These mintues remain unofficial until approved by the council

at the next meeting.  All official mintues can be accessed at the

Town Office.  

Regular Meeting

The Town of Chester Council held the Regular Scheduled Council meeting on January 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm.

Members Present: Mayor James Dahlen Council Persons, Sonja Dahlen, Scott Decker, Rachel Ghekiere, Garrett Graff, Tina Neer, and Jim Sivils

Members Absent:

Staff Present:

Ashley Wickum (Clerk/Treasurer)

 Guests: 

1. Mayor James Dahlen called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm 

2. Pledge of Allegiance 

3. Sonja Dahlen made a motion to accept the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, December 10, 2024, with the correction to line 8 #4, capitalization of Hedges. Tina Neer seconded the motion.  Motion to approve the minutes passed with all voting ayes. 

4. Claims were presented to the council for approval. Sonja Dahlen made the motion to approve the claims submitted for payment. Ck # 20675-20697, electronic payment -99964-99961 & Payroll Advances Ck #20650&20651.  Rachel Ghekiere seconded the motion. Motion to approve claims passed with all voting ayes. 

5. The council reviewed the adjustments and journal entries made in December. Rachel Ghekiere made the motion to approve the JV & Adjustments.  Tina Neer seconded the motion.  Motion passed with all voting ayes. 

6. Public Comments: None 

7. Sheriff’s Office Report: was provided to the council. 

8. New Business: 

1. Ordinance No. 2025-1: 1-4-1 Chester Municipal Code – General Penalty: Amend penalty to include up to 6 months incarceration. First Reading. The council reviewed Ordinance No. 2025-1.  Sonja Dahlen made the motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-1: 1-4-1 Chester Municipal Code – General Penalty: Amend penalty to include up to 6 months incarceration.  Scott Decker seconded the motion.  Motion passed with all voting ayes. 

9. Old Business: None 

10. Mayor Report/ Additional Agenda Items: Mayor Dahlen would like to look at the wages for the Clerk sub/assistant position. He would like to see this increased as the amount of work she is doing when she subs is more than a normal sub and she will be taking on more responsibilities as needed to help.  This will be put on the agenda next month. 

11. PWD update: There was a water leak fixed south of town. The crew is still digging the new garbage pit.  They are planning to burn the burn pile next week if the weather permits.  There are people removing snow around town that the guys are having to clean up after, this is being addressed.  David Linsay took his water treatment test yesterday and both he and David Ghekiere are set to do a CEC class next week online. 

12. Clerk update: Ashley Wickum updated the council that the pool manager is currently working to finish the painting of the walls and floor in the pool house. New tarps for the pool are needed, and they are very expensive.  The pool manager would like to look at getting donations to help assist with the cost.  The office printer broke and cannot be repaired, so a new printer will need to be ordered.  There was a donation from the Lionettes for $250 to help purchase flags for the new flagpole.  Ashley is working with the sanitarian on moving junk cars. 

13. Council: Jim Sivils brought is a flyer with an update about the reginal water authority with a QR code that could be scanned. Copies were made and shared with the council. 

14. Rachel Ghekiere made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tina Neer seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm.