Community News
Wilsonville seats Rhodes as new trustee, approves appropriations and tax levy
Jeff Rhodes is sworn in by city clerk Tena Cerentano as an interim trustee to fill a trustee position vacated by the resignation of John Veres.
The Wilsonville Board of Trustees on Monday night ratified Village President Annetta Veres appointment of former Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Jeff Rhodes as an interim trustee to fill a position vacated by the resignation of John Veres.
The board also unanimously approved an $87,340 appropriations ordinance and a $16,950 properrty tax levy for fiscal 2018.
Trustee Veres announced last month that he planned to leave the board. He attended Monday night’s meeting long enough to submit his formal letter of resignation, which was accepted on a motion by Trustee Roland Rife, seconded by Trustee Keith Mohr.
“Due to a personal career opportunity, I will not be able to fulfill my duties as village trustee,” Veres said in his letter. Veres reportedly has accepted a position that will require extensive travel.
Immediately after accepting Veres resignation, the board accepted President Veres’ appointment of Rhodes to fill the vacancy on the board.
Rhodes has lived in Wilsonville for three years. He is retired after working 24 and one half years for the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, serving his final few years as chief deputy. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Department, he worked four and one half years for the Staunton City Police Department.
With his extensive background in law enforcement, Rhodes will chair the Personnel and Public Safety Committee, which oversees the local police department.
APPROPRIATIONS AND LEVY
Both the appropriation ordinance and tax levy ordinance, covering the fiscal year starting May 1, 2018, and ending April 30, 2019, are identical to last year’s ordinances.
The appropriation ordinance, which sets the maximum amount the village is authorized to spend from specific funds, sets a spending ceiling of $45,840 from the General Fund, $2,000 from the Audit Fund, $10,000 from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund, $25,000 from the Water Operating Fund and $4,500 from the Sewer Operating Fund.
The ordinance also gives authority for the village to invest any funds not immediately needed for municipal purposes in federal securities, federally insured savings and loan institutions or banks.
The tax levy sets the amounts the village hopes to generate from property taxes. The actual tax rate is set by the County Clerk by dividing the village’s total equalized assessed valuation by the amount of the levy. For the 2018 fiscal year, village hopes to raise $3,900 in General Corporate Taxes, $1,370 for Police Protection, $3,880 for Fire Protection, $1,900 for the Audit and $5,900 for Insurance.
POLICE BUSINESS
Board members unanimously voted to approve a measure to hire two additional part-time police officers on the recommendation of Police Chief Wayne Watkins.
Earlier in the meeting, Watkins told the board he has identified two potential candidates, one of whom is currently completing part-time police academy training and one who has already completed training.
Watkins also reported that the police department has taken over policing duties in Lake KaHo under terms of agreement approved by the board last month.
He also reported that Officer Andrew Ferguson has completed his physical agility test and is enrolled in part-time Police Academy training.
“He’s legal to work now and we’re going to put him on the street,” Watkins said. “He’s working out real good so far.”
HOUSING INSPECTION DEBATE
President Veres spent several minutes fielding a complaint from property owner Ryan Montorro regarding the efficiency of the village’s current housing inspector. Village ordinance requires rental properties to be inspected between tenants, but Montorro alleged the current housing inspector has allowed tenants to move into housing that should have been declared substandard.
“We’re letting people move into houses that haven’t passed inspection or couldn’t pass inspection,” Montorro said. “There are houses with the roof caving in that people are living in.”
Veres said the houses Montorro cited actually had been inspected and the property owner had been told to repair the roof and the repair the porch.
“How long do they have to fix it?” Montorro asked. Veres replied that she didn’t know and would have to look at the housing inspector’s citation.
“I just don’t think he (the housing inspector) is doing his job,” Montorro said. “He looks at a house for two minutes. That’s not an inspection. What can I do?”
Veres said a housing inspector the village hired to do inspections for the purpose of condemning structures would like to do housing inspections required by the city between tenants.
“He’s a lot more expensive,” she said. The condemnation inspect is paid $300 per inspection. The contractor who inspects rental homes between tenants, charges the city $ 75. Owners of rental properties are required to pay the city $100 for inspections done between tenants.
Veres said Montorro is the only landlord complaining about the quality of housing inspections and that Montorro had never confronted the inspector directly about his concerns regarding the quality of his inspections.
“Do you know how many landlords he’s done inspections for?” Veres said. “Probably 30, but no one else is complaining.”
2018 MEETING SCHEDULE
The board approved the official meeting schedule for the 2018 calendar year. In general, the board’s regular monthly meetings will take place at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, except for January and September. The board will meet on Monday, Jan. 8, due to the New Year’s Day holiday, and on Tuesday, Sept. 4, due to the Labor Day holiday.
All-Committee meetings, generally scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month, will be cancelled for May and December due to conflicts with the Memorial Day and New Year’s holidays.
CHRISTMAS BONUSES
On a motion by Rhodes, the board unanimously approved Christmas bonuses of $50 each for the village’s seven municipal employees, including the City Treasurer, which is now an appointive, rather than elected, position. The other employees include five police officers and one maintenance worker.
INSURANCE PAYMENTS
Veres reported that the city is receiving $6,883 from its insurance company for hail damage to the siding on the Wilsonville Community Ceneter. She said she is appealing the company’s decision to not cover hail damage to the Community Center roof.
The insurance company also agreed upon appeal to cover damage done to resident’s home as a result of a sewer system lift station failure. The company will cover the damages in the amount of $4,280.93.
Veres said both checks will be delivered in person.
Veres also reported that an altitude valve for the village water tower has been installed but workers are continuing to make adjustments to get the new valve to work properly.
She also reported that the village is waiting of verification from Ameren on whether or not the utility can run a natural gas line to the site before starting work on the Liberty Street Lift Station improvement project. Whether or not the gas line can be run will determine whether the village installs a gas-powered or propane-powered back-up generator for the lift station.
CONSOLIDATING WATER FUNDS
On the recommendation of the village treasurer, the board voted to consolidate three Water Department funds into one fund with designated sub-funds. Previously, the village worked with separate funds for Water Deposit, Water Service and Water Operation. By consolidating funds, the city can save money by ordering printed checks for one fund only, allowing the treasurer to separate expenditures and deposits for specific sub-funds as a bookkeeping practice.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Voted to install stop signs on Callie Street at Short Street on the east and west sides of the intersection.
- Agreed to pay a lump sum fee of $1,575 to participate in the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department’s LEEDs System for one year. In a letter to the village, Sheriff Shawn Kahl said the Department was required to raise the participation fee by five percent due to rising costs.
- Agreed to cast the village’s vote to support re-election of Jeff Tumiati as the village’s representative to the Illinois Rural Water Association.
- Agreed to send David Katava to the Jan. 11 meeting of the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service’s board and the village’s representative. Veres appointed Katava to replace the late Deno Filippini who served as the village’s representative on the board since the inception of the ambulance service.
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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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