Community News
Benld citizen upset about City Park Roadway
Council approves Halloween hours, new business requests, and new carpeting
The Benld City Council discusses the new meeting time and date change. Council meetings will now be at 6:00pm, starting November 12, and on the third Monday of each month, starting in 2014.
The council welcomed Joe Mishanec to the meeting Monday evening, October 14, to hear his concern about the recently named road in City Park. He said the road was partially paved back in May under the previous interim mayor and the cost came to $4,308.15 for the blacktop materials. He didn’t understand why the project never came before the board for approval. Joe would have liked to see many more streets oiled and chipped before blacktopping the city park roadway.
Under the new administration, Mishanec said the roadway was named a roadway of the city and a check for $4,308.15 was cut to only complete half of the roadway between the two pavilions. Half of the roadway is still gravel. “12 days after the pavement was laid, it became a public road and it should have been chipped at a much lower cost. Many other roads could have been oiled and chipped for $4,500,” Mishanec closed.
Mayor Gloria Sidar explained the roadway was part of the Motor Fuel Tax and did not have an individual bid. “All the roadways are packaged together and it was approved back in early spring,” Mayor Sidar explained. Sidar explained it didn’t get an individual bid because everything was a package.
Mishanec went on to question why the entire road wasn’t paved since it’s a public road. “Half of it is paved and half of it is left undone, why is that,” he questioned. City attorney Rick Vertichio stepped in to control the matter and told Joe Mishanec unless he wanted to donate $4,308.15 the city doesn’t have enough money to complete the entire roadway.
Joe Mishanec said once more he thought there was an approval needed for the job. A local media official questioned why the road wasn’t named until after the paving was done. She also cited a roadway has to be named to even qualify for the MFT program.
Vertichio once again stepped in saying it was an oversight of the council, but the council didn’t realize it until after the fact – but it was done at the first meeting after it was recognized. “Is it in the right sequence? No, not really,” Vertichio asked himself. “If anyone objects, it is the State of Illinois.”
Mayor Sidar said the roadway was done early because the blacktopping takes longer than oil and chipping. Vertichio agreed saying it was when the blacktop was available and in all honestly, he said everyone wanted the roadway done before Italian American Days.
“It’s what the citizens don’t know won’t hurt them,” Mishanec said. Vertichio explained Joe’s comment was completely inappropriate. “It’s not that the city did not know about it, it’s that they didn’t ask the right questions. If you had come in city hall and FOIA the information, you would have found out. If you’re trying to suggest devious action, you’re digging too far.”
Halloween Times Announced
The Benld City Council approved the Halloween Parade with a start time of 6:00pm on October 31. The starting point will be at the Benld Public Library. Trick-or-Treat hours will be on October 30th and 31st from 6:00-8:00pm.
Veteran’s Day City Hall Hours and Meeting Changes
Mayor Sidar explained many community citizens would like to see the city hall open for walk thrus on Veteran’s Day as many voiced they would like to see the memorials. Sidar explained if the board approves it, she would sit in City Hall to monitor traffic. The council approved city hall to be open on November 11, Veteran’s Day, from 1:00-4:00pm for viewing.
Joe Mishanec expressed his opinion about the new street in City Park. Mishanec said the money used for the half completed street could have been used for many other roads.
The council also voiced concerns to change the meeting time and date of the monthly board meetings. Many members want to move the start time from 7:00pm to 6:00pm and the change was approved 5-0. Members also want to move the date of the meetings so both Benld and Gillespie weren’t taking action on the same items on the same nights. “There are nights when we take action on things they discuss and vice versus,” Mayor Sidar explained. The council approved to move city council meetings to the third Monday of each month.
The council changed the November 11 meeting to Tuesday, November 12 due to Veteran’s Day. The meeting is set to start at the new meeting time of 6:00pm. Meetings won’t start taking place on the third Monday of each month until 2014.
Lawsuit Action
Jim Tilashalski questioned Vertichio is the lawsuit with the city library was underway. Vertichio said the lawsuit is filed, but a summons has not been returned yet from Quality Flooring. “He’s washing his hands of it and the manufacturer doesn’t want anything to do with it,” Vertichio said. “We will have to sue them.”
New Business
Mayor Sidar explained the citizens would like to see a “Children Playing” sign posted on West Oak Street. There are a number of children playing in the area and they would like notice posted, Sidar explained.
The council went on to approve a motion to send Gina Frensko to a local seminar concerning 2014 Payroll Laws. The cost to the city is $199 for the one-day seminar and it was approved 5-0.
Sidar went on to appoint Gina Frensko and Nadine Ferrero as the FOIA officers for the City of Benld. She then brought up the computer issue in the office. “It’s a pain trying to work in the office with only one computer,” she explained.
Gloria had a bid from Mark Carpani for around $1,500 to add another computer to the office with a server connecting both computers. “The server would allow us to run QuickBooks and our water billing program on both computers,” Sidar explained. She added it would take about 2 months for the computer to be installed.
The council finally brought up the carpet issue inside city hall. Frensko explained the new carpeting would replace the carpeting in the committee room and mayors office. The bid from Russell’s also included vinyl for the bathrooms, vinyl for the entryway, and installation. The motion was approved and accepted by the board 5-0 for $2,784.34 from Russell’s Flooring in Staunton.
New Business Requests
The council heard from two individuals who would like to have businesses inside city limits. Brian Houston submitted a business approval for a gun shop, which will also have ammunition available. The shop will be ran out of his basement and will be by appointment only. The council approved his request 3-2 at 110 S. 5th Street in Benld.
Tom Pollard, who has owned two businesses in the building on 202 E. Central already, submitted the second business approval. Pollard calls his business Party Central. The business will be a social hub, he said, with a café, seating, and small stage for upcoming musicians and entertainers. “There are so many talented people in the area that you never even hear about,” Pollard said. “I want to create a place where families can come and listen to a musician.” The council hesitated because Pollard said his only income will be from concessions, but they approved the request 5-0.
Old Business
The council approved the police car grant to further the process. Mayor Sidar along with the police chairman will begin to look for a vehicle. Under the police discussion, Sidar questioned how the dispatching services were going with Gillespie and Brian Frensko responded “so far, so good.”
Mayor Sidar then explained the city will have to purchase a fireproof safe to house the ordinance book and resolution book along with other various city documents. “We don’t have one currently and we will need one very soon,” Sidar explained.
Jim Kelly reported the water line repair in Gillespie is finally complete. Kelly said the line is fixed, capped, and the meter is back in Benld. It is Gillespie’s problem if there are any problems or leaks in the future he reported.
Committee Reports
Mayor Sidar reported city property for Theresa Tucker who was absent from the meeting Monday evening. Sidar said Tucker wants to update the rental agreements, as “they are a little steep.” “She wants to look at the city hall for bridal showers and birthday parties,” Sidar explained.
Alderman Peyton Bernot reported the city is missing out on about $20,000 each year as the city is only collecting a 5% Telecommunications tax while the maximum that can be collected in 6%. “We can pass the increase next month or wait until our ordinance book is completely codified, but that won’t be until next January or February,” Bernot explained.
Jim Kelly explained the maintenance roadwork is done for this year. Maintenance workers are continuing to work on installation of water meters and they will begin to work on ditch work after the water meters. Kelly also explained there is about 30 street signs are not installed yet just because those have to be Julie’d in.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00pm
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
There are plenty of ways to keep up on BenGil news:
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter
Check out all of our pictures on our sister site, we are your personal photographer
Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take
Follow us on Twitter for the fastest score updates and breaking news updates
Comments
FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Michael C. Malone, 59 of Melbourne, Florida, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to South Second Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Matthew R. Bowen, 18 of Fairview Heights, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a medical assist.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Clinton Street. Samantha L. Jansen, 53 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to trespassing.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a business security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Green Street and Easton Street. McKenna N. Kampwerth, 21 of South Roxana, was arrested on multiple warrants. The South Roxana warrant was for failure to appear for traffic leaving the scene, the warrant out of Wood River was for possession of meth, and the warrant out of Collinsville was for possession of meth.
An officer was dispatched to East Gillespie on Route 16 East to Assist an Illinois State trooper with a call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an electrical fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a battery.
Keshawn K. Bush, 40 of Gillespie, was arrested for criminal trespass to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street reference criminal trespass to property.
Brandon L. Smith, 29 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
Ryan D. Shoger, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jesus E. Cabrera-Ramirez, 33 of Gilbert, AZ, was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Alison M. Whitehead, 29 of Staunton, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Willow Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Layla R. Eden, 18 of Bunker Hill, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and possession of alcoholic liquor under the age of 21.
An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Oak Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a fire. The officer discovered it was a control burn.
An officer was dispatched to a business at East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an alarm.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 40 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear while driving while license are revoked.
The school resource officer was contacted by the high school counselor and advised him of a sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie Street reference a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to retail theft. David A. Orear, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic. Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male in the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Bruce E. Jackson, 64 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Joseph W. Webb, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 East in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare reference a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Plum Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Grace Street and Clinton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a business check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Levi T. Kroll, 35 of Eagarville, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a November 10 incident.
David J. Karrick, 44 of Virden, is charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 10 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jason H. Rells, 50 of Virden, is charged with resisting a peace officer/ firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin H. Bodine, 42 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a November 2 incident.
Stephanie K. Short, 59 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officer, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 31 incident.
Stacey L. Hart, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene in connection with an October 27 incident.
Troy J. Camerer, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to give notice of crash, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 30 incident.
Lucas J. Edwards, 22 of Caledonia, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 26-34 mph over the limit, and being unlicensed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Allen D. James Jr, 62 of Virden, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an October 30 incident.
Zachary S. Hoffstot, 44 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
Dustin P. Cunningham, 33 of Greenfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 11 incident.
Courtney R. Coonce, 31 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a November 8 incident.
Ashley R. Winters, 38 of Kane, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jennifer M. Bushue versus Jesse J. Bushue
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Daniel Robert Dobrino of Benld and Hannah Marie Pritchett of Edwardsville
