Community News
Benld Council moves forward with installing meters
$85,000 worth of meters sitting in City Hall
Jim Tilashalski explains to Mickey Robinson that he voted 'yes' on the meters 6 months ago and was well aware that the meters did not have a backflow preventer on them.
During the committee reports, Peyton Bernot notified the council during a regular meeting on Monday, June 11 that $85,000 worth of water meters are sitting in City Hall right now. The first shipment of water meters arrived 5 months ago and only 6 have been installed since that time. “The reason for that, I don’t know why,” Bernot added.
Last month the City of Benld hired an employee to handle the grass cutting to free up time for other maintenance employees. That fact of the matter is, Bernot went on, the grant that purchased these water meters is not closed out and we are jeopardizing the grant we have in place for the sewer lift stations.
Mayor Hendricks questioned whether the device to read the radio-read meters has arrived yet. Bernot said no, but installation can still proceed without the device that is on back order. Mayor Hendricks misunderstood Bernot a few months back in a private conversation when the question was brought up then. According to Mayor Hendricks, Bernot stated that the meters could not be installed without the device, but Bernot said he never said such thing.
“You can still read the mobile-based meters without the meter,” Bernot said. “You told me the mobile-based readers have to be read before we install them,” Mayor Hendricks said. The reader is still on backorder after being purchased 60 days ago.
So we are going to put our $80,000 worth of radio-read meters in and still read them by hand, Mayor Hendricks questioned. The answer supplied by Bernot was yes, until the device arrives. Bernot also posed an alternative, the direct-read meters can be installed first.
Mickey Robinson questioned whether the meters have a back-flow valve on the new meters because “that is a 1987 federal law safety issue.” Bernot answered, “You have asked me this before Mickey and I have checked with the EPA, Bob Weller, and Rick Schulte, and you do not need backflow preventers since we are replacing current meters.” Robinson went on to demand the conversation in writing until he added a further comment.
The decision to purchase these meters came 6 months ago by a unanimous 6-0 vote, it was in the proposal that the meters ‘do not have to have backflow preventers.’ The rest of the aldermen agreed they were well aware of the situation 6 months ago. “You voted yes on this action 6 months ago Mickey,” Tilashalski added.
Tikashalski then went on to say that the City of Benld has close to 40 broken meters that are not working that are reading zero usage. “To my understanding, one of these is at a residence that just recently filled their swimming pool with water,” Tilashalski explained. “I voted for the person to cut the grass, so our men could start working on these meters because we are losing money.”
Mayor Hendricks said the work can now begin immediately. “I did not have them put those in because I understood you say they had to be read with the device,” Mayor Hendricks said. “I misunderstood you then.” According to Hendricks, the work order to install the meters went out on June 12.
The council recognized Lynn Fraelle from Build Benld. She notified the council that the ITEP grant has been submitted and the organization has received letters from Senator Durbin and Representative Schilling on behalf of the City of Benld. The letters have been forwarded to the Department of Transportation.
In other news, all the plants are in at the gazebo and the grass has even been cut once. Within the next week or two, benches and railings are set to be installed. Build Benld also received a donation for a flag pole and a flag for the gazebo.
Mayor Hendricks questioned City Attorney Rick Vertichio about the property on 218 Walnut. Vertichio is not sure what is going on there as the property is tied up with two or three other pieces of property that another group is purchasing. “I have been trying to figure out what is going on,” Vertichio added. “I will find out more information in the hearing on June 19.”
In other committee reports, Tilashalski looked over the library and said it does not need a sidewalk next to the building because it is so close to the building anyways. Maintenance has spread rock in the back for the librarian to park. Tilashalski checked with Dave DeLaurent and he has parking blocks that he would donate to the library to line the area. It would stop any car from backing into the building, which was the main concern of the library board.
He went on to add that the library could then landscape the area with some flowers and some decorative rock. Tilashalski added that he will approach the library board on Wednesday evening to see if they would like to consider doing this.
In other old business, Tilashalski questioned why the Municipal Band was paid for their performance at the Vietnam Parade. Mayor Hendricks said there was bill there, we had to pay it. The City then received a bill after the Memorial Day service when the band was not even asked to perform. “I deny payment on this bill,” Tilashalski said.
Robinson noted that the Shehorn lift station has been repaired and is running at 100% now. He went on to say that the City is waiting on parts for the South Main lift station. It will be running up to par after the parts arrive later this week. He went on to say that he has two bills that are “confusing matter” and he is not approving them.
Lastly in new business, the council passed a resolution ascertaining to the prevailing wage rate. The resolution is passed every June meeting.
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FELONIES
Bradley W. Crane, 47 of Brighton, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with a December 28, 2024 incident.
Donavon M. Holmes, 24 of Benld, is charged with felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 11 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of forgery/making/altering a document in connection with a February 10 incident.
Bradley S. Watters, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a March 12 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, is charged with unlawful possession of a knife in connection with a March 9 incident.
Tonya L. Pfeiler, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with theft control/intent (<$500) in connection with a March 1 incident.
Timothy A. Dugger, 23 of Palmyra, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 29 incident.
Dalton W. Branham, 27 of Springfield, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 23 and January 29 incident.
Crystal A. Holland, 50 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a January 18 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 59 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a February 13 incident.
Mark B. Bersch, 68 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with February 4 incident.
Robert D. Lindsey, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a March 3 incident.
Thomas W. Gray, 35 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a February 26 incident.
Ronnie E. Reyes, 40 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a March 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Bethany E. Robinson, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with drivers license expired more than a year, passing a school bus while loading/unloading, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with a February 27 incident.
Timothy R. Galston, 46 of Harvey, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 11-14 mph above the limit in connection with a March 2 incident.
Hector R. Herrera Pena, 39 of Guadalupe, NL, is charged with CDL not obtained in connection with a March 4 incident.
Stephen L. Barrick, 50 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 2 incident.
Kyle L. Stiltz, 32 of Virden, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a February 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Angela M. Berndt versus Travis E. Berndt
- Melissa K. Porter versus Kevin W. Porter
Comments
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
Comments
Illinois Farm Bureau to host ‘Rules for the Road’ trucking seminar in Carlinville on March 20
Zion Lutheran School to host open house on March 18 for preschool and kindergarten programs
