The Camptown section of Chester may have lost a Casey's, but it may possibly get a Taco Bell.
During Monday's meeting of the Chester City Council, while responding to a city resident's comment about the popular chain restaurant during public comment, Mayor Tom Page addressed the rumors that have been flying around town.
"The deal isn't 100 percent closed yet, but Taco Bell has expressed an interest and it possibly could start this month," Page said.
The site of the proposed restaurant is the corner of Dixie Drive and State Street directly east of First Bank. Page said Taco Bell - which selected the location - would theoretically share the two entranceways of the bank, which also owns the lot in question according to Randolph County Assessor records.
Page's announcement is the first solid Taco Bell-related news since 2015, when a Taco Bell was rumored to be built the site of the former Pizza Hut in the Chester Center after the latter was demolished.
"It's not a 100 percent done deal yet," Page reiterated. "But I have my fingers crossed."
In other news, the council approved an agreement with the Illinois Department of Human Services to increase natural gas rates.
Page noted this was being done to cover costs by the city, including the cost of gas purchased at wholesale. He added that himself and other city officials met with DHS in September and the agreement was approved in December.
The new rates will take effect July 1.
"This is nothing new to them," Alderman Dan Ohlau said, referring to DHS.
The council also approved moving John Powell and Christian Gray from auxiliary firefighters to regular firefighters, which is a non-paid position. The change makes room for Josh Ruch, Phillip Hoffman and Hunter Cushman to become auxiliary firefighters.
"I've had more interest since the passing of James Brockmeyer," said Chester Fire Chief Marty Bert, referencing the fallen Chester Police officer and volunteer firefighter. "I moved some guys up so the others can start training with us."
Prior to the meeting, a public hearing was scheduled for St. John Lutheran School's request of the city to vacate a portion of High Street so a new school complex could be built.
Page announced that school representatives have withdrawn their request until a later time, making the hearing unnecessary.
"I think there are certain phases they can do without vacating that street," Page said.
Roundup
- The council approved the payment of bills in the amount of $71,248.91.
- Alderman Russ Rader, who is on the city's Water-Sewer Committee, announced a sewer bill adjustment for a resident in the amount of $27.05 due to a leak.
- The council approved $200,000 to be set aside in the city's general fund for retirement and post-employment benefits, per recommendation of the city's auditor.
- The council declared that a vacancy exists in the Chester Police Department, formally allowing CPD Chief Ryan Coffey to fill the position left vacant by the passing of Brockmeyer.
- The council approved advertising for a new employee for the sewer department.
- The council approved a resolution for a utility permit for IDOT for a water line relocation project on Buena Vista Street.
- In his report, Coffey noted several different events were upcoming that will honor Brockmeyer in some way, and every one of which requested his presence.
"There's a lot going on there," he said.
Coffey also noted solar eclipse planning continues, particularly in the areas of transportation, communication and medical first response.
