Chester public meetings in 2023

Special Called

The Chester City Council is holding a special called meeting with a goal-setting facilitation session and an executive session to discuss contractual matters and an HR matter in the administrative department. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no public votes or decisions listed.

• MASC General Session Field Service Management Goal Setting Facilitation
• Executive session: contractual matter
• Executive session: HR matter – Administrative Department

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet virtually to consider three new business items regarding subdivisions and re-zoning. The commission will review requests for a re-zoning at 193 Columbia Street and new lot developments at Murray Hills and Hinton Street.

• Re-zoning 3.55 acres from NC to R-10 at 193 Columbia Street
• 9 lots R-10 Murray Hills Residential at Murray Street and Dye Street
• 5-lots on Hinton Street

Special Called

The Chester City Council is holding a special called meeting to discuss new business, including an ARPA request, an incentive request, and approval of a bid for a fitness park slab. The council will also enter executive session to discuss contractual renewal and an HR matter, as permitted by state law.

• ARPA request
• Incentive request
• Approval of bid for Fitness Park Slab
• Executive session: Contractual Renewal (Exception 2)
• Executive session: Information on HR Matter (Exception 1)

City Council

The Chester City Council will hold a second reading of an ordinance amending City Ordinance 38-8 on drinking in public, and will consider ARPA funding requests for a fitness park and Red Cross building bathrooms. The council will also discuss ARPA priorities, staff evaluation processes, commission appointments, and other administrative items. The agenda includes an executive session for contractual and personnel matters.

• Second reading of ordinance to amend City Ordinance 38-8 (drinking in public)
• ARPA request: Fitness Park - $132,500
• ARPA request: Red Cross Building/Bathrooms - $70,500
• Commission appointments: Planning, Evergreen Cemetery, Housing Authority, Historic Preservation
• Executive session: contractual (Administrative Dept, Shot Spotter) and personnel (Police Dept/HR) matters

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is holding a regular meeting with routine items including approval of the agenda, a city administrator's report, and updates on planning. Old business includes discussions on websites and the AgriBusiness Center. The meeting is largely procedural with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Discussion of websites (old business)
• Discussion of AgriBusiness Center (old business)
• Planning update

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Chester Parks & Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss routine operational matters including HVAC updates, staffing, finances, and rentals, plus updates on the football season. New business includes a potential partnership with Chester County and donations. The agenda is mostly procedural with no specific dollar amounts or decisions listed.

• HVAC updates
• Staffing
• Finances
• Rentals
• Partnership with Chester County

Properties Committee

The Chester Properties Committee is meeting to discuss city-owned properties, including the AA Building, housing, the Aquatic & Fitness Center, the Police Building, and the Old Red Cross Building. The agenda includes reports from the Public Works Director and old and new business items, but no specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed.

• Review of AA Building
• Discussion of housing
• Review of Aquatic & Fitness Center
• Discussion of Police Building
• Discussion of Old Red Cross Building

City Council

The Chester City Council is meeting to consider several ordinances and resolutions, including a second reading of a fee schedule, a resolution for a National Fitness Park, an easement agreement with Duke Energy, and an ordinance to repeal the public drinking ban. The council will also receive updates on city parks, the Wylie Park pool, and other administrative matters, and will discuss new business such as board appointments, a Christmas parade, ARPA funding, and bid approvals.

• Fee Schedule - Second Reading
• Resolution for National Fitness Park
• Easement Agreement with Duke Energy
• Ordinance repealing Sec. 38-8 (drinking in public)
• Bid approvals for demolitions and HVAC

Public Safety

The Chester City Council is meeting to discuss routine public safety reports and consider changes to speed limits and the comprehensive fee schedule. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific dollar amounts or detailed proposals provided.

• Deputy Police Chief's Report
• Fire Chief's Report
• Speed Limits discussion
• Comprehensive Fee Schedule review

Economic Development Committee

The Chester Economic Development Committee is meeting to discuss several items, including next steps for NFC, the open container ordinance, and a comprehensive fee schedule. The agenda also includes updates on planning, website presentation, Christmas decorations, and regional matters.

• NFC – Next Steps
• Open Container Ordinance
• Comprehensive Fee Schedule
• Website Presentation – Dubose Web
• Christmas Decorations

Properties Committee

The Chester Properties Committee is meeting to discuss old business items including the AA Building lease, housing, and the backlot, as well as new business on a security system and a comprehensive fee schedule. The agenda is otherwise procedural with a call to order, prayer, and roll call.

• AA Building Lease
• Housing
• Backlot
• Security System
• Comprehensive Fee Schedule

Special Events Committee Meeting

The Chester Properties Committee met to discuss property and facility matters, including setting rental fees for the Backlot, reviewing the Public Works Director's report on various city projects, and discussing potential housing development on city-owned land. The committee also considered changes to the comprehensive fee schedule for the Aquatic & Fitness Center.

• Added $250 fee for Backlot Shelter rental
• Implemented $500 fee for entire Backlot rental with $250 deposit (total $750)
• Discussed building homes on city property to generate revenue
• Public Works report: Downtown Sidewalk Project moved to January, HVAC quotes for Police Building, security cameras for city buildings
• Proposed increase to $25 for Senior Citizens and Employees at Aquatic & Fitness Center

Public Works Committee

The Chester Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss routine business and several specific items, including a Planning Commission application, Evergreen Cemetery Commission appointments and meeting dates, water bill insert pricing, and a discussion about tossing candy during parades. New business includes a discussion on trash cans and recycling bins. The agenda also lists committee goals such as strengthening nuisance ordinances and rebuilding the recycling program.

• Planning Commission application by Stephen Sanderson
• Evergreen Cemetery Commission appointments and meeting dates
• Water bill inserts pricing discussion
• Discussion on tossing candy during parades
• Discussion on trash cans and recycling bins

Properties Committee

The Chester Properties Committee is meeting to discuss old business including the AA Building lease agreement and grant updates, and new business on security systems. The agenda is mostly routine, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• AA Building lease agreement discussion
• Grant updates
• Security systems discussion

Special Called

This is a special called meeting of the Chester City Council. The agenda includes only new business items related to the Code of Ordinances, specifically sections on meetings of council, the city administrator, and the administrator's duties and meeting attendance. No other substantive items are listed.

• Consideration of Code of Ordinances changes regarding meetings of council
• Consideration of Code of Ordinances changes regarding the city administrator
• Consideration of Code of Ordinances changes regarding city administrator attendance at meetings
• Consideration of Code of Ordinances changes regarding duties of the administrator

Public Works Committee

The Chester Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss unfinished and new business, including commission profiles for the Historic Preservation Commission, signage for downtown streets, and a speed limit ordinance for downtown Chester. The committee's stated goals include strengthening nuisance and abatement ordinances, filling commissions and boards, and rebuilding the recycling program.

• Discussion of commission profiles for Historic Preservation Commission (7 members, 4-year terms, per Sec. 2-607.1)
• Signage for streets in downtown Chester
• Speed limit for downtown Chester (ordinance referenced; existing limits: 25 mph business/school, 35 mph residential)
• Committee goals: nuisance/abatement ordinances, fill commissions/boards, rebuild recycling program

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Chester Parks & Recreation Committee is meeting to receive updates on facilities including the HVAC system, pools at the Aquatic & Fitness Center and Wylie Park, lifeguard staffing, roof conditions, sports programs, rental spaces, and the Adopt A Park program. They will also discuss a potential partnership with schools and upcoming plans or ideas. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Update on HVAC system
• Update on Aquatic & Fitness Center pool
• Update on Wylie Park pool
• Lifeguard staffing update
• Discussion of partnership with schools

The committee approved a requirement for visitors to sign in and state their purpose before entering the Aquatic & Fitness Center. Staff provided updates on HVAC bids, pool resurfacing, and staffing shortages for lifeguards.

• Approved motion to require visitors to notify Department Head and sign in at Aquatic & Fitness Center (3-0)

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Parks & Recreation Committee is meeting to receive updates on various facilities, including HVAC systems, pools, roofs, and programs, and to discuss a potential partnership with schools. The agenda is primarily informational, with no formal votes or public hearings listed.

• Update on HVAC system
• Update on Aquatic & Fitness Center Pool
• Update on Wylie Park Pool
• Update on lifeguards
• Discussion on partnership with schools

The committee approved a motion to require visitors to sign in and state their purpose at the Aquatic & Fitness Center, notifying the Department Head. Staff provided updates on HVAC bids, pool resurfacing, and lifeguard staffing levels.

• Approved motion to require visitors to sign in and state purpose at Aquatic & Fitness Center (3-0)

Special Called

City Council voted to rescind a previous motion to terminate the City Administrator. Following a discussion on parliamentary procedure and FOIA notification, the motion to reinstate Malik Whitaker passed. He was reinstated effective immediately.

• Approved agenda amendments (9-0)
• Rescinded motion to terminate City Administrator Malik Whitaker (5-3)

City Council

The Chester City Council will meet to consider several ordinances, including re-ratifying a historic properties ordinance, adopting a county hazard mitigation plan, and a new hate crimes ordinance. They will also discuss requests for ARPA funds, including $61,500 for InfoVision Software and $53,000 for the Chester Pavilion/Agribusiness Center project, along with various appointments and grant applications.

• Re-ratify Bailey Bill – Rehabilitated Historic Properties Ordinance 2020-13
• Resolution adopting County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Hate Crimes Bill – An Ordinance to Prohibit Bias Based Intimidation in the City of Chester 2023-06
• Request for ARPA Funds: InfoVision Software - $61,500
• Request for ARPA Funds: Chester Pavilion/Agribusiness Center Project - $53,000

City Council voted 5-4 to terminate the contract of the City Administrator effective immediately. The council also approved several ARPA fund requests and various board appointments.

• Terminated City Administrator contract effective immediately (5-4)
• Approved $61,500 in ARPA funds for InfoVision (9-0)
• Approved $53,000 in ARPA funds for AgriBusiness Center/Pavilion project (9-0)
• Re-ratified Baily Bill Rehabilitated Historic Properties Ordinance 2020-13 (7-2)
• Adopted County Hazard Mitigation Plan (8-0)
• Re-appointed Charletta Thompson to the Water District Committee (9-0)
• Appointed Susan Kovas to the Planning Commission (9-0)
• Appointed Darren Brittan and Frank Dickerson to the Zoning Board of Appeals (9-0)

Special Called

The Chester City Council is holding a special called meeting to discuss public safety matters related to the Police Department, the city's form of government, and the disbursement of information to council members. They will also receive an update on the agreement between the City of Chester and the Chester County Sheriff's Office. An executive session is scheduled for a personnel matter concerning the Police Department.

• Discussion of Public Safety – Police Department
• Discussion of Form of Government
• Update on City of Chester & Chester County Sheriff's Office agreement
• Executive session on personnel matter – Police Department

City Council voted against a proposal to give the council final decision authority over the termination of department heads. Several agenda items, including public safety and information disbursement, were moved to a subsequent meeting. No action was taken during the executive session regarding police department personnel.

• Denied motion for City Council to have final decision on all department head terminations (4-5)
• Approved moving Public Safety-Police Department discussion to Monday's meeting (8-0)
• Approved moving Disbursement of Information to City Council to Monday's meeting (9-0)
• Approved motion to discuss form of government or move it to Monday's meeting (7-1)
• Approved entering Executive Session for Police Department personnel matter (6-2); no action taken

Properties Committee

The Chester Properties Committee is meeting to receive the Public Works Director's report and discuss old business items including a fitness campaign, an AA building lease agreement, grant updates, city technology infrastructure, and an aquatics and fitness center scanning system. New business includes a United Steel Workers item for Ward 1. The agenda is largely routine with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• AA Building lease agreement discussion
• Grant updates
• City technology infrastructure
• Aquatics & Fitness Center scanning system
• United Steel Workers – Ward 1 new business

The committee received updates on grants for the Pavilion, AgriBusiness Center, and Aquatic & Fitness Center. Discussions were held regarding Council Chamber technology and city-owned properties, but no formal actions were taken on these items.

• Approved the meeting agenda (2-0)

Economic Development Committee

The Chester City Council is holding a special called meeting to discuss public safety and police department matters, the city's form of government, and how information is shared with council. They will also receive an update on the agreement between the City of Chester and the Chester County Sheriff's Office. The meeting includes an executive session for a personnel matter related to the police department.

• Public Safety – Police Department discussion
• Form of Government discussion
• Disbursement of Information to City Council
• Update on City of Chester & Chester County Sheriff's Office agreement
• Executive session on personnel matter – Police Department

The Economic Development Committee voted to move two grant applications to the full council for approval. The committee also appointed three members and a council representative to the Special Events Committee.

• Approved moving National Fitness Campaign application to full council (4-0)
• Required committee to submit potential NFC locations to City Administration by September 8, 2023 (4-0)
• Accepted TaTanish Campbell to the Special Events Committee (4-0)
• Accepted Dr. Sam Stone to the Special Events Committee (4-0)
• Accepted Viola Hudson to the Special Events Committee (4-0)
• Appointed Mayor Carlos Williams as Council representative to the Special Events Committee (4-0)
• Approved moving MASC Economic Development Grant application to full council (4-0)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to discuss several items, including a request for new vehicles and equipment, and to consider ordinances on dumping and wild animals. They will also discuss the practice of throwing candy at parades. The agenda includes unfinished business on commission profiles and updates for various committees.

• Request for Emergency Services Manager; 2 service pick-up trucks; 2 zero turn mowers; 1 skid steer mower; 11 truck radios
• Discussion of ordinances for dumping on city and private property (existing penalties up to $500 per day)
• Discussion concerning wild animals and related animal ordinances
• Discussion concerning throwing candy at parades
• Commission profiles for Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission

The committee appointed members to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission. It approved the appointment of Mr. McBeth as Emergency Service Manager but denied a request for new vehicles and equipment. New ordinances were approved to prohibit throwing candy at parades and require a cleanup fee for events.

• Approved Frank Dickerson to serve on Zoning Board of Appeals (3-0)
• Accepted commission profile of Stephen Sanderson for Zoning Board of Appeals (3-0)
• Accepted commission profile of Darren Brittan for Zoning Board of Appeals (3-0)
• Accepted Susan Kovas commission profile for Planning Commission (3-0)
• Approved Mr. McBeth as Emergency Service Manager (3-0)
• Denied request for 6 pick-up trucks, 2 zero turn mowers, 1 skid steer mower, and 11 radios (0-3)
• Approved ordinance prohibiting throwing candy at parades (3-0)
• Approved requiring candy cleanup fees in event applications (3-0)

City Council

The Chester City Council will consider a resolution consenting to the inclusion of certain property in a multi-county park and a Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement related to the Kuester Development project. The agenda also includes several new business items, such as an SC UpLift MOU for fire prevention, an ARPA request for code enforcement software, an ADA self-evaluation MOU, a pool HVAC system, an AT&T First Net proposal, a bid for generators, and the Civility Pledge. The meeting will also include a citizens forum and an executive session for contractual and legal matters.

• Resolution 2023-03 consenting to inclusion of property in a multi-county park (Kuester Development)
• Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement (Kuester Development)
• SC UpLift for Fire Prevention MOU
• ARPA request for Code Enforcement Software
• Approval of bid for generators

City Council approved $300,000 in ARPA funds for the Aquatic & Fitness Center HVAC system and accepted bids for generators at stations 1 and 10. The council also approved a resolution for a multi-county park and a fire prevention MOU. No action was taken on the Kuester improvement plan.

• Approved Resolution 2023-03 to include city property in a multi-county park (6-2)
• Approved Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement (6-2)
• Approved SC UpLift for Fire Prevention MOU (unanimous)
• Approved $300,000 ARPA funds for Aquatic & Fitness Center HVAC System (7-1)
• Approved MOU for ADA self-evaluation and transition plan (7-0)
• Approved bid for generators for station 1 and station 10 (8-0)
• Approved meeting minutes with changes (8-0)

Public Works Committee

The Chester Public Works Committee is holding a special called virtual meeting. The agenda includes a director's report, old business items on Infovision Software Systems, and a water bill insert regarding trash collections and debris pickup. No decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Infovision Software Systems discussion
• Water bill insert about trash collections and debris pickup

The committee voted to move a proposal for Infovision software to the full Council for consideration. The software is intended to manage reports, permits, complaints, business licenses, and citations.

• Approved motion to take Infovision software proposal to full Council (3-0)

Properties Committee

The Chester Properties Committee is meeting to discuss updates on Penny Projects (police, generators, ADA bathroom, Wylie Park), a lease agreement for the AA Building, and grant progress for the Pavilion and AgriBusiness Center. New business includes identifying city properties with seals, park signage, sanitation and scanning systems at the Aquatic & Fitness Center, and city technology infrastructure. The agenda is substantive with multiple project updates and new items.

• Penny Projects updates: Police, Generators, ADA Bathroom, Wylie Park
• AA Building lease agreement
• Grant update for Pavilion and AgriBusiness Center
• Sanitation plan and scanning system at Aquatic & Fitness Center
• City technology infrastructure (internet, etc.)

The committee reviewed the status of several 'Penny Projects,' including the police building and Wylie Park. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded during the meeting.

• Police building project scheduled to begin Friday
• Police Department generators ordered
• Wylie Park basketball court concrete removal to begin soon
• ADA bathrooms reported as completed 7/18/2023
• Proposed $15,000 audio equipment proposal to begin next week

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Chester Parks & Recreation Committee is meeting to receive updates on programs, facilities, and staffing, and to discuss new business including a $300,000 ARPA funding request for HVAC work at the Aquatic & Fitness Center, vendor operations, park maintenance, and repairs at Margaret Foote Recreation.

• Aquatic & Fitness Center HVAC – ARPA Request $300,000
• Vendors Operating in Aquatic & Fitness Center
• Park cutting schedule
• Margaret Foote Recreation – Repairs
• Updates on Summer Program, memberships, fees, Adopt A Park, lifeguards, staffing, donations policy, tennis courts, Wylie Parks Pool, basketball court project

City Council

The Chester City Council will hold its regular meeting, including a second reading of the 2023-2024 budget ordinance and a vote on a Special Events Committee policy. The council will also hear a presentation on audited financials, consider an equipment and technology funding request, and discuss Main Street SC training and a commission profile form. An executive session is scheduled to discuss insurance renewal rates as a contractual matter.

• Second reading of 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance 2023-05
• Special Events Committee Policy
• City of Chester Audited Financials Presentation
• Equipment and technology funding request
• Executive session on insurance renewal rates

Council approved the second reading of the Budget Ordinance and the Special Events Committee Policy. ARPA funds were authorized for police camera and gunfire locator technology. No action was taken on funding requests for Public Works or Parks & Recreation.

• Approved second reading of Ordinance 2023-05 Budget Ordinance (9-0)
• Approved Special Events Committee Policy (9-0)
• Approved ARPA funding for ALPR cameras and gunfire locator service (7-1-1)
• Approved meeting minutes (9-0)

Properties Committee

The Properties Committee is meeting to discuss property-related matters, including a public works report, old business items like window tinting and epoxy flooring, a comprehensive fee schedule, and updates on the proposal building, police building, and city hall. The agenda is mostly discussion items with no final decisions listed.

• Comprehensive Fee Schedule review
• Proposal Building Update
• Police Building Update
• City Hall update
• Old business: window tinting, epoxy flooring, rentals

The committee reviewed status reports on various city property projects, including ADA bathrooms and facility repairs. No substantive actions were taken on the comprehensive fee schedule, city-owned properties, or lease agreements.

• Approved amendment to the agenda (2-0)

Public Safety

The Chester City Council Public Safety Committee is meeting to receive reports from the Fire Chief and Police Chief, discuss priority concerns and recommendations, and hold a general discussion on public safety priorities. The meeting will also include an executive session on emergency plan coordination and strategy.

• Fire Chief Report
• Police Chief Report
• Priority Concerns/Recommendations – Fire Chief
• Priority Concerns/Recommendations – Police Chief
• Executive Session on Emergency Plan and Coordination and Strategy

Economic Development Committee

The Chester Economic Development Committee is meeting to discuss economic development topics including planning, zoning, ordinances, and community events. The agenda includes updates on the strategic plan, zoning map, and several ordinances, as well as old and new business items.

• Discussion of Bailey Bill ordinance
• Discussion of rental registry ordinance
• Discussion of open container ordinance
• Update on Main Street SC program
• Update on AgriBusiness Center

The committee approved the first draft of the Special Events Committee to assist in planning parades and other events. No other substantive actions were taken on items regarding the rental registry, the Bailey Bill, or the community calendar.

• Approved amended agenda and minutes (4-0)
• Approved first draft of the Special Events Committee as an action item (4-0)

Public Works Committee

The Chester Finance Committee is meeting to review the city's financial status, departmental budgets, grants, payroll, and ARPA funds. The agenda also includes discussion of the city organizational chart and contracts. This is a working session to oversee the city's financial matters.

• Review of Finances
• Departmental Budgets
• Grants
• Payroll
• ARPA Funds

City Council

The Chester City Council will hold its regular business meeting, including a second reading of a new local revenue services ordinance, a first reading of the proposed 2024 budget, and a vote on the Penny Project bid for police building improvements. Council will also consider requests for ARPA funds, including $100,000 for the police building project, and discuss other items like a pool update and city commissions.

• Second reading of Ordinance 2023-03 (New Local Revenue Services Ordinance)
• First reading of Ordinance 2023-24 (Proposed Budget)
• Approval of Penny Project bid for Police Building Improvements (action item)
• ARPA fund requests: $100,000 for police building, $15,500 for government access channel upgrade, $4,000 for playground equipment at Hughes Bagwell Park
• Appointments to Fire Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Planning Commission

Council approved $100,000 in ARPA funds for the Police Bank Building and a $278,750 construction bid for police improvements. A first reading of the proposed 2023-2024 budget was defeated. The council also adopted a new Donations Policy and accepted Council Committee Guidelines and Charters.

• Approved $100,000 ARPA funds for Police Bank Building (9-0)
• Approved $15,500 ARPA funds for Sharp Upgrade – Government Access Channel 3 (9-0)
• Approved Nelson King Construction bid of $278,750 for Penny Tax Police Improvement (8-0)
• Proposed Budget Ordinance 2023-2024 first reading failed (3-6)
• Approved Donations Policy (9-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 2023-03 New Local Revenue Services (8-1)
• Approved Council Committee Guidelines and Charters (9-0)
• Approved commission profile for Patricia Woods (8-1)

City Council

The Chester City Council is holding its regular business meeting, where it will vote on a second reading of an ordinance to sell property at 163-165 Gadsden Street and a first reading of a new local revenue service ordinance that includes a comprehensive fee schedule. The council will also consider several contracts and policies, including a demolition contract, a procurement exemption for a summer feeding program, and a donation policy. The meeting includes a citizens forum and an executive session for contractual matters.

• Second reading of Ordinance 2023-02: Sale of 163-165 Gadsden Street
• First reading of Ordinance 2023-03: New Local Revenue Service and Comprehensive Fee Schedule
• Demolition Contract Approval
• ARPA Funding Request
• Executive session on Aquatic and Fitness Center, 139 Cadz Street, and other contractual matters

City Council approved the purchase of lawncare equipment using ARPA funds and awarded a demolition contract to Meck Mechanical. The council also approved a procurement exemption for the Summer Feeding Program and the sale of properties at 163-165.

• Approved sale of 163-165 (Ordinance 2023-02) (6-2)
• Approved first reading of New Local Revenue Service (Ordinance 2023-03) (8-0)
• Approved procurement exemption for Summer Feeding Program (8-0)
• Allocated $45,000 of ARPA funds for lawncare equipment (8-0)
• Approved $19,500 demolition bid from Meck Mechanical (8-0)
• Approved proceeding to the next step for NFC grant (8-0)
• Accepted financial and operations reports (7-1)
• Accepted Fibromyalgia Proclamation (8-0)

Budget Worshop

City staff presented budget figures and projections for the Public Works, Police, Fire, and Recreation Departments. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this work session.

Budget Worshop

The City of Chester Council met on April 10, 2023, for a budget work session at the Margaret Foote Recreation Center. The agenda consisted entirely of procedural items, including roll call and a civility pledge, followed by a staff-facilitated presentation. No votes were taken, no public testimony was accepted, and no specific financial figures or decisions were recorded in the agenda text.

• Budget work session held at Margaret Foote Recreation Center
• Meeting designated as informational only with no voting or action
• Public testimony explicitly not taken during the session

Special Called

The Chester City Council is holding a special called meeting to handle unfinished and new business. They will receive an update on the Downhill Derby special event process, vote on a bid for demolishing unsafe housing, consider a comprehensive fee schedule, and discuss the Potting Shed Garden Club.

• Update on Downhill Derby special event process
• Approval of bid for unsafe housing demolitions
• Comprehensive fee schedule
• Potting Shed Garden Club discussion

City staff presented pre-budget figures and projected budget information for the Council and the Administrative, Finance, and Human Resource departments. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this session.

City Council

The Chester City Council business meeting on April 24, 2023, includes votes on a second reading to sell property at 163-165 Gadsden Street, a first reading for a new local revenue service, and adoption of a comprehensive fee schedule. The consent agenda covers routine approvals of minutes, financial report, and operations report. New business items include a procurement exemption for a summer feeding program, a donation policy, a customer service policy, a demolition contract, and an ARPA funding request. The council will also enter executive session for contractual matters involving the Aquatic and Fitness Center, 139 Cadz Street, the administrative department, and city-owned properties.

• Second Reading of Ordinance 2023-02: Sale of 163-165 Gadsden Street
• First Reading of Ordinance 2023-03: New Local Revenue Service
• City of Chester Comprehensive Fee Schedule
• Demolition Contract Approval
• ARPA Funding Request

City Council met for a work session to receive information regarding the 2023-2024 budget. No substantive decisions were made during this meeting.

Pre-Budget Work Session

City Administrator Malik Whitaker, Ed Driggers, and Marc Wood presented fiscal year 2022-2023 figures and projected budget information for fiscal year 2023-2024. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded during this session.

City Council

City Council voted to reinstate committees and approved workshop dates for February 15, 2023. The council also approved minutes from five previous meetings. No action was taken regarding AgriBusiness Center fees or parade ordinances.

• Approved minutes for Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 7, Dec 12, and Jan 9 (8-0)
• Reinstated committees (7-1)
• Approved workshops for Feb 15, 2023, regarding Police Department, Department Head performance measurements, and ARPA funds (8-0)