Community News
Benld Council votes to help host Christmas Dinner
Council pays Band Bill from Memorial Day
Cathy Petrak hands over the bill to repair the grease trap in the Nutritional Center to Mayor Robinson.
Cathy Petrak brought up the Christmas Dinner for the second time during a regular scheduled meeting on November 13. Petrak approached the council in October about possibly donating toward the dinner to help fund the meal. Last year, the meal was purchased by an anonymous donor. This year, it will be paid for by Build Benld and a contribution from the City of Benld.
The decision was tabled last month, so Petrak reminded the council that a decision was not made. During the public recognition portion of the meeting, Petrak asked the council if they made a decision yet. “This is an election year, let me remind you,” she explained. “Those seniors get out and vote, so this is your chance to deliver a meal to your voters. I leave it in your hands.”
Jim Tilashalski recognized both Build Benld and the Library are ran through the city in terms of the audit. “I guess my question would be why do we have to make a contribution when Build Benld has sufficient funds in their account?” Tilashalski explained he was not being negative, but is still dissatisfied by some of the things the council has gone away with in the best past such as the dumpster program. “If the budget is there and they can take care of it, let’s use our money for different things.”
Petrak explained Gillespie, Mt. Clare, and Wilsonville all do the same thing as Benld does and they still contribute to the seniors. “Our money strictly goes right back into Benld,” she expressed. “We spend every cent on projects for Benld.” Tilashalski assured Petrak that assumptions made in other communities are not always the right thing.
“All other municipalities in our area has had a senior Christmas dinner besides the City of Benld,” Lynn Fraelle stepped in. “We are not asking the City of Benld to do that. We are simply asking for a contribution toward the dinner with Build Benld bearing the larger portion.” Tilashalski questioned the attorney’s opinion whether Fraelle, who is the only member of Build Benld on the council, has the freedom to vote on the resolution. “There is no conflict, there is none whatsoever for a Build Benld member who is a council member as well to vote,” Rick Vertichio explained.
“We owe something to the seniors of Benld,” Fraelle said as she motioned to make the contribution. She went on to add the City is doing “a lot” better this year in financial status compared to previous years. “I do not see why the City has to obligate funds toward this. I support Build Benld and I will make a contribution from myself as I see that more fit than the City donating money,” Bernot stepped in. The motion was approved 4-2 and the council donated $400 toward the Christmas Dinner. Lynn Fraelle then explained Build Benld is looking at purchasing playground equipment for next spring, and “that is not inexpensive.”
Lynn Fraelle, chairwoman of the finance committee, explained the band bill was never paid from Memorial Day. “The amount was $930 and you left that up to Peyton and I,” she explained. Mayor Robinson questioned why one month the municipal band issued a bill for $930 and then $750 a couple months later. “They sent a thorough breakdown the second time and explained the amount was wrong on the first bill,” Tilashalski explained. Fraelle explained the money is available, so they may as well just pay it. She assured the band is in different leadership now and there will be better communication between the band and the council. The council approved the motion 6-0 to pay the $750 bill toward the band for the Memorial Day service.
Vertichio proposed a new maximum fine of $1,500 and a new minimum fine of $100 for ordinance violations. The motion was approved.
City Attorney’s Report
Rick Vertichio looked into raising the maximum and minimum on ordinance fines. “A lot of municipalities have gone toward a higher fine to seek compliance,” he explained. “You can ask the judge to raise the ordinance violation as high as possible for derelict properties to seek compliance. Then, you can amend the violation as progress is completed.” Vertichio proposed a new maximum fine of $1,500 and a new minimum fine of $100. The council passed the motion 6-0.
Vertichio went on to explain he was unable to secure programs from the EPA to assist tearing down buildings. He explained those programs he has worked through in the past are “gone away.” The building Rick is referring to is the “Conlee property.” He obtained a court date on November 19, at 9 o’clock in the morning, to proceed with the nuisance of the property. “EPA is not giving us containers; we will have to take care of it ourselves.”
The council then approved a motion 6-0 to declare the property on 300 East Central a nuisance. The property is directly aside the Benld Public Library and parts have fallen off in the parking lot of the library. Part of the library parking lot is blocked off currently due to recent pieces that have fallen off of the building. “It is a hazard,” Gloria Sidar confirmed.
New Business
Jim Kelly explained Rich Plavonich, who the city hired to do the building inspections, was upset with the decision made last month. So, Kelly called Bob Lancaster and explained the situation. Lancaster is the city inspector in Gillespie and explained he would like to have the job if Rich did not want it. Lancaster requested the City of Benld to reimburse the City of Gillespie half of his last certification and training. “So, we would owe the City of Gillespie around $300 or $320. He will bring the bill in once he receives it,” Kelly explained. The council approved the motion 6-0 to hire Lancaster and reimburse the City of Gillespie.
The council then approved a motion 6-0 to approve the levy appropriation. An ordinance levying taxes for all corporate purposes for the City of benld for the fiscal year commencing on the 1st of May, 2013, and ending on the 30th day of April, 2014.
Committee Reports
Lynn Fraelle, finance chairperson, explained the city was shown the Illinois Municipal League insurance for the city which was “extremely high.” According to her, the question came up if the city could get a better rate. Fraelle talked to 3 insurance brokers, one being the insurance provider for CUSD #7. “All three are interested in giving us a bid and all three believe they can come in lower than IML, but unfortunately time is a factor. We have been sending information to all of them as fast as we can,” she explained.
Fraelle went on to explain the security camera for the city office, that was recently approved, will be installed this Saturday.
Finally, Lynn explained the city truck was nearly two decades old and was in “dire shape.” “There is exhaust in the truck, it is rusted out, it starts and it doesn’t start, it is sad,” she explained. The City had an opportunity to purchase a 2002 1500 Half-Ton Dodge Ram with 68,000 miles for $5,500. Fraelle explained she called all the alder people, other than Tilashalski because she did not have his number, and everyone favored the decision to replace the truck. “We had to move quickly, so we purchased the truck and it is in our possession,” Lynn said. “When I heard about it, it was a done deal,” Jim said. “I was concerned about the method of communication this went down in. It did not come out of a committee. What if it was a $25,000 item?” The council went on to approve the purchase of the truck 5-1 with Tilashalski obliging.
Gloria Sidar, police chairperson, checked into the use of the bike trial after Gina Mendenhall brought the issue up last month. “The City of Gillespie has no ordinances in their books regarding the use of the bike trail,” Sidar explained. “The trail is lighted.” She went on to say that the committee agreed there are enough ordinances in the ordinance book to cover any issues that may arise.
Sidar went on to mention that the police committee discussed other potential ordinances. She explained there are sanitation and pest concerns with trash issues and some even involving vehicles. “The committee is also going to look at the unlicensed vehicle ordinance to see if it can be reworded to incorporate a time frame,” she added.
Lastly, Sidar explained the Chief of the Police and chair of committee will check into the possibility of applying for a grant to replace the older police vehicle. It is not a dire need, she explained, but they will be looking into grants.
Mayor Robinson questioned Peyton Bernot, water chairman, why he was not returning the phone calls to residents in the community. “How about this lady that paid her bill, but there is no water usage used at her property,” Robinson suggested as he tossed the bill across the table. “Well, there is a minimum. By ordinance, residents are charged the minimum if they use under the minimum or use nothing at all,” Bernot explained. Other board members chipped in as well and explained this policy has been defined by ordinance for “forever”.
“I have a question for you sir, housing,” Robinson directed toward Tilashalski. “Why are we inspecting houses in Sawyerville?” Tilashalski, along with multiple other board members, explained the city always has because they pay the fee. “Alright,” Robinson backed down. Tilashalski went on to ask if any council members had an issues with any inspections. None were brought up.
Public Recognition
Courtney Wood, of Macoupin Economic Development Partnership which Benld is a part of, spoke to the council about small business development efforts that will be put into effect 2013. “We are going to analyze results from a recent business survey to see what suits our small business needs,” Wood explained. Anything thought to raise overall participation and garner the most benefits to small businesses will be put into effect by MEDP. The push after Black Friday and before Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, Wood explained. This year, Small Business Saturday is on November 24. “Spread the word to shop local,” Wood closed.
Cathy Petrak explained the grease trap “next door” at the Nutrition Center has been filled, repaired, and checked. Petrak presented Mayor Robinson the bill for the City of Benld to pay their portion. “This is the finished bill,” Petrak handed over. “The total amount was $867.09.” The amount was split between the Benld Nutrition Center and the City of Benld.
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FELONIES
Domincqua N. Contreras, 31 of Bunker Hill, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a January 8 incident.
Dillion D. Grether, 25 of South Roxana, is charged with possession of methamphetamines’ (<5 grams) in connection with an October 15 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Cory J. Dodson, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a December 6 incident.
Megan J. Morgan, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a December 6 incident.
Robert D. Sanson, 34 of Belleville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 2 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with theft of labor/services/property and criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 7 incident.
Amiel K. Kimsey, 20 of Homewood, is charged with minor in possession of liquor in public and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Dawn M. Malone, 57 of Collinsville, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, disregarding a stop sign, no turn signal lights, unsafe loading, operating a motor vehicle vehicle with suspended registration, and unregistered/expired registration in connection with a January 4 incident.
Cheri L. Bagwell, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a January 1 incident.
Siera A. Lewis, 28 of Alton, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 1 incident.
Stephen C. Springman, 37 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 17 incident.
Shundrana M. Roy, 29 of Milwaukee, WI, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a January 1 incident.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Trent Eichen and Summer Melton, both of Carlinville
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Gillespie voters will have an opportunity to vote on whether or not the City of Gillespie can impose a one percent retail sales tax for Public Safety purposes as a result of action taken by the city council Monday night. Council members voted unanimously to approve a resolution prepared by City Attorney Rick Verticchio to put the question on the April 1 consolidated election ballot. The question will be presented in conjunction with the election to choose the mayor, city clerk, city treasurer and three aldermen.
The council discussed the issue of seeking a Public Safety sales tax during the council’s regular meeting on Dec. 9 and during a continued meeting on Dec. 23, at which time there was speculation the city could implement the tax via resolution only without seeking voter approval. The resolution presented Monday night confirms that voters can weigh in at the ballot box on whether or not to impose the tax.
“This is just a resolution so we can have that question on the ballot,” Verticchio told the council.
During the December meetings, Treasurer Dan Fisher said the city agreed to seek the tax during collective bargaining negotiations with the police officers union. The expected $200,000 will help cover additional costs associated with local police joining the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund system for retirement benefits, as well as the cost of adding additional police officers to cover police protection services in satellite communities. Benld Ald. Jerry Saracco told the Benld Council last month that satellite communities also were being asked to consider seeking a Public Safety sales tax to help defray police protection costs, but there appeared to be no interest on the part of the Benld Council to follow Gillespie’s lead.
In addition to the tax question and city officials, the consolidated ballot also will include elections for three Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education members, as well as township officials.
POLICE STATION PROGRESS
On a motion by Ald. Dave Link, seconded by Ald. Dona Rauzi, the council unanimously voted to release $59,199.26 to contractor John Watson, Gillespie, to pay subcontractors for remodeling work at the new Gillespie Police Station at 124 N. Macoupin St., the former location of Gillespie Chiropractic directly across the street from City Hall.
Rauzi reported the city had paid Watson $9,000 to start the remodeling project. The additional money will be used to pay various vendors such as Glass Cutters, Carlinville, and Carpani Computers for installing computer networking and internet systems.
The council also approved a $1,998.85 change order request for the project to cover the cost of reopening exterior stairs that the previous owner had enclosed. The additional money will cover the cost of siding, framing, lighting and replacing stairs that were removed when the entry was enclosed.
In a related matter, the council formally declared as surplus property a desk that the previous owner left behind and to transfer the desk to Watson. Rauzi said the desk had little value and that no other city office had a use for it. She said the options for disposing of it were to either give it to Watson or store it at the Civic Center.
With the same action, the council declared as surplus unused roof trusses which will be offered for sale via sealed bids.
GRANT MANAGER BILL
On Fisher’s recommendation, the council agreed to pay Fuel Growth Group’s bill of $137,550 for billing and consulting services associated with grant management services related to $3 million in federal grants and $1 million in state grants awarded to the city for its downtown streetscape project. Fisher said the agency’s bill is based on an hourly rate totaling 7.5 percent of the $4 million in grant awards.
Verticchio said he plans to contact the vendor regarding its new contract due to concerns he has about some of the contract’s wording. He said the contract calls for an hourly rate up to $257,000 after the first installment of 50 percent is paid.
“I don’t have any great problem with the contract,” Verticchio said, adding that he wants to revise the contract so the city does not owe the balance if the billable hours do not reach $257,000. “In all probability, we will get to that amount, but I want to make sure that if we don’t reach $257,000, we won’t owe them the full amount.”
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No action followed a brief executive session requested by Ald. Frank Barrett, Lake Chairman, to discuss personnel. While the nature of the discussion was not specified, it is likely the closed-door session focussed on replacing Gary Thornhill, long-time Lake Manager who recently resigned to take another job.
In a related matter, Barrett told the council he is getting pricing from Carpani Computers for a new point-of-sale computer and printer for the Lake Store.
“When Gary left, we were using his computer and printer at the store,” Barrett said, explaining the need for new equipment.
COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
Council members briefly discussed the status of a new communications tower, construction of which is likely to start this year. The council previously entered into a franchise agreement to lease property for the tower, which will provide services for AT&T cell phone transmissions and other providers. Ald. Wendy Ottersburg said the company revised its plan to add 20 feet to the tower’s height to expand its range.
Water Plant Operator Dave Pickett said he is eager for the tower to be completed as it will allow the Water Department to implement a computer program enabling the Department to control water flow from the pumping station to the Water Plant without having to physically travel to the pumping station.
“It will be a huge savings for us,” Pickett said.
AUDIT ACCEPTANCE
Upon Fisher’s recommendation, the council voted unanimously to accept the city’s official audit. In a departure from past practice, no representative of the auditing firm appeared before the council to present the audit findings. Fisher said the audit showed the city to “be in the black” but did not mention whether or not the auditor made any other findings.
COUNCIL RADIOS
Mayor John Hicks reported that two-way radios previously issued to city council members are unaccounted for and asked aldermen who might still have a radio to return them to City Hall. He said the radios were issued to aid with communications in the event of an emergency.
“Somewhere along the line, some of them disappeared,” he said.
SNOW REMOVAL
Ald. Bob Fritz, answering criticisms voiced on social media, clarified that the city does not have responsibility for removing snow on sidewalks. He said people were upset because city workers did not remove snow on sidewalks in the area of CUSD 7 schools.
“Those are not our responsibility,” Ald. Rauzi noted.
Ald. Landon Pettit said that when he worked for the city, city workers were advised by the city’s insurance provider to leave sidewalks alone.
“The insurance company told us not to do that,” he said. “Once we clean them off, any liability for them is on us.”
CEJA MEETING
Fisher told the council he plans to meet with CEJA grant partners at 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall to discuss CEJA expenditures and closing out the grant. The federal Climate and Equitable Jobs Act grant of $1.1 million was awarded last summer. The City of Gillespie retained $70,248.57 with the remainder allotted to various local units of government, including: Village of East Gillespie, $51,654.72; City of Benld, $58,721.50; Village of Eagarville, $50,684.28; City of Staunton, $80,929.61; Gillespie Public Library, $70,248.57; Benld Public Library, $58,721.50; Gillespie Township, $73,458.48; Cahokia Township, $69,004.42; Community Unit School District 7, $98,167.33; North Mac CUSD 34, $98,584.12; Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service, $133,202.60; Village of Royal Lakes, $51,038.87; City of Bunker Hill, $60,102.51; Village of Mount Clare, $51,878.67; and Brushy Mound Township, $53,919.08.
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is a federal program to mitigate against economic conditions that result as the nation moves away from fossil fuels to embrace renewable, “green” energy sources. The local grant award is related to job losses resulting from the idling of Shay Mine No. 1, formerly Monterey Mine No., 1. Each entity was awarded $50,000 plus additional funds based on “job loss” and “revenue loss” factors.
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