. Blankinship, Inc., advised that he looked at the area, and most of the water was coming off of Mr. Pensoneau's property. He noted that culverts were covered up for a number of years. After further discussion in regard to the drainage issue, Attorney Kerkhover was asked to meet with Alderman Blechle and Harold Sheffer and contact Mr. Pensoneau's attorney to see if the issue can be resolved.

Employment - Summer Student Workers:

The following list of individuals was presented for summer student employment: Reed Koeneman, Kyle Kahmke, Kramer Eggemeyer, Jared Johnson, Kyle Landon, Matt Chandler, and Joey Simmons. Alderman Allison moved to approve summer employment as presented with starting date of May 21, 2012, and ending date of August 10, 2012, with the exception of Matt Chandler to start May 8, 2012, all at minimum wage. Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Proposal - Mueller Painting:

A proposal was received by the beautification commission from Mueller Painting for exterior sign work for the Chester Farmers' Market, $1,020.00, at the old Texaco Station. Alderman Rader's motion to approve the proposal of Mueller Painting was seconded by Alderman Allison. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Budget Request - Chester Stingrays:

Chester Stingrays Swim Team is requesting $6,875.00 for the 2012 swim season. The city clerk noted that with payroll taxes this request amounts to approximately $7,258.00. Alderman Rader moved to approve the budget request of the Chester Stingrays in the amount of $6,875.00 plus payroll taxes. Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader. Nays: Alderman Allison. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Alderman Blechle abstained from voting. Motion carried.

Sponsorship - Popeye Picnic:

Alderman Allison moved to donate $1,500.00 towards the Popeye Picnic. Alderman Clark seconded his motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Allison. Nays: Aldermen Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion failed.

Alderman Rader then moved to give $2,500.00 to the Popeye Picnic Committee as was done last year. Alderman Blechle seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle. Nays: Aldermen Clark, Allison. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Mayor Eggemeyer voted in the affirmative. Motion carried.

Sponsorship - Chester Eaglefest:

Alderman Clark moved to donate $100.00 to the Chester Eagles as a gold sponsor for the Eaglefest picnic. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Eaglefest - Police:

Per the request of Chester Eagles Club Trustees, Alderman Brueggemann moved that the city provide police presence at the Eaglefest (May 31 to June 2) to help with crowd control. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Resolution - Christmas on the River Parade:

A resolution was presented to request permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation to close off Route 150 from Stacey Street to Taylor Street for the purpose of diverting traffic from approximately 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on November 30, 2012, to allow for the Christmas on the River Parade. Alderman Blechle moved to pass the resolution for the Christmas on the River Parade. Alderman Allison seconded his motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Chamber of Commerce - Annual Dinner:

Chester Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012, at the Chester Community Country Club. Alderman Dillman moved to purchase ten tickets for the event, and Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

CTS Complete Refresh Agreement:

Attorney Kerkhover explained the CTS Complete Refresh Agreement for the telephone system at city hall/police department. Alderman Brueggemann moved to approve the CTS Complete Refresh Agreement as presented. Alderman Rader seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Antique Logs Unlimited, LLC:

Attorney Kerkhover presented an agreement with Antique Logs Unlimited, LLC to tear down the old barn located on the Cohen property on Bodes Lane and remove the material within forty-five days after the effective date of the agreement (at no cost to the city). Antique Logs Unlimited shall be entitled to keep the material in consideration for tearing down the barn. Attorney Kerkhover noted that a section was added to Paragraph 6 providing that Antique Logs Unlimited, LLC shall save and hold the City of Chester, Illinois, harmless and indemnified against any losses which the City of Chester, Illinois, suffers as the result of the acts Antique Logs Unlimited, LLC performs pursuant to the agreement. Alderman Allison suggested that Antique Logs be responsible for installing safety fencing around the area, and Attorney Kerkhover noted that he will change the agreement to include this suggestion. Alderman Clark then moved to enter into an agreement with Antique Logs Unlimited, LLC to tear down the barn on Cohen property and remove material, the agreement being subject to approval of Antique Logs Unlimited, LLC. Alderman Brueggemann seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE #1538 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21-2-7 OF CHAPTER 21 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CHESTER, 2011 EDITION, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE NUMBER OF LIQUOR LICENSES TO BE ISSUED WITHIN THE CITY OF CHESTER:

Council members were informed that Mr. Kenny's BBQ did not renew his liquor license effective May 1; therefore, the number of Class A liquor licenses needs to be decreased by one. Attorney Kerkhover presented an Ordinance to reduce the number of Class A licenses to seven. Alderman Dillman moved to pass the Ordinance as explained by Attorney Kerkhover. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Telecommunications Tax - Fiscal Year 2013:

The city clerk explained that for the past two years the council has voted to deposit half of the telecommunications tax received in the General Fund and half of the tax in the Capital Project Fund. Due to the need for money for General Fund operations, the city clerk recommended that the council approve the same procedure for Fiscal Year 2013. Alderman Blechle moved to approve the city clerk's recommendation, and Alderman Allison seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

New Pumper - Towers Fire Apparatus Company:

Attorney Kerkhover advised that he has reviewed the proposal for purchase of a new pumper for the fire department, and it is in order. Total cost is $309,983.00. The city may deduct $7,368.00 if a 75% contract pre-payment is made upon contract signing. After discussion, Alderman Clark moved to waive the competitive bidding procedure and approve purchase of a new pumper from Towers Fire Apparatus Company at a cost of $309,983.00. Alderman Brueggemann seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Alderman Clark then moved to pre-pay seventy-five percent upon contract signing for a deduction of $7,368.00 from the contract price. Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Executive Session:

At 7:59 p.m., Alderman Brueggemann moved to enter into Executive Session under the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2 (C) under exception (1) to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. Alderman Clark seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

The council returned from Executive Session at 10:18 p.m. No action was taken in Executive Session.

Mayoral Appointments:

Mayor Eggemeyer stated that all appointments will remain the same for the present time and that he will probably make appointments at the next council meeting.

Salaries - City Employees:

Approval of salary increases for city employees was tabled until the next meeting.

Salaries - Appointed Officers:

Salaries for appointed officers will be discussed/approved at the next meeting.

Employment - Rick Parker:

Alderman Clark moved to extend Rick Parker's part-time employment for six months unless a new employee is hired within that period of time. Alderman Brueggemann seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader. Nays: Aldermen Blechle, Allison. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Mayor Eggemeyer voted in the affirmative. Motion carried.

Appointment - ADA Coordinator:

Mayor Eggemeyer advised that the city's ADA coordinator is currently Rick Parker. An appointment to replace Rick will possibly be considered at the next council meeting.

Computer - Animal Control:

Alderman Brueggemann moved to purchase a laptop computer from Walmart for the animal control officer not to exceed $750.00. Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle. Nays: Alderman Allison. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Part-time Police Officers:

Alderman Brueggemann moved to increase the hourly rate for part-time police officers from $13.25 per hour to $16.25 per hour effective May 1, 2012. Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader. Nays: Aldermen Blechle, Allison. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Mayor Eggemeyer voted in the affirmative. Motion carried.

Part-time Dispatchers:

Alderman Brueggemann moved to increase the hourly rate for part-time dispatchers from $10.50 per hour to $12.00 per hour effective May 1, 2012. Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle. Nays: Alderman Allison. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.

Vacancy - Police Department:

Attorney Kerkhover explained that the council does not approve hiring a police officer but merely determines whether a vacancy exists in the department. If it is determined that a vacancy does exist, the police commissioners would then be notified to make an appointment from the eligibility list. Alderman Dillman moved to make a determination that one vacancy exists in the police department at this time. Alderman Brueggemann seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader. Nays: Aldermen Blechle, Allison. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Mayor Eggemeyer voted in the affirmative. Motion carried. Attorney Kerkhover asked that the city clerk notify the police commissioners that a vacancy exists.

ADJOURNMENT

At 10:25 p.m., Alderman Rader moved to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Brueggemann seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes: Aldermen Dillman, Clark, Brueggemann, Rader, Blechle, Allison. Nays: None. Absent: Aldermen Crossland, Abernathy. Motion carried.