Chester council passes ordinance updating pension board rules and approves three police cadet appointments

The City of Chester council voted on Dec. 22, 2025 to adopt Ordinance No. 13, an amendment to the city's codified ordinances governing the Aggregated Pension Fund, and to adopt Resolution 149, authorizing the appointment of three police cadets.

Ordinance No. 13, which was read into the record by council staff, amends sections 142.03 (board established composition), 142.04 (board members, term of office, vacancies) and 142.05 (board officers, meetings, transactions) of Article 142 (Aggregated Pension Fund). After a motion and second to pass the bill on its second and final reading, the clerk conducted a roll-call vote. Councilors recorded votes of "Yes" from Gibson Williams, West, Davis and Mayor Ruth and the ordinance passed on final reading.

Resolution 149 authorizes the appointment of Shepherd Garner, Lamont Red and Luca Rizzi as police cadets effective Dec. 22, 2025, at an hourly rate of $15 with work scheduled up to 8 hours per day (five days per week) and no benefits. The resolution requires the cadets to attend the Delaware County Community College Academy and complete pre-employment and certification requirements. A motion and second to approve Resolution 149 were followed by a roll-call vote recorded as "Yes" from the same council members; the resolution was approved.

Votes at a glance
- Ordinance No. 13 (Amend Article 142, Aggregated Pension Fund): Passed (Gibson Williams: Yes; West: Yes; Davis: Yes; Mayor Ruth: Yes).
- Resolution 149 (Authorize appointment of police cadets: Shepherd Garner, Lamont Red, Luca Rizzi): Passed (Gibson Williams: Yes; West: Yes; Davis: Yes; Mayor Ruth: Yes).

No public speakers signed up specifically on these agenda items before the votes. Council members briefly praised the local recruits and urged community support as they prepare for the police academy.