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
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Henrietta and Staunton Road. Asa M. Proctor, 46 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a dog at large. Nathan S. Thornhill, 38 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Edgar Olivero, 22 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Granite City for failure to appear on illegal possession of ammunition.
Kyle J. Lancaster, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. He was also given citations for possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID and for possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Westwood Street in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Tree Lane in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was called to the Gillespie Middle School in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Brian L. Musgrove, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Western Avenue in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a battery and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in Benld in reference to disorderly contact.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke to a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble in the 100 block of Green Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Osie Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Jersey in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a missing child.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henry Street in East Gillespie in reference to a golf cart on fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue. A 12-year-old male from Gillespie was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer responded with the school resource officer to a medical call at the Gillespie High School track.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was out with a suspicious person on East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to West Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to 4th Street and Oak Street in Benld in reference to theft and possession of stolen property.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass and criminal damage to property on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare. Kyrstyn J. Kordish, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Brennden D. Cobine, 21 of Gillespie, was issued citations for possession of paraphernalia and possession of alcoholic liquor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
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Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
