Community News
Gillespie Police Department to move into new quarters
The new location for the Gillespie Police Department located in the 100 block of West Pine Street
The Gillespie Police Department will soon move from its cramped quarters on East Walnut Street into the former Grandone Building in the 100 block of West Pine Street as a result of a contentious vote by the Gillespie City Council Monday night.
The council voted 4-3 to authorize the move with alderpersons Jim Alderson, Janice Weidner and Robert “Gus” Ottersburg voting “no.” The action followed an hour-long executive session during which council members apparently discussed the move, as well as collective bargaining issues and possible litigation.
Alderman Steve Kluethe recommended moving the Police Department into the building, which was donated last month to the city from St. Francis Hospital, the building’s most recent owner. He told council members in open session that renovations to accommodate the Police Department should cost no more than $14,000, with one of the most expensive items being the acquisition of a generator for emergency power and moving dispatching equipment. The radio tower will remain at its current location.
The new space is more than 500 square feet larger than the current department
One of the primary advantages, Kluethe said, is that the new location will afford officers a greater degree of privacy when discussing sensitive matters with witnesses and other members of the public.
Those voting against the measure did not discuss their objections in open session. Those voting in favor were Ald. Kluethe, Dave Tucker, Jerry Dolliger and Frank Barrett. Ald. Roger Diveley was absent.
Dispatchers’ negotiation contract accepted
Also as a result of discussions during executive session, the council voted unanimously to accept a new contract with the Laborers Union, which represents dispatchers employed by the Police Department. Under terms of the four-year contract, the city will pick up the cost of dispatchers’ health care insurance coverage and the employees will forego raises for the term of the contract. The term of the contract is May 3, 2016, to June 2, 2020.
Issue over part-time lake lot
The council referred to the Lake Committee the issue of whether or not to approve a Gillespie Lake lot lease to Charles and Diane Patterson of Edwardsville. The issue is whether the lot can be designated as a part-time residence for a few years before becoming a full-time residence at a later date. The cabin, located at 3 Mathis Lane, had been a full-time residence up until the death of the previous owner.
The Pattersons said they put down earnest money with a real estate agent handling the sale of the property and only learned later that there could be a problem with temporarily designating the property as a part-time residence. A city ordinance aimed at reducing the number of full-time residents at the lake bans reclassifying a lake lot as a full-time residence once a property owner gives up that designation.
“If they are planning to use that as a part-time residence, the ordinance would bar them from making it a full-time residence later,” said City Attorney Kevin Polo. “There are exceptions that could be written in, if you have a desire to do that.” As an example, Polo said the ordinance could be amended to allow a full-time lot to be temporarily designated a part-time lot for no more than five years.
“This is the first time this has come up in the seven years I’ve been on the Lake Committee,” said Ald. Barrett, who chairs the committee. He said part of the problem is that real estate agents handling the sale of lake properties often are not completely familiar with the regulations. “I try to tell them not to take earnest money until the transfer has been approved up here.”
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the ordinance in question was written with an eye toward reducing the number of full-time residents living at the lake because the “lake was never designed for full-time residential use; it was built as a water supply.”
The Pattersons say they plan to live at the late full-time once they reach retirement age. In the meantime they want to use the cabin as a “second home.” The property has amenities, such as a septic storage tank, that qualify it for use as a full-time residence, and the Pattersons say they need to be able to access the property in the off-season to check on the property and make sure the septic system is operating properly during the times they are not living there on a day-to-day basis.
“We live in Edwardsville, which is only 30 minutes away,” said Charles Patterson. “We will be using that property as a second home, and we’re going to be paying property taxes to Macoupin County for a house.”
Ultimately, the council referred the issue back to committee with the expectation the committee will propose an ordinance amendment to accommodate the Patterson’s situation when the council meets again next month.
Two other lake lot lease transfers were approved unanimously without controversy.
A lot at 11 Oak Point Lane was transferred to James and Kathleen Hagen for use as a part-time residence. Barrett said the cabin on the property was damaged by a storm in the recent past and the Hagens plan to make repairs and continue to use it. “We would have had to tear it down at the city’s expense otherwise,” Barrett noted.
The council also transferred the lease for a camping lot located near the new dam to Daniel Hall. The lot was created by council action in January.
Yard sale ordinance repealed
Council members voted unanimously to repeal a yard sale/garage sale ordinance aimed at preventing residents from having “continuous” yard sales or weekly yard sales. Before voting, Ald. Weidner wanted to know if rescinding the ordinance would preclude the city from regulating residents who operate continuous yard sales every day or every weekend. Ald. Kluethe, who recommended the change last month, said such instances should be classified as “small businesses” and be regulated under the city’s zoning ordinance and business licensing ordinance.
“If they are doing it every day, it’s a small business,” said Kluethe. “They have to be zoned for it and they need to have a business license from the city.” In addition, he said, they would need a retail tax identification number from the state to collect sales tax. He reiterated his contention from last month that city aldermen should monitor such situations within their wards and approach the offending parties to work out a solution.
Council rescinds ordinance and amends another
The council also rescinded an ordinance that previously required Ameren Illinois to hold off on connecting utility services at rental properties until the city issued an occupancy permit. Polo said that at the time the ordinance was created, the city could require Ameren to forestall utility service. The ordinance, however, was later rendered unenforceable by state law.
In a related matter, the council voted to amend its housing inspection ordinance to require rental units to be inspected once every 12 months unless city water service is registered in the name of the tenant rather than the property owner. If the service is registered in the name of the tenant, the inspection is required only when tenants change. The amendment is designed to encourage owners of rental properties to require tenants to have their own utility services, thereby allowing the city to more closely monitor when new tenants move into rental units.
Council hears from District 7 Superintendent and School Board Member
Early in the meeting, the council heard an extensive report from Community Unit School District 7 Superintendent Joe Tieman and Jenni Alepra, a member of the Board of Education, regarding the school’s efforts to expand vocational education opportunities for area students. Alepra characterized the presentation as a follow-up to an appearance before the council six months ago when the school district asked for a greater cooperative effort between the city and school district.
“Since then we have combined forces with the construction trades union in Pekin,” Alepra said, to align the district’s construction trades curriculum with that of the union’s training facility. As a result, local construction trades students will be able to graduate with a union apprenticeship and immediately go to work at 60 percent of the prevailing wage for construction laborers.
She also outlined the Creation Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program in which the school district is expected to participate next semester. Through the program, which will enroll 20 students from high schools throughout the county, students will hone entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to establish and operate their own small business enterprises. As part of the curriculum, students are required to develop a small business plan. In other areas where the program already is in place, Alepra noted, some students have established successful businesses upon graduation, based on the project they developed during the program.
“This is economic development at the school level,” she said.
Equipping graduating students with the education they need to either start a business or enter into a vocation improves the chances that some of those students will choose to remain in the community and raise their families
“For the first year, we may have only one or two of our students involved,” Tieman noted, because of the competitive nature of enrollment. “If we can get two or three of our students in this year, that would be fantastic.” If the CEO program gains momentum, future classes will be larger and local students will have greater chances of winning a spot.
“It’s an interesting program,” Fisher commented. “It fits in with things that we as a council need to be doing. We are in the life improvement business and one of the ways we can do that is to give people all the opportunities we can.” Equipping graduating students with the education they need to either start a business or enter into a vocation improves the chances that some of those students will choose to remain in the community and raise their families, Fisher said. That, in turn, enhances the city’s tax revenues, the distribution of which is based on population. “If we can help them, we’re helping ourselves,” Fisher continued. “If we can foster an entrepreneurial spirit, we won’t have any trouble filling our buildings downtown.”
Before adjourning the meeting, Mayor John Hicks said he would place it on the agenda for next month to consider a contribution to the CEO program.
Council approves reimbursement
Following an appearance before the council by homeowner Steve Joyce, the council voted to pay $100 toward labor cost for replacing a sidewalk in front of Joyce’s home and the homes of two of his neighbors. Last month, the council had disallowed the reimbursement after Ald. Dolliger said the city does not reimburse for Saturday labor costs, which can be higher than weekday rates. But on Monday, Joyce said some of the labor costs were incurred because the homeowners had to make improvements to a gutter that actually belongs to the city.
“I think the city should pay at least some fair share of the cost on the street side,” Joyce said.
Other Action
In other action, the council:
Council members authorized the Water Department to shut off water service to a residence in the 500 block of Jersey Street pending payment of a water bill that has grown to more than $700. Hicks said the city previously did not have a way to shut off water service to the residence, but recently installed a shut-off valve at a cost of about $200 as part of another project in the area.
- Appointed Ald. Weidner to represent the city on the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service Board.
- Heard a report from Ald. Tucker indicating that the Coal Mining Heritage Commission has voted to disband and reorganize itself as a Coal Mining Heritage Museum Board. Tucker said the Commission has completed its mission in voting to establish a museum and reorganizing as a Museum Board is the next logical step. Tucker chairs the board. Other members include Ald. Alderson, Fisher, Steve Joyce, Wayne Hinton and Jenni Alepra.
- Agreed to spend $429 to buy a used desktop computer for the Water Department to replace a laptop in which the mother board crashed.
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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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