Community News
City of Gillespie purchases vacant property, discusses upcoming water infrastructure project
Gillespie Lake (Archived photo)
Gillespie city aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to purchase a vacant property at the corner of Montgomery and East Chestnut streets at a cost of $5,000.
The action followed a 30-minute executive session to discuss the acquisition of real estate and other issues. Mayor John Hicks said $5,000 was a “good price” for the parcel, which will be used for city purposes yet to be determined.
One possible use for the property would be as a parking area for the fledgling Illinois Coal Museum and downtown businesses. Gillespie residents may be familiar with the parcel as a parking area for carnival workers during the annual Black Diamond Days street festival.
POSSIBLE SWIMMING BEACH DEVELOPMENT
Polo reported that the city’s insurance carrier had responded to a question regarding the city’s liability if the city opens a beach for swimming at Gillespie Lake.
“He said that as long as you have posted signs that say ‘Swim at Own Risk – No Life Guard,’ we should be okay,” Polo reported.
Lake Committee Chairman Frank Barrett said the necessary signage is in storage at the lake. “We will probably need some sand and we’ll need to buy some floats,” he said.
Barrett also reported that he was recently contacted by Josh Ross about the possibility of establishing a Park District. Establishing such a district would require voter approval. It would be separate from the city council, although it would manage city-owned recreation facilities. It also would be its own taxing body, generating revenue from a property tax levy.
“It could include things like the mining museum,” Polo noted.
“The No. 1 thing young families want in a community is parks and recreation for their children,” Barrett said. “If you want to keep young families in town, we need to provide something for them.”
The council deferred until May a decision on whether or not to stock hybrid striped bass in Gillespie Lake.
WATER PROJECT HEARING
City Treasurer Dan Fisher reported that a public hearing is scheduled at 6 p.m., Monday, April 24, to accept public comment on a developing lake and water infrastructure plan, as well as the city’s intention to borrow several million dollars to finance the projects. The tentative plan, still in development, includes repairs to the leaking lake spillway and water line replacement throughout the city.
Fisher told the council in January that Curry and Associates Engineers of Nashville, the city’s engineering firm, was working on preliminary engineering on the projects, which are expected to cost an estimated $10 million. At the time, Fisher said the city could divide the project into two phases of $5 million each without having to raise water rates to service the debt if the city opted to use existing funds to pay off an existing EPA loan of $482,200.
Council members discussed the possibility of paying off the EPA loan early last month but has not yet taken action.
In January, Fisher reported the city probably would be required to raise water rates substantially if the council opts to proceed with the full $10 million project without first paying off the existing loan. The EPA loan, with an interest rate of 2.5 percent, currently costs the city $127,609 annually in debt service. Paying off the loan would free up enough money to allow the city to comfortably make the estimated $205,000 monthly payments to service a loan of $5 million.
According to Fisher, the city has an opportunity to borrow $5 million or $10 million through the USDA’s Rural Development program to finance the water infrastructure project at a current interest rate of two percent. That rate is expected to increase, however, if the city does not commit to the project soon.
“Interest rates are going up fast,” said City Attorney Kevin Polo, noting rates are likely to be increased on June 1 as the start of the second fiscal quarter.
The city still would be unlikely to start construction on the project until at least the spring of 2018.
“We are going to try to obligate all of the money before June 1,” Fisher said, in order to secure the lower interest rate. With the money obligated, the city still would be unlikely to start construction on the project until at least the spring of 2018. “We won’t be closing on this stuff until late fall, so we probably would be looking at construction a year from now. But we want to get everything finalized now.”
Federal grants are available for such projects, but the city probably would be ineligible to apply because water rates charged to consumers fall below the level required by the grant programs.
“The median rate here should be $51 per month,” Mayor Hicks said. “That’s what we’d have to charge to be grant eligible.”
“We’d have to raise rates a lot,” Fisher agreed.
Regarding another matter, Fisher told the council the city is on target with keeping expenditures for the fiscal year within the $3.1 million the city budgeted. Based on current activity, Fisher said he expects the city to end the fiscal year with about $3 million in expenditures.
“It looks like we will be about $100,000 under budget,” he said.
The fiscal year ends April 30. Fisher said he and City Clerk’s office are working on an appropriations ordinance to be presented during the council’s May meeting.
EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
On a motion by Alderman Jerry Dolliger, the council approved the purchase of a used snow plow and salt spreader from Adam Meur, Gillespie, at a cost of $2,000. Dolliger said the equipment, which can be mounted on a city-owned truck, is valued at about $12,000.
“The salt spreader had six bags of salt run through it,” Dolliger said.
The council also approved purchase of a Toro push mower from Neal Equipment, Litchfield, at a cost of $350. Dolliger said the city previously have purchased less expensive mowers, but they generally have lasted only one season.
“This year we want to buy a Toro mower and see if we can get more than just one year out of it,” he said.
On a motion by Ald. Dave Tucker, the council approved a $995 change order to add a second gate to a project to install a six-foot chain link fence around the city lagoon. The change order brings the total cost of the project to $3,975. City worker Dale Demkey said the second gate is needed to allow backhoe access to the site.
RECYCLING CONTRACT
On a motion by Ald. Tucker, the council agreed to renew a contract to lease recycling collection equipment to the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corp. Rehabilitation Center at a token cost of $1. Under terms of the contract, the city retains ownership of the collection equipment and maintains insurance coverage on the equipment. IVEDC clients staff the collection facility and manage the program.
Tucker’s motion also included a provision to give IVEDC $1,000 to help defary the cost of operating the recycling program. The city made a similar donation last year when it entered into the contract.
“They’re doing a real nice job,” Tucker said. “It’s a community service. There are a lot of people who use it.”
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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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