Community News
Benld Council eyes new city hall expenses, adopts amended appropriation ordinance
Benld city aldermen authorized expenditures of up to more than $14,000 Monday night to begin retrofitting the former First National Bank building, 218 E. Central Avenue, for use as the City Hall. The city purchased the building this fall for $95,700 via an online auction.
The council unanimously authorized expenditures of up to $3,582.84 with Madison Communications and up to $1,729 with Mark Carpani of Carpani Computers to install telephone and internet equipment. Madison submitted a bid to complete the entire project. Mayor Jim Kelly said Madison, however, is now working with Carpani to cooperatively share the work, meaning either or both companies’ final bills may be less than their original bids. Total expenditures for telephone and internet work should not exceed a total of $5,312.
Council members also voted unanimously to contract with Auto Sound and Security, Staunton, to install security cameras for the newly acquired building.
Additionally, the council agreed to buy six conference tables from Macy’s for slightly more than $1,100. City Clerk Terri Koyne, who has been cleaning the new building, said the existing chairs from the city council chambers can be used with the new tables. She said she cleaned the upholstery on eight additional chairs from the existing break room that can be used in aldermanic council room that can be used for private meetings and executive sessions.
On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, the council accepted a bid of up to $450 from Chris Hartspencer, Gillespie, to power wash the former bank building prior to moving city offices to the new location.
The fate of current city offices, located in the same building with the Civic Center, has not been determined. One possibility may be providing space for small meetings of outside groups such as Build Benld.
No timeline was discussed Monday night regarding when the city’s offices will move to the new facility.
APPROPRIATION AMENDMENT
Council members approved an amended appropriation ordinance increasing the city’s spending limits for the fiscal year by nearly $240,000. The original $2.2 million appropriation was approved by the council in June to govern spending from May 1, 2024, through April 30,2025. Though required by law, the appropriation is not equivalent to a budget; the ordinance sets spending ceilings for each of the city’s accounts. In the event spending exceeds the amount appropriated, the council is required to approve an amended appropriation to authorize the additional spending.
The lion’s share of the increase in appropriations falls under the are of City Property. The amended ordinance adds $90,000 to $10,000 originally appropriated for Capital Outlay, ostensibly to cover the cost of acquiring the former First National Bank building. The appropriation for Repairs and Maintenance was upped by $60,000. The appropriation for Building Demolition was increased by $20,000, apparently covering costs associated with the city’s increasingly aggressive approach to disposing of nuisance properties.
The Capital Outlay line item under Sewer Fund Expenses was increased by $65,000.
Maximum expenditures from the General Fund for Telephone and Internet Expenses was increased from $4,850 to $8,350—an increase of $3,500.
Maximum expenditures from the Police Fund was increased from $1,000 to $2,000 for Animal Control.
The newly amended ordinance will be filed with the Macoupin County Clerk’s Office.
2025 MOTOR FUEL TAX MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Following a brief presentation by Doug Ratermann, and engineer with HMG Engineers, Breese, the council voted unanimously to submit to the Illinois Department of Transportation a Motor Fuel Tax street maintenance program in the amount of $100,000. The document, subject to approval by IDOT, outlines anticipated costs for street maintenance next year to be paid from the city’s Motor Fuel Tax funds.
Ratermann said the program is similar to previous years, but with prices adjusted upward for most materials. The total proposed program is estimated to cost about $75,000 but Ratermann said he recommended seeking approval of up $100,000 to allow for possible maintenance work in addition to standard resurfacing and sealing. He said he and Public Works Director James Savant had discussed using a CA7 material to patch some streets not scheduled for resurfacing.
Ratermann said performance of the CA7 material should be superior to the cold patch normally used for patching, and should put those streets in better condition for resurfacing in 2026.
The proposed program calls for purchasing 12,200 gallons of HFE 150 bituminous material sealer at a cost of $39,650, plus 500 tons of rock chips at a cost of $11,515. Another expenditure of $11,515 is expected to apply and roll the chips. Total cost for street maintenance is estimated at $62,665.
Additionally, the proposed program anticipates expenditure of $1,825 for 100 tons of CA-6 aggregate, and $6,500 for 50 tons of bituminous patch for patching streets.
The program includes an estimated $3,798 for engineering costs.
The proposal to IDOT includes engineer estimates only. Pricing for materials and application will be finalized when IDOT lets bids for MFT programs statewide early next year. The document approved Monday night serves as an appropriation setting spending limits to come from MFT funds.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
No action followed a 10-minute executive session during which the Mayor and council members met with Jono Verticchio, who attended on behalf of City Attorney Rick Verticchio.
Council members were advised that Robert McLain has agreed to surrender property at 217 South Seventh Street in lieu of abating the nuisance. The city sold the home to McLain three years ago with the agreement that he would either raze and repair the building in a reasonable amount of time. Since McLain is in breach of his contract with the city, Verticchio said no formal action was needed for the city to take possession.
“He wasn’t in compliance with the contract, so I don’t think you need a motion to take the property back,” Verticchio said.
SPORTS COMPLEX PAYMENT
On Ratermann’s recommendation, the council approved payment of $26,808.80 to J.P. Solutions, pending proof of insurance. Ratermann said the company is entitled to payment, having removed lamp post bases and a sewer line at the former site of the Benld Elementary School, currently being developed as a sports complex and public park.
The insurance issue is a technicality, as Ratermann explained. Documents originally provided to him fell short on coverage for individual incidents. Since then, the company has been in contact with its insurance carrier and had coverage amounts adjusted upward. Confirmation, however, has not yet been received by Ratermann.
“We do not have a fully executed contract,” Ratermann said. “My recommendation, if you want to approve this, is to approve it pending receipt of a fully executed contract. A ‘fully executed contract’ just means I get a copy of their insurance.”
The council also authorized Mayor Jim Kelly to approve a contract of up to $25,000 for electrical work at the park site.
“We have all the dirt work done and we’re ready for electrical work,” Kelly said. Among the electrical items to be completed are installation of two four-inch conduits that will go under the street adjacent to the park, and underground conduit to bring electrical service to the yet-to-be-installed scoreboards.
RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Council members voted unanimously to renew the city’s liability coverage through the Illinois Municipal League’s Risk Management Association. The shared risk cooperative is available to municipalities that are members of the Municipal League.
Council members authorized a payment of $25,535.51, which includes $250 in dues for the city to remain a member of IML. Municipalities receive a discount for payment in full as opposed to monthly payments for coverage.
The council also voted unanimously to renew its unemployment insurance at a cost of $1,242.80, which includes a brokerage fee.
RESIDENTIAL REQUEST
Jerry and Sheila Springsmeyer approached the council with a request to use four acres behind their home on Eighth Street to raise three horses. The acreage currently is zoned for agricultural use.
Springsmeyer said Illinois recognizes any farmable land as suitable for livestock. Verticchio advised, however, that city ordinance prohibits farm animals within the city limits.
Mayor Kelly said complying with the Springsmeyer’s request would require amending the ordinance. He invited them to return with a detailed plan about what they have in mind and how changing the ordinance would be justified.
“The council could consider an ordinance change,” Kelly said, “but it won’t be an overnight thing.”
“It just seems like a lot of land just setting out there,” Springsmeyer said, noting the couple currently rents the acreage out for crop producation. “We’d like to be able to use it for ourselves.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
• Authorized payment of $4,500 to Joe’s Electric for work completed at the City Park.
• Accepted a bid of $3,700 from Emmons Tree Service, Carlinville, to remove dead trees from city rights-of-way.
• Authorized payment of Christmas bonuses in the amount of $125 for full-time employees and $75 for part-time employees.
Comments
FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Michael C. Malone, 59 of Melbourne, Florida, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to South Second Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Matthew R. Bowen, 18 of Fairview Heights, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a medical assist.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Clinton Street. Samantha L. Jansen, 53 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to trespassing.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a business security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Green Street and Easton Street. McKenna N. Kampwerth, 21 of South Roxana, was arrested on multiple warrants. The South Roxana warrant was for failure to appear for traffic leaving the scene, the warrant out of Wood River was for possession of meth, and the warrant out of Collinsville was for possession of meth.
An officer was dispatched to East Gillespie on Route 16 East to Assist an Illinois State trooper with a call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an electrical fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a battery.
Keshawn K. Bush, 40 of Gillespie, was arrested for criminal trespass to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street reference criminal trespass to property.
Brandon L. Smith, 29 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
Ryan D. Shoger, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jesus E. Cabrera-Ramirez, 33 of Gilbert, AZ, was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Alison M. Whitehead, 29 of Staunton, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Willow Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Layla R. Eden, 18 of Bunker Hill, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and possession of alcoholic liquor under the age of 21.
An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Oak Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a fire. The officer discovered it was a control burn.
An officer was dispatched to a business at East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an alarm.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 40 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear while driving while license are revoked.
The school resource officer was contacted by the high school counselor and advised him of a sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie Street reference a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to retail theft. David A. Orear, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic. Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male in the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Bruce E. Jackson, 64 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Joseph W. Webb, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 East in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare reference a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Plum Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Grace Street and Clinton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a business check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Levi T. Kroll, 35 of Eagarville, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a November 10 incident.
David J. Karrick, 44 of Virden, is charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 10 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jason H. Rells, 50 of Virden, is charged with resisting a peace officer/ firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin H. Bodine, 42 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a November 2 incident.
Stephanie K. Short, 59 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officer, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 31 incident.
Stacey L. Hart, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene in connection with an October 27 incident.
Troy J. Camerer, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to give notice of crash, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 30 incident.
Lucas J. Edwards, 22 of Caledonia, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 26-34 mph over the limit, and being unlicensed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Allen D. James Jr, 62 of Virden, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an October 30 incident.
Zachary S. Hoffstot, 44 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
Dustin P. Cunningham, 33 of Greenfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 11 incident.
Courtney R. Coonce, 31 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a November 8 incident.
Ashley R. Winters, 38 of Kane, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jennifer M. Bushue versus Jesse J. Bushue
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Daniel Robert Dobrino of Benld and Hannah Marie Pritchett of Edwardsville
