Community News
Gillespie property tax levy approaches $310,000, council eyes lake employee’s union status
The Gillespie City Council on Monday night unanimously approved a property tax levy of $308,853 for the fiscal year that began May 1 and will end on April 30, 2018. The new levy will govern 2017 property taxes collectible in 2018.
In addition to approving the levy, the council voted to open negotiations with Laborers Union 338 regarding the possibility of lake worker Gary Thornhill joining the union that represents Public Works employees.
Passage of the levy was preceded by a brief public hearing convened 15 minutes prior to the regular council meeting. No members of the public appeared to ask questions or make statements about the levy. City Treasurer noted that the total levy includes $45,027 in projected property tax revenue earmarked for the Gillespie Public Library.
The total levy exceeds last year’s levy of $294,146 by $14,707—which is exactly five percent of the previous levy. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) limits increases in the levy to no more than five percent or the consumer price index, whichever is less, of the previous year’s tax extension. The tax rate, the amount that must be applied to the city’s total equalized assessed valuation to generate the levied amounts, is determined by the County Clerk. Municipalities typically levy for a full five percent increase, although the CPI generally is less than five percent. The responsibility to adjusting the levy to bring it into compliance with PTELL falls to the County Clerk.
The total levy exceeds last year’s levy of $294,146 by $14,707—which is exactly five percent of the previous levy.
Line by line, the new levy is increased by five percent over last year’s levy across the board. The document calls for a levy of $50,655 for Corporate purposes, compared with $48,243 last year; $21,810 is levied for Police Protection, compared with $20,771 a year earlier; $29,549 is levied for Streets and Bridges, compared with $28,142 last year; $49,247 is levied for Liability Insurance, compared with $46,902 last year; $8,442 is levied for Emergency Services and Disaster Administration (ESDA), compared with $8,040 last year; $12,663 is levied for Parks, compared with $12,000 last year; and $2,814 is levied for the Municipal Band, compared with $2,600 last year.
The lion’s share of the levy is earmarked for Social Security. The Social Security levy is $88,646—more than a third of the total levy—compared with $84,425 last year.
The levy projects raising $45,027 in property tax revenue for the public library, compared with $42,883 last year.
With a total municipal budget of about $3.3 million annually, Fisher noted that the levy “is about 10 percent, maybe a little less,” of the city’s annual expenditures.
When people pay their property taxes, it’s about 10 percent of what we actually spend.
“When people pay their property taxes, it’s about 10 percent of what we actually spend,” Fisher said. “It’s a nice amount of money, but it’s not our only source of income.”
UNION ISSUE
Following a 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel and collective bargaining issues, the council unanimously approved a carefully worded motion authorizing the city to “open negotiations with the Laborers Union for bringing one full-time Lake employee into the union, but not necessarily the Street Department.”
At issue is whether or not lake employee Gary Thornhill will be allowed to join the union that represents Street Department and Water Department employees in collective bargaining negotiations. One of the issues complicating the matter is that Thornhill, whose primary responsibility is maintenance at Gillespie Lake, occasionally works for the Street Department on an “as needed” basis. In open session, Mayor John Hicks said he had a letter from union representatives indicating the union is “okay” with Thornhill working in both capacities.
“Our previous lake person, we had decided to keep him out of the union,” Ald. Janice Weidner commented. “I was just wondering what has changed.”
At that point, City Treasurer Fisher noted that the discussion was drifting into the area of personnel and should be addressed in executive session. Upon returning to open session, City Attorney Kevin Polo read the recommended wording for the motion, which was made by Ald. Steve Kluthe, seconded by Ald. Frank Barrett.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Council members unanimously voted to approve an ordinance to adopt a policy banning sexual harassment in the workplace.
“If you’re wondering what brought this about,” said Polo, “it’s that our legislature has had allegations brought against a number of its members and, as a result of that, we have to pass this.”
Adoption of the policy will require a modification to the city’s employee handbook to include the policy specifics.
INSURANCE POLICY RENEWAL
The council unanimously voted to renew the city’s insurance policy through Dimond Insurance, Carlinville, at a cost of $88,507 for the year. Nearly $60,000 of the premium is for a general corporate coverage package for loss and liability in connection with city properties and activities, more than $12,000 is for automobile coverage and more than $14,000 is for umbrella coverage. The council also opted to include a cyber liability policy offering protection in the event of a hacker attack at a cost of $2,300 for the year.
“It might be cheap protection,” Mayor Hicks said of the cyber policy.
MFT RESOLUTIONS
In separate votes, the council approved resolutions appropriating $150,000 in motor fuel tax funds for the 2017 street maintenance program and $200,000 for the 2018 MFT program.
Fisher told the council that the increase in the appropriation is due to the fact that the city anticipates using some MFT funds to repair streets damaged in connection with the upcoming water infrastructure improvement project. One area where street repair may be needed is on Macoupin Street, where an aging 14-inch iron water main that runs down the middle of the street may be replaced as part of an alternate project bid. The line is part of the same line that broke last week, disrupting water service to the entire city.
Responding to a question from Ald. Jim Alderson, Fisher said the line always had been part of the proposed project as an alternate option but is more likely to be included as a result of last week’s devastating water main breaks. He said the line was considered an alternate option largely because it is a different size and a different material from the other lines scheduled for replacement.
Winter is not the right time to do the kind of work we need to do. He’s confident the lake isn’t going to have any additional problems this winter.
In a related matter, Fisher reported that he had spoken with engineers about repairs to the Gillespie Lake spillway, which also is part of the water infrastructure improvement project. With the lake level down at the moment, Ald. Barrett wondered openly is now is the time to make the repairs.
“I talked to Roger (Curry),” Fisher said. “His issue is that even if the lake was down by two feet, it’s still not down enough, and winter is not the right time to do the kind of work we need to do. He’s confident the lake isn’t going to have any additional problems this winter.”
Spillway repairs are likely to scheduled after winter when workers can install a temporary coffer damn to hold water away from the repair area.
OTHER ACTION
In the action, the council:
- Agreed to enroll Devon Schoen, Gillespie, in the Police Academy for part-time officers.
- Approved Christmas bonuses of $100 for full-time employees and $50 for part-time employees. Fisher said the total cost of the bonuses to the city is expected to be about $2,700.
- Declared as surplus a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria formerly used as a squad car, a 1994 Ford Ranger seized and awarded to the city as part of a criminal case, and a dump truck formerly used by the Street Department. The city will accept bids for the sale of each of the vehicles.
- Agreed to advertise for bids for a new dump truck for the Street Department.
- Accepted a low bid of $1,612.50 to repair damage caused to a Gillespie police car as a result of a car-deer collision. The invoice will be submitted as an insurance claim.
- Approved an Illinois Department of Transportation proposal to install street lights on Broadway to light a pedestrian crossing from a parking lot to the Community Unit School District 7 campus. IDOT will pay for the installation. The city will be responsible for an estimated $120 in electrical costs annually.
- On a motion by Ald. Barrett, authorized the expenditure of $1,055 for MJM Electric Cooperative to install two poles with lights at the Gillespie Lake fishing area. Utility costs for the lighting is expected to run about $15 per month.
- Authorized the expenditure of $150 for asbestos inspections on a half-dozen cabins scheduled for demolition at Gillespie Lake. Ald. Barrett said it would cost $100 each to have the cabins inspected individually.
- On a motion by Ald. Jerry Dallier, agreed to buy four pairs of insulated boots for Street Department workers and purchase a propane heater for the Street Department trailer so workers can warm themselves while working in inclement weather.
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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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