Community News
Gillespie Council eyes development plan, votes to increase bulk sewage rates
Members of the Gillespie City Council voted Monday night to draft a “letter of support” authorizing Peace Corps Fellow Ethan Fogg to initiate work on a plan to guide the city’s long-term economic development efforts.
The council also approved a measure to increase bulk sewage rates and voted to hire a full-time police officer.
Fogg told the council the city needs both a Revitalization Plan and a Comprehensive Plan, with the Revitalization Plan being the least extensive. Essentially a “road map” to guide long-term economic development efforts, the Revitalization Plan also will be an asset to improve the city’s odds of obtaining state and federal grants for economic development projects. Last month, Fogg discussed with the council the availability of an Illinois Housing Development Authority grant for demolishing decrepit properties. At the time, the council determined there was not enough time to complete the grant application before the mid-February deadline, but Fogg said Monday night that he should be able to complete the Revitalization Plan before September when there is a possibility of a new round of IDHA property grants.
“It’s not something I can do alone,” Fogg said, adding that he would need input from the council and community members to draft the Revitalization Plan. Ald. Wendy Rolando noted it would be inadvisable to hold a community meeting because of COVID-19 precautions, but Fogg said much of the needed input could be gathered by using surveys.
Fogg said he would provide council members with samples of Revitalization Plans created for other communities. Plans for larger cities sometimes run to hundreds of pages while a plan for a smaller community like Gillespie could be 36 pages or less and can be completed in a relatively short period of time.
The Comprehensive Plan, Fogg said, will be much more extensive and detailed, and could take up to a year to complete.
“Basically it’s a road map of where we want to go and how to get there,” Mayor John Hicks said of the Revitalization Plan.
BULK SEWAGE RATES
Council members voted unanimously to increase bulk sewage rates from $3 per 100 gallons to $4 per 100 gallons. The increase will not go into effect until after the council approves a formal resolution next month. In the meantime, the City Clerk will send letters to current bulk haulers to notify them of the impending increase.
Mayor Hicks said there are three or four haulers to bring loads of up to 20,000 gallons each month to run through the city’s sewage treatment system.
“Over a year’s time, it’s about three-quarters of a million gallons of sewage from other places going through our plant,” Hicks said. Revenue realized from bulk sewage treatment, he said, amounts to about $20,000 annually.
“I think we could raise it to $4 and no one would complain,” said City Treasurer Dan Fisher.
“They did the last time,” Ald. Frank Barrett noted.
Despite the rate increase, Hicks said he doesn’t anticipate any reduction in the volume of bulk sewage the city handles. The nearest other facility accepting bulk sewage, he said, is in Granite City.
“I think we must be about the cheapest around or otherwise they wouldn’t be coming to us,” Hicks said.
NEW POLICE OFFICER
Following a 20-minute executive session with Police Chief Jared DePoppe, the council voted unanimously to hire Nicholas Pratt as a full-time police officer.
Pratt will replace a full-time officer who recently resigned to accept another position. Pratt, 29, Palmyra, has previously served as a part-time police officer for the City of Gillespie.
In other personnel matters, the council voted to pay $575 for Water Department employee Ethan Martin to attend a class to acquire certification as a sewage treatment operator but left open the question of whether or not the city would pay the fee upfront or reimburse Martin upon getting his license.
Appearing before the council, Martin said there are only two other workers with sewage treatment certification, both of whom are set to retire in five to 10 years.
“I think this is small investment for someone this young who will be here for years and years,” Ald. Rick Fulton commented.
Ald. Dave Tucker, who chairs the Water Committee, told Martin he would have to pass the licensing test before being reimbursed for the cost of the course.
“That’s not been past practice,” Martin said, citing several employees for whom courses were paid for in advance.
Mayor Hicks said the council would discuss paying the fee in advance. In the meantime, he said it was a good idea for Martin to obtain his certification not only because of upcoming retirements in the Water Department but also to have someone with licensing available in the event another employee is sick or otherwise unable to work.
REVOLVING LOAN FORGIVEN
Council members unanimously approved a resolution to release a $3,505.95 lien against the property that formerly was the location for True-Value Hardware. The lien represents the amount reportedly owed by former owners Gene and Roxanne Smalley on an economic development loan executed between them and the city sometime before the store closed. The resolution essentially forgives the delinquency in order to facilitate the possible sale of the building.
Bill Toprani approached the council last month to ask the city to consider releasing the lien as he explored the possibility of purchasing the building.
FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
Council members approved a $2,785 facade improvement grant application from Austin Peterson, owner of AJ Pete Co, for improvements to the front of his building on Macoupin Street. The grant, to be paid from Tax Increment Financing revenue, will cover less than 50 percent of Peterson’s planned $7,300 project. The grant will be awarded as a reimbursement after the project is completed.
The council also approved a resolution to release TIF funds to pay a facade improvement grant awarded to Dave Link of Lumpy’s Bar and Grill, pending verification and submission of receipts.
The council authorized creating three separate checking accounts to deposit TIF funds and pay grant awards for three pending facade improvement grants previously approved by the council.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Heard a report from City Treasurer Fisher regarding the status of work on a major water main leak that occurred near the Gillespie High School football field and affected water pressure and distribution in the city. Fisher said the situation occurred when workers attempted to remove a faulty fire hydrant that broke off due to rusted bolts. Workers then attempted to shut off the main but was unable to do because of a faulty shut-off valve. Temporary measures are in place, but water is continuing to leak because of an undiscovered cross-connection. Fisher said further work won’t be possible until there is a break in the current cold weather snap.
- Voted to give the Mayor Power to Act on accepting a low bid for replacing the pump house roof when those bids arrive next week.
- Declared a retired 2010 Crown Victoria squad car and a 2011 Crown Victoria squad car as surplus property to be offered for sale by sealed bid.
- Approved a pay resolution to authorize payment of $18,043.58 to Curry and Associates Engineers and $85,968.79 to the City of Gillespie in connection with the water infrastructure replacement project. The payment to the city is for work completed by city workers that is reimbursable under the Rural Development loan and grant used to finance the project.
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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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