Community News
Benld Council adopts Airbnb ordinance
The Benld City Council voted unanimously Monday night to adopt an ordinance governing the operation of short-term rentals, popularly known as Airbnbs, within the city limits, accepted the city’s annual audit, and again tabled making final payment on a recently completed water tower painting project.
Council members spent several minutes of discussion hammering out details of the Airbnb ordinance, before approving a final version. City Attorney Rick Verticchio said had prepared a draft ordinance but needed the council to reach a final decision on several details. Reacting to news reports regarding Airbnb issues in St. Louis, some aldermen had suggested a licensing fee of as much as $1,000 annually to discourage the practice of short-term rentals. If the council did not intend to limit licensing by making it cost-prohibitive, Verticchio said, a decision would be needed regarding the city’s intent.
“I don’t know what the goal is,” Verticchio said.
“It’s mainly to get a handle on it so we know where they are,” Ald. Dustin Fletcher said.
Ald. Jerry Saracco suggested requiring a minimum of a two-night stay.
The ordinance was approved on a motion by Ald. Fletcher, seconded by John Balzraine.
Provisions of the new ordinance include:
- A mandatory $100 annual license for each person operating one or more Airbnbs.
- An initial housing inspection at a cost of $75, plus an annual $50 inspection thereafter for each property offered for short-term rental.
- Units must be rented a minimum of two nights with a maximum of 14 nights to be considered short-term rentals.
- A hospitality tax of four percent or $25 per night, whichever is less.
- A minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance with the city named as secondary insured.
Fletcher commented that short-term rentals are becoming a more prevalent practice, particularly for former residents who want to monetize a spare house in the city. The new ordinance will require a monthly report from operators to document the number of renters and the amount of revenue resulting from the rentals.
CITY AUDIT
Following a brief presentation by Kara Evans of Scheffel Boyle CPAs, the council voted unanimously to accept the city’s annual audit and financial statement. The auditors rendered a “clean opinion” on the city’s financial practices, finding no material errors or weaknesses in how the city accounts for its expenditures and financial resources.
Evans noted a slight decrease in cash reserves from the previous fiscal year, which was somewhat offset by returns earned on investments. While property tax revenue and state payments remained stable for the year, donations were down from the previous couple of years. Likewise, motor fuel tax disbursements to the city were down from the previous two years or so.
Total expenditures declined slightly, primarily due to the fact the city was not required to tear down any derelict buildings. Meanwhile, the city was able to realize some income from the sale of two properties acquired by the city through condemnation proceedings. The city entered into a new loan to purchase a tractor but paid down a loan taken out to purchase a backhoe, resulting in a total secured debt that is relatively unchanged from a year ago.
Evans also noted the Frank Bertetti Benld Public Library Board has continued to meet its commitment to invest 50 percent of all donations.
PAYMENT TABLED
After a brief discussion with Justin Vonder Haar of HMG Engineers, the council again tabled action on approving a final payment of $19,200 to Neuman Company Contractors due to continuing issues with a telemetry sensor that monitors the water level in the city’s water storage tower. The sensor reportedly hasn’t worked correctly since Neuman completed a painting and repair project on the tower. Last month, the council approved payment of $72,018 but withheld the retainer pending the company’s successfully repairing the issue.
“They thought they fixed it but they didn’t,” Mayor Jim Kelly said. Kelly said the company is expected to return with a third party to help pinpoint and repair the problem. “We’ve got the money but we’re going to hold onto it.”
The council rejected Vonder Haar’s suggestion that the city approve the payment pending resolution of the sensor issue.
“I don’t want to authorize payment because we could pay it and then, two weeks later, it could stop working again,” Ald. Sarraco said.
Vonder Haar also reported on progress being made toward completing a survey of lead water service lines to Benld homes. The state-funded survey is expected to document the number of homes whose water is delivered through lines contaminated with lead. At some point in the future, grant funds are expected to be made available to help replace the lines with non-toxic materials.
Vonder Haar said fliers regarding the survey are expected to be mailed to local residents in two or three weeks. In the meantime, he said city officials could help by using social media and other resources to increase public awareness of the project.
“Any public awareness you can do will be greatly appreciated,” he said.
POLICE ISSUES
City Attorney Verticchio said he would talk to Police Chief Jared DePoppe after Ald. Fletcher complained he had called for a police officer to ticket an unlicensed solicitor, claiming to represent a local electrical utility. Fletcher said the officer who responded, however, refused to write a citation, presumably because no state laws were broken.
“What good does it do to have them if they’re not going to write ordinance violations?” Fletcher asked. “We need to get things clarified.”
Additionally, Ald. Saracco complained that Gillespie is still not providing the City Council with an accounting of the amount of time spent in Benld on patrol.
Verticchio said he would discuss both issues with DePoppe, noting the contract for police services specifically obligates Gillespie Police to write ordination violation citations.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
On a motion by Ald. Balzraine, the council voted unanimously to declare 500 North Sixth Street a public nuisance, which authorizes the city to seek legal action to clean up the property. The property recently was foreclosed, making the mortgage holder responsible for abating the nuisance, according to Verticchio.
No specific action followed a 20-minute executive session to discuss litigation, but Verticchio updated the council in open session about several pending cases. He reported that he expects the court to give permission to the city to clean up a property at 407 North Fourth Street but that police will probably be needed to remove squatters who reportedly moved into the house.
The council somewhat reluctantly accepted a bid of $11,000 from a neighbor to purchase a nuisance property at 306 North Seventh Street. Verticchio said the city had wanted 12,750 to fully recoup legal costs and the cost of clean-up. Seeing that no other offers have been received, he recommended accepting the bid and absorbing the $1,750 loss.
“I don’t know that we have many other options,” Ald. Saracco commented.
In a related matter, the council accepted a bid of $1,000 from Melvin West to purchase a city-owned parcel at 408 South Main Stree.
LEASE AGREEMENT TABLED
The council tabled action on renewing a lease on the building currently serving as the city’s post office on Central Avenue. The current lease doesn’t expire until 2025, but the building owner wants to renew the lease for five years, along with an option to renew for two more five-year terms. Accepting the new terms would essentially obligate the city through 2040.
City aldermen opted to refer the issue to Verticchio for further research and recommendation. Among the issues the council wants resolved is a provision in the contract requiring the city to pay the company that drafts the lease.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Renewed the city’s liability insurance policy with the Illinois Municipal League’s Risk Management Association. The policy is basically a shared risk program involving municipal enrollees from throughout the state. By pooling resources, RMA is expected to keep rates relatively low. The premium for the new policy is increased by about eight percent.
- Voted to purchase an electronic digital transit at a cost of about $800.
- Agreed to purchase rock and culvert to resupply the city’s inventory.
- Approved a business for Cindy’s Decor and More, a home-based business operated by Cindy Crites.
Comments
FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
