Marquita Fair

The meeting included a presentation of pre-budget figures for fiscal year 2022-2023 and projected budget information for Council, Administrative Department, Finance Department and Human Resource Department.

The City Council meeting agenda for February 23, 2026, included procedural items such as a Roll Call, Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and Civility Pledge, alongside time limits for the Citizens Forum and Petitioners. Key discussion items included Unfinished Business concerning a Hospitality Request for 2026 Events amounting to $82,350. New Business items focused on updates regarding the "Light it Up Blue - Live After 5" event, and status updates for City Hall, Wylie Park Pool, and the Aquatic & Fitness Center Pool. Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions featured two Proclamations and two ordinances: one authorizing the sale of surplus sanitation equipment and another establishing regulations for golf cart operations within the city. The City Administrator's updates covered topics such as Bulk Waste, Business License Initiative, and Body Worn Cameras. The session concluded with an Executive Session scheduled to discuss lawsuit updates related to the Fire District and contractual matters concerning Enterprise Fleet and Municipal Court Software.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including a discussion on moving the Public Safety-Police Department matter to a future meeting due to the absence of the City Administrator. A motion was made to discuss the city's form of government, but it was deferred. A motion regarding City Council's final decision on department head terminations failed. The council also addressed the disbursement of information to City Council, moving it to a future meeting. An update on the City of Chester & Chester Sheriff's Office Agreement was discussed. The council entered an executive session to discuss a personnel matter related to the Police Department, but no action was taken.

The meeting included updates on the Aquatic & Fitness Center, Police Building renovations, and the Red Cross Building deed. Discussions covered potential cost adjustments for the security system and proposed changes to the Chester Sports Complex, including additional lighting, signage, graffiti removal, and bathroom updates. The committee also discussed gifting property on White Street to i58, pending a clear lien and title search. An executive session was held to discuss a contractual matter, but no action was taken during the session.

The meeting addressed an ARPA request for employee incentives, which was approved with a split vote. A bid for the Fitness Park Slab was accepted. The council entered an executive session to discuss contractual renewal and an HR matter, after which they hired Boykin and Davis, LLC as the city's attorney and counsel. Additionally, the council approved the suspension of rules for virtual executive sessions via Zoom for 60 days.