Chester council to build safety area for city hall employees
The Chester City Council approved an $18,500 estimate from Liberty Glass to construct an Airlock/Safety area in the City Hall, to offer protection to employees behind the service counter.
The council waived competitive bidding and accepted the estimate of $18,500 but the motion approved was for the project not to exceed $25,000.
There were several questions concerning the plans, including the type of glass to be used and what changes, if any, would do to the estimate. The Council put the not to exceed amount to cover any changes which may occur.
Meanwhile, Harrison Street residents Gary Stull and Tim Wilber were in attendance and Stull asked the council about a rumor that the city plans to condemn his property.
Mayor Tom Page assured him that there was no truth to that rumor and reiterated that IDOT engineers have agreed to assess the situation for the city. Stull said the heavy rains again have caused more of the roadway to erode.
The Mayor asked Stull to set a meeting with him, Street Superintendent Steve Renner, Alderman Mike Blechle, and City Engineer Harold Scheffer to discuss some ideas Stull has to slow the erosion.
Other news
• The council approved the hiring of Kristy Beam as a part-time police dispatcher for $12 an hour. Police Chief Bobby Helmers said he has two vacancies at this time and is still interviewing for the second position.
• Fire Chief Marty Bert told the council he is sending firefighters Charlie Bargman and John Powell to Louisiana on Wednesday to do a final inspection of the new Pumper Truck. If all things go well, he expects to have the Pumper in Chester in the next two weeks. He said he would like to have some type of presentation to the public if possible depending on COVID-19 restrictions.
• Bert added he will make a recommendation at the next meeting to move Lake Fogerson and Jared Meyer to paid status as firefighters.
• The council approved the mayor's appointment of Connie Surman as a new member of the Beautification/Tourism Commission.
• Page said he and City Clerk Bethany Berner will have a meeting this week with officials from Pinckneyville concerning their city's use of automated meters for their water and gas departments.
• The council approved purchase of a 2018 John Deere 320R Loader for the Park Department. Park Superintendent Billy Belton made the request and explained the unit he has found will be a very useful addition. It is easily installed and removed and has many potential uses in the parks. Alderman Ray Allison voiced his concern about the need and voted no but the rest of the Council was in favor and the purchase was approved at a cost of $4,900.
• Allison asked the mayor when the council was going to make a decision concerning a marijuana dispensary. The mayor said he will speak to the aldermen about the timing very soon.
• The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 17.