Community News
Benld Council eyes moving city hall
While some aldermen remained reticent, Benld City Council members generally agreed Monday night to explore the feasibility of moving City Hall from its current quarters to the former First National Bank building on Central Avenue, which the city recently purchased.
Last month, the council authorized Mayor Jim Kelly to bid up to $100,000 for the building, located at 218 East Central Avenue and offered for sale via online bidding through Aumann Auction Service. The city’s final bid was $95,700, including a 10 percent auction fee.
Mayor Kelly said the 4,000 square foot building is an ideal location for city hall.
“It gives us a lot of opportunities and room for expansion,” Kelly said, adding that the former bank’s drive-up facility could be used to accept payments from citizens for water, sewer, and trash pick-up. “I think we should let the people of this town know that if we bought it, we’re going to use it.”
Ald. Jerry Saracco said he wasn’t opposed to moving city hall, but urged the council to take its time with the decision.
“I think we need to slow down a little,” Saracco said. “We need to get it cleaned and we need to get a furnace guy in there.” He also suggested that 4,000 square feet is too much space for what the city needs.
“I’m not opposed to putting City Hall over there,” said Ald. John Balzraine, “but we don’t have to be in a hurry.”
Kelly said the current City Hall is too small for the city’s needs. The relatively cramped council chamber, he said, is not conducive to hosting large numbers of guests. When large numbers of guests are anticipated, the council often moves its meetings to the Civic Center, where acoustics make it difficult for guests to hear what’s being discussed. Moreover, Kelly said the city currently has files archived upstairs, in a back room, and at the former Police Station down the street.
Apart from providing additional space for the council, city clerk and for storage, Kelly said the building could accommodate a Police Department if the city ever decided to restore the Benld City Police.
“I don’t think you’ll ever see a Police Department here again,” Ald. Lance Cooper commented.
“I agree we’ll never have a Police Department,” Saracco said, “not because we can’t afford the salaries but because we can’t afford the benefits the guys get. I’m not criticizing them but we don’t have the money for that.”
While generally agreeing the city will never reconstitute a police department, City Attorney Rick Verticchio indicated there may be some movement in the future to establish a policing district, similar to the CUSD 7 Fire Protection District or the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance District. The City of Mount Olive, where Verticchio also serves as City Attorney, is exploring entering into a cooperative agreement for police services. That could end up being an agreement between Mount Olive and Gillespie or between Mount Olive and Benld to create their own policing service. In either case, Verticchio said the new building would have the space to establish a police substation where officers can complete paperwork or be on call.
Verticchio commented that Mount Olive’s municipal complex is relatively new and is a source of pride in the community.
“I think having a reasonably efficient City Hall that looks nice when people come in is not a bad thing,” said Verticchio.
City Clerk Terri Koyne said she had drawn a tentative floor plan for the clerk’s office that would allow her to serve walk-in customers and the drive-up windows. She discounted concerns about not being able to keep up with demand, saying she sometimes has up to eight people in line for services in her current office space.
“I’m not opposed to it,” Saracco reiterated, “but I would want to see the layout.”
Aldermen concerned about the size of the building suggested the possibility of leasing half of the it to another entity, but Verticchio warned that leasing any part of the building will negate the city’s tax-exempt status for the entire building.
While no immediate action was taken, the council generally agreed to continue to investigate the feasibility of moving City Hall to the newly acquired building.
KEELY DEMOLITON BIDS
The council tabled action on accepting a bid to demolish and remove the Keely Building in the 100 block of North Main Street. The council voted last month to seek bids to raze the condemned two-story brick structure.
Bids ranging from $49,850 to $110,025 were opened prior to Monday night’s meeting, but council members declined to accept any bid over concerns about whether or not each of the bidders understood the scope of work. Mayor Kelly said demolishing the building will involve not only taking down the building and removing the debris but also meeting EPA requirements regarding asbestos mitigation and properly filling and compacting the hole left by the building’s basement.
GreenTrac, LLC, Bunker Hill, offered a bid of $49,850. Kamabulski Excavating and Grading, Granite City, provided a bid of $52,140. A bid of $94,300 came from Schaefer Excavating, Pontoon Beach, and J.P. Solutions, Benld, provided a bid of $110,025.
BALZRAINE PUTS LANDLORDS ON NOTICE
After asking Verticchio to send letters to the owners of nine properties with ordinance violations, Ald. Balzraine said he wanted to crack down on the owners of a rental residents who neglect their properties.
“We shouldn’t have to go after these landlords,” Balzraine said. “They should check their own properties. The city is getting tired of it. People don’t want to live next to that (neglected properties) and they shouldn’t have to.”
Properties Balzraine asked Verticchio to cite included:
- 714 Rose Street, junk dryer outside.
- P.O Box 188 South First Street, tall grass and collapsed building.
- 512 South First Street, neighbors complaining about junk, trash and diapers.
- 203 South Second Street, tall grass and old sofa outside.
- 304 South Second Street, old refrigerator outside.
- 404 Park Avenue, junk car in back.
- 214 Park Avenue, tires, collapsed garage and tall weeds.
- 201 North Seventh Street, remodeling project.
Three of the properties are owned by Cornerstone Rentals, owned by Tim Loveless, Gillespie. One is owned by Brian Komanesky, also of Gillespie. Both men own numerous rental properties in Benld.
In addition to the property Balzraine cited, Komanesky reportedly owns an 306 Park Avenue, which was the target of ordinance violations related to property maintenance. The tenant, Bonnie Kirk, appeared before the council Monday night to report the yard has been cleaned up. Saracco said brush in back of the residence also is in the process of being removed.
Balzraine said Komanesky was sent a letter about the property’s condition but “nothing was done.”
Kirk said she got little cooperation from her landlord regarding physical repairs.
Balzraine said her difficulties with the property owners didn’t come as a surprise. “You have to understand the reason I’m involved is I get calls from the neighbors,” he said. “People don’t want to live next to (derelict properties).”
Kirk also discussed a complaint about the number of cats at her residence. She said only three of the five cats around her home were actually hers. The others, she said, were neighborhood strays. Both Balzraine and Koyne reminded Kirk of the city’s leash law, saying her cats would be subject to being picked up if they are roaming free. She also was advised it is unlawful to feed feral cats.
Kirk told the council that she plans to move out of the house by the end of the month because of issues with her landlord and the fact the house is too big for her.
Koyne asked Verticchio to send a letter to Komanesky to ensure he has the house inspected before renting to another tenant and to ensure the water and sewer service is in the name of the tenant, not the property owner.
In a somewhat related matter, the council approved paying an $840.52 bill to Macoupin County Animal Control, with the provision that the city would no longer be responsible for charges incurred when Animal Control responds to calls from private citizens.
“People in town are calling them willy-nilly and we’re getting the bill for it,” Mayor Kelly said. “I don’t mind paying when we are the ones who call them.”
PROPERTY REPOSSESSION
The council voted unanimously to have Verticchio send a letter to Robert McLain advising McLain that the city plans to take possession of property at 217 South Seventh Street that the city sold to him three years ago.
“We sold the house with the agreement he would either tear it down or fix it,” Mayor Kelly said, alleging McLain had not made adequate progress on abating the nuisance property. “My opinion, we should take it back.”
McLain offered a successful bid of $500 to buy the property from the city in August 2021.
Council members also agreed to offer Monte Oberman $7,500 to purchase a residence at 215 East Central Avenue that previously was declared a nuisance. Overman reportedly agreed to sell the property to the city in lieu of abating the nuisance.
NEW HIRE
On the recommendation of City Clerk Koyne, the council approved hiring Gier Perkins on a 90-day probationary basis as an office worker in the City Clerk’s office.
AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR
Council members voted unanimously to accept of bid from McGhee Heating and Cooling, Mount Olive, to update air conditioning for the DeStefane Events Center (Civic Center). The bid includes $1,923 to update the thermostat system and $1,581 to replace one air conditioning unit.
LIBRARY BOARD APPOIINTMENTS
The council unanimously approved the Mayor’s reappointment of Denise Cadmus, Norman Emmons and Cindy Saracco to three-year terms on the Frank Bertetti Benld Public Library Board.
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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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Community News
Gillespie council provisionally approves $4 million streetscape contract, greenlights solar project at CCSC
With federal agencies facing budget and personnel cuts, and a spending bill to fund government operations in flux, Gillespie City Council members voted 5-2 to tentatively approve a $4 million contract to complete the long-awaited downtown streetscape project. The contract with Stutz Excavating, Inc., Alton, is conditioned upon the city receiving $4 million in grant funds previously awarded by Rural Development, a program administered by the federal Department of Agriculture and potentially at risk of Department of Government Efficiency cuts and/or Congressional failure to approve a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through Sept. 30.
With a bid of $4,032,048.79, Stutz was the lower of two bidders for the project. The second bidder, Kinney Contractors, offered a $4.9 million contract. In addition to the base contract, Stutz offered two alternate bids—$203,000 for additional electrical receptacles on newly installed street light poles, and $210,000 for brick pavers in lieu of stamped concrete for downtown sidewalks. In addition to being less expensive, stamped concrete is recommended for durability and easier maintenance, according to Mike Brandt, and engineer with Curry and Associates Engineering, who presented the bids to the council.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the grant requires the project to be completed by the end of 2025. With the grant funds vulnerable, the window for completing the project could narrow.
“The problem right now is we have DOGE making program cuts and the recurring issue of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government,” Fisher said. The House is likely to pass the CR, according to Fisher, but the bill could easily stall in the Senate. As part of the CR proposal, all earmarks from this year will be frozen, but Fisher said Gillespie’s grant money was earmarked in the prior year.
“I think we will know one way or another in the next 30 to 60 days,” he said. “The bid is good for 90 days so, in theory, we have three months.”
Ald. Landon Pettit questioned the lack of contingency funds in Stutz’s bid, pointing out unexpected expenses could push the project cost beyond the city’s budget. Fisher said Rural Development recommends contingency funds equal to five to seven percent of the project.
“Ten percent is ideal,” he said. “On a $4 million project, that’s $400,000.”
Additionally, Fisher said, the city is entitled to negotiate with the contractor once the contract is awarded to reduce the scope of the project to rein in costs.
“How can you do that after you sign a contract for $4 million and whatever?” Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller asked.
“We have exactly $4 million in grant money,” Fisher said. “The contract is a unit-based contract. We have the ability to reduce the contract by reducing the contract.” As an example, he said the contract may specify a monetary amount for each linear foot for sewer line installation; the city can reduce the contract by reducing the length of sewer line it decides to install. Ultimately, Fisher estimated the city will have to come up with about $250,000 out-of-pocket to complete the project.
Several aldermen expressed discomfort over entering the into the contract when the grant funds are in doubt.
“We have no guarantee this money is coming,” Ald. Pettit said.
“If we sign the contract and the money doesn’t come,” Ald. Wendy Rolando noted, “we don’t have $4 million dollars to spend.”
Fisher said the grant has been awarded, but the city cannot access the money until after the contract is awarded. If the grant money is stalled, the contract will be void and the project will be terminated.
Ald. Bob Fritz complained that improvements to side streets are no longer included in the scope of work.
“I was under the impression that we would do the streets for one block off of Macoupin Street,” Fritz said Walnut Street is deteriorated along with sidewalks on Chestnut Street. He said he would like to see Walnut repaved to the curbs to provide additional parking just a block away from the business district. Moreover, he said the sidewalk in front of the former Area News building on Chestnut is deteriorated to the point of being impassable.
“It doesn’t make sense to replace that sidewalk before the building is torn downs, because they will mess it up tearing it down,” he said. He proposed delaying parts of the project until the building is razed.
“We have to have the project completed in 2025,” Fisher replied. “We can’t put $4 million of grant money at risk for a $5,000 sidewalk.”
After several minutes of discussion, a motion by Rolando, seconded by Ald. Bill Hayes, to accept the Stutz contract, conditioned upon the city receiving $4 million in grant funds, was approved with Rolando, Hayes, Dona Rauzi, Dave Link and Frank Barrett voting “yes.” Ald. Fritz and Ald. Odell-Mueller voted “no,” with Ald. Pettit abstaining.
With a goal of improving the business climate in the downtown area, the Streetscape project has been under discussion for more than two years. Jointly initiated by Grow Gillespie, a civic improvement group, and the City of Gillespie, the project includes lighting, landscaping and parking improvements in the downtown commercial area with an eye toward stimulating economic growth.
SOLAR FIELD ZONING VARIANCE
With one dissenting vote, the council accepted the Zoning Board’s recommendation to approve a 35-year temporary use permit allowing SunCode Energy to install a power generating solar field on the north end of property owned by the Coal Country Sports Complex. Kent Tarro, representing the Coal Country Sports Association, told the council the solar field will not interfere with existing soccer fields or use of the property by cross-country runners while generating revenue to maintain and operate the recreational facility.
“This is a way to keep us sustainable while using reclaimed coal mine property,” he said.
Brett Jacoby, SunCode attorney, said the 18-acre solar field will generate about five megawatts of energy—enough to power five average sized homes. Located on the north side of the reclaimed “gob pile” left behind from the Little Dog Coal Mine, the solar field will be “virtually invisible” to persons using the sports complex for recreation, according to Jacoby.
Currently tax-exempt, the property is expected to generate $27,000 in property tax revenue in the first year and $654,000 over the life of the permit. The project is expected to produce 25 local prevailing wage construction jobs during the estimated 12-month construction period.
Once the temporary permit expires, SunCode will dismantle and remove all equipment and return the land to the Sports Association, according to Jacoby.
Jacoby told the council that power generated from the the field will be uploaded to the Ameren power grid. Local energy customers can participate by subscribing to the project to realize a slight discount on their power bills.
“There’s no cost to subscribe and subscribers can end the contract at any time,” Jacoby said. “It will take 10 to 15 percent off their monthly electrical bill, so it’s not life changing.”
City Attorney Rick Verticchio reported that during a Zoning Board hearing last week, SunCode officials pledged to offer training sessions for local firefighters and make arrangements for emergency services to have access to the fenced site.
A motion by Ald. Pettit to approve the temporary use permit was approved 7-1 with Ald. Rolando casting a dissenting vote.
SIREN PURCHASE APPROVED
Council members approved spending up to $90,000 to purchase and install four new emergency sirens. Initially, City Treasurer Fisher sidetracked Ald. Fritz’s proposal to purchase the equipment, saying there were no grant programs available and not enough money in the Emergency Services and Disaster Administration fund to cover the cost of new sirens.
“The only grant program available is through Rural Development and they have no funds to distribute until the budget is approved,” Fisher said, again invoking legislative chaos in Washington. He said the city’s ESDA fund had only $62,000.
The council then went on to other matters, only to have Ald. Pettit circle back to the siren issue after a few minutes.
“If we took some money out of the Revolving Loan Fund, some out of ESDA and some out of TIF II—and I know there’s not a lot in that fund—we could cobble together $80,000 and not hurt the General Fund too bad,” Pettit speculated. Pettit said money transferred from the Revolving Loan Fund and TIF II could be repaid over time. After further discussion, his motion to authorize the purchase was unanimously approved.
The equipment, provided by Sentry Sirens, Inc., will be installed at four locations, including the water treatment plant, city cemetery, Community Unit School District 7 campus, and a mobile home court on the city’s southwest side. Fritz said the sirens will blast different signals to indicate severe weather versus other emergencies.
LAKE LOT ISSUE
Following the city attorney’s recommendation, the council voted to secure a property tax “assignment” on a lake lot located at 10227 Fries Lane on which property taxes are delinquent. Council members, however, referred to committee a recommendation to amend lake lot leases to mandate forfeiture if a lease-holder fails to pay property taxes due.
“We don’t want a taxing body to acquire that property,” City Attorney Verticchio said. Monday night’s action secures the property and enables the city to transfer the lease to another lease-holder.
Verticchio said he would like to add a provision to future leases requiring the lease-holder to pay property taxes or surrender the lot. Ald Pettit said he and Ald. Barrett had other recommendations for amending future leases. He proposed tabling Verticchio’s request until after the Lake Committee can meet to make other changes to the lease.
In a related matter, Pettit asked to have the City Clerk’s office compile a list of all surplus real estate the city owns with an eye toward selling the lots. Verticchio said properties that have previously been advertised for sale but did not attract bidders can legally be sold for a price negotiated between the city and the buyer.
“Right now no one is paying taxes on those properties,” Pettit said “We can sell them essentially to recover attorney fees, and start getting tax revenue from them.”
EAST GILLESPIE/EAGARVILLE SEWER CONTRACT
As the City of Gillespie eyes a project to replace deteriorating sewer lines in the city, Verticcho recommended renegotiating satellite contracts with Eagarville and East Gillespie to continue treating waste from both communities. Council members voted unanimously to authorize Mayor John Hicks to enter into negotiations to draft new agreements.
The city apparently plans to seek financial assistance from Rural Development to undertake the project, similar to how it financed a project to replace water distribution lines. Verticchio indicated the new contracts should include new rates to comply with mandates Rural Development will require to underwrite the sewer improvement project.
LAKE POSITION
Following a 30-minute executive session, the council voted unanimously to hire Austin Loftis to step into duties vacated by former Lake Supervisor Gary Thornhill, though the motion to hire did not identify Loftis’ title or address wages. Loftis reportedly had been fulfilling Thornhill’s duties after Thornhill resigned to accept another job. The motion to hire Loftis included a provision for a six-month probationary period.
PROTECTIVE VEST SALE
Acting on a recommendation by Police Chief Jared DePoppe, the council voted to offer a protective vest used by an officer who recently resigned to take another job for sale to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department for $750. DePoppe told the council the vests are fitted specifically to the individual, so it would be essentially useless to the city. He said he based the asking price on the original cost and the amount time it had been used in Gillespie.
HOLLIS RESOLUTION
Council members unanimously approved a formal resolution recognizing Thomas William Hollis, a Gillespie resident who achieved the rank of Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps before he was killed in action at the age of 19 in Vietnam. Born May 24, 1948, Hollis attended Gillespie High School where he was a star athlete. After graduation, he volunteered for the Marine Corps and was killed on Jan. 28, 1968, in Quang Tri Province as a result of artillery rocket mortar fire. He was one of about 55,000 American soldiers killed in action during the Vietnam War.
Passage of the resolution paves the way for the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect signs honoring Hollis on Illinois Route 16 at the east and north entrances to the city.
CONXXUS SOLICITATION
The council heard briefly from Wendy Nobel, representing Conxxus fiber optic internet, before granting a solicitation permit for Conxxus employees to make door-to-door solicitations of Gillespie residents. Nobel said solicitors will explain various plans available to customers and potential benefits of the newly installed $1.6 million system. Nobel said most residents have received solicitation materials in the mail but “we’ve found people don’t always understand the materials and they’re more comfortable dealing with someone face-to-face.”
Solicitors will check in with city hall on the days they plan to work in the city, and voluntarily provide photos of the solicitors to be posted on the city’s social media page. Nobel there usually will be no more than one person working in the city at a time.
POLICE STATION PAYMENT
Council members approved payment of $1,500 to John Watson Contracting for work associated with reconnecting bathroom facilities in the basement of the newly renovated Police Station building on Macoupin Street. The work was not included in the original bid for the work.
In a related matter, the council approved payment of the second installment of $59,199 to Watson Contracting from the city’s Tax Increment Financing Funds for work completed on remodeling the new Police Station.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved advertising for applications for two seasonal worker positions at Gillespie Lake.
- Agreed to spend up to $500 to investigate electrical fixtures at Pomatto Park to determine what is needed for repairs.
- Accepted two bids totaling $950 from Feeley Tree Service to remove two trees located on city boulevards on Cedar Street and on Illinois Route 4 south.
