Community News
Benld City Council notified of numerous problems with City Hall
Hendricks to retire from Benld Police Department
Mayor Gloria Sidar explains the multiple issues affecting Benld City Hall.
Mayor Gloria Sidar disappointedly informed the Benld City Council of multiple issues with the Benld City Hall during the council’s regular board meeting on Wednesday, November 13. Upon receiving a facelift – new carpet and new paint – Mayor Sidar found out two walls inside the city hall building have moisture behind them. The worser one of the two has already been replaced.
The second wall containing moisture is in the civic center along with the multiple windows not boarded up correctly. Sidar explained the windows boarded up in the civic center are not caulked correctly and could potentially lead to future problems. “The building has to be maintained properly before it falls down,” Sidar laughed.
She continued on by saying the west gutter is entirely rusted and run-off water from the roof pours through the gutter. “The water runs completely down the side of the building,” she explained. Sidar also questioned when the roof was last inspected because she didn’t think it has been sealed for “quite some time.”
Lastly, Jerry Saracco told the council they should look into the double doors leading into the civic center. “One set of doors has at least 1” gap all the time,” Saracco said. Sidar agreed, saying the door could probably be replaced with the energy consumption it is wasting in a year’s time. Alderman Jim Kelly explained he was talking with the school district to try and get 2 sets of double doors from the old school building in Benld.
The council agreed with Mayor Gloria saying the building has to be properly maintained. The board approved Sidar to post for bids for all the work that needs to be completed.
Police personnel
The council accepted, with regrets, the retirement notice of Sergeant Wade Hendricks. Hendricks’ retirement was effective on October 31st. Mayor Sidar then advised the council herself, Brian Frensko, and Kurt Kozac interviewed two people to fill the full-time position.
The council selected and hired Joe Berry to fill the full-time position. Berry is 45 years old and is currently a part-time officer for Highland, Gillespie, and Benld. “Here is well-qualified and Gillespie gave him a good report,” Brian Frensko told the council. The council hired Berry 6 votes to none.
Lastly, the council decided to promote Josh Carter to the Sergeant position. The promotion was approved 6-0, so Carter is now second in command behind Chief Kozac. The promotion comes with a minimal salary increase.
City to look into hiring a Collections Company
The council heard a presentation from Jeannie Smith of Transworld Systems on Wednesday after Mayor Sidar contacted the company to be notified of their payment collection services. The council has been looking into hiring a third party in attempts to recover unpaid water bills.
Sidar said there are currently 20 to 25 accounts that would go to collections immediately, which is about $1,000 past due. The council heard Smith’s presentation, but made no decision Wednesday.
New Business
Jeannie Smith of Transworld Systems explains the collection recovery process and fees associated with it.
The council voted 6-0 to Adopt a class and passed Ordinance 2013-1 6-0 to raise the municipal simplified telecommunications tax to 6%. The council also approved Ordinance 2013-3 6-0 to amend application process of water and sewer services.
The council discussed insurance premiums and health care coverage for city employees. The council was able to come to a decision on the insurance premiums, but not for the health care coverage. The board voted 6-0 to go to Bliss McKnight for insurance, which is “better for everyone”, alderman Peyton Bernot noted.
Bernot noted Bliss McKnight’s $48,823 premium is approximately $10,000 less than the insurance premium they are paying currently. He also said McKnight does not operate out of a money pool, so the city is guaranteed to always have insurance coverage. On the city’s end, McKnight is better because the city can pay the $48k premium semi-annually or quarterly for free compared to the one lump-sum payment they have been forced to pay in the past.
The council was unable to come to an agreement on health care coverage. Bernot said the city renewed their same policy with United Healthcare at a higher premium hoping quotes from other companies would come in cheaper. The city had 2 things to consider: (1) they can keep the same policy they are on now and hope rates are lower after January 1 or (2) they can change their policy now with the ability to change their policy within 90 days if there is a cheaper quote, but the city won’t be able to change their policy with United Healthcare if a cheaper price doesn’t come along. The council agreed to just keep their healthcare policy as it is now.
Old Business
Brian Frensko, police chairman, advised the council the police car has been ordered from Landmark Ford. The car will arrive in 10-14 weeks.
Mayor Sidar reported Mark Carpani has begun working on the server and new computer in the office area. He has contacted the water billing company to see if the program will work off a server. After he hears back from them, he will begin to install the new equipment.
Sidar also reported the office staff has complained the phone service does not have caller-identification. After hearing back from Frontier, Sidar advised the board they are paying for the service, but the caller-id feature is not compatible with the current telephone system. To update the system, remove the old system, and install a new one to get the caller-id feature would cost the city $3,359.99. The council denied paying $3.3 thousand dollars to get caller-id.
Frontier did offer the city a new rate if they chose to lock in for 3 years. Frontier’s service is $237.55 per month currently, but the contract would drop the monthly rate down to $149.97 per month. Frontier would also increase the speed of the Internet. The council approved to sign a 3-year contract to save $1,051 per year.
Committee Reports
Jim Kelly reported to the council Ameren could install a dusk-to-dawn light to shine on the American Flag at Veteran’s Park for $10-13 per month. The light would sit on a pole currently standing. The council approved the motion to have Ameren install the light and bill the city monthly, 6-0.
Jim Tilashalski reported under ordinance/judicial many houses in the city do not have address numbers. Tilashalski explained the council could instate a fine to slap any residence lacking a house number posted on their property. “It makes it extremely difficult for first responders,” Tilashalski explained. The council didn’t take any action on the matter, but will revisit it in the future.
Jim Kelly reported the maintenance department has nearly all the new street signs installed and they are working on the last of the water meters. “They will have some water meters left over,” Kelly said. He also said the city needs to order new handicap signs because the fine on all the current ones are wrong. The council advised Kelly to order children playing signs when he orders the handicap ones.
Under the library’s report, Mary Ann Scopel reported the wine tasting was extremely successful saying it was the largest crowd they have ever had. She did note the library board was disappointed that no one from the Benld Council attended the event.
City Attorney’s Report
City attorney Rick Vertichio asked the council if they wanted to file a nuisance abatement on the property at 102 South 1st Street. The council voted 6-0 to file the abatement saying the property has already been condemned.
Vertichio also presented the council an ordinance making it unlawful to park on Chestnut and Pine streets. Ordinance 2013-2 instates no parking on either side along North 8th Street from East Chestnut to Pine Street and no parking will be allowed on either side of East Chestnut Street beginning at North 8th Street to the end of city limits, which is Cahokia Street. The ordinance was passed 6-0 and Jim Kelly said the council would get signs ordered to mark the no parking.
Lastly, Vertichio asked the council if they wanted him to write up a notice to sell the Conlee property recently tore down across from Casey’s. The council approved to sell the property 6-0 and decided they would accept all bids over $8,500, but holds the authority to throw out any and all bids they receive. The City of Benld has $16,423 into the property currently.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
