Chester City Council hears comment on George Street house
<span>CHESTER -- In a case of buyer beware, the Chester City Council heard comment from current Carbondale resident Clarence Johnson on Monday during its regular session at Chester City Hall.</span>
<span>Johnson purchased the house at 1047 George Street based on an advertisement on Craigslist. The problem with that is the structure was deemed to be "dangerous and unsafe" at the council's Oct. 20 meeting and was slated for demolition.</span>
<span>"The people I purchased the property from did not disclose that information," said Johnson, who is looking to make the home his residence after renovation. "I've got a plan of action in already."</span>
<span>Among the house's problems previously discussed by the council were a roach infestation, missing windows and the majority of the electrical wiring - as well as the fuse box itself - is missing.</span>
<span>"The plan is to gut it, find out where the wires are and rewire the house," Johnson said.</span>
<span>The council took a very stern approach to the proposal, with Mayor Tom Page asking for a specific timetable on the renovations.</span>
<span>"Personally, I think you have been caught in a bad situation," Page said to Johnson. "We will require a written plan by the next city council meeting.</span>
<span>"The council will decide whether to accept it and if not, (the house) will be demolished."</span>
<span>The council's next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15.</span>
<span>City Attorney Jeff Kerkhover said there is typically a 15-day timetable to present a plan of rehabilitation or demolish the property. Johnson purchased the property during that period.</span>
<span>"From what I know of that property, it will take a lot to bring it up to code," Page said.</span>
<span>In new business, the council approved a proposal from Electric Controls Company for a new telemetry system that will enable the Chester Water Treatment plant to better monitor the water levels of the water towers at Menard Correctional Center.</span>
<span>The State of Illinois will contribute $25,000 of the project, while the City of Chester's portion amounts to $17,230.</span>
<span>"This will fix it and fix it the right way," said Chester Water Plant Superintendent Tim Crow.</span>
<span>The system is being built to specifications determined by both Menard and Chester officials.</span>
<span>"It takes two to three months to build the system," Crow said. "It is the most time-consuming part of the process."</span>
<span>The council also approved a $600.50 contract with Noble Shire Carriages, Inc., to provide carriage rides after the Lighted Parade, which is part of the city's Christmas on the River celebration.</span>
<span>A tax levy of $817,297 was approved for the current fiscal year as part of the Truth in Taxation Act, Richard Mueller was approved to plant a spring crop of soybeans, the city agreed to donate $200 to Memorial Hospital's Tree of Remembrance and the Chester Welcome Center's lease was lowered from $100 to $50 a year.</span>
<span>"They do provide a service," Page said of the Chester Welcome Center staff. "This will save them $600 a year."</span>
<span>The council also discussed and approved the purchase of a 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup truck for the Sewer Department as a "runaround" truck. The $5,619 vehicle, which is being paid for through split funding with the Street Department, will replace an existing vehicle that has been adapted to carry cinders and a plow.</span>
Department Reports
<span>Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert reported his department had eight calls for service during the month of November. Of those eight, two were field fires, two were fire/carbon monoxide alarms, two were general alarms, one was a car extrication and the other was a house fire.</span>
<span>The house fire, which occurred at 814 Valley St. on Nov. 17, was ruled to be caused by a wood-burning stove by fire officials.</span>
<span>Bert said four firefighters will be taking the Firefighter II class, offered by Southwestern Illinois College, in January.</span>
<span>Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey reported that his department has had some recent burglary cases.</span>
<span>"We are working on those," he said.</span>
Coffey reported on the active shooter training at Chester Grade School and Memorial Hospital and that he will be participating in a leadership training class in January.