Chester council approves GIS mapping experiment
The City of Chester is going to take a step into the future, at least in terms of its natural gas lines.
During Monday's meeting of the Chester City Council, the aldermen approved spending $1,200 to have Utility Safety and Design Inc. out of Belleville scan and upload the city's gas line maps into USDI's Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
By doing so, gas department employees will be able to more easily access and update the maps through the GIS software. The software would be accessed via an iPad, which is included in the installation fee, that the department would receive through USDI.
"One of the biggest advantages is having it right at your fingertips and you can change it at any time," said Gas Department Superintendent Jeremy Homan.
Several gas line incidents in the city during the past year have made a case for a computerized system. Homan has previously told the council that many of the city's utility maps are dated 1959 and contain inaccuracies.
In June, the council heard a similar GIS mapping proposal from Thouvenot, Wade and Moerchen, Inc. (TMW). Homan said the difference with USDI is that the company does not require a contract with the city.
First-year pricing for the GIS system, which included one iPad, software installation and uploading of maps, was quoted as $4,557. The council only took action on the $1,200 installation fee.
"If we like it with the gas, we can add water and sewer," Homan said.
In other action, the council approved the purchase of an $500 easement from Ivan Mollet near the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam. The easement is necessary to install 6' x 21' fencing around the new gas valves.
Handy Helper Fencing's quote of $3,650 was also approved.
"If I bury them to where a tractor won't dig them up, then I would have to dig them back up in an emergency," Homan said.
Homan noted easy access to the valves is necessary in the event an emergency does occur and the gas line would need to be shut off.
Roundup
The council approved the fiscal year 2015 audit, with Page stating that other than concern for rising police pension costs, it was a good audit for the city.
The council approved direct deposit of City of Chester employee paychecks.
The council approved Marla Yankey as a new member of the Chester Beautification Commission.
The council approved a pay increase for Terry Hirte to $11.50 an hour. Hirte does janitorial work at city hall.
The council approved a $200 donation to the Memorial Hospital Tree of Remembrance.
The council approved hiring Brandy Zahringer as a part-time telecommunicator at the Chester Police Department. Zahringer previously served in the role with the CPD.
The council approved a resolution leaders of the Illinois General Assembly to release non-general fund revenues payable to local governments.
"We're asking them to pay for services provided by the city," said Chester Mayor Tom Page, who previously held a meeting with officials from Menard Correctional Center and Chester Mental Health in regard to overdue utility bills.
The council passed an ordinance designating Light Street, near the reconstructed three-way intersection, as a one-way street between State Street and Swanwick Street. Parking on both sides of the street would still be allowed.
The next meeting of the Chester City Council is scheduled for Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. It is open to the public.
Committee Reports
The council approved several items from the Cemetery and Finance Committee, including a change order in the amount of $25,387.25 to Quality Assured Industrial Coatings for the Chester Water Treatment Plant project.
A pay request in the amount of $35,612.35 to Quality Assured in regard to the same project was also approved.
Department Heads
Police
In his monthly report to the council, Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey reported on the resignation of full-time officer Brandon Crain, who is leaving for a job at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.
Crain is also the CPD's K-9 officer.
Fire
Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert reported his department had four calls for service in October, but firefighters had a busy month with Fire Prevention Week activities. He noted that more than 650 area children participated in the CFD's program at its firehouse.