Community News
Gillespie Council approves bond issue for water system improvement project
City Treasurer Dan Fisher (archived photo)
After months of ongoing discussion, members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved a measure authorizing the issuance of more than $6 million in Waterworks System Revenue Bonds to finance two-thirds of an estimated $10 million project to replace water distribution lines throughout the city.
The ordinance authorizes the issuance of up to $6,350,000 in bonds through the USDA’s Rural Development program. The loan is to be repaid over 40 years at an interest rate of two percent.
In addition to approving the bonds, the council authorized Mayor John Hicks to execute an agreement with USDA for a federal Water and Waste System grant in the amount of $3.65 million.
Earlier in the meeting, the council authorized the mayor to sign a letter of intent obligating the city to meet terms and conditions of participating the Rural Development loan and grant programs. The council also approved an ordinance pledging to allow the use of city owned property and streets for construction of the improvements.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher shepherded the project through the council for more than a year.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher shepherded the project through the council for more than a year. In January, he presented council with spreadsheets purporting to show how the city could service a $10 million loan at two percent interest with only a moderate increase in city water rates. At that time, he said the two percent interest rate was critical to the city being able to afford the loan. An increase of only a fraction of a percentage point could conceivably put the loan out of reach.
More recently, Brenda Masters-Stout, an accountant with the city’s auditing firm, Flemming & Tawfall CPAs, told the council that a cash-flow analysis of the Water Department concurred with Fisher’s assessment that the loan was doable.
Securing the Rural Development grant to underwrite approximately 36 percent of the project’s estimated costs, will reduce the city’s annual obligation for repaying the loan by about $100,000. In July, Masters-Stout estimated the city’s annual obligation for a $7.3 million loan would be about $361,243, compared with $473,495 if the city was required to borrow the entire $10 million tab.
“There’s lots to do,” Fisher said after the votes Monday night. “There are a lot of parts to this.”
He estimated that bids could be let for the project as soon as early in 2018, assuming plans and specifications for the project have been submitted and approved by USDA.
“A lot of companies will want to bid on this job,” he said.
Among other improvements, the project is expected to replace aging water mains servicing the city’s 1,600-1,700 water customers. In addition to improving water quality and delivery, the project is expected to reduce the number of water main breaks city workers have to repair annually.
“We really need to give a lot of credit to Bobett Dunphy from USDA’s Jacksonville office and Mike Wallace in their Champaign office,” Fisher said. “They really went to bat for us.”
A loan of nearly $7 million at two percent, plus a grant for 36 percent of the project cost is “unheard of,” according to Fisher.
A loan of nearly $7 million at two percent, plus a grant for 36 percent of the project cost is “unheard of,” according to Fisher. “That’s beyond the best terms you could ever hope for,” he said.
During a previous meeting, Fisher estimated that water rates may need to be raised by about 39 cents per customer.
ROAD RESURFACING BID
In other action, the council gave Mayor Hicks power to act on accepting a bid from Madege Trucking, Highland, to supply and apply materials for the 2017 Motor Fuel Tax street maintenance program. Hicks was given the power to accept the bid once he confirms the Maedge plans to apply rock chips with a gravity fed “drop spreader” as opposed to a rotary spreader that is believed to result in more dust problems.
Madege was the only contractor submitting a bid for the project, agreeing to supply 33,663 gallons of road oil at a cost of $52,106.96, along with 100,000 tons of rock chips at a cost of 15 cents per ton, for a total program cost of $67,106.96.
Hicks distributed a map showing about 90 blocks within the city that is targeted for resurfacing. No date for the resurfacing project was announced.
REVOLVING LOAN FUND DISSOLUTION
Fisher told council members that before the end of the calendar year, the city will have to reach a consensus on how to deal with a mandatory dissolution of the city’s revolving loan program for economic development.
“The long and the short of it is that the state is under pressure from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) to take over less active revolving loan programs,” he said. “To be ‘active,’ by their definition, you have to make at least one loan per year. We don’t have that much interest in our program.”
As of Dec. 31, Fisher said, any money remaining in the city’s revolving loan fund must be transferred to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the agency that administers the program at the state level. The money technically will continue to be Gillespie’s money, he said, and will be earmarked for the city’s use. In addition, the net from any unpaid loan balances incurred since 1992 will be earmarked for the city, provided the state is able to collect the outstanding balances.
Over a period of about 25 years, Fisher said the city made 22 loans that are “good” and made five loans on which the borrowers ultimately defaulted. The revolving loan program was created to encourage local entrepreneurs to open businesses in Gillespie by providing an option for business loans that most banks would be unwilling to make.
Fisher said the fund currently has about $200,000 in it, and could grow to $350,000 with the collection of outstanding loan balances.
Fisher said the fund currently has about $200,000 in it, and could grow to $350,000 with the collection of outstanding loan balances. After Dec. 31, the city will have two years to apply to have the money reimbursed to the city for a maximum of two projects aimed at economic development.
The money, though earmarked for the city, will have some restrictions on its use. For example, it cannot be used to fund a project involving a building that the city owns, and it cannot be loaned to a fledgling business.
“We can’t loan money anymore,” Fisher said. “You can give it away as a grant, but you can’t make a loan.”
One project that could be eligible for funding, he said, would be a street scaping project to improve the appearance of the downtown business district.
“Between now and December, we need to put our heads together and decide what we want to do,” Fisher said. “At the end of the year, the revolving loan fund is going away, but we have a chance to get a substantial part of that money back.”
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Following a brief, 10-minute executive session to discuss potential litigation, collective bargaining and personnel, the council voted to release an audio tape recording of a Jan. 19, 2012, executive session during which details of a collective bargaining agreement was discussed.
WATER BILL DISPUTE
Mayor Hicks declined to adjust a water bill after resident Betty Sherman reported that her monthly bill had jumped last month from an average of less than $30 to more than $160. In addition, in researching the issue, she said she found out that her next bill will be nearly $230.
“I don’t understand that,” she said. “I’ve never had a bill this high.”
Sherman said city workers came to her home, checked for water leaks and found nothing.
Hicks said there is no mechanism for the city to adjust a water bill. He said he experienced a similar situation at his own home and ended up having to pay the entire bill.
“There’s no way to adjust a bill. Everybody else has had to pay it, including me,” HIcks said. He suggested switching out the meter to determine whether or not the meter is defective.
POLICE COMPUTERS
On a motion by Ald. Steve Kluthe, the city authorized the purchase of four computers—one each for each of the city’s police squad cars—at a total cost of $4,276.52. Half of the purchase cost will come from the Police Department’s DUI Fund, which is designated for equipment purchases.
The refurbished computers are compatible with new software being used by the County Sheriff’s Department and a digitized ticketing system being implemented by the Circuit Clerk.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Declared a 16-foot trailer used by the Lake Department as surplus property and agreed to offer the vehicle for sale.
- Approved a request from the local Lions Club to conduct its annual Candy Days fund raising activity on Oct. 13 and 14 on city streets.
- Agreed to pay expenses for Treasurer Fisher and City Attorney Kevin Polo to attend an Illinois Municipal League conference later this month in Chicago at a cost of $500 each.
- Approved the purchase of a 2006 golf cart from city employee Gary Thornhill for $1,450 for use at the city lake. Thornhill voluntarily allowed lake workers to use the street-legal vehicle for the past several weeks. “It’s one of the most valuable pieces of equipment they use,” said Ald. Kluthe. “If they don’t have it, they’re going to have to use a pick-up truck.”
- Approved the Mayor’s reappointment of Denise Wirth, Mary Fritz and Brian Page to the Gillespie Public Library’s Board of Trustees.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
-
Community News4 weeks agoSchool district apparently eyeing food management service
-
High School Sports3 weeks agoAnother strong week for Gillespie softball
-
High School Sports3 weeks agoGillespie baseball steamroll Nokomis and fall to New Berlin
-
Community News2 days ago
Progressive Club to celebrate 90th anniversary