News

Page to name Chester pool committee

Posted October 06, 2014 11:00 pm

By Pete Spitler The Herald Tribune

CHESTER -- During Monday's regular session of the Chester City Council, Mayor Tom Page announced he is close to naming a committee to help the city decide the fate of the closed Chester Municipal Pool.

"I continue to be asked, rightfully so, about the pool," Page said. "There will be a committee made of aldermen, park board members and community members."

Page said he would name the committee members "within the next couple of weeks." The 75-year-old pool has been closed since June 27 due to major water leakage and other issues and an inspection report by Burbach Aquatics put a $5.7 million price tag on renovation of the facility.

"I would say $5.7 million is beyond our means," Page said. "If a new pool is on the horizon, I want this group to bring back some options to the city."

Page said part of those options would involve the committee researching any possible grants the city could apply for.

The Carbondale Park District's $3.4 million Super Splash Park, scheduled to open in May at the city's SuperBlock, received a $2.5 million federal grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The City of Carbondale had to match the grant with at least $625,000, but has been aiming for the remaining $900,000 balance through fundraisers and donations.

During committee reports, the council approved a $89,190.90 periodic estimate from Amrent Contracting Inc. for water system improvements to Welge Drive and Route 3 and a $12,060.15 invoice from J.T. Blankenship for engineering services for Garfield Street.

During discussion of new business, the council approved the purchase of a used, Bobcat E35 compact excavator for the gas department.

The $26,000 machine has 1,100 hours on it, according to Chester Gas Department Superintendent Jeremy Homan, and is being purchased from Chartrand Equipment Company in Red Bud.

"This will be used in multiple departments," Homan said. "It isn't just for the gas department."

Homan said the machine will be able to dig 10 and a half feet below the surface and could be transported without the need for a CDL-licensed driver.

"Personally, I've been looking around for two years and this excavator is by far the best option, price-wise," Homan said.

Homan said the machine can be fitted with a variety of attachments, which seemed to satisfy the council members. The purchase was approved unanimously.

In other action, the council approved moving two auxiliary firefighters, Steve Bicket and Jonavon Richelman, to regular firefighters. Barbara "Bobbi" Junkin was also approved to be added to the Chester Tourism Commission.

The council also approved adding Brenden Heins, Derek Mott and Luke Hartman as new employees at Chester Skateland.

A new spreader for the maintenance department was also approved. Maintenance Department Supervisor Randy Eggemeyer said it will be for winter use only.

"Hopefully, this is the spreader of the future," Eggemeyer said. "It has lower maintenance costs and if it works out, it would be better for us in the future."

The council approved a bid of $134,001.75 from Red Dot Construction and Equipment Rentals, Inc. for the reconstruction of Garfield Street. The project is estimated to last 60 days.

Red Dot Construction and Equipment also got approved to demolish a structure on 1949 State Street, otherwise known as the old Molly's Moon building.

Finally, the council approved an ordinance transferring the ownership of basketball courts east of Colbert Gymnasium at Chester High School to Chester CUSD 139.

"(District Superintendent Chris) Diddlebock and the school board are eager to assume control of the property," Page said.

Fire Department Report

Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert reported his department had 10 calls for service in September, including a water rescue on the Mississippi River.

The department had been called out to rescue 77-year-old Harrison Smith, who had entered the water to rescue his one-person kayak that had floated away.

Smith was on a journey from Lake Itasca, Minn., to the Gulf of Mexico to bring awareness to kidney disease and raise money for the National Kidney Foundation.

Bert said his department also was called out to rescue two people stranded in the Turkey Bluffs south of Chester and for two vehicle extrications.

Police Department Report

Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey gave the council an update on the nuisance ordinance, the progress of officers Steve Laramore and Joe Crain's training and highlighted the recent 9-1-1 anniversary celebration at the Randolph County Courthouse.

The next meeting of the Chester City Council is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at Chester City Hall.

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