Community News
Benld approves contracts for water tower cleaning, maintenance
The Benld City Council on Monday night approved several expenditures related to maintenance and repair of the city’s water storage tower, concurred with the Mayor’s appointment of a personnel/negotiating committee, and approved two business licenses. In the absence of Ald. Peyton Bernot, who proposed the idea, the council declined to act on a controversial measure that would reduce Police Department expenditures by reducing the number of hours devoted to patrols on a daily basis.
On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, the council voted unanimously to enter into a 10-year contract with Maguire Iron, Inc., headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to inspect the city’s water tower and to clean the storage tower inside and out at an annual cost of $1,950.
“They’ll clean it one year and inspect it the next year,” said Mayor Jim Kelly. “This is the year for them to clean it.”
The council also voted unanimously to contract with Corrpro Co., a subsidiary of Aegion, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., at a cost of $800 to perform maintenance work on the tower, including changing bulbs in safety beacons on the tower to provide a visual warning to aircraft in the area.
In a related matter, the council approved the expenditure of $6,986 for repairs to a water pump used to pump water into the water storage tank, which is located north of the city park.
The council also voted to proceed with installing a six-inch water line on Cahokia Street from Central Avenue to Maple Street after learning the cost of the project is estimated at about $5,000, including engineering costs. Mayor Kelly said HMG Engineers based the estimate on the assumption the city will use city employees to perform the bulk of the work. Last month, council members approved spending $2,394.40 to buy materials for the project from Midwest Meter, Edinburg.
Kelly said one goal of the project is to ensure a supply of water for fire protection at the south end of Cahokia Street.
“Right now, the only hydrant out there is in Sawyerville and it doesn’t work,” Kelly said. Additionally, he said, the new water line will provide an opportunity for future development in the area and provide an opportunity for existing homeowners to tap onto the new line.
NEW PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
On motions by Ald. Teresa Tucker, seconded by Ald. Robinson, the council voted unanimously to ratify the Mayor’s appointment of Ald. Jim Tilashalski, Ald. Lance Cooper and City Clerk Terri Koyne to serve on separate committees for collective bargaining negotiations with unions representing city employees and administer the city’s response to union grievances filed by city employees. The committees will meet on an “as needed” basis.
Kelly also reported that a recently filed grievance had been resolved. The nature of the grievance was not discussed in open session.
NO VOTE ON REDUCING POLICE PATROLS
With no motion to consider the measure, the council declined to vote on a controversial measure that would have reduced the number of hours local police patrol in the city as a means of cutting Police Department expenditures. Ald. Bernot gave a detailed presentation about the idea last month but did not attend Monday night’s meeting, reportedly due to illness.
“If he was here, I’d be interested in having a vote on it,” Ald. Tilashalski said.
With Bernot absent, none of the other aldermen were willing to offer a motion to consider the measure. With no motion on the floor, the issue was tabled without further discussion.
On Tilashalski’s recommendation, the council also declined to vote on the purchase of a new backhoe to replace an aging machine the city currently owns. Mayor Kelly presented a price quote last month from Erb Equipment, Troy, for a John Deere backhoe at a cost of $100,000. The Erb quote reflected a bid for purchasing equipment by the state government, precluding the need for the city to seek independent bids. The cost of the machine would have been financed over five years with payments amounting to $1,599 per month.
The council originally tied, 3-3, last month to approve the purchase and Kelly broke the tie by voting “yes.” Tilashalski then took the unusual step of calling for a reconsideration of his motion, whereupon the council voted 4-2 to reject the purchase.
On Monday night, Kelly recommended tabling the measure, noting that such a purchase would require the city to amend it’s appropriations ordinance to earmark money for the purchase. In the meantime, Tilashalski said the committee is looking at proposals from three companies—Erb Equipment, Sievers Equipment and Caterpillar.
BUSINESS LICENSES
The council unanimously approved applications for two new business licenses.
Matt Olmsted plans to open a coffee shop in the building formerly occupied by the Benld Senior Nutrition Center located east of the Civic Center on Central Avenue, and Dustin Fletcher, a candidate for election to the city council, secured a license for his mechanical repair shop located adjacent to his home in the 600 block of North Seventh Street. Fletcher’s business is open by appointment only. It predates implementation of a local zoning ordinance regulating commercial businesses in residential areas.
FLOODING ISSUE
The council referred to the Street Department a complaint registered by Ann Lotter of Dorsey Street about flooding in the ditch and street in front of her home.
“The water doesn’t have anywhere to go,” she told the council. “It’s kind of a mess. I’m afraid someone is going to go across those railroad tracks and hit that ice. Who knows where they will go—my yard, the neighbors yard.”
During recent cold weather, the standing water has frozen, resulting in a sizable expanse of ice and posing a hazard to motorists.
Street Department Supervisor Jim Savant said the problem is related to the railroad raising the bed for existing railroad tracks by about three feet last year. He said he is aware of the issue and is looking at ways to improve drainage and eliminate the hazard.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No action followed a 12-minute executive session convened with City Attorney Rick Verticchio to discuss litigation. The nature of the litigation and whether the city is a plaintiff or defendant was not disclosed.
In open session, Verticchio reported the court has given the city permission to abate a public nuisance at 406 South Main Street. Council members said it may be possible to use city employees to remove a dilapidated mobile home and other debris in lieu of advertising for a contractor to do the work.
POTENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITIES ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Tilashalski, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, reported that he is likely to propose an amendment to the ordinance governing the collection of delinquent water and sewer bills associated with rental properties. The current ordinance, he said, authorizes the city to shut off water service and pursue collection activity against the renter. If the renter does not pay the bill, the ordinance provides for the city to notify the property owner but it provides no mechanism for the city to pursue the property owner for the delinquent bill. He is proposing additional language to hold the property owner responsible for the bill in the event the renter fails to pay or moves away without paying.
Verticchio recommended a more extensive revision of the ordinance based on recent court decisions that allowed new buyers of properties to shirk responsibility for unpaid water bills unless the city takes the extra step of formally filing a lien against the property.
“Otherwise the new buyer gets to start from square one,” Verticchio said.
The issue was referred back to the committee and may be presented for a vote at a future meeting of the council.
ENTERPRISE ZONE
Tilashalski said he recently attended a meeting and presentation on the county’s pending application to renew the Macoupin County Enterprise Zone. The existing Enterprise Zone, a partnership involving Carlinville, Gillespie and Macoupin County, is about to expire after 20 years. For the new application, the county wants to expand the zone to include other Macoupin County communities, such as Benld, in part to suppress the average per capita income of residents within the Enterprise Zone and boost the odds of being approved for renewal.
He said a measure to join the Enterprise Zone will be placed on the agenda for a vote at a future meeting of the council.
“I still have a lot of questions,” Tilashalski said. He said he asked one of the presenters about whether or not a proposed new water line to bring water to Benld from Litchfield would be included in the Enterprise Zone. “Unless he changes his mind, his answer was affirmative, which means down the road that if something was built along that water line—a factory or whatever—would be eligible for some of these incentives.”
New businesses erected in the Enterprise Zone are eligible for property tax abatements and other incentives. One of the incentives allows the new business to waive paying sales tax on building materials purchased from vendors located in Macoupin County.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council gave tentative approval to the Royal Family organization, Carlinville, to use the city park for a Kids Camp on May 31 or June 1, provided the group understands it will have to pay established rental fees for the use of the park. The group plans to host a “glow run” fundraiser on the Benld-Gillespie Bike Trail, followed by activities at the city park.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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