Community News
Benld Council eyes water tower painting project, sets open house for newly renovated civic center
Members of the Benld City Council voted unanimously Monday night to enter into a contract not to exceed $40,025 for HMG Engineering to develop bidding specifications and supervise work associated with a project to repaint the city’s water storage tower located north of City Park.
Justin VonderHaar, an engineer with HMG, told the council his firm is consulting with outside professionals to determine whether the tower can be power washed to prepare it for painting or if it will need to be stripped to bare metal. Removing the old paint, he said, would substantially increase the cost but HMG’s contract is limited to $40,025 in either case.
VonderHaar said he would return for the council’s next regular meeting in November with bidding specifications and cost estimates for the project. Tentative estimates for the project range from $150,000 to $200,000, depending upon the extent of preparatory work needed. The project is expected to get underway next spring.
Council members also were told personnel from Water Treat Technologies, Central, are expected to be in town Monday, Oct. 25, to treat the city’s sewage lagoon to eradicate an infestation of duckweed at a cost of $8,380. The duckweed eradication is necessary before Water Treat Technologies can return with a remote control ground penetrating radar device to measure the amount of sludge in the lagoon a cost of $3,250.
VonderHaar previously reported that Illinois Environmental Protection Agency investigated the lagoon last February but only recently issued a final report, which basically approved the lagoon for continued operation but questioned the amount sludge the lagoon might be carrying. Water Treat Technologies’ study will determine whether or not the lagoon needs to be dredged or improved with an aeration system and the addition of biological agents—a project that could cost in the neighborhood of $85,000.
According to VonderHaar, city workers are in the process of lowering the water level in the lagoon prior to the duckweed treatment. The chemical Water Treat Technologies plans to use requires the city to avoid any discharge from the lagoon for a period of one to two weeks.
VonderHaar also reported that an extensive grant-funded project to replace or re-line aging sewer lines on the city’s northeast side is nearing completion. A major component yet to be completed involves installation of a new electrical panel and electronic controls for a sewage system lift station. Final clean-up from the project will take place in the spring.
On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, the council also approved a new contract for the annual cleaning and inspection of the water tower interior.
CIVIC CENTER OPEN HOUSE
Balzraine announced the city will host an open house for members of the public to view the newly renovated Civic Center from 2 to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 29. Rick DeStefane, a Benld native and former resident who financially subsidized the remodel, will be present and the city will rededicate the facility as the DeStefane Event Center. The center will be available to rent beginning November 1.
The renovation includes a remodeled and updated kitchen, updated bathrooms that are handicapped accessible, new ceiling, updated finishes and a resealed floor. A platform formerly located at the front of the room has been removed. Photos and biographies of Benld veterans that were installed for the Benld Centennial have been removed and relocated to the City Library to make them more accessible to the public and make the Civic Center more amenable to events such as wedding receptions.
In formal action, the council approved the rental agreement for city facitilites, including the Civic Center and City Park. The agreement includes provisions that require dram shop insurance for events serving alcohol, prohibiting smoking on city-owned property, and requiring persons using the Civic Center kitchen to comply with public health food handling requirements.
Ald. Jerry Saracco said the Italian-American Club, which uses the park for its annual Italian-American Days festival, could not practically monitor smoking on the grounds, nor could it comply with a provision banning on-site cooking at the park. The club purchases its own dram shop insurance because the size of the event precludes them from going through the city for insurance. He agreed to approve the rental agreement with those exceptions carved out of the document.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The council met in executive session for 35 minutes to discuss legal issues with City Attorney Rick Verticchio and personnel. Verticchio made a report in open session on the status of ordinance violation cases brought against several nuisance properties, but the council took no action on the personnel issue. A city employee attending the meeting was briefly called into the closed-door session but left immediately when the council returned to open session.
COUNCIL RAISES MINIMUM FINES
By unanimous vote, the council approved an ordinance increasing the minimum fines assessed for ordinance violations. Under the ordinance the fine assessed for a first offense is no less than $200, nor more than $500. A second violation of the same ordinance within a three-year period will result in a minimum fine of $750 up to $1,000. The minimum fine for a third violation of the same ordinance within three years is $1,250 and can go as high as $1,500.
Council members also approved a resolution formally increasing the minimum water rate for service outside the city limits. Last month, the council raised the minimum rate for residential users from $12 to $13 per month but neglected to include rate increases for users outside the city limits. With Monday night’s action, that rate is now increased from $14.51 to $15.51. The one dollar increase across the board is expected to recoup the extra expense incurred by the water department as a result of a rate increase imposed by the City of Gillespie, which supplies treated water to the Benld system.
FATE OF GAY HARDWARE BUILDING
Catherine Young, owner of the former Gay Hardware Building at 409 East Central Avenue, appeared before the council to report on her progress toward demolishing and removing the building. She said she has found a facility in which to store items currently stored in the deteriorating building. She said she expects to have her personal property removed within the next three weeks.
Ultimately she expects to raze the building and have the debris removed. Saving the building, she said, is cost prohibitive. The estimated cost for a new roof is a minimum of $25,000. She discovered the floor is weakened and would need substantial structural repair and the building would need a new heating system.
“I hate to take it down but I don’t know what else to do,” she said. “I don’t have that kind of money.”
At Ald. Saracco’s insistence, Young agreed to return next month to report on her progress. She said she is working with a couple of contractors to demolish building and also negotiating with neighboring property owner Ken Snider who has expressed an interest in acquiring the property for a vineyard.
BUSINESS LICENSE
The council approved a business license for Blessing Boxes, a not-for-profit, charitable organization operated by Don and Laura O’Brien and a staff of volunteers. The O’Briens plan to use office space at 210B East Central Avenue for administrative offices and temporary storage of non-perishable food items.
Eleven “Blessing Boxes” have been set up on the grounds of Hebenstreit Apartments in Benld, Mt. Clare, Gillespie, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Litchfield, Staunton and Livingston. Using donations of food and cash, the group plans to stock the boxes weekly with food items for individuals and families in need of food.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to renew a liability insurance policy offered through the Illinois Municipal League with an annual premium of $22,456. City Clerk Terri Koyne said the premium represents an increase of about $2,000 from the previous year but that the premium has remained unchanged for the past three years. In the meantime, the city has added a new tractor to the list of insured items and increased the bond for the Mayor and Clerk for purposes of grant administration.
- Accepted a bid of $1,900 from Emmon’s Tree Service, Carlinville, to remove soft maple trees in the 400 block of South Illinois Street and the 200 block of North Seventh Street, trim seven Bradford pear trees downtown, and remove three stumps.
- Agreed to purchase for the Water Department a utility locator at a cost of $899.83, a water leak detector at a cost of $16145.88, and an emergency back-up pump at a cost of $2,170.90.
- Agreed to appoint Bill Bertetto, Jr. to a three year term on the Library Board. Bertetto will fill a spot formerly held by Cathy Barlyske.
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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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