Community News
Alderson resigns from Gillespie Council
Published
6 years agoon
By
Dave Ambrose
Long-serving Gillespie city alderman Jim Alderson submitted his resignation at the conclusion of a contentious city council meeting Monday night during which city officials fielded complaints about the policy regarding tent camping on residential lots at Gillespie Lake.
In other action, the council approved a grant of up to $2,500 from the city’s Tax Increment Financing fund for landscaping at a proposed new business, accepted bids for replacing the folding door between two sides of the Gillespie Civic Center and to repair the roof at the Water Treatment Plant, narrowly approved an ordinance requiring roofing contractors working within the city limits to be properly licensed, and heard a complaint from business owner Dave Link regarding the purported pending sale of city owned property he also was interested in purchasing.
As the two-hour meeting was drawing to a close, Alderson read to the council his letter of resignation effective immediately.
“As a lifelong Gillespie resident, I appreciate the citizens electing me and the opportunity I have had to represent them,” Alderson wrote in his letter of resignation. “I wish the council and the mayor the best as they strive to make Gillespie a great place to live.”
“As a lifelong Gillespie resident, I appreciate the citizens electing me and the opportunity I have had to represent them,” Alderson wrote in his letter of resignation.
“Well,” Mayor John Hicks responded, “we accept this with regrets because I know this is what you want to do. We thank you for your years of service.”
Alderson served nearly two decades as an alderman representing Ward 1. He was first elected in 2001 and served continuously as an alderman until this month, except for a two-year hiatus between 2009 and 2011. He was elected to the office of City Treasurer in 2009, the same year current Mayor John Hicks was first elected. He later stepped down from the Treasurer’s position, paving the way for the appointment of current Treasurer Dan Fisher. Alderson was last elected to a four-year term as alderman in 2015.
This marks the second time Alderson has submitted his resignation from the council. Late in 2016, he submitted a resignation to become effective Dec. 31, 2016. He did not attend the January 2017 meeting of the council at which time Mayor Hicks presented Alderson’s letter of resignation. In February, however, Alderson returned to his seat having apparently had a change of heart.
His resignation creates two vacancies on the council. One of the Ward 2 aldermanic seats, formerly held by appointee Colin Mussatto, has been vacant since 2017 after Mussatto opted against seeking election to the seat and no other candidate came forward to appear on the ballot.
LAKE LOT CONTROVERSY
Mayor Hicks directed the Lake Committee to draft a revised policy regarding lake lease-holders who want to allow visiting family members to temporarily tent camp or park RVs on their lots. Several lease-holders appeared during the meeting to complain, sometimes heatedly, about conflicting information they reportedly received when the attempted to host family members visiting them for a weekend or a few days.
“We’ll get a better, clearer set of rules written up,” Hicks promised.
Responding to John Crotty, who said he was appearing in support of other lease-holders who have encountered problems when they sought to allow grandchildren or other family members to tent camp on their lots, Lake Committee Chair Frank Barrett said there is no prohibition on having a tent on a residential lot or RV lot.
That prompted Phillip Manda, Alton, to recall an incident two years ago when Barrett allegedly told him that he could not have family members erect a tent on his lot. Manda said he leases a lot at 48 Bishop Lane near the camping area managed by the city. He said Barrett told him his grandchildren would have to rent a space in the camping area for their tent.
“They like to think they are camping next to Grandpa,” he said. “I was told I’d have to rent a space and have six- and seven-year-olds camping across the street from me.”
“I don’t remember that at all because we’ve told plenty of people that they can do that,” Barrett said. “I don’t know why we would pick on you.”
Terry Soots asked about allowing visitors to park a second camper on a camping lot and hook up to power “that I’m paying for.”
Under those circumstances, Barrett said, the camper would be prohibited because “you can’t have more than one camper on a lot.” But, he said, the city might be able to come up with a policy to allow a second camper for a fee of $10 per camper per night, which is the same fee charged for camper parking their units in the established campground.
Vickie Christian, who leases 50 Bishop Lane with her husband, Vic, said Barrett threatened to revoke their lease last week when their son and his family from Chicago parked a camper next to the Christians mobile home for a brief visit. Christian said Barrett told them the camper had to be removed. When the couple and Barrett argued, she told the council, Barrett threatened to revoke their lease. She said she and her husband had been good tenants for the city and they were extremely upset when threatened with eviction.
“We’ll get a better, clearer set of rules written up,” Hicks promised.
“Nothing in the lease says we can’t have a camper on a house trailer lot,” she said. “Frank came up and said we would have to move the camper and that if we didn’t , he could revoke our lease. We’ve been good tenants, but when we’re threatened to have our lease pulled…”
Hicks assured the Christians that an alderman cannot revoke a lake lease. “That would have to be acted on by the council,” he said.
Hicks referred the issue to the Lake Committee, which is expected to meet in two weeks, to discuss the issue with an eye toward drafting a written policy. Manda and other tenants said they plan to attend that meeting to contribute to the discussion.
“This lake lot issue with the two trailers and such, it will be addressed at the committee meeting in two weeks or before,” Hicks said. He said the date and time of the meeting will be posted at City Hall and at the Lake. In addition, Lake Manager Gary Thornhill said he would contact those attending the meeting Monday night to let them know in advance when the committee meeting is scheduled.
In other action, on a motion by Barrett, the council voted to lease lake lot 402 to Denise Durr and a lot at 15 Carney Drive to James Randy Meyers. Both Durr and Meyers attended the meeting to see if their applications were approved.
Meyers told the council he was attending to see about leasing a lot.
“Are you sure you want to?” Treasurer Dan Fisher quipped, referring to the prior controversy.
In a related matter, the council generally agreed to suspend eviction proceedings against Bill Tintera to give him more time to bring his property into compliance with terms of the lease. Tintera appeared before the council and said his property fell into disrepair due to health and financial issues. He said he has started working at a better-paying job and feels he can meet his obligations.
A primary concern, Barrett said, was the fact that a waste water holding tank associated with the property did not pass inspection several months ago. Tintera said he had shut the unit off for financial considerations but that the unit is again in operation and has been in compliance for the past three months. He asked for additional time to finish cleaning up the property and to install new siding on the cabin.
Barrett said he would inspect the property and the holding tank to ensure the property is in compliance with terms of the lease.
TIF GRANT FOR LANDSCAPING
On a motion by Ald. Barrett, the council authorized a grant from Tax Increment Financing funds of up to $2,500 to assist Russell “Rusty” Fredericks with the cost of landscaping associated with a package liquor store he plans to open in the former Hardee’s restaurant building on Macoupin Street. Treasurer Fisher said landscaping costs are eligible for TIF fund grants.
Fredericks told the council he has cost estimates ranging from $5,700 to $6,570 but is awaiting bids from two other landscaping companies.
“I think the max you can approve is $5,000,” Fredericks said.
“It’s half of that,” Fisher said. “It’s matching and it’s a reimbursement,” meaning Fredericks will make the original outlay and then submit receipts for reimbursement.
“I’m going to try to make it look as good as I can with the $5,000,” Fredericks said.
Hicks told Fredericks he will approve his application for a Class A liquor license, which includes licensing for electronic gaming.
Later in the meeting, Hicks reported that the city’s recently amended liquor license ordinance may need additional adjustments regarding annual fees. Changes may be needed to make fees more equitable for liquor businesses that offer gaming, plus additional amusement devices such as juke boxes. Currently, such businesses pay separate licensing fees for each classification of devices.
ROOFING ORDINANCE
With two dissenting votes, the council approved a new ordinance requiring roofers working within the city limits to be properly licensed.
“This especially comes into play when you have a storm come through and you have a lot of roofing companies coming into town,” Hicks said, noting that the new ordinance will ensure that itinerant roofers will be licensed and insured to do the work. Local police will be responsible for enforcement. “If you have a complaint about a roofer, you call the police.”
The local licensing fee for a building permit is not to exceed $50. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to $750.
“It’s a state law anyway, but we are reinforcing it,” said Ald. Dave Tucker, who moved to approve the ordinance.
Ald. Janice Weidner and Dianna Brickey voted against the measure but gave no reason for their vote.
ENTERPRISE ZONE
Following a brief presentation by Macoupin County Economic Development Coordinator Mary Beth Bellm, the council approved two ordinances to add 14.6 acres on Shipman Road south of Carlinville to the county Enterprise Zone. The added acreage will be the location of new headquarters for the MJM Electric Coooperative.
Inclusion in the Enterprise Zone exempts the company from paying local sales tax on building materials purchased from Macoupin County businesses and offers a temporary property tax abatement.
Bellm also reported that authorization for the 20-year-old Enterprise Zone will expire in 2021. She reported that the county plans to apply this year for a renewal to give themselves a year-long cushion to reapply if the initial application is not approved.
“If we don’t get it this year, we can apply next year,” she said. “We don’t want to have a gap year.”
The application requires the submission of a significant volume of census and economic data, which is scored by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Approval of Enterprise Zones is based on how well the applications score, she said. Last year DCEO approved only three applications statewide.
Bellm said extending the term of the Enterprise Zone is an important step, enabling the county and participating communities to offer incentives to attract new businesses to the county. The current Enterprise Zone is a partnership involving the county, City of Gillespie and City of Carlinville.
PROPERTY CONTROVERSY
Business owner Dave Link appeared before the council to complain about the purported sale of a parcel of city-owned property on Macoupin Street near his business. He said he appeared before the council in May and expressed an interest in buying the property but was told the parcel had been appraised for $10,000 and had been sold for 80 percent of the appraisal to Adam Tallman. Tallman reportedly plans to build a new insurance office building on the parcel.
Link said he verbally offered to buy the parcel for $12,340, but Hicks said his offer could not be considered a formal bid since it was verbal only.
Link told the council he returned for the council’s June meeting and was told by City Attorney Kevin Polo that the appraisal had not been completed and had not been sold.
“I’m still interested in buying it,” he said. “I think you ought to look at the bid I put in on it. I don’t think its right to take less money for it.”
Polo did not attend Monday night’s meeting and was not available to answer questions.
“We’ll table this until I can talk to the city attorney,” Hicks said. “This is holding up a building in Gillespie that could be generating tax dollars.”
Link alleged that his appearance before the council in May was omitted from the minutes of that meeting, and Hicks said he did not recall Link making a specific offer to buy the property.
“Seems like you have a lot of amnesia,” a disgruntled Link said as he left the room. “I’ll see you next month.”
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Following a 15-minute executive session, the council approved a 25-cent per hour wage increase for Street Department Foreman Dale Demkey, retroactive to the beginning of the contract year, Jan. 1.
Council members also discussed real estate during the executive session, presumably including a discussion about the city-owned parcel on Macoupin Street.
Later in the meeting, Hicks reported to the council that a potential buyer has expressed an interest in buying a parcel of city-owned property located behind the Superbowl Bowling Alley.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to purchase a laser level for the city’s backhoe at a cost of $5,052.50 from Erb Equipment, Mitchell. The level, which attaches to the backhoe arm, will allow a single operator to monitor the depth at which the bucket is removing material.
- Accepted a contract with Five Star Commercial Roofing to make repairs to the Water Treatment Plant roof at a cost of $12,700.
- Agreed to pay $425 to Feeley’s Tree Service for removing a tree that fell on Western Avenue during a recent storm.
- Agreed to replace the folding doors between the two sides of the Civic Center at a cost of $6,842.29. The supplier is Nation Serve of Peoria.
- Agreed to sell an out-of-service mower formerly used at the Water Treatment Plant for $50.
- Gave the Public Works Committee power to act on the purchase of $6,000 to $7,000 worth of equipment and supplies for the Water Treatment Plant.
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Obituaries
Death of Jean Marie Boston Wilson
Published
5 months agoon
October 9, 2023By
BenGil StaffJean Marie Boston Wilson, 52 of Staunton, passed away at 6:46 AM on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Community Hospital of Staunton. She was born on March 10, 1971, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late Jerry and Mary (Ackerman) Boston.
She was a homemaker. She enjoyed 5D Diamond Art, gardening, painting, cooking, baking, and arts and crafts.
She is survived by her son, Nicholas Wilson; two sisters, Anne Hood and Barbie Ivey Boston; a brother, Joe (Peggy) Boston; several nephews; and her beloved dog, Max.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a nephew, Don Ivey Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Donald Ivey.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Community News
First class of athletes inducted into CUSD 7 Athletic Wall of Fame
Published
5 months agoon
October 9, 2023By
BenGil Staff
Gillespie Community School District recently held its firstt inaugural class of its “Athletic Wall of Fame” on October 1, 2023. The inductees were invited to participate in the Homecoming Parade and then a “meet and greet” at the high school football game.
Here is a list of the inductees and a brief biography of their accomplishments.
Sam Anderson graduated from Benld in 1952. He participated in football, baseball, basketball, and track for 4 years earning all-conference in three sports and All-State in football and basketball. He was a St. Louis Browns professional baseball tryout and played basketball at St Louis University for one year and Eastern Illinois University football for two years. He scored over 1300 career points in high school basketball.
Keith Parker graduated from Gillespie in 1940. He participated in football, basketball, and track and earned nine varsity letters. He played football at University of Missouri and National Champion Purdue University for one year each. He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts. He was a football and basketball official for 41 years and inducted into Granite City Hall of Fame, Missouri Football Hall of Fame, NFHS Hall of Fame, and Greater St Louis Hall of Fame.
Lisa (Ribes) Roberts was a graduate of Gillespie HS in 1996. She participated in multiple sports including four yrs in track. She holds the school record in 1600 and 3200 meters. She ran track at SIUE for 4 years and is a professional Tri-Athlete and 6x Iron Man Champion. She has participated in over 100 triathlons around the world and holds multiple Iron Man course records.
Jim Hlafka graduated from Gillespie in 1952. He earned all-conference in basketball. He played basketball at St Louis University and Eastern Illinois University for one year each. He coached Bunker Hill High School basketball for 43 years and ranks 13th in IHSA career wins with a record of 754-347. Hlafka was also inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame.
Gordon Hartweger graduated from Gillespie in 1957. He participated in basketball, baseball, and track for four years earning all-conference honors in basketball. He played basketball at St Louis University for 4 years earning MVP and Captain. He was the assistant basketball coach at St Louis University for 5 years and played in the NIT National Finals.
Jerry Grandone graduated from Gillespie in 1960. He participated in basketball, track, and football earning all-conference in basketball and track. After Gillespie, he played basketball and track at Eastern Illinois University for 4 years. He held hurdle records, MVP, and track captain at Eastern Illinois, basketball captain at Eastern Illinois, and earned seven varsity letters at Eastern Illinois. Grandone coached basketball in Coal City and Gillespie, was the track coach at Coal City five years, and in Gillespie for 38 years.
Rick Bertagnolli graduated from Gillespie in 1978. He participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track earning all-conference in football and baseball. He played baseball at Lewis and Clark and SIUE for two years each and was the MVP and Captain at Lewis and Clark. Bertagnolli was a men’s Olympic Festival softball and Major fastpitch softball for five years and earned the IHSA Softball Coach of the Year. Bertagnolli coached softball at Wabash Valley Jr College, University of South Carolina-Spartanburg and California University of Pennsylvania for 20 years winning the Div. II National Champion twice and also receiving the Conference, Regional and National Softball Coach of the Year.
Bob Boston graduated from Gillespie in 1966. He participated in football and basketball for four years each. He is the all-time school basketball scoring leader with approximately 2000 points and also threw for over 2000 career passing yards. He earned all-conference football and basketball, and honorable mention little All-State football and basketball. He played basketball and football at University of Missouri for 2 years each and received over seven university scholarship offers from St Louis University, Air Force, Memphis State, LSU, Northwestern, Holy Cross, Princeton and Dartmouth.
The 1964 Gillespie football team was the last inductee with an 8-0-2 record. They were the last unbeaten football team with wins over Feitshans (Springfield SE), Hillsboro, Mt Olive, Pittsfield, Jerseyville, Carlinville, Nokomis and Dupo, and ties to Southwestern and Staunton. The team was coached by Bill Parmentier and Andy Easton.
Another class will be inducted in the fall of 2024. Wall of Fame nomination forms can be found on the Gillespie Community School District website.
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Obituaries
Death of James Rudolph Zirkelbach
Published
5 months agoon
October 9, 2023By
BenGil Staff
James Rudolph Zirkelbach, 86 of Benld, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 12:10 a.m. at his residence in Benld. He was born November 26, 1936, in Shawneetown, IL to Gregory Zirkelbach and Beulah (Vaughn) Zirkelbach.
He married Mary V. Lebro on August 12, 1977, in Carlinville. James was a retired Sheriff for Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department in Carlinville, a member of the Macoupin-Montgomery Crime Stoppers, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, Former board member for Community Unit School District #7, Amvets, and a former member of the Macoupin County Board.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Zirkelbach of Benld; five sons, Robert (Sandee) Zirkelbach of Carlisle, IA, Dennis (Julie) Zirkelbach of Eagarville, James Zirkelbach of Benld, Mark (Sandy) Zirkelbach of Kemp, TX, Brad Zirkelbach of Wentzville, MO; three daughters, Tracy (Bret) Werner of Hamel, Joan (Brent) Cain of Carlinville, and Kimberly J. (Jack) Burns of Benld; two brothers, Andrew (Shirley) Zirkelbach of Alton and Eugene (Ruth) Zirkelbach of Kampsville, IL; and sister, Pat Navarre of Godfrey.
James was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Zirkelbach; sister, Cecelia Zirkelbach; and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Zirkelbach.
Friends may call on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Kravanya Funeral Home, 203 E. Elm St., Gillespie, from 4:00 until 8:00 pm. Funeral services are Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Kravanya Funeral Home, 203 E. Elm St., Gillespie with Pastor Bob Zirkelbach officiating.
Burial will be at Benld Cemetery in Benld. Memorials are suggested to Crimestoppers or to Gillespie High School Cross Country. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.