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Chester CIty Council authorizes amending liquor license ordinance

Posted February 02, 2015 10:00 pm

By Pete Spitler The Herald Tribune

CHESTER -- The Chester City Council met in regular session on Monday at the Chester Municipal Building and authorized City Attorney Jeff Kerkhover to amend the liquor license ordinance in a move that could bring more video gaming to the the city.

The council approved the decision by a 6-1 vote, with Robert Platt as the lone "no" vote and Alderman Donnie Clark absent. The council will vote on the amendment at its next meeting on Feb. 17.

The council acted on a request from Virgil Smith, who is looking to open a vapor lounge at 2449 State Street, formerly the location of The Colors Edge. If the amendment is approved, the lounge would offer five video gaming machines, which is the maximum allowed under state law.

The property is also adjacent to Mr. Kenny's BBQ.

"Chester's a whole lot more business-friendly than Carbondale, from everything we've seen," Smith said. "We've come farther in Chester than we have in Carbondale."

Smith said his intent is to offer video gaming machines, but the state requires a liquor license in order to receive a gaming license.

"We're not looking to open a bar by any means," Smith said. "We may sell some wine, but it will be on the higher-end."

According to the Illinois Gaming Board, there are currently nine establishments in Chester that have been granted a license to have video gaming machines.

In other action, the council approved renewing an agreement with J&S Services of De Soto to mow the Cohen Complex and Cole Park for the 2015 season.

The contract is the same as 2014, which is $385 per mow for Cole Park and $560 per mow for the Cohen Complex. The number of mows on each contract is not to exceed 31.

"I was extremely pleased with this group of folks," said Chester Mayor Tom Page. "The price is not increasing.

"They come down every Tuesday and instead of moving over cups and trash, they get off the mower and throw the trash away."

The council also approved authorizing the City of Chester to accept a deed from the owners of 1129 George Street in satisfaction of a demolition lien. Kerkhover recommended the council authorize the transaction, saying it will save the city some money.

"The owners are tendering the deed to the city so they can walk away," Page said.

The council approved refurbishing a bar screen at the terminal pump station. The screen blocks any object larger than 5/8ths of an inch and refurbishing it will cost between $10,000 and $12,000 - opposed to up to $45,000 for replacement.

Depending on maintenance, the screen is estimated to last between 15 and 20 years.

The council also ratified AmArbor Tree Services Inc.'s action of tree removal and stump grinding, at a cost of $3,000.

The list of upcoming recreation events/activities offered by Chester Recreation Director Patti Carter was approved, as was a resolution to appropriate $100,000 for Motor Fuel Tax funds for this year.

Finally, the council approved amending city ordinances relative to the memberships of the Beautification Commission and Tourism Commission.

Each shall consist of 12 members who reside in the 62233 zip code. If a member fails to attend half of the meetings during the city's fiscal year, than that person shall be considered to have resigned their position.

Department Reports:

Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey reported to the council that the bidding process on full-time shifts has closed.

The department has added Officer Joe Crain to its shift schedule and was required to open shifts up for bidding as part of union requirements.

He also highlighted teacher evaluations from recent active shooter trainings at Chester Grade School.

Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert praised Public Information Officer Larry Willis, of the Randolph County EMA, on how information on the Jan. 22 Gwin Apartment Complex evacuation was handled with the media.

"Ryan and I both agreed we'll be using him in the future," Bert said.

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