Connect with us

Local Government

City Council schedules limb pick-up after storm

Published

on

Travis LaGrone and Cayden Abelhousen, representing DISH One (a subsidiary of DISH network) address the Gillespie City Council Monday night, reporting that their company plans to make door-to-door solicitations in Gillespie later this month.

Travis LaGrone and Cayden Abelhousen, representing DISH One (a subsidiary of DISH network) addressed the Gillespie City Council Monday night, reporting that their company plans to make door-to-door solicitations in Gillespie later this month.

In the wake of Saturday’s damaging wind storm, the Gillespie City Council on Monday night directed the city’s Street Department to pick up downed tree limbs from local residences next week. To take advantage of the free pick-up service, homeowners must have limbs placed on the boulevard in front of their address by Monday or Tuesday. Street department employee Landon Pettit said it will take two to three days for crews to canvas the city.

Workers will remove downed branches. Larger items must be cut into lengths no longer than six to eight feet.

“As long as our equipment can pick it up,” Pettit said. “Otherwise, we’re not taking it.”

The service is being provided for storm damage only. Persons who have hired contractors to trim or remove damaged limbs should insist upon their contractors taking away debris.

City crews also will be working to clean up damage at Gillespie Lake.

Pettit noted that all streets were opened within an hour and 45 minutes of the storm

In related matters, Ald. Jerry Dolliger thanked members of the Fire Department who patrolled streets and removed limbs after the storm hit the community Saturday evening. Pettit noted that all streets were opened within an hour and 45 minutes of the storm. Ald. Colin Mussatto reported that there needs to be improved communication between Benld and Gillespie when personnel go onto the Gillespie-Benld Bike Trail to remove debris. He said he and another individual were stopped briefly by Benld Police when they drove onto the trail for the purpose of removing downed limbs.

In other action during Monday night’s regular meeting of the council, council members approved resolutions authorizing a facade improvement grant program aimed at upgrading downtown business places and setting building permit fees for city residents and business owners. With a 5-1 vote, the council also agreed to hire a seasonal, part-time worker to help with mowing and other tasks, and voted to buy a chassis for the Sewer Department’s jetter at a cost of about $20,000.

SEASONAL WORKER

Ald. Jan Weidner cast the sole dissenting vote against Ald. Steve Kluethe’s motion to hire a seasonal worker, noting the city recently purchased a new mower that was supposed to be more efficient than the one that was replaced. Kluethe said that because of recent wet weather, the Street Department was having trouble keeping up with grass mowing. A Water Department employee that was expected to be a rotating employee to help the Street Department when needed has not been available, he said.

Advertisement

“We need a seasonal worker to keep up with the mowing,” Kluethe said. ‘It’s the only way we can keep up without a lot of back-and-forth between the two departments.”

Mayor John Hicks noted the city should be in a position to afford a seasonal worker and recommended the hiring. Brought to a vote, Wiedner voted “no,” with Ald. Kluethe, Dolliger, Mussatto, Dave Tucker and Frank Barrett casting affirmative votes. Ald. Jim Alderson and Roger Dively were absent.

The seasonal worker reportedly will work on an “as-needed” basis and will be limited to no more than 30 hours per week.

NEW WAVE & DISH COMMUNICATIONS

On a motion by Ald. Kluethe, seconded by Tucker, the council voted unanimously to contract with New Wave Communications to provide internet service for the new police station currently being renovated on Pine Street. Kluethe said the move will save about $220 per month in internet fees over the former provider, Frontier Communications, and he recommended that the city consider switching providers for similar savings.

Kluethe said the move will save about $220 per month in internet fees over the former provider

City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the city currently pays Frontier an average of $800 to $1,000 monthly for internet service.

“Let’s see how it goes with New Wave at the Police Department first,” Mayor Hicks commented, expressing concerns that the city government could be without internet access if both the city and the Police Department had the same provider and service was interrupted for some reason.

Kluethe said the package offered by New Wave for the Police Department will provide more bandwidth and greater speed at less cost. There is no yearly contract, the city can switch to another provider at any time if it chooses to do so.

In other communications action, Travis LaGrone and Cayden Abelhousen, representing DISH One (a subsidiary of DISH network) addressed the council by reporting that their company plans to make door-to-door solicitations in Gillespie later this month. The representatives said those going door-to-door will wear clothing identifying them as DISH Network representatives and will carry an identification badge.

Advertisement

Mayor John Hicks advised the representatives that they will need a solicitation license from the City Clerk’s office prior to soliciting. Police Chief Jared DePoppe asked them to have representatives check-in with him on the days they plan to conduct door-to-door sales so he can answer calls from any concerned residents.

SEWER JETTER

The council unanimously approved Dolliger’s motion to purchase a used truck chassis for the city’s sewer jetting equipment and to have it mounted on the chassis at a cost of about $20,000. Council members considered the option of mounting the equipment on a truck chassis last month but deferred action until Ald. Dolliger could determine the cost of replacing the unit with a used self-contained jetter. Pricing for that option, apparently came back in the neighborhood of $85,000.

“We can afford $20,000 a lot better than we can afford $85,000,” Mayor Hicks noted.

Pettit said since the April meeting of the council, the jetter has developed a leak in the tank that must be repaired before remounting it on another chassis. The cost of the repairs, he said, could boost the final cost of the purchase by $1,000.

Ultimately, the council approved an expenditure of up to $22,000 for the project.

The council tabled until a later date consideration of the purchase of a small F-550 dump truck for the city Street Department at a cost of about $64,950. Pettit reported he had obtained pricing, which includes a blade and spreader unit, from a Morrow Brothers in Carrollton. The pricing, he said, is the pricing the firm offers school districts and is somewhat lower than what the city can get through a state-bid contract.

SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT

Also on a motion by Dolliger, the council agreed to spend about $3,500 from Tax Increment Finance funds to replace a sidewalk on the north side of the Gillespie Caring Center. The Caring Center will contribute $3,000 toward the project, which will include sidewalk replacement and the installation of ramps to service the Food Pantry. The project will utilize TIF funds to conserve funds currently earmarked for sidewalk replacement in areas outside the TIF District.

Dolliger also noted that the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corp.’s Rehabilitation Center has put in a request for new sidewalks for 150 feet to the north and 150 feet to the south of its facility.

Advertisement

Fisher suggested the council consider a more focused approach to sidewalk replacement as an alternative to responding to individual requests from residents.

“What we have is kind of a hodge-podge so you have new sidewalks in front of one house that is kind of like a bridge to nowhere,” Fisher said. “I’d like to see an emphasis put on targeting areas. If one person contacts us, I’d like to see us contact the neighbors to see if we could do a block at time.”

RESOLUTIONS

Council members unanimously approved a resolution implementing a Facade Improvement grant program through which the city will subsidize the cost of improving business facades in the downtown area. Using TIF funds, the program will offer a matching grant of up to $2,500 to qualifying business owners who want to improve the appearance of their storefronts. For projects costing less than $5,000, the city will subsidize half the cost. For projects costing more than $5,000, the business owner would be responsible for 100 percent of the cost exceeding $5,000.

The council also approved a resolution setting building permit fees at a $10 minimum for projects costing less than $1,000 and $25 for projects costing $1,000 to $6,000. Projects costing more than $6,000 would be assessed an additional $2 per $1,000 of construction cost.

Council members voted unanimously to amend the city’s pay ordinance to include an hourly wage for the Building Inspector, as opposed to a contractual fee for each property inspected.

CITY-WIDE YARD SALE

The council took no action on a request from Ruth Loveless for permission to organize a city-wide yard sale event for either June 18 or June 25, noting that no action was required even though the council generally supported the idea. Loveless appeared briefly before the council to present the idea, noting that she was not representing the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce which has organized community-wide yard sales in the past. She said she has been approached by several people wanting to know when the city-wide yard sale would be this year and had decided to organize the event on her own since she has coordinated the CCCC event in the past.

Loveless said she may collect a fee of $5 to $10 per yard sale to offset the cost of advertising, but noted what she takes in probably won’t be enough to print maps showing the locations of individual yard sales.

“I don’t think there’s anything to vote on,” said Ald. Tucker.

Advertisement

Ald. Weidner asked Loveless to notify the City Clerk’s office when she has selected a firm date for the event.

WORK ORDERS FOR SEWER WORK ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

The council took under advisement a draft Work Order document to be used by city workers when they anticipate working on sewer lines that are the responsibility of the private property owners. The issue came up recently when a local property owner alleged there was a problem with the city sewer line causing back-ups into his basement. Upon investigation, it was determined the problem was with the homeowner’s private sewer line between the house and the main. City workers repaired the problem, but no provision was made for the homeowner to reimburse the city for labor costs.

City Attorney Kevin Polo said the Work Order is for the protection of both the city and the homeowner. It requires the homeowner to acknowledge he or she requested the repair and has agreed to pay for it. It tentatively sets a labor rate of $50 per hour. The document also requires city workers to fill out a section describing the scope of the work needed on private property.

“If the problem is clearly on the city’s side, there is no need for this,” Polo said. But if repairs are needed on the homeowner’s side of the system, the Work Order will protect the city and insure it is paid for the work.

The city plans to bill the homeowner whose sewer line city workers repaired earlier even though there is no guarantee he will pay the invoice.

ORDINANCE BOOK UPDATE

The council took no action on contracting with American Legal Publishing to produce updated copies of the city’s ordinance book. The company estimates the cost of the service between $1,700 and $2,300, plus a folio fee of $1.95 per page up to a maximum of $203. The company estimates the revision will run about 72 pages.

Ald. Kluethe said the city could save some expense by updating the ordinance book to eliminate outdated provision, thereby reducing the number of pages. For example, he said, the ordinance book currently contains an entire section devoted to the Fire Department even though the Fire Protection District no longer falls under the control of the city.

“We need a committee to revise the ordinance book because that (the Fire Department section) is not the only antiquated thing in it,” Polo noted.

Advertisement

Since the book does not have to be immediately updated, the council opted to table action until a later date.

Ald. Kluethe reported to the council that he is no longer able to handle ordinance enforcement in all four Gillespie wards due to the amount of time he is required to devote to the Lake Committee and to managing the Police Department’s move to new quarters. Consequently, he asked individual aldermen to resume making contact with residents who are in violation of various city ordinances. He distributed copies of an ordinance violation warning form for the aldermen to use when they visit residents who have ordinance violations on their properties.

CHANGES IN PAY RATES

The council took under advisement a recommendation from City Treasurer Fisher to adjust the pay rates for the City Treasurer and City Clerk to bring them in line with stipends paid to city aldermen.

“You can either raise those rates or lower what we pay the aldermen, but it makes no sense that the aldermen are paid more than the City Clerk and City Treasurer,” Fisher said.

Polo said any changes in pay for elected officials would have to be approved at least six months before the next election, which gives the council until September to act on the proposal if it chooses to do so.

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the council:

  • Voted to transfer funds from the TIF fund to United Community Bank as property tax abatement for UCB. Fisher said he was unsure of the amount but that the transfer is routine and is about the same amount as last year’s abatement transfer.
  • Voted, with one dissenting vote, to pay the Municipal Band $1,260 per concert for upcoming concerts on Memorial Day and for Black Diamond Days. Hicks noted the concerts are the only ones subsidized by the city. Ald. Kluethe voted “no,” indicating that in the past the city paid the band a set amount for each person participating in the concert.
  • Agreed to have Ameren-Illinois install a street light on a new utility pole the utility is installing on Pump House Road to extend electrical service to a mobile home at Gillespie Lake.
  • Agreed to spend $159 for a battery booster for use by the Public Works Department.

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

There are plenty of ways to keep up on BenGil news:

Sign up for our weekly email newsletter

Advertisement

Follow us on Twitter for the fastest breaking news updates and score updates

Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take

Share this story

Comments

comments

Community News

School board bans local man from school property, parents make case for school-funded cross country

Published

on

By

Speaking on behalf of about 20 parents who attended the meeting, Dustin Fletcher, Benld, asked the board to consider converting the cross-county program from a parent-funded program to a school-funded one.

Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night heard a plea from cross-county parents to make the program school-funded, rather than parent-funded, and voted unanimously to ban a local man from school property, meetings and events following an incident on the CUSD 7 from earlier in January.

Speaking on behalf of about 20 parents who attended the meeting, Dustin Fletcher, Benld, asked the board to consider converting the cross-county program from a parent-funded program to a school-funded one. Board President Mark Hayes said the board would refer the issue to Supt. Shane Owsley for a recommendation, but he cautioned that the district has “a couple of parent-funded sports that have been parent-funded a lot longer than cross-country.”

Fletcher said the high school cross-country program started in 2021, followed by a middle school program a year later. Both programs have grown from a handful of participants to a robust and successful program this past year. For 2024, the high school program began with eight girls and 10 boys. The middle school program fielded eight girls and eight boys.

According to Fletcher, the athletes compete as a team as well as individuals.

“There’s more than one way for a kid to experience growth,” he said. “They can compete as a team but also challenge themselves.”

In addition, Fletcher said cross-country participants can pursue their sport long after graduation.

“Some kids don’t get to play their sport after high school, if they don’t make the team in college,” he noted. “Cross-country kids can run the rest of their lives.” Running as adults has multiple benefits, he said, including physical fitness and improved mental health.

Fletcher reported the 2024 season was the teams’ most successful. The middle school girls were Southwestern Invitational champions, and Harper Thackery qualified for state. At the high school level, the girls team produced two all-conference designees. The girls team also placed sixth at Regionals and advanced to Sectionals. The boys team was Conference Champions, placed third at Regionals and advanced to Sectionals. The boys produced five All-Conference runners. Despite losing one of the team’s strongest runners for medical reasons, the boys placed sixth at Sectionals and advanced to State, where they placed 27th. Chaz Oberkfell had an outstanding season, with eight meet victories, and championships at the Conference, Sectional and State levels. Oberkfell posted the fastest time in Gillespie High School history, and was the first two-time All State in the school’s history. He was the first State Champion in GHS, Macoupin County, and Conference history.

Advertisement

With the teams’ success this past season, Fletcher said the school should be able to start charging admission to meets to help defray the costs. “It’s the most interactive sport for parents and spectators,” he said.

Ceanna Bearden with a photo of her art entry, “Infinite Rust,” which earned a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program.

Fletcher estimated the annual basic costs associated with the middle school and high school programs at about $13,375, including entry fees for 14 meets, coaching stipends and transportation. Additionally, the programs could incur incidental or variable expenses of $5,300 for uniforms, hosting costs, coaching clinics and a tent the team occasionally uses. The variable expenses also include $1,000 for lodging and food to participate in the State meet.

“That’s an expense I hope you have every year,” Fletcher joked.

He said parents would continue their role as sports boosters, raising money for all school-funded sports programs. Those fundraising activities include a run-a-thon, bake sales, concession revenues, t-shirt sales, and donations. 

Dean Plovich, one of the parents attending in support of the proposal, noted that the program does not have a field to maintain, making it less expensive than most other sport programs.

Hayes told the group the board would refer the issue to Owsley for a recommendation at a later date.

LOCAL MAN BANNED FROM PROPERTY

On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted unanimously to ban Steve Laurent from school property, meetings and events for the remainder of the calendar year in connection with a Jan. 9 incident at BenGil Elementary School. 

Laurent is accused of “exhibiting improper conduct and behavior, including yelling, use of profanity, and eventually threatening the District’s superintendent,” according to a statement prepared by the School District and made available to the public in compliance with state law. Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe confirmed a police report was filed in connection with the incident but declined to release details pending a decision from the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s office regarding whether or not to file criminal charges.

A Gillespie police officer attended Monday night’s meeting, presumably as a precaution.

Advertisement

The incident apparently is related to Laurent’s concerns over elementary students waiting outside for buses or to be picked up during cold weather. A consent agenda accepted by the board indicated Laurent had filed Freedom of Information Act requests for video evidence recorded between 2:35 and 2:50 on Jan. 9 on the north side of BenGil Elementary School where first grade students are released, along with a copy of the district’s cold weather policy.

PERSONNEL

After a 45-minute executive session to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to approve the district’s seniority list for both certificated and non-certificated employees. 

On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board extended Supt. Owsley’s contract by one-year. The superintendent is subject to a three-year contract, meaning his new contract is extended to the 2027-28 school year. The board conducted a performance review in executive session during last month’s meeting.

In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Radeano Gertzyel and Alexandria Newton, both of whom are teachers at BenGil Elementary School. Both leaves are set to start approximately May 5.

Jordan Bartok was employed by a unanimous vote as a coordinator for a grant-funded Gear-Up program designed to help prepare students for college, trade school or a career.

Sydney Wilson with her honorable mention entry, “Shoot for the Sky”, in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program.

Board members accepted the resignation of part-time cafeteria worker Brittany Harbison, effective Jan. 23, and voted to post a vacancy for a three-hour cafeteria position. 

Michael Otten was appointed as an assistant coach for the parent-funded women’s soccer program, pending a routine background check.

DISCLOSURE REPORT 

Supt. Owsley briefly discussed contents of a financial disclosure statement mandated by the Securities Exchange Act in connection with various bonds issued by the school district. 

Among the data included in the report are outstanding general obligation bonded debt in the amount of $9.36 million, and alternate revenue bonded debt totaling about $1.6 million. Owsley said the report suggests the district may wish to refinance general obligation bonded debt to extend the life of bonds by one year, meaning the bonds would be retired in 2036.

Advertisement

The report shows ending balances for all funds at the end of the 2024 fiscal year totaling $15,313,418—nearly double the $8,191.723 the district had on hand at the end of the 2019 fiscal year.

Owsley noted a steady growth in the district’s total equalized assessed valuation from $74,961,151 in 2019 to $103,564,334 in 2023. Additionally, the total property tax rate has fallen from $4.17412 in 2019 to $3.34525 in 2023. The property tax rate for CUSD 7, Owsley said, is “one of the lowest in the county.”

State aid provides the lion’s share of funding for the local education system at 58.09 percent. Federal money covers 22.65 percent of the costs, while local sources (including property taxes) account for 19.26 percent.

DISTRICT FOCUS

During a District Focus segment early in the meeting, GHS Principal Jill Rosentreter and GMS Principal Patrick McGinty recognized art students who placed in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program. The 100-year-old program recognizes students nationwide for artistic endeavors.

Local students competed in the Mid-Central Illinois region. A total of 728 entries were received from 28 school districts. Only 257 entries were accepted into the juried art show. Gold Keys were awarded the creators of 52 pieces; 66 pieces earned Silver Keys and 139 were recognized as honorable mentions.

CUSD 7 students who placed in the competition include:

  • Ceanna Bearden, Silver Key for a piece titled “Infinite Rust,” and honorable mention for a piece titled “Mowgli.”
  • Reanna Compton, honorable mention for a piece titled “Can’t I Do Something?”
  • Abigail Sharp, honorable mention for a piece titled “tic-tax-toe waffle.”
  • Lila Shuey, Silver Key, for a piece titled “Nature Vessel.”
  • Jayden Stangle, Silver Key, for a piece titled “By the Shore.”
  • Sydney Wilson, honorable mentions for photos titled “Bleacher Maze” and “Shoot for the Sky.”

Both Rosentreter and McGinty thanked art instructors Nikki Browner and Casey Edgerton for guiding and inspiring the student artists.

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Community News

Benld Council approves levy, hires deputy clerk

Published

on

By

Meeting in their new quarters for the first time, members of the Benld City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve a property tax levy request, approved a first installment payment for work completed at the Benld Family Sports Complex,  and appointed a new deputy city clerk.

As of the last two weeks of December, Benld City Hall has been relocated to its new location at 218 East Central Avenue. The new building, the former location of First National Bank and Associated Bank, provides an improved venue for public meetings, a private room for executive sessions, plus office space and a drive-up window for water customers to drop off payments.

On a motion by Ald. Jerry Saracco, the council voted unanimously to approve a property tax levy request of $123,576.03 for 2024 taxes to be collected in 2025. The new levy request is about $3,000 more than the 2024 levy of $120,605.29. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin voters in 1995 limits annual increases of no more than five percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The current CPI, essentially the rate of inflation, currently is 3.4 percent. The levy approved Monday night represents an increase of less than three percent over the previous year’s levy.

Broken down by line item, the new levy seeks property tax revenue of $30,500 for administration, compared with $30,000 last year; $5,900 for the annual municipal audit, compared with $5,800 a year ago; $1,200 for the municipal band, which is unchanged from the previous year; $6,250 for street and bridge maintenance, compared with $6,090 the previous year; $5,350 for parks, compared with $5,250 last year; $44,636 for police protection, compared with $43,169 last year; $5,000 for social security, which is unchanged from the previous year; $1,200 for unemployment insurance, which also is unchanged from a year ago; $2,450 for workers’ compensation insurance, compare with $2,400 a year ago; and $6,500 for liability insurance, compared with $6,386 a year ago.

Additionally, the levy request includes $14,590.03 for the Benld Public Library, compared with $14,110.29 the previous year. Though included in the city’s tax levy request, the library is considered a separate taxing body.

The new levy will be submitted to the Macoupin County Clerk, who is responsible for calculating the appropriate tax rates to generate the levy.

BENLD FAMILY SPORTS COMPLEX PAYOUT

The council voted unanimously to authorize payment of $54,347,94 to J.P. Solutions, Benld, the general contractor for the Benld Family Sports Complex, located on the former site of Benld Elementary School.

The payment covers preliminary earth work at the site, including excavating and grading, sidewalk removal and trenching. City Clerk Terri Koyne reported that workers currently are installing playground equipment.

Advertisement

Community Unit School District 7 transferred the site to the city after a mine subsidence event destroyed the sever-year-old Benld Elementary School. The city secured a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources last year. The city will oversee development of the park, after which management and maintenance will be turned over the Benld Sports Association.

Ald. Saracco noted the city has received half of the grant money and voiced concerns that the city could lose the second half if the facility is not completed by the end of April. Mayor Jim Kelly assured the council that HMG Engineers confirmed the facility will be completed on schedule and if the construction does go past April, the second installment of the grant will not be withdrawn.

Earlier in the meeting, Ald. Saracco reported he attended a meeting at Gillespie City Hall regarding the status of nearly $60,000 in CEJA grant funds due to the City of Benld. Saracco said the money was expected to last November or December but has been delayed. Originally, the city planned to use the money to pay for demolition of the former Tarro Supermarket on East Central Avenue. When emergency circumstances arose, however, the city had to proceed with the demolition before receiving the funds. He recommended using the money, when it arrives, to purchase a new emergency siren or to replace a culvert on East Central Avenue.

The council voted unanimously to appoint Geir Perkins as Deputy City Clerk to assist the City Clerk with office work.

NEW DEPUTY CLERK

On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Lance Cooper, the council voted unanimously to appoint Geir Perkins as Deputy City Clerk to assist the City Clerk with office work. In a separate action, the council approved expenditure of about $125 to have Perkins certified as a Notary Public and to buy a notary stamp for her use.

CITY PROPERTIES AND ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS

No action followed a 20-minute executive session requested by City Attorney Rick Verticchio to discuss a small claims lawsuit filed against the city by Monte Oberman in connection with property at 215 East Central Avenue that Oberman agreed to sell to the city in lieu of abating a public nuisance.

In related property matters, the council directed Verticchio to send notice of an ordinance violation to the owners of the former Benld Senior Nutrition Center, 205 East Central Avenue, for bricks falling from the front wall onto the sidewalk.

Verticchio also was directed to pursue action against the owners of 407 and 409 South Fourth Street for allegedly allowing persons to live in the residences without passing a building inspection. Ald. Balzraine said someone is living in a mobile home at 407 South Fourth and in a home located at 409 South Fourth.

Verticchio said he is working in court to get authorization to enter the mobile home for purposes of an inspection. A hearing is scheduled this Friday to obtain an administrative search warrant that will allow the city’s housing inspector to enter the residence.

CULVERT PURCHASE

On a motion by Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council approved replenishing the city’s stockpile of culvert materials at a cost of $9,506.17.

Advertisement

SNOW REMOVAL COMPLAINT

Ferdinand Girardi appeared before the council to voice concerns about snow removal practices following the most recent snowstorm. Girardi said city workers threw up a three-foot embankment in front of his driveway when city streets were plowed and refused to plow access to his driveway. Ald. Balzraine disputed that there was a three-foot embankment in front of Girard’s home and confirmed that city crews are not responsible for plowing private driveways.

“What do you expect me to do?” Girardi wanted to know.

“I want you to take care of your driveway like everyone else,” Balzraine replied.

“You expect a 97-year-old man to get out and shovel out a driveway?”

“No,” Balraine responded, “I expect you to hire someone like everyone else does.”

Mayor Kelly reiterated that cars must be moved off  streets during a snow emergency.

“If there’s a car in the road,” Kelly said, “the police will call you to move it. If you don’t move the car, it will be towed. Cars have to be off the road and plows have to be able to get through when there’s a snow emergency.”

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Community News

County board authorizes resurfacing project on Staunton-Bunker Hill Road

Published

on

By

Macoupin County Board members voted unanimously Tuesday night to authorize a $1 million project to resurface about 2.7 miles of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road.

County Engineer Tom Reinhart told the board that the section of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road was selected to expend remaining Rebuild Illinois funds because it could be improved with an overlay without extensive patching or rebuilding. The board resolution approved Tuesday night appropriates $997,904.40, representing the balance of RBI funds allotted to the county, to mill and resurface more than 13,200 feet of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road, proceeding west from the county highway’s intersection with Illinois Route 4 near Staunton. Additionally, the board voted unanimously to approve a resolution entering into a $29,542 contract with Veenstra & Krimm, Inc., Springfield, to provide engineering, consulting and oversight services for the project.

A bid letting for the resurfacing is expected this spring.

In other action, the board agreed to sell 2.5 acres of surplus property and approved a controversial division of one lot in the Gander Subdivision between Brighton and Bunker Hill.

PROPERTY SALE

After an extensive discussion, the board voted unanimously to declare 2.55 acres of county-owned land lying to the east of Poggenpohl Redi-Mix and Construction, north of Carlinville, as surplus property and offer it for sale via sealed bids.  Bids are due by Feb. 28.

Board member Todd Armour said at least one potential buyer has expressed interest in acquiring the property but “some members of the committee thought there might be other buyers.”

The board, however, tabled action on another six acres of property located west of the Poggenpohl facility. 

“There’s another six acres out there,” Armour said. “The committee wondered if we should get an appraisal on all of it, advertise it for sale and get the county out of the property business.” 

Advertisement

The additional six acres is contingent to the Macoupin County Fairgrounds, Armour said. A potential buyer expressed interest in buying it and allowing the Fair Board to use the property for overflow parking during the fair and other events. 

Armour reported the committee retained Aumann Auctions to appraise the initial properties. The 2.55 acres now offered for sale was appraised at $60,000, with the initial 5.99 acres appraised at $110,000. A new appraisal would include the initial 5.99 acres, plus an additional six acres. State law requires the county to sell the property for a sum no less than 80 percent of the appraisal.

Board member Holly Klausing commented that selling the first 5.99 acres without including the second six-acre parcel could be problematic. “I’m afraid that if we sell these two parcels,” she said, “no one will be interested in the other six acres because it will be landlocked.”

Armour also noted that a farmer who is renting the land from the county has already added soil amendments for the upcoming growing season. “If we sell it out from under him, we’ll have to reimburse him for that,” Armour said.

Ultimately, the board agreed to offer the initial 2.55 acres east of Poggenpohl for sale while tabling a decision on the remaining property pending an appraisal and additional information.

GANDER POINTE SUBDIVISION

With three dissenting votes, the board approved a plan to subdivide Lot 1 of the Gander Pointe Subdivision near Brighton into three separate lots ranging from one acre to 1.5 acres in size.The issue has been under discussion by the board since December, with some board members questioning whether or not the subdivision owners were attempting to circumvent county ordinances defining the difference between major and minor subdivision developments. Gander Pointe currently is a minor subdivision subject to fewer rules and regulations than a major subdivision.

Aaron Coe, the county’s GIS Manager and Plat Officer, told the board that State’s Attorney Jordon Garrison had researched the issue and found no language in the county’s ordinances that would prevent Gander Pointe owners from further subdividing a lot depicted in the original plat. Further, the cities of Bunker Hill and Brighton, exercising their one and one-half-mile jurisdiction, both agreed to the resubdvision plan. 

While the Road and Bridge Committee reviewed the resubdivision plan and recommended approval, a resolution to approve the plan was approved 15-3 with board members Tony Wiggins, Ross Arden and Gordon Heuer voting “no.”

Advertisement

LOTUS WIND FARM AGREEMENT

The board tabled a resolution to approve an engineering agreement totaling $941,000 for work in connection with improving roads to and from the Lotus Wind Farm project in northwestern Macoupin County. County Clerk Pete Duncan said there were numerous questions about the resolution, including the cost of the contract. Scott Jansen, senior development manager for APEX Clean Energy, participated via telephone, telling the board he questioned the $941,000 figure. Questioned by Duncan, Jansen was unable to confirm whether or not the company would pay the cost directly or reimburse the county for the expense.

“I think the best thing to do is to table this agreement tonight,” Duncan told the board. “Let the committee talk about it and come back next month. We’re talking about a lot of money.”

Reinhardt agreed, suggesting the board invite Jansen to the February board meeting to answer questions and provide additional information.

If approved, the resolution would authorize the county to enter into a contract with Cummins Engineering, Springfield, to oversee road improvements to support the weight of heavy equipment used in developing the wind farm.

“This resolution is solely for oversight,” Reinhardt said. “APEX is paying for it all. There’s no county money involved.”

Stretching across North Palmyra and North Otter Townships, the Lotus Wind Farm will have about 50 wind turbines capable of generating 200 megawatts of power—enough to operate 77,500 homes. The company website claims the project will create more than 100 jobs during the construction phase, plus nine permanent jobs when the facility is up and running. The wind farm is expected to generated upward of $57 million in new property tax revenue over the life of the project.

FOUR MONTH REVENUE REPORT

Duncan presented a financial report for the first four months of the current fiscal year, show revenues for the General Fund to be down by $32,000 from a year ago at this time. He said revenue from sales tax, income tax and the personal property replacement tax have been significantly higher in past years.

“Obviously, it’s going to be tight,” Duncan said, “and that’s why I’ll be doing a review every month.”

Advertisement

GREAT RIVERS AND ROUTES TOURISM BUREAU

Board members unanimously approved a routine resolution in support of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. The annual resolution is assists the Bureau in seeking annual re-certification from the State of Illinois.

“In my opinion, they do a good job for us,” said Armour in moving to approve the measure.

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the board:

  • Appointed Dale Lawrence and Joe Perkins, and re-appointed Noah Sisson to three-year terms ending on Feb. 28, 2028, on the Emergency 911 Board, and designated Perkins as an “at-large” member.
  • Appointed Duncan as the Freedom of Information Act officer for the county board.
  • Approved Chairman Larry Schmidt committee appointments as follows: 
    • Building and Grounds: Harry Starr, chair; Jim Ibberson, vice-chair; John Blank, Gordon Heuer, Ryan Kilduff, John Trevino, Tony Wiggins.
    • Courts: Kristi Dunnagan, chair; Kilduff, vice-chair; John Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Arron Stayton, Blank, Wiggins.
    • Economic Development: Holly Klausing, chair; Starr, vice-chair; Blank, Kilduff, Dunnagan, Payne, Rosenterer.
    • Finance: Payne, chair; Todd Armour, vice-chair; Ross Adden, Mark Dragovich, Bernie Kiel, Blank, Heuer, 
    • General Administrative: Kiel, chair; Stayton, vice-chair; Leann Barr, Klausing, Ibberson, Trevino.
    • Labor Management: Armour, chair;Dunnagan, vice-chair; Stayton, Dragovich, Heuer, Klausing, Trevino.
    • Liquor Commission: Ibberson, chair; Klausing, vice-chair; Barr, Blank Rosentreter, Starr, Wiggins.
    • Public Safety: Stayton, chair; Dragovich, vice-chair; Barr, Adden, Ibberson, Payne, Starr.
    • Road and Bridge: Kiel, chair; Heuer, vice-chair; Adden, Armoiur, Barr, Rosentreter, Wiggins.

No action followed a five-minute executive session to discuss employment in the State’s Attorney’s office.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Trending

×

We need your support. If you value having timely, accurate news about your community, please become one of our subscribers. Subscribe