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
FELONIES
Bradley W. Crane, 47 of Brighton, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with a December 28, 2024 incident.
Donavon M. Holmes, 24 of Benld, is charged with felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 11 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of forgery/making/altering a document in connection with a February 10 incident.
Bradley S. Watters, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a March 12 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, is charged with unlawful possession of a knife in connection with a March 9 incident.
Tonya L. Pfeiler, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with theft control/intent (<$500) in connection with a March 1 incident.
Timothy A. Dugger, 23 of Palmyra, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 29 incident.
Dalton W. Branham, 27 of Springfield, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 23 and January 29 incident.
Crystal A. Holland, 50 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a January 18 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 59 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a February 13 incident.
Mark B. Bersch, 68 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with February 4 incident.
Robert D. Lindsey, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a March 3 incident.
Thomas W. Gray, 35 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a February 26 incident.
Ronnie E. Reyes, 40 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a March 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Bethany E. Robinson, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with drivers license expired more than a year, passing a school bus while loading/unloading, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with a February 27 incident.
Timothy R. Galston, 46 of Harvey, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 11-14 mph above the limit in connection with a March 2 incident.
Hector R. Herrera Pena, 39 of Guadalupe, NL, is charged with CDL not obtained in connection with a March 4 incident.
Stephen L. Barrick, 50 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 2 incident.
Kyle L. Stiltz, 32 of Virden, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a February 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Angela M. Berndt versus Travis E. Berndt
- Melissa K. Porter versus Kevin W. Porter
Comments
Bunker Hill – Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill is excited to announce a rummage sale taking place on Thursday, March 20, Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22. The sale will be held at the church located at 609 East Warren Street in Bunker Hill. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Illinois Valley Meals on Wheels in Macoupin County, a vital program that prepares and delivers over 1,500 meals daily to those in need across three counties.
Donations for the rummage sale are warmly welcomed and can be dropped off at the church’s north entrance starting Monday, March 17. Items of all kinds are appreciated, and your contributions will directly support the dedicated efforts of volunteers who ensure that nutritious meals reach our community members.
The sale will run from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday and then 8 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday, making it convenient for everyone to stop by and find great deals while supporting a crucial service in our area.
For more information about the rummage sale or how to donate, please contact Jane Baker at 618-973-2666.
Comments
FELONIES
Bryer D. Greff, 30 of Virden, is charged with retail theft (<$300) with a previous conviction in connection to a March 1 incident.
Michael J. Weaver, 34 of Carlinville, is charged with methamphetamine delivery (400<900 grams), possession of methamphetamine (400<900 grams), and felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 3 incident.
Patrick D. Greer, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with burglary and theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 23 and March 3 incident .
Brian H. Duff, 50 of Alton, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Allison S. Cisco, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 1 incident.
Andrew C. London, 19 of Wilsonville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with a March 5 incident.
Shelby L. Veach, 23 of Staunton, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee and criminal damage to property in connection with a December 16 and December 21 incident.
Robert J. Zumwalt, 43 of Livingston, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a December 21 incident.
TRAFFIC
Andrew J. McDaniel, 56 of Littleton, CO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 23 incident.
Connor E. O’Brien, 25 of Riverside, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 24 incident.
Anthony M. Reed, 29 of Fayette, MS, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a February 22 incident.
Patrick M. Nejmanowski, 58 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a February 25 incident.
Michael A. Coates, 49 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a February 16 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Palmyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 25 incident.
Jessica M. Jenkins, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 24 incident.
Jason L. Peter, 48 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 22 incident.
Matthew D. Knick, 21 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on suspended license in connection with a February 27 incident.
Julia A. Schall, 68 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a February 27 incdient.
Amy N. Gomer, 39 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 4 incident.
Dalton C. Bunyard, 32 of Wood River, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 28 incident.
Edward Tumpach III, 33 of Hillsboro, is charged with reckless driving, improper traffic lane usage, and disregarding a traffic control device in connection with a March 5 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Neil Ringer versus Whitney Ringer
- Christina Essington versus John Essington
- Scott Huddleston versus Jessica Huddleston
Comments
Zion Lutheran School to host open house on March 18 for preschool and kindergarten programs
Illinois Farm Bureau to host ‘Rules for the Road’ trucking seminar in Carlinville on March 20
