CHESTER — Mayor Ed Wedgewood announced that Chester received word about its dilapidated property request, which was partially awarded during Monday’s regular meeting.

The city’s original ask was $256,000 out of the state’s dilapidated property program.

Council voted to start the process with a pilot program of two structures: a fire damaged home at 144 Montana Ave. and another structure at 233 Ferry Road.

“We need to do this in batch of two and have inspections for asbestos,” Wedgewood added.

After the work is done, the city will be reimbursed for up to $13,000 for the demolition of 15 unoccupied structures throughout Chester.

Councilman Steve Shuman was absent from Monday’s meeting.

Steve Cummings, pastor for Chester Church of the Nazarene, addressed Wedgewood and council to inquire about ideas for a possible community project for volunteers to assist with as part of a statewide church weekend of service.

Cummings said the weekend is being held April 19-21 throughout West Virginia.

John Woodruff, who is the second ward councilman and also a member of Cummings’ congregation, is going to act as a liaison between city government. He suggested reaching out to Susan Hineman of the Chester Parks. The Chester Beautification Committee and possibly the city’s playgrounds also were possible suggestions.

Cummings said that they don’t seek this to be a one-time deal, nor just assigned for that particular weekend.

Council also briefly discussed the alley behind the new Wendy’s Restaurant and questioned when developers were going to finish off curbing. However, they voted to table it until Shuman, who also is in charge of the street department, would be back to offer input.

Police Chief Chuck Stanley announced Greg Arter will be filling in as a crossing guard for Allison Elementary School for the remainder of the year and said officers have been qualifying with their new guns, which they received.

In other action, members:

• Approved the 2024 Accufund maintenance agreement for their accounting software for $1,572.

• Directed police to deliver certified past due municipal fee letters to offending subjects.

• Deposited $67,094.49 into the general fund and $5,490 into the building fund; and paying $110,549.30 in bills including a $1,000 donation to the Hancock County Sheriff Reserves as promised.

• Voted for Mayor Wedgewood to solicit bids for two collapsed drains on Florida Avenue and Finley Road to have the work completely before paving those side streets.

• Went into executive session to discuss the budget at 5:43 p.m. with no action planned to be taken.

The next council meeting will be held at 5 p.m. April 1.