Community News
Benld Council votes not to waive failed inspection
Council decides not to sign agreement with TJ’s
Bonnie Zirkelbach holds up the shirts she purchased for Jim Savant and Jim Zirkelbach.
Judy Spencer Dona, real estate agent of Century 21, addressed the Benld City Council on November 10th during a regular scheduled board meeting. Dona explained she has a buyer interested in purchasing a property located on 707 North 6th Street. An offer is on the table, but the house failed the inspection.
The buyer would like to move in and make the repairs later because they cannot get all of the items completed before they move in. The house failed inspection because of two broken windows, two windows cannot open, back door has a keyed deadbolt, hand rail to the basement, GFCI duplex in the kitchen, wiring needs put in the basement, the home needs a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, and the main issue is two walls in the basement are caving in.
The inspection was made two weeks ago, but a second inspection has not been completed yet. The first inspection was incomplete as the garage was locked, so the inspector could not inspect the wiring inside the garage. Sidar noted that the second inspection needs to made anyway.
The buyer’s agent explained most of the items can be repaired within 30 days, but the buyer would like 6 months to fix the basement walls. The council explained they are very concerned about the basement walls and wish to stand behind the inspector at this time. “He is licensed, he knows what he is looking for and I don’t think many people would want to inspect houses for us if we waive what they have completed,” Sidar concluded. The council denied the request for a waiver by a 6-0 vote.
Gloria Sidar then brought up Terry Plovich’s offer to the City of Benld. In October, Plovich submitted a request to the council that all gas for city vehicles be purchased from TJ’s. He would take $0.05 off per gallon for all Benld vehicle and offer free coffee, fountain soda, and cappuccino to all on-duty city employees. He also added that he would subtract all the taxes from the fuel prices.
Bernot explained he checked on Casey’s bills and they give the city a five-cent discount as well, which is the same as TJ’s is offering. “The discounts are the same, so you guys can do whatever you want,” Bernot explained. Lynn Fraelle questioned whether the council needs a vote or not. Nepute said no vote is needed and the maintenance does get gas at TJ’s anyway. “They alternate back and forth,” Nepute explained.
Judy Spencer Dona of Century 21 questioned the council about waving the inspection on a house that has an offer on it.
New Business
The council approved a renewal notice for required training for law enforcement officers. The City of Benld has been sending both full time and part time officers to required training for the past 25 years.
Mayor Robinson questioned Bernot on “all the water meters that have problems.” Some meters are coming up zero that have been installed and read Robinson clarified. The mayor explained the meters that are reading zero are getting billed the minimum. “Why is that,” he questioned. “It means they are broke. I am not aware of any problems, no one has told me anything,” Bernot responded.
Robinson then questioned Bernot how much water was used in the fire two weeks ago. “I am not aware of that unless they start putting meters on the fire extinguishers,” Bernot responded. “How is he supposed to know that,” Nepute asked Robinson. “Well, you know they used over 200,000 gallons of water and that means your water budget is going to be really crazy this month. I guess you got all kinds of money then,” Robinson added.
The council voted 6-0 to give city employees a Christmas bonus. Full time employees will get $100 while part time employees will get $50.
Public Recognition
Cathy Petrak reported to the council on how the Senior Christmas Dinner went. Petrak noted over 80 seniors were in attendance and over 30 meals were delivered. She noted extra food was delivered to families in need.
Bonnie Zirkelbach took it upon herself to have shirts made for Jim Savant and Jim Zirkelbach. No one preapproved it, but she wanted to give the maintenance crew shirts to wear since the city does not pay for work apparel anymore. “The city normally buys coveralls and a jacket for winter,” Bonnie said as she holds a t-shirt up for them to wear.
She purchased t-shirts, long-sleeved, and sweatshirts for them to wear personalized with their names and explained the city can reimburse her if they want, but she does not expect them to. “You haven’t done that for eight years now.” The bill, from the Cubby Hole of Carlinville, totaled $487.18 for the shirts. The council voted 6-0 not to reimburse Zirkelbach of any of the cost.
Mike Cavanaugh went through the grant process again with the council. “I helped you get a lot of grants,” he started. “It’s very competitive. You are up against the entire State of Illinois.” He noted the money was federal money handled by the state. He confirmed the grant had a typo and contained the words “water tower”, but he assured the council that was not the reason the first grant rejected.
He explained the first grant was an engineering grant and the second grant is the construction grant. Mike explained he builds engineering into the second grant just in case the engineering part gets denied and the construction grant is approved. He advised the council they can resubmit the same grant next year in hopes of success.
Old Business
Alderman Peyton Bernot brought up the Altrazene Settlement and displayed the calculations to the council. The mayor and city attorney Rick Vertichio questioned what he was doing as it was already brought up and already approved. Bernot explained he was just showing the calculations. “Well, the calculation comes to an estimated $275,000,” he went on. “That’s what I was told by the law firm that represents us.”
“Actually, they represent the class, they don’t represent you,” Vertichio clarified. “You are a member of the class.” “Are we paying for this?” Mayor Robinson questioned. Without a response, Bernot went on to say he called and they told him they were looking at the city’s sheet. “It read $275,000,” Bernot said they told him.
George Nepute, alderman, said he was not going to hold his breath. “Oh, you did the calculation,” Robinson questioned. “No, I did the same math the law firm gave me and it matched up,” Bernot responded.
“I wish it was that much, I wish it was twice that much, but it isn’t going to be that much,” Vertichio added. “I will double check this.”
Mayor Robinson explained that the Cahokia Township Committee finally got the railroad’s boxcars and all other things from the railroad removed with the help of the EPA and other parties. “No, nothing has been removed,” Cathy Petrak clarified. “That is not correct, Channel 5 is working with these different entities to try and get something done. Everyone is still in limbo with it and progress is being made, but very small progress.”
Robinson explained that the boxcars have chemicals in them that have been inside there for over 30 years. “Now, they are working on the trailers to get out. That is where we are at now,” Robinson explained.
Committee Reports
Jim Kelly reported to the council there is an issue with electricity in the City Clerk’s office. “No big deal, but this needs done.” According to Kelly, it could be around $200 for the work to be done. The council approved the repairs to be done in the city clerk’s office to be done 6-0.
Gloria Sidar explained to the council the police department is going to look into applying for a grant to purchase a new police car. The grant the department is looking at is a 75/25 grant where the city would be responsible for 25% of the grant. The council approved the police committee to pursue a grant to purchase a new vehicle after a 6-0 vote.
Miscellaneous
The City Clerk’s office will be closed on Christmas Eve now after the general assembly passed the bill. So, they will be closed on both December 24 and 25 and December 31 and January 1.
Mayor Robinson wanted to inform the public about a Vandalia/Centralia tree trimming company scamming people out of money. “They say they are going to cut your tree, but never show up or never do much work.”
Next meeting: The City of Benld will not meet again until 2013. They will meet on January 14, 2013 at 7:00 in the evening.
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.
