Community News
Gillespie Council hikes base water rate, rescinds yard sale ordinance
Avery Bourne’s visit with the council sparked a brief spar with the city treasurer.
With two dissenting votes, the Gillespie City Council approved a $2.52 increase in the minimum fee for water users within the city limits on Wednesday, October 14 during the city’s regular monthly meeting. The council also rescinded a yard sale ordinance originally intended to limit the number of yard sales residents could host in a year, approved the purchase of a snow plow and salt spreader, and gave the Public Works Committee power to act on a project to replace a deteriorating culvert on Cedar Street.
The measure which is set to go into effect immediately
Aldermen Jim Alderson and Roger Diveley both voted against the measure which is set to go into effect immediately.
Council rescinds yard sale ordinance
On a motion by Alderman Frank Barrett, seconded by Diveley, the council voted unanimously to rescind a yard sale ordinance enacted four years ago, ostensibly to limit the number of yard sales homeowners could host on their property in a year. The ordinance was enacted originally in response to a resident who hosted an ongoing yard sale at his home – essentially operating a home-based business and creating a traffic hazard from cars parking at the side of the street. Ald. Steve Kluthe reported on a review of the old ordinance, and recommended reducing the fee for registering a yard sale from $10 to $5 and increasing to five the number of yard sales a resident could host. The alternative, he said, would be to rescind the ordinance entirely.
“I was against this when it was first brought up,” said Barrett. “I thought it was silly and I thought it penalized the whole town for what one person was doing.” He and Kluthe said other ordinances are in effect to prevent residents from operating an ongoing yard sale as a home business.
In a related matter, Kluthe addressed the issue of addressing residents who operate home-based businesses in violation of the city’s zoning ordinance. He said he had spoken with a resident who was operating a wood carving business out of his home and he believed the situation would be resolved. He urged other council members to talk to residents who appear to be operating unsanctioned home-based businesses. “Find out what their story is,” he said. “Don’t just go to them and say, ‘you can’t do that.’” Sometimes, he suggested, an alderman can help resolve the situation. “Half of our main street is empty,” he noted, suggesting that some home-based businesses could be encouraged to move into vacancies in the Gillespie business district.
Deteriorating culvert on Cedar Street
Council members referred to the Public Works Committee the issue of authorizing a project to replace a culvert on Cedar Street. Mayor John Hicks read bids from five contractors for a project to replace deteriorating culverts on Cedar Street and Wilson Street. Baxmeyer Construction of Waterloo was the low bidder with a price of $169,799.25.
“The biggest problem we have,” Hicks said, “is we only have $85,000 left” in Illinois Department of Transportation grant funds for the project. He added that Baxmeyer’s bid for the Cedar Street culvert alone amounted to $50,369 and could be covered with the remaining funds. Additionally, he said, the Cedar Street culvert was the worst of the two culverts slated for repair. Based upon that information, Ald. Dave Tucker, with a second from Ald. Jerry Dolliger, moved to authorize the Cedar Street project.
Treasurer Dan Fisher, however, noted there could be hidden costs associated with the Cedar Street repair.
The culvert is located close to a water line and sewer main, both of which will have to be moved as part of the project.
Additionally, Hicks said, a residential driveway near the culvert also could be affected by the project and would have to be repaired.
“Let’s get Roger back in here and find out how much it’s going to cost,” Hicks said.
Following the discussion, Tucker revised his motion to give the Public Works Committee power to act on the contract when the committee meets in two weeks. Mensing is expected to attend that meeting to confirm the scope of work covered by Baxmeyer’s bid. Fisher said the bid itself should be good for 60 days.
Miscellaneous Items
In other action, the council unanimously approved the purchase of a snow plow and salt spreader from Carlinville Trucking Equipment for $12,782, the lower of two bids submitted for the equipment.
Council members took no definitive action on dealing with a privately owned water line on the southeast side of the city. The line reportedly was installed about 40 years ago by the late George Krainz and apparently runs the length of Clark Street to Macoupin Street. Russell Fredericks, who has since purchased the Krainz property, appeared before the council to ask the city to take over responsibility for the line. Two other homes between the Krainz property and Macoupin Street have taps onto the water line, and Fredericks said he has no interest in maintaining the line since he has torn down the house the water line once served.
“If something happens to it,” Fredericks said, “I am not going to do anything with it.” In that event, the only option for the city might be to disconnect the line at its Macoupin Street terminal, leaving the two other homeowners without water service.
Alderman Janice Weidner told Fredericks the city could not assume responsibility for the water line because it doesn’t meet EPA standards. If the city were to take over the line, she said, it would have to replace it with a new line and there currently is no money available for such a project.
“It needs to be redone,” Mayor Hicks agreed.
“It’s been good enough for you collect water bills off of for 40 years, but it’s not good enough for you to take over?” Fredericks asked.
“It’s below the minimum size required by EPA,” Fisher told Fredericks. EPA mandates a minimum four-inch main, which the water line in question is only one and one-half inches. If and when the city secures grant funding to replace water lines, Fisher noted, the two remaining homeowners could tap onto a new loop proposed to pass their residences. But a water line replacement project is a year or more in the future.
“If it breaks, somebody will have to fix it and I guess that will have to be us,” Hicks acknowledged. But after further discussion, he suggested that Fredericks sign over ownership of the line to the other two homeowners and let them assume responsibility until a project can be launched to replace water lines citywide.
“It’s not our water line,” Fisher said. “We didn’t put it in and we can’t take it over.”
A visit from State Rep. Avery Bourne earlier in the meeting sparked a brief sparring match between her and Fisher, who questioned the state’s withholding of motor fuel tax funds allocated to municipalities. Bourne said she was visiting all municipal government bodies in her district. “With the budget situation,” I think it’s important for you to know how to reach me regarding grants and so forth. I don’t foresee motor fuel tax funds being released anytime soon.”
Fisher noted that a percentage of motor fuel tax funds are collected for distribution to Illinois municipalities and cannot be used for other purposes. “Other people are getting paid,” he said. “Why are you guys monkeying with that money?”
Bourne, who was appointed to replace Wayne Rosenthal in the House of Representatives in February after Rosenthal was appointed as director of the Natural Resources Department, laid the blame at the feet of legislative leaders. “No money is being appropriated until all the money can be appropriated,” she said. While the Senate approved a bill to release motor fuel tax funds, she said, Gov. Bruce Rauner made it clear he would veto the legislation if the House sent it on to him. Some entities are being paid, she noted, because they went to court to get a court order. In the meantime, other funding, such as funding for 911 emergency phone systems, remain in limbo.
“Aren’t you in favor of 911 getting money?” Fisher asked.
“Of course, I’m for 911 getting money, but I’m also for responsible budgeting,” she said.
“It seems like a haphazard way of doing things,” Fisher continued.
“Absolutely,” said Bourne. “I think it is completely irresponsible for the leaders to not sit down and come up with a budget. You’re right. You’re completely right.”
“Being right doesn’t solve the problem,” Fisher countered.
“We have a spending problem,” Bourne asserted. “We have to fix our spending problem so that we are not spending more than our revenues. We have to do that before we can have a secure financial future.”
In other action, the council:
- Voted to revise the employee handbook to include a revised section on sexual harassment. The change was required for the city to continue to be eligible to apply for some federal grant funds.
- Revised the rental agreement for the Gillespie Civic Center to require renters who plan to sell alcohol during their event to secure a temporary license from the Illinois Liquor Commission. The change does not affect persons who rent the center for wedding receptions and other events where alcohol may be served but not sold. Those renters will still be required to be covered under the city’s Dram Shop insurance policy.
- Voted to start automatically paying routine utility bills–Ameren, Frontier, Flowers Sanitation–rather than waiting for approval from the full council in order to avoid the possibility of incurring late fees.
NEXT MEETING: The Gillespie City Council will meet again on November 9, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.
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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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