Community News
Benld sells surplus property for potential commercial development
Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to accept Derek Tiburzi’s high bid of $30,000 for six lots formerly occupied by First National Bank in the 200 block of East Central Avenue. The two-story brick structure that formerly occupied the site was razed by the city last month.
Tiburzi submitted the higher of two bids for the property. Bids were opened during a special meeting of the council prior to the regular council meeting Monday evening. The unsuccessful bidder, Grant Plovich, offered to buy the property for $8,000. Under terms of Tiburzi’s proposal, Tiburzi will pay $6,000 down upon closing with the remaining $24,000 to be paid in installments of $1,000 per month for 24 months. The agreement gives Tiburzi three years to establish a business operation on the property. Additionally, the agreement requires Tiburzi to surrender the property to the city if he fails to establish a business.
“We would get it back, and we’d keep the money,” Mayor Jim Kelly explained. As part of the sale agreement, the city is committed to helping to the extent that it can to secure an entrance and exit onto East Central Avenue for Tiburzi’s business. The city has limited authority to approve a driveway onto East Central Avenue because the street also is a state highway. There was no indication regarding the type of business Tiburzi plans to develop.
The council took no action on bids submitted for vacant lots at 202 and 204 East Central Avenue, and property at 301 West Central Avenue. Plovich, who reportedly already owns the former Benld Post Office at 109 North Main Street, offered a bid of $1,200 for the two vacant lots but gave no indication regarding how he intended to use the lots.
“Without a commitment about what he’s going to do with it, I would be against it,” said Ald. Jerry Saracco regarding Plovich’s bid for 202 and 204 East Central Avenue. “It doesn’t benefit the city if they’re going to still be vacant lots that have to be mowed.”
City Attorney Rick Verticchio said the city has met its legal obligations in connection to selling the surplus property. Having advertised the properties for sale and opened bids for them, he said the city now has authority to sell the property to whoever it wants at a price to be negotiated. “You can go back to Grant and say, ‘Grant, what do you want to do with this property,” Verticchio said. “You can sell it to him without further advertisement.”
Likewise, the council took no action on a $1,500 bid from William Gancon for the purchase of 301 West Central Avenue. The vacant lot was the site of a vacant house notoriously infested with rats until a few years ago when the city acquired the property and demolished the home. Gancon’s home is located at 300 West Oak Street, immediately south of the property. He said he intends to use the lot to build a garage or possibly donate it to the Catholic Church across the street to be used for parking.
“The idea of a garage on Central Avenue doesn’t appeal to me,” Ald. Jim Tilashalski said.
Ald. John Balzraine, however, said he would not have a problem with a garage since the address is located away from the community’s traditional business district.
“I don’t have an objection to the $1,500 but I’d like to know what he’s going to put up there,” Saracco said. Saracco said he would be amenable to a well designed residential garage but would object to a structure such as a pole barn.
Verticchio recommended taking no action on Gancon’s bid, while holding open the option to negotiate with him regarding what he plans to build. Since the sale was properly advertised and bids were opened, he said, the city could opt to sell to Gancon later without having to go through the formal procedure of advertising the property for sale a second time. Likewise the lots at 202 and 204 East Central Avenue remain available for purchase with terms to be negotiated.
During the council’s regular meeting, Monte Oberman appeared to express concerns he had about a letter he recently received from City Attorney Verticchio regarding property he owns at 215 East Central Avenue. Oberman said he found the letter threatening and suggested the city should have contacted him first about issues with the building before enlisting Verticchio to contact him.
“I’ve owned that building for 25 years and now here comes the big, powerful city saying they’re going to take it away from me,” Oberman said. “I’ve got stuff in there I don’t want to lose.”
He said he already has contacted a contractor to make repairs, including new siding, “to keep the raccoons out.” The contractor, however, has other jobs ahead of him and won’t be able to get to his building before a May 16 deadline cited in the letter.
Verticchio denied threatening to take the building.
“Nowhere in that letter did we say we’re exercising eminent domain,” Verticchio said. “If you give us a statement that you’ve gotten a bid for the work, that’s all we need.” One issue, he said, is a roof that is evidently leaking. “We just spent a ton of money on a building that was leaking and we waited too long to do something,” Verticchio said. “We’re not going to make that mistake again.”
“We’re not coming after your property,” Mayor Kelly added. “We just want things repaired. We want evidence that you’ve gotten a bid by the 16th. We can’t continue to spend taxpayer money to tear buildings down. If you do what you say you’re going to do, we don’t have a problem.” Kelly said the city plans to photograph “everyone’s roof” to identify leading roofs so the city can be proactive in demanding repairs.
“We’re just trying to make things better,” Balzraine commented.
Saracco said Oberman’s building is an example of an ongoing issue in the city. “The problem we have is people buy these buildings with no plans to use them for anything other than storage,” he said.
Following a 10-minute executive session with Verticchio, the council voted to approve a resolution declaring 512 South First Street a public nuisance.
The council also approved Mayor Kelly’s recommendation to seek bids for demolishing a burned out house at 408 South Main Street. Kelly said the city initially planned to use maintenance workers to tear down the building but city employees are expected to be busy complying with an Environmental Protection Agency mandate to inventory residential water connections using lead pipes.
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
The Council tentatively approved a proposal from Xavier Steward, a member of Boy Scout Troop 8034, Staunton, to make repairs and improvements to Veterans Park as an Eagle Scout project. Mayor Kelly and several aldermen, however, asked Steward to bring drawings and a more detailed plan to a committee meeting for the city’s review.
“I’m not seeing any opposition,” Kelly told Steward. He asked for drawings and proof of insurance before giving final approval. “You do that and you’ll be good to go.”
For his project, Steward proposed maintaining and improving landscaping elements at the park, replacing landscape timbers defining the perimeter of the park, replacing swing seats and chains, adding benches for seating and possibly adding small walkways. Steward said he would approach businesses and organizations to raise funds for his endeavor, and said he would include a plaque or signage to recognize donors.
While Steward is a member of the Staunton Boy Scout troop, he said he lives in the Benld area and grew up in Benld.
DERELICT VEHICLES
Reporting on City Property, Ald. Balzraine said a project to remodel the Civic Center is well underway. Access to the facility is restricted at this time as workers remove tile impregnated with asbestos. Balzraine said workers also uncovered an area with extensive termite damage which is being treated and repaired.
Balzraine also sparked an extensive discussion about derelict vehicles in the city. Current ordinances requires parked vehicles to either be licensed or covered. Mayor Kelly said enforcement was hampered during the pandemic because the state extended the grace period for renewing license plate stickers. He suggested that each alderman canvas their wards to identify vehicles that should be cited. Forms for notifying residents of violations are available to aldermen at City Hall, he said.
Attorney Verticchio suggested writing the word “Warning” at the top of the citation form when aldermen make first contact with property owners, after which a formal citation can be issued if the situation is not corrected.
Mayor Kelly announced that a bid opening for the city’s upcoming sewer improvement project is set for 2 p.m., May 5, at City Hall.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to spend $3,000 to upgrade the city’s CUSI water billing program to ensure the program will work in conjunction with a newly acquired Nepture 360 program for remotely reading water meters.
- Authorized expenditure of up to $2,500 to replace flower planters on Central Avenue that have been damaged by vandals.
- Authorized the Mayor to draft a letter of support for the Macoupin County Public Transit systems push to acquire additional equipment.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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