Community News
Benld City Council: Library still unhappy with floor, may seek Court Case
Benld renews MEDP membership for 2013
Shari Albrecht explains what MEDP did for Benld in 2012.
Mary Ann Scopel represented the Benld Public Library and explained to the Benld City Council during a regular scheduled board meeting on January 14 the floor installed recently is continuing to worsen. “We have not had the issues addressed and they are getting worse,” Scopel said of the problems. Scopel explained the gaps in the laminate floor are fairly sized and the floor is discoloring as well.
Rick Vertichio explained the City of Benld can file a lawsuit over the floor, but he was not sure if the condition would be justified by putting a new floor in. “When you file a lawsuit, you seek one of two things,” Vertichio explained. “You would seek a new floor that does not have the discoloring and gaps or you would be satisfied with what you have for a lesser value.”
The harm of the gaps would be appearance, Vertichio concluded. “We paid for a perfect floor and we did not get it,” Scopel responded. Vertichio, representing the city, agreed and advised a lawsuit may be in the best interest of the city. “I really think a lawsuit is what it is going to take,” he explained. Vertichio went on to add seeking a value less than what was paid could be the best route since the dissatisfactions are not threatening in any manner.
According to Emmelle Robinson, the floor carried a price tag of over $10,000. The specific price was unknown. The owner of the company who made the flooring verbally told the library if they were not satisfied, he would replace the floor. Vertichio explained the City of Benld could only sue Quality Flooring because that was the business the City dealt with. In turn, Vertichio explained, Quality Flooring can sue the manufacturer if they wish. The litigation issue was taken into executive session, but a public session was not held after, so it is not known if the City of Benld intends on entering a court case.
MEDP Membership
Shari Albrecht, representing MEDP, requested the City of Benld renew their membership for 2013. Albrecht explained MEDP kept Benld’s State of Illinois Community Profile updated, worked with the Central Avenue restoration committee, and other business development programs. Albrecht explained MEDP is also working with a client considering redevelopment on the old bank building on Central Avenue. “I believe later on this week we are bringing in a consultant to talk to you about that,” Albrecht added.
In addition, MEDP brought in a team of developers last fall to make them aware of what is available in the area. MEDP is planning on doing a follow-up early spring with a workshop where MEDP members are invited to attend. Finally, MEDP is hosting a small business workshop in March. Undeniably, the council approved the membership for 2013 at $1,553.
Public Recognition
Mary Ann Scopel also explained the library was unhappy with the $75 cleaning fee after using the Civic Center for the wine tasting. “Apparently, we forgot to clean up a few spills,” she explained. Scopel explained the Civic Center had to be cleaned up before the event and they cleaned up after. “The tables were not clean, there wasn’t toilet paper in the bathrooms, there were not any paper towels, there were not any can liners for trash cans, there was nothing,” she continued.
Mark Ann Scopel explains the floor inside the library is continuing the worsen.
Gloria Sidar explained she takes care of the inspections when Jim Kelly is at work and it is hard to say what is clean and what it isn’t. Sidar and Lynn Fraelle both stepped in spots. Scopel explained she was not concerned about getting the $75 back for the library, but the spectrum was too large. “There is a big difference between a few spots and an ungodly mess after a wedding,” Scopel explained. The council agreed and said they are in the process of revising the contract to include a clean-up charge. “We thought we were doing the right thing, but it created problems when you step back and look at it,” Jim Kelly, head of the city property committee, closed.
Gina Mendenhall advised the council she finally wrote the letter to start the petition to get the mailbox moved out of the alley behind the Benld Police Department. Mendenhall questioned if she could leave signature sheets at the library and the city clerk’s office. Rick Vertichio explained she could.
Mendenhall also explained Dee-Dee’s Designs donated 3 large stepping stones to Build Benld. The plans for the stepping stones are unknown at this time, but Build Benld is planning on moving them down by the Veteran’s Memorial sign since the three stones are heroism themed.
Cathy Petrak explained she forgot to thank Build Benld and the City of Benld last month from the Christmas Senior Dinner.
Old Business
The council explained they need to take care of the property on 100 North 6th. “I would like to get bids to see how much a business would charge to clean the property,” Bernot explained. The council wanted to see what kind of money was in store before having city crews’ work on the site. The motion was passed 5-0 to post for bids.
The council went on to approve all 3 resolutions in support of the sewer grant.
New Business
The council approved the Mother Jones Resolution 5-0. The group is trying to get a grant for the Mother Jones Cemetery in Mt. Olive.
MEDP requested the City of Benld to present “shovel-ready” projects. “These are something we wouldn’t normally apply for a grant for,” Gloria Sidar explained. The council came up with 2 possible. The first is putting rock along the creek to prevent erosion and sewer damage. Rock would be $15 a foot for an 8 foot ditch. The second project the group came up with was street signs. “Not stop signs, street signs.”
Finally, the council approved a $100 donation to the Partnership for Educational Excellence. The donation was approved 4-1, objection from George Nepute.
Committee Reports
Jim Kelly explained the City of Benld received a grant from the Macoupin County Highway department to replace 265 stop signs with posts and hardware. The signs are expected to arrive on April 1. The only cost to the city would be the installation from city forces. The grant was worked on by Mayor Turcol and Ed Sarracco.
Gloria Sidar pointed out to the council it would be in the City’s best interest to pay the dues at the Surplus in Springfield under CMS. The $300 due is for a year membership and as a government agency, the police department can get uniforms, police gear, police equipment, office supplies, and any other item available for sale. The council acted 5-0 to approve the $300 membership.
George Nepute opted to renew the service agreement to take care of the water tower. Nepute explained they take care of any cracks inside the tower and clean it for $735 a year. According to George, the city passed all the water tower tests. The motion was approved 5-0.
Peyton Bernot, water chairman, reported there were 74 water meters installed as of January 8. He went on to add many have been installed since then and Route 1 is almost entirely finished.
City Attorney Report
Rick Vertichio, city attorney, had multiple items for the council. He first started with Gloria Sidar’s proposed ordinance amendment limiting partial dismantled vehicles in the city up to 180 days. After the 180 days, a notice is issued and the city can then take action against the owner or have the car turned over to the city if nothing is accomplished after the notice. Amendment to Ordinance #4-2-3 was approved 5-0.
Vertichio explained there were 2 matters with property. There is a hearing scheduled Friday, January 18 dealing with the property located at 300 North Central Avenue. The City already has a court order to start taking action on the property located at 100 North Sixth. “I think a committee needs to work the City and some entity entitled to take the trash,” Vertichio explained. “All that burnt material has to be taken by someone who has authority to do so.”
He also explained the City could bring in dumpsters and have city workers clean the site up and then have the dumpsters removed. Then, the city would have to go to court and explain how much money was used to clean up the site. “Either way, there is a lot of rubble there and it is not going to be easy.”
Next Meeting: The Benld City Council board will meet for a regularly scheduled board meeting next month on Monday, February 11 at 7 o’clock pm.
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Jaylen M. Ronald, 22 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Shelby Street in reference to animal neglect.
Walter L. Vester, 30 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a home security check.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to telephone harassment.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was speaking with a female in the 200 block of North Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment by telephone.
An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Western Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 200 block of Park Avenue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to spam callers.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie bike trail in reference to a suspicious person on a motorized bike.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of Maple Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property. Joseph F. Frew, 49 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for littering prohibited.
An officer was dispatched to the 111 South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil stand by.
An officer was dispatched to the 10000 Friese Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare with a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024
Juan A. Cortez, 40 of Danville, was arrested on multiple warrants. Cortez had warrants out of Collinsville for possession of methamphetamine, Sangamon County for failure to appear for drugs, and Coles County for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference o a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to an alarm call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer met with a female at Gillespie Police Department to collect an item that she found.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Heritage Health in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld in reference to recovered stolen property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Jersey Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Oregon Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious female in a vehicle. Kourtney K. Claro, 33 of Benld, was issued citation for no valid driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding,
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a fire call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Kyle W. Bennett, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with a felon failure to return from furlough in connection with a November 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Dewey E. Morgan, 66 of Carlinville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with an August 29 incident.
Elizabeth A. Marfell, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 8 incident.
Dorothy J. Anderson, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 27 incident.
TRAFFIC
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 7 incident.
Jennifer L. Arnotti, 34 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 11 incident.
Kelan J. Stevenson, 27 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 17 incident.
Ernest L. Stevenson, 21 of Benld, is charged with improper use registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Joshua T. Koniak, 43 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Casey R. Ness, 48 of Greenville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Gary R. Priddle, 46 of Benld, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Travis J. Bramley, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Matthew Diamond versus Stephanie Diamond
- Marilyn K. Loveless versus Jerel D. Loveless Sr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Timothy H. Johnson and Jennifer Kay Woolsey, both of Staunton
- Daniel Allen Balai of Bunker Hill and Chloe Renee Yinger of Alton
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
