Community News
Gillespie Council moves forward with TIF district, votes to approve skidsteer purchase
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to approve ordinances creating the city’s second Tax Increment Financing District, approved a five percent increase in water rates charged to satellite water customers, and approved a controversial purchase of a Bobcat skidsteer along with new tread tracks for the machine.
In separate actions, the council approved three ordinances authorizing the TIF redevelopment project and plan, designating the TIF district boundaries, and setting up the legal mechanism to capture tax revenue increments accruing from the district.
In combination, the ordinances create and authorize the Gillespie TIF District 2 encompassing a substantial area on the city’s north side where scores of vacant residential lots, largely owned by the city and local school district, are located. The new district uses the old Illinois Terminal System railroad right-of-way to connect with an existing TIF district encompassing the downtown business district. It also takes in vacant property on the west side in order to reach and include the Big Brick Park neighborhood.
While the focus of TIF District 1 was to encourage business development, the aim of TIF District 2 is to invest in residential development. The districts generate revenue for the TIF Fund by capturing increases in property tax revenue that accrue after the district is created. The district does not increase property owners’ tax liability but rather redirects increases in tax revenue to future development. Money collected for the TIF Fund can only be spent on projects within the district.
TIF District 2 was the subject of a required public hearing conducted last month. The new district will be in effect for 23 years. TIF District 1 is set to expire in two years.
Council members also voted unanimously to adopt seven separate ordinances to increase water rates charged to satellite customers of the municipal water department. The ordinances impose a five percent rate increase on the City of Benld, and the villages of Sawyerville, Mount Clare, Wilsonville, Dorchester and Lake Ka-Ho, all of whom get their water supply from Gillespie. City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the five percent increase will raise the rate satellite municipalities pay from $4.71 to $4.95 per 1,000 gallons of treated water. Earlier this year, the council increased water rates for Gillespie consumers by five percent. A contractual provision with satellite customers precludes Gillespie from imposing rate increases without first increasing its own rate by the same amount.
BOBCAT PURCHASE
On a motion by Ald. Landon Pettit, the council voted to spend $37,001 to exercise a purchase option on a Bobcat skidsteer currently leased by the city’s maintenance department. Pettit had proposed the purchase last month, but the issue was referred to committee after further discussion. On Monday night, Pettit announced the committee had decided to recommend the purchase at the end of the current lease period.
The equipment was leased primarily to repair damage from the city’s water infrastructure improvement project. Since that project has been completed, however, maintenance workers say they are continuing to use the Bobcat on a regular basis.
Pettit said the committee recommended buying the equipment and “seeing how it goes” as far as usage. The city could opt to enter into another lease at a later date, at which point the newly purchased Bobcat would be sold back to the company. Pettit said the value of used Bobcats is increasing dramatically. Based on current values, he said the city could realize a profit of $15,000 on its investment by selling the machine down the road.
Mayor John Hicks said the city may even be interested in leasing or buying a larger machine in the future.
Also on a motion by Pettit, the council approved the $3,326 purchase of new tracks for the Bobcat from TrackWorks, Highland. Pettit said the purchase of new tracks was necessary regardless of whether or not the council approved the purchase of the machine. TrackWorks’ quote for supplying tracks was about $700 less than buying them from Bobcat.
LAKE ISSUES
Council members voted unanimously to authorize the Lake Committee to proceed with a project to replace a failing sewage holding tank at the city-owned Boat Club property on Gillespie Lake with a septic system. Lake Committee Chair Frank Barrett said the project could cost $10,000 to $20,000.
Ald. Wendy Rolando wanted to know why a septic system would be acceptable when other properties on the lake are required to use holding tanks. Barrett said the soil types around the Boat Club are different from those that exist in the areas where most lake lots are located.
In a related action, the council approved a resolution to codify rules on holding tank installations at the lake. The rules include provisions on specifications for the tanks and a requirement that they are installed by a licensed plumber.
Barrett also announced the committee expects to create another 17 residential lots at Gillespie Lake.
“We have a list of people wanting lots,” he said. Barrett noted there are 42 platted lots on the north side of the lake that remain unused because they are only accessible by boat. Most lot lessees want lots they can drive to.
While not opposing the new lots, Treasurer Fisher reiterated his position that the committee should do more long-term planning before making major changes. The new lots, he said, will create more traffic at the lake and result in more boating on the lake. Such activities could affect water quality or cause the city to incur more expenses for maintenance. He worried about putting too much recreational pressure on a resource that has a primary purpose of providing water.
Barrett argued the committee did not add lots without taking lake resources into account. “In the 1970s and 80s, there was a heck of a lot more people out there than we have now,” he said.
ARCHITECT HIRING
City aldermen voted unanimously to hire an architect to make recommendations regarding the best use of space vacated by the Fire Department at the Civic Center. Fisher said possible options include moving the Police Department from its current location to the Civic Center to resolve parking issues at the department’s current location on Pine Street. The vacated space also could be used as administrative space for the Maintenance Department. A professional architect, Fisher said, would be able to guide the city regarding the best use of the space and prepare cost estimates for remodeling the space for various uses.
On a motion by Rolando, the council authorized the city to obtain bids from several architects for the council to consider.
WELL WATER ORDINANCE
On the recommendation of Mayor Hicks, the council approved an ordinance banning the use of groundwater as a potable water supply for residences and businesses in the area of the Moto gas station and convenience store on Macoupin Street. Hicks said the new rule is necessary because of contamination created in the area by leaking underground fuel storage tanks. As a result, the use of water wells or capturing groundwater by any other means for drinking water is prohibited within a limited area of the city.
DARTS FOR KIDS
Ald. Rolando presented the city with a check for $4,500 on behalf of the Darts for Kids program hosted by CeeJo’s Tavern. Rolando said the check, designated for city parks, is the first donation to the city from the program, which is dedicated to raising money to benefit local children.
SURPLUS PROPERTY
Mayor Hicks opened bids and the council voted to sell surplus property to the highest bidders. Larry Norville was the higher of two bidders to purchase an air compressor for $575.89. Mike Bertolino’s bid of $2,201.50 far exceeded two other bids for the purchase of a surplus boat and trailer.
OTHER ACTION
No action followed a five-minute executive session to discuss a personnel issue. In other open session action, the council:
- Approved a supplemental Motor Fuel Tax program proposal increasing the requested appropriation for the annual oil and chip street maintenance program from $250,000 to $350,000. The appropriation is subject to approval by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Treasurer Fisher said increasing the spending authority was recommended because of increasing materials costs. “This doesn’t mean we’re going to spend $350,000,” he said, noting the appropriation only gives the city an additional cushion.
- Accepted bids of $6,210.55 to add two water main valves at a location near Gilespie High School and $10,000 to replace a water main pipe passing under a bridge on Easton Street from R & K Plumbing, Granite City.
- Asked the City Attorney to send a registered demand letter to the plumber allegedly responsible for requiring the city to initiate $5,383.87 in repairs to the water line at West Oak and Western streets.
- Agreed to reimburse a homeowner for $325.72 in repairs incurred for damage related to the installation of a water line that passes under the house.
- Agreed to spend $1,600 for culverts to replace washed-out culverts at two locations on the recently completed Ethan Fogg Bike Trail at Gillespie Lake.
- Adopted a resolution naming Michael Hadley of Edward Jones as the city’s representative for deferred compensation investments.
- Approved a pay resolution in the amount of $34,003.10 to Korte-Luitjohan Contractors, Inc., for improvements to the water treatment plant.
- Approved a $100 donation to the Gillespie Middle School softball program.
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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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