Chester City Council approves new firefighters

<span>In a short meeting on Monday, the Chester City Council approved the hiring of firefighters Derek Mott and Christian Gray to the auxiliary roster.</span>

<span>Both men, who are also graduating seniors at Chester High School, have been part of the CFD's Explorer program for the past four years. Previously, they had to wait 10 minutes and use their own personal vehicles to respond to calls.</span>

<span>The CFD currently has a 24-person roster, with a maximum of 30.</span>

<span>"They have the training and they can help us out quite a bit," said Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert, who attended the meeting with Mott and Gray.</span>

<span>After the meeting, the pair also showed their thanks by shaking the hands of each alderman on the council.</span>

<span>In other news, the council tabled an agenda item to hire a full-time police dispatcher. Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey, who was also in attendance at the meeting, said he has someone in mind who is already on staff.</span>

<span>"It will reduce part-time hours significantly, which will be beneficial," Coffey said.</span>

<span>During public comment, Coffey was asked by Alderman Donnie Clark to provide an update on the derelict properties in the city.</span>

<span>Coffey said there are 25 different properties the city is trying to maintain, with citations issued for garbage and debris.</span>

<span>He added that four or five citations have been issued to the property owners, with the rest pending, and said he would have a more detailed report at the council's next meeting.</span>

<span>Thirdly, the council approved the annual residence agreement for Jeremy Homan to live at 800 Opdyke St., which is the house inside Cole Memorial Park.</span>

<span>Lastly, the council determined that an executive session to determine the price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body would not be needed.</span>

Roundup

<span>- Chester Mayor Tom Page highlighted last weekend's tournament at the Cohen Complex, which he said drew 22 teams and 2,000 people to the city.</span>

<span>"It was a very well-run tournament," Page said. "The weather was perfect, the ball diamonds were perfect. I appreciate the maintenance department for picking up all the garbage."</span>

<span>- Page also highlighted a letter that had been reportedly sent from Village of Chatham President Tom Gray to Gov. Bruce Rauner regarding unpaid utilities to municipalities. The State of Illinois owes the City of Chester roughly $1.3 million in unpaid utility bills.</span>

<span>- Alderman Robert Platt reported Evergreen Cemetery had an income of $6,900 for the last fiscal year.</span>