Chester council honors city volunteers; it's Volunteer Week in Chester

The Chester City Council and Mayor Tom Page gave recognition this week to the many volunteers who contribute to making Chester a better place, as Page issued a proclamation naming the week of April 15-22 as Volunteer Week in the City of Chester.

Recreation Director Patti Carter invited nearly 60 residents to the recognition, and said these volunteers help all around town, from being baseball and softball coaches and umpires to riverboat guides and volunteer drivers, among other jobs.

Mayor Page presented service pins to 11 of them: Charles Bargman, Don Berry, Mike Blechle, Barb Hill, Terri Hirte, Bob Lockhart, Mike McClure, Loren Mott, Linda Rader, Russ Rader and Danny Smith.

Other news

Alderman Dan Ohlau said the city's gas department has completed work on two gas valves in the Allendale Street area. This required several streets to be closed to traffic for three days and the council and mayor appreciate the patience and cooperation of those residents who were inconvenienced. The council also ratified the natural gas receipt point change request submitted to the Mississippi River Transmission Corp., which Ohlau and City Clerk Bethany Berner worked on.

The council approved buying a new air-conditioning unit for the Cole Park House from Korando Heating and Cooling, for $4,304.07 They also approved a contract with Laser Ware to buy a new server and computers for the City Hall and the Police Department along with a monthly support contract, for a total cost of $45,600.

The council approved the hiring of Bob Misuraca and Danny Hecht as part-time employees through the newly developed Adult Work Program. They also approved hiring two students for the summer at the Cohen Recreation Complex. They are Nick Meyers, in his third year of work, and Ethan Bert.

The council amended the ordinance relating to parks, adding the Recreation Director and Park Director to the park board, making it a 10-person board. The park board is advisory to the Council.

The next meeting will be May 6, when new council members will be seated and retiring members will be recognized, along with the mayor's appointments to committees and boards.