Community News
Benld Council set rental rates for city property
Bernot explains water rates have to be raised despite Gillespie’s comment
Jim Tilashalski explains that many of the committees cross-section each other. Mayor Mickey Robinson listens attentively.
The council reviewed a copy of the rental agreement drew up by city property committee during a special council meeting on August 27. “It includes the time they come in, the current date, their name, and all of the pertinent information,” Gloria Sidar explained. The four locations available for rent are the civic center, the city park, the city ball diamonds, and the city gazebo.
Rental for Benld residents is a non-refundable $150 fee while a nonresident fee is $250 nonrefundable. A $75 cleaning deposit is required and refunded upon inspection of the building or park while a $150 property damage deposit is also collected and refunded after inspection. Inspections are made by the Mayor of Benld and the city property chairperson. A $150 dram-shop fee can be included if alcohol is being served.
“It is our suggestion that the payment is made by one check and the check is cashed before the event,” Sidar added. If there is no damage and it is cleaned, they get back their $225 via city check. The council also suggested not charging non-alcoholic function groups such as: PTO, boy scouts, girl scouts, and school functions upon cleaning. If the property is not cleaned, a cleaning fee is to be issued. A $25 rental fee per event, and a $75 cleaning fee, is collected for funeral dinners and any Benld club or organization.
Peyton Bernot tells the council that Benld cannot afford to subsidize the cost of the water. They are forced to raise their rates.
The Benld clubs or organizations include Build Benld, Lions Club, Croations, or Italian American Club with no exceptions. “The reason the $25 fee for organizations, clubs, or dinners is to offset the cost for the city,” Sidar added. She went on to add that the city is not wealthy and they are paying for the lights and electricity. The new city property rental agreement was adopted by the council 6-0 without objections.
Water chairman, Peyton Bernot, then responded to a comment made at the last Gillespie council meeting. “I forgot who made it, but they pointed out that the City of Benld does not have to raise our water rates by 5%,” Bernot started. “I want to address that. Our margin of profit from what we buy from Gillespie and sell to our customers is 31.6% and has always been that way. It will remain 31.6% after our proposed increase,” he added.
Bernot went on to allude to it from a business perspective. “If you own a business and the products from your supplier go up a dollar, you are not going to subsidize that cost and eat that cost.” If Gillespie raises the rates on us, he closed, we have to raise our rates for our water customers because we cannot subsidize the cost of the water.
2011-2012 Audit
After discussing the 2011-2012 audit in executive session for nearly 40 minutes, Lynn Fraelle motioned for the city treasurer to receive all of the receipts and monthly bank statements to do her report, including Build Benld and Benld Public Library. It was clarified that the treasurer is allowed access to the bank records and access to copy them if needed. The motion was approved 6-0 with no objections.
City Employee Job Descriptions
Council members then gave job descriptions for employees under their assigned committee. The action was requested by Mayor Robinson. Alderman Nepute objected to reading the descriptions aloud and advised the mayor to talk to him if he had any issues.
Other alderpeople gave lengthily descriptions of the employees that fall under their committee. Jim Tilashalski, sewer chairman, advised the board that there is much cross-sectioning between committees. He questioned if fellow council members could work together to get issues resolved. Mayor Robinson advised to fill out “work orders” for any work that needs done and to coordinate with other members to make sure everything gets accomplished.
“I just want everyone to have an idea of everyone’s job here,” Mayor Robinson interrupted. Lynn Fraelle, finance committee, explained that the city comptroller’s job description was approved and she advised the mayor she rather discuss the description in private.
Rick Vertichio recommends a year contact with the meter reader company and not three years.
Bernot explained it is the water department’s job to ensure that water meters are read on a monthly basis and to communicate with all city employees on necessary issues. He went on to add that they are to make sure all complaints are resolved in a professional manner.
The police department was the only job description that manners were added to as Gloria Sidar read the police chief’s description, the sergeant’s description, and the patrol officers. Sidar explained the chief will coordinate and administer police activity in the department. “There is one on here that he has not been doing, but he will start doing it after we have a meeting: prepare and submit police report to local media,” Sidar explained as numerous “thank-yous” were shouted out. The police beat is something that was never required before now.
For new committees, Jim Tilashalski notified the board of the new housing committee. “The main thing I see on here is the indication of all shut-offs. They are to be reported to the city clerk’s office. Police officers are also ordered to tag all vacant properties,” Jim explained. He called upon all community members to notify the clerk of any changes as some people fall in between the cracks.
Meter Reader Contract
In other new business, the council discussed the motion of the extension of the written contract of the meter reader for the City of Benld for the period of October 1through September 30, 2013. “We have presently had a contract, but he wants to go up to $1.15 versus $1.10 per meter read. He also wants a 3 year contract, but you may not want that contract based on the installation of these new meters,” City Attorney Rick Vertichio added. The council discussed the motion of keeping the contract for one year with a 60 day provision if the City of Benld wants to cancel the contract. The motion was tabled as the City of Benld is going to seek bids to see if the city can get a lower rate.
Insurance for Lift Stations
Mayor Robinson then brought up the idea to insure the lift stations. The lift stations are not insured presently as the City of Benld has 5. “They are not insured against any casualty and they are not insured for mine subsidence,” Vertichio added. The lowest bid to insure the lift stations, based on a replacement cost and a 50% depreciation cost, is going to cost $1,500 each month and an extra $200 each month to cover mine subsidence.
Numerous alderpeople said they have gotten by for numerous years without the insurance. “If the pump goes out, we will just replace the pump,” Alderman Nepute explained. Other alderpeople explained they do not want to add the insurance on the city’s yearly insurance renewal plan. The council decided to check into repairing costs to see if it would be cheaper to replace parts as needed versus insuring the stations. The decision will be voted on in the regular September council meeting.
Amendment 4198: Housing Inspections
Lastly, the council raised the housing inspection from $40 to $75 after a 6-0 motion made by Gloria Sidar. They also advised the current inspector to get his license to legally inspect houses. Rich explained it would be best to get the certification in October so it is good for 2 years as inspectors have to retest every two years in November.
The motion also included a 30 day time limit to call the city inspector back free of charge. Meaning, the house owner only has 30 days to call the inspector back after fixing the problems, so the inspector can reinspect the property free of charge. If the 30 days have expired, the owner will be charged for the inspector to revisit the property. Amendment 4198 was approved 6-0 including the new raise and the time limit.
NEXT MEETING: The next regular scheduled meeting for the City of Benld is September 10 at 7:00 in the evening.
Comments
FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
