Community News
Council approves new alert sirens for City of Gillespie
Board creates commission to preserve Coal Mining Heritage
Larry Norville presented Mayor Hicks a check on behalf of the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance for dispatching services.
The decision to approve or deny new alert sirens for the City of Gillespie was finally brought before the council for a vote during the regular July meeting on Monday, July 8. Discussions had taken place over the course of the previous months and bids were presented to the council with Blue Valley Public Safety being the low bidder of $34,202.80 with the addition on electrical work costing no more than $2,000.
Members of the council still were not convinced the two sirens were necessary. Alderman Gus Ottersburg said if the sirens were going to be located in the same place they are now, the coverage for Kelly Street will be minimal. George Holesko, public safety director, said the replacement sirens are rotating rather than stationary sirens. “The siren by the water plant does not rotate, it is broke,” Holesko explained. “The money for relocation expense is a waste.”
Holesko said the sirens were better than before providing additional coverage area than what is covered now and multiple engineers agreed the location for the new sirens should be at the same location they are in now. “I believe where they are going to be located will not do any justice for the residents of the community,” Ottersburg responded.
Mayor Hicks assured Ottersburg if the sirens do not work as they should, the only cost the city would have would be the relocation of the siren. “Then, we go back to the company and tell them to move it,” Hicks explained. “Just a thought if you say it won’t happen.” Jerry Doliger agreed with Ottersburg saying 60% of the coverage area is outside of the city limits.
Jim Alderson motioned to purchase the two replacement sirens at the low bid of $34,202.80. The motion was carried with a vote of 5-3 with Ottersburg, Doliger, and Frank Barret voting against the replacement sirens.
The council went on to pass ordinance #13-9 preserving the Coal Mining Heritage in the City of Gillespie. “The city has a rich heritage of coal mining whereas the city council finds it within the best interest to create a provision to preserve the heritage of coal mining,” Hicks read from the ordinance. The mayor will appoint 5 members (Dave Tucker, Jenni Alepra, Dan Fisher, Shari Albrecht, & Steve Joyce) to serve on the committee preserving the Coal Mining Heritage. Both the ordinance and members were approved 7-0.
Police News
Chief of Police Jared DePoppe explained to the council the police department recently updated 3 computers to brand new computers, but the department recently had a problem with their server which is actually a computer used as a server. DePoppe said the hard drive on the computer acting as the server needs to be replaced, so he presented the council with a bid for repair and another bid with replacement.
DePoppe said there $2,500 available from the Mine which is designated for police use. DePoppe questioned if the police department can use $1,000 to purchase a new standalone server rather than using a computer to act as a server. The council approved his request and advised him to get the server replaced.
Court fines from June were available for the months of May and June. He went on to report the department brought in $530 from junking cars from the impound lot and $350 in ordinance violations. The police department brought in a total of $6,785.52 for the month of June.
The police chairman, Steve Kluethe, reported the police department made 239 traffic stops during the second quarter (April, May, and June) generating 104 citations and 217 written reports. The visibility problems at the corner of Route 16 and Chestnut Street have improved, Kluethe explained. The owners of the property fixed the issues and Kluethe said he stopped by and thanked the property owners.
New Business
Alderman Gus Ottersburg reviews the areas the alert sirens will cover. Ottersburg disagreed with replacing the two alert sirens, but the motion passed anyway 5-3.
The council approved to give the same donation they did last year to the TAILS Golf Classic set for July 19. Hicks also updated the council on the new generator at the new BenGil Elementary School. “The wiring has started and the generator should be in by August and everything should be done when school starts,” Hicks explained.
The council passed an ordinance to rezone the business belonging to Kyle Lowry at 214 West Easton from B-2 to M-1 light manufacturing. The business will be a dual business specializing in car care and light welding. The ordinance was passed 8-0.
Under personnel, the council hired Rachel DePoppe as a part time dispatcher to start as soon as possible.
The council passed ordinance #13-8 to create a two-way stop at Chestnut and Shelby. The “dangerous intersection” will have a stop sign on the western and eastern paths. Hicks said it is for the best interest for the community to provide stop signs at this intersection. “A stop will be required at the east bound intersection as well as the west bound intersection before proceeding through the intersection,” Hicks read from the ordinance. The motion was passed 8-0.
Guest Recognition
The council welcomed Larry Norville back to the meeting on Monday. Norville presented the check to the city council for this year’s dispatching services for the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance. “We included $3,000 and then all of the board of directors included what they get paid,” Larry laughed. Norville went on explain many people called and wrote letters how appreciative they were thanking the fire department how they went door to door checking on residents after the storm. “That is what we are here for and we work together,” Norville closed.
Rick Fulton returned to the council questioning the status of the culvert on Cedar Street. Mayor Hicks explained he didn’t know when the bid would come back, but the money is already approved for it. Hicks added they are trying to complete two with the same funding: the Cedar Street culvert and another one on Second Street.
Committee Reports
Dave Tucker reminded the council the city will hold recycling this Saturday again, but the city will have their own recycling area shortly. The cardboard trailer is already on site by the city shed behind the civic center. Tucker said the bins will be coming shortly. The council approved the bid of $238 from the BenGil Post to print signs for Gillespie Recycling.
Frank Barrett reported the Gillespie Lake had a great weekend with the Fourth of July holiday. He went on to add he jumped the gun when he extended the campground. The city was written up for two things following the inspection: ants and the power box. Barrett got the paperwork and said he will get it complete and turned in.
Jerry Doliger said the maintenance department needs a new cage to use at the street department to use to hang Christmas decorations, flags, banners, and other necessary work. Doliger said a new one cost $3,500 and the city has been spending nearly $1,000 a year renting one. The motion was carried 8-0 to purchase a new one for the street department.
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The Gillespie Public Library is having a promotional giveaway during the month of December. The “December Spin Giveaway” will allow patrons to spin for prizes each time books are checked out during the month of December.
The prizes are to Gillespie businesses.
Although December is a hectic month with the holidays, take time to relax with a “good book” and visit the library.
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Limited Spots Available, Register By December 20
This winter, Blackburn College invites children ages 6-12 to participate in an exciting All-Sports Camp from December 30-31, 2024 and January 2-3, 2025. The camp will be held at the newly opened Blackburn Athletic Center and newly redesigned M.C. Court in the historic Dawes Gymnasium. The four-day camp runs from 9 am to 12 pm each day, offering young athletes the chance to stay active during the holiday season while exploring a variety of sports. With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged. The registration fee is $100, and the sign-up deadline is December 20, 2024.
Participants will engage in baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball activities designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire a love for sports in a fun and supportive environment. They will spend part of the day developing essential skills and putting those techniques into action by playing games. Most equipment will be provided, but attendees should come dressed in athletic clothing and ready to play.
“This camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active during their winter break, make new friends, and experience the thrill of learning skills taught by NCAA coaches and players,” said Kim Camara-Harvey, Blackburn College’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Our brand-new Blackburn Athletic Center, with its 200-by-120-foot turf field and retractable batting cages, and our revitalized basketball and volleyball court will be the perfect setting for fun and growth.”
In addition to the camp activities, all participants will receive two (2) tickets to watch the Blackburn Men’s Basketball Team take on the University of Dubuque on Monday, December 30, at 3:00 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a memorable winter break experience! To register or for more information, visit blackburn.edu/recreation or contact Heather Heater, Blackburn College Recreation Coordinator, at athletics@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5719.
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Madison Communications sponsored the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again this year. The new and unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 were collected from the middle of October through the first week of December.
Madison was overjoyed with the outcome of the Toy Drive and wants to thank anyone who took the time to donate. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the local communities.
