Community News
Benld Council hears from County Clerk Pete Duncan: UPDATED
Council opts to not advertise for inspector position
Gloria Sidar updated the council on police department issues.
County Clerk Pete Duncan explained the April 2013 election to the council on Monday, September 10. “This is the first time I have been county clerk start to finish,” Duncan opened. He just wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page as him.
According to Duncan, petitions are going to start circulating on September 25. Duncan said the county’s list is showing the mayor seat will be vacant, city clerk, and city treasurer are all up. He went on to add that one seat is up in Ward 1 and the other Ward 1 seat is just a two year position rather than the four year. “They are just filling out the term.”
Pete Duncan explains how the 2013 election is going to work.
Ward 2 has one seat that will normally be up and one seat in Ward 3. “Double check if that is accurate, but that is what we are showing.” Duncan stressed it is important for candidates to indicate whether they want to run for the full term or 2 year term in Ward 1.
Other than that, he explained that everyone will run as independents. 14 signatures are the minimum and 64 is the maximum amount of signatures needed to run for the mayor, city clerk, and treasurer. The paperwork for all candidates was handed over to the City Clerk. Filing for positions is from December 17 to December 24. That means the City Clerk’s office has to be open until 5pm on Christmas Eve. “The only exception would be if Governor Quinn changes December 24 to a state holiday,” Duncan said. “That would bump it back to December 26.”
After meeting in executive session for approximately 20 minutes discussing the city inspector position, Peyton Bernot motioned to advertise for applicants for a “state qualified housing inspector.” Bernot explained that anyone with interest can write a letter to the council and fill out an application. The deadline would be 2 weeks.
Nepute seconded the motion, but the motion was only able to receive 3 “yes” votes from Bernot, Tilashalski, and Nepute. With the vote at a stalemate, Mayor Robinson was required to break the decision by either voting “yes” in favor of advertising for applicants or “no” in favor of not to advertise. Robinson voted “no.”
The council will now have to wait for applicant to be mailed in since they cannot advertise or wait for Rich Plavonich to get his certification. Plavonich is currently the housing inspector, but lacking the state qualified certification. The council does not know if he is planning on obtaining that or not. He mentioned at a previous meeting he would in November.
For the time being, the City of Benld has asked Bob Lancaster to fill in as the city building inspector. Lancaster is currently the building inspector in Gillespie. According to him, he has a few papers to sign and that’s it. Lancaster will be inspecting the buildings until Rich Plavonich gets his certification or the council hires an applicant.
Recognition of Public
Kathy Petrak presented the council with a bid for the plumbing at the Nutrition Center. “That is a union, state-certified bid,” she added. According to Petrak, this has to be done before “Mr. Bussmann” is all over us. The bid was added under old business and the council approved Stern’s Plumbing bid to do the plumbing. The bid contained installation of a grease trap in the basement and a couple other items to total $868.09. Robinson explained the city is only going to pay half of the amount while the Nutrition Center picking up the other half.
Petrak also clarified that the Municipal Band has to contact the city council to play at any function. “There was an article published in the Staunton paper about why Staunton paid their bill and Benld did not,” she explained. According to the council, the band was never asked to play. They just showed up because they thought it was Benld and they always play. The band director was actually questioned on Memorial Day why he brought the band to play. Petrak added that she is going to mail a letter to the new director and explain the process to him.
As confirmed before, Peyton Bernot announced that Ray Weller confirmed the fact that back-flow preventers do not need to be installed.
City Attorney Report
The city attorney updated the council on the video gambling ordinance. “It has been turned over to the Department of Revenue,” Gina explained. “5% of the 30% tax will be forwarded to the city.” She also went on to pass around the new ordinance that raises the home inspection fee to $75. It also includes a reinspection if the 60 days since the original inspection has not expired.
She also advised the city not to take any action on the 218 West Walnut property until the council speaks with Casey Willmann. “We want her to sign an agreement if we clean up the property.” She moved on to the Conlee property where they received a judgment against them. The Vertichio office is working with the EPA to help with the demolition removal. “We had a case in Virden where the EPA provided the dumpsters to help with any waste.”
Committee Reports
Gloria Sidar, police chairwoman, advised the council that the police department got the police report published last week. She also said she checked on having an “ordinance reminder” published in the paper once or twice a month. “The paper charges $20 per month,” Sidar explained. Robinson advised her to take it back to her committee to bring back a recommendation for the next meeting.
In other committee reports, Jim Tilashalski explained the bid packet he received from B&R Utility Services. “They also included a cost factor in connection with reading the water meters,” he added.
Peyton Bernot updated the council on the water committee meeting held earlier in the day Monday. The grant administrator and engineer was present along with Ray Weller, the Benld Water Operator. According to Bernot, Weller confirmed back flow preventers are not necessary for installation. “If we were to put back flow preventers in, we would have to notify the residents and they would have to put in an expansion tank in their home before we could put the back flow preventer in.”
The mayor also explained that he received another applicant for the housing inspector position. “We have two now,” Robinson explained.
Old Business
In old business, the council looked over the two bids they have for the meter reader contracts. Greg Beckwith of Midwest Environmental spoke up. “We currently have a contract in the waste water lagoon system for the last decade and we have another contract with the city to read the meters,” Greg started. “I was given a verbal agreement from the previous mayor to go past the current contract to adjust the reads after the new meters were put in. We were not aware you were accepted bids for a job we are already doing.”
Midwest Environmental’s bid is $1.15 per each meter bid while B&R Utility was at $0.95 each meter. The council notified Greg that the council never advertised for bids. “We just have your bid from 2 months ago and this other bid that we received,” Robinson explained. Beckwith stated he thought his company felt like they did the City a good job. The council decided to take the bids back to the committee and report back to the council next meeting.
New Business
The council then amended liquor ordinance 3-4-14 to prohibit persons from remaining on the property of a tavern rather than just remaining in the building. There have been past incidents where patrons come out of the tavern on time, but remain outside on the property after hours and continue to consume alcohol. “This ordinance will state that they cannot remain inside the building or on the property,” Gloria Sidar explained. “There have been multiple calls about this. The ordinance was approved 6-0.
The council also passed a new ordinance prohibiting the riding of ATV’s, go-karts, dirt bikes, or any sound amplifying device on private property. There have been numerous complaints in the past, Sidar added. The council passed the ordinance 5-1 with objection from Nepute.
Mickey Robinson, mayor, then explained to the council that the City of Benld will receive bonus money from the third quarter motor fuel tax review. The council should receive $6,692 by November 1.
Police
The council then requested action to amend Chief of Police Ordinance 5-1-3,/D. Duties, 3. The amendment will remove from the ordinance that the chief or the deputy is not required to attend all City Council meetings. The new amendment passed 4-2 with objection from Tilashalski and Bernot.
Drew Sloan was then hired as a part time police officer to fill in as needed. All council members voted in favor of the action as Tilashalski explained he voted “yes” because he is now involved with the police committee and is in favor of the openness now.
Comments
FELONIES
Kyle W. Bennett, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with a felon failure to return from furlough in connection with a November 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Dewey E. Morgan, 66 of Carlinville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with an August 29 incident.
Elizabeth A. Marfell, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 8 incident.
Dorothy J. Anderson, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 27 incident.
TRAFFIC
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 7 incident.
Jennifer L. Arnotti, 34 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 11 incident.
Kelan J. Stevenson, 27 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 17 incident.
Ernest L. Stevenson, 21 of Benld, is charged with improper use registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Joshua T. Koniak, 43 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Casey R. Ness, 48 of Greenville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Gary R. Priddle, 46 of Benld, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Travis J. Bramley, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Matthew Diamond versus Stephanie Diamond
- Marilyn K. Loveless versus Jerel D. Loveless Sr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Timothy H. Johnson and Jennifer Kay Woolsey, both of Staunton
- Daniel Allen Balai of Bunker Hill and Chloe Renee Yinger of Alton
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.
