Community News
Gillespie City Council Meeting August 8: Chief of Police Decision Delayed
The meeting was called to order by Mayor John Hicks at 6:02pm. All aldermen of Gillespie were present at the August 8 meeting.
John Hicks responds to Lisa's concern.
First order was to approve all reports as stated in the packet. Reports included were City Clerks’ report, Treasurer’s report and Police report. All reports were approved as stated without discussion.
After a motion to open the floor to visitors by Frank Barrett, Lisa Huffman questioned the council about a late fee on her water bill on her 310 Handy Street property. “I am here to understand how I can be charged of an unpaid bill from one of my renters,” Huffman said. Huffman had no idea about the unpaid bills. The water on Handy street was turned off on April 19 and she has occurred several penalties and was just notified on June 28. Huffman did not understand how she could be responsible on a bill she had no idea about. The bill was billed to her tenant. The tenant moved out on May 1. Huffman was charged $57.81 in late fees on a $12 bill “I knew nothing about.” Hicks assured the council that many of the bills were before the move out date. He went on and told Huffman, “It is the cities policy, it was the way it was set up. We do not send the landowner the bill.” The City of Gillespie bills the property where the water is being utilized. Huffman did not understand why Gillespie takes this approach. The renter was persistently late on her water bills while she was in the Handy property. The council made no changes to the bill and advised Huffman to call the City Clerk’s office to ask about unpaid bills.
Lisa Huffman explains the problem.
The council then went into executive session for about an hour and then took action again. New business and old business was on the table.
- First, Loure May was nominated for the water plant operator by Dave Tucker and was agreed by the council on a 7-0 vote.
- The council then delayed the decision to hire a chief of police for one more month. The decision was tabled by the council.
- Under other business, the council has been discussing a case with an alley in town. The council voted 7-0 that the alley is not to be vacated due to Illinois Power, Frontier, and cable access.
- The council then moved on to a motion made by Barrett to draw necessary documentation for a revolving loan application.
The council then moved on to committee reports. The council has talked about changing the sidewalk policy, but there was no action taken. In light of all the water breaks on Broadway, the road “should go back in concrete,” Hicks said, “Our concrete budget is pretty well shot this year.” The policy should still be changed on sidewalk policy, Hick told the council. “The building inspector should look at it at least once or twice to make sure it done right,” Hicks said. The only other problem Hicks had was with the water billing and landowners. Many landowners are still moving residents in and out without changing their renter’s names. Many do not have the house inspected like it should be. The suggestion was taken to a committee and will be brought back to the table at a later date.
Jared DePoppe then read the treasurer’s report for the month of July. 6 junk titles will be received soon by the city, DePoppe advised. The second page of the report discusses ordinance issues DePoppe has received since intern chief. He has resolved 10 of 14 issues, and he is working on the rest of them. He assured the council all should have a good outcome except one. The council is aware of the single one, but other than that one dealy, DePoppe can be able to get the rest resolved quickly. So far, everyone has been compliant with DePoppe. However, DePoppe was unsure of his authority to hire part time police officers as they are down to one slot to cover, and it has been tough for many officers. DePoppe has tried to keep the overtime minimal, but has been rough with a vacancy. Only 10 hours of overtime was paid on the last pay period. Gus Ottersburg then advised DePoppe to talk to him or Mayor John Hicks before hiring any officers. John Hicks then commended DePoppe on a great job he is doing as intern chief.
A city wide cleanup was under discussion for the fall. Hicks said if they can come up with money, they would like to host one. It could cost up to $10,000 and the city does not know where to pull the funds from.
Gus Ottersburg then advised the council that many of the police cars are getting over 100,000 miles on them and one is currently down due to a wiring problem. It may be tough, and possibly even out of the question for new vehicles, but council members have been looking up grants for replacement cars. DePoppe advised the council that the department could get by without one car, it might help a bit.
Frank Barrett thanked Coach Burns and Coach Borgini for their volunteer work at the lake. The football program volunteer their time for the city each year. Frank also stated he wanted power ran to cabins on the other side of the lake, if it is not at the cities expense.
The mayor then approved all bills to be paid and the meeting was adjourned.
Comments
FELONIES
Bradley W. Crane, 47 of Brighton, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with a December 28, 2024 incident.
Donavon M. Holmes, 24 of Benld, is charged with felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 11 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of forgery/making/altering a document in connection with a February 10 incident.
Bradley S. Watters, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a March 12 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, is charged with unlawful possession of a knife in connection with a March 9 incident.
Tonya L. Pfeiler, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with theft control/intent (<$500) in connection with a March 1 incident.
Timothy A. Dugger, 23 of Palmyra, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 29 incident.
Dalton W. Branham, 27 of Springfield, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 23 and January 29 incident.
Crystal A. Holland, 50 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a January 18 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 59 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a February 13 incident.
Mark B. Bersch, 68 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with February 4 incident.
Robert D. Lindsey, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a March 3 incident.
Thomas W. Gray, 35 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a February 26 incident.
Ronnie E. Reyes, 40 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a March 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Bethany E. Robinson, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with drivers license expired more than a year, passing a school bus while loading/unloading, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with a February 27 incident.
Timothy R. Galston, 46 of Harvey, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 11-14 mph above the limit in connection with a March 2 incident.
Hector R. Herrera Pena, 39 of Guadalupe, NL, is charged with CDL not obtained in connection with a March 4 incident.
Stephen L. Barrick, 50 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 2 incident.
Kyle L. Stiltz, 32 of Virden, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a February 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Angela M. Berndt versus Travis E. Berndt
- Melissa K. Porter versus Kevin W. Porter
Comments
Bunker Hill – Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill is excited to announce a rummage sale taking place on Thursday, March 20, Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22. The sale will be held at the church located at 609 East Warren Street in Bunker Hill. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Illinois Valley Meals on Wheels in Macoupin County, a vital program that prepares and delivers over 1,500 meals daily to those in need across three counties.
Donations for the rummage sale are warmly welcomed and can be dropped off at the church’s north entrance starting Monday, March 17. Items of all kinds are appreciated, and your contributions will directly support the dedicated efforts of volunteers who ensure that nutritious meals reach our community members.
The sale will run from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday and then 8 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday, making it convenient for everyone to stop by and find great deals while supporting a crucial service in our area.
For more information about the rummage sale or how to donate, please contact Jane Baker at 618-973-2666.
Comments
FELONIES
Bryer D. Greff, 30 of Virden, is charged with retail theft (<$300) with a previous conviction in connection to a March 1 incident.
Michael J. Weaver, 34 of Carlinville, is charged with methamphetamine delivery (400<900 grams), possession of methamphetamine (400<900 grams), and felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 3 incident.
Patrick D. Greer, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with burglary and theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 23 and March 3 incident .
Brian H. Duff, 50 of Alton, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Allison S. Cisco, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 1 incident.
Andrew C. London, 19 of Wilsonville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with a March 5 incident.
Shelby L. Veach, 23 of Staunton, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee and criminal damage to property in connection with a December 16 and December 21 incident.
Robert J. Zumwalt, 43 of Livingston, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a December 21 incident.
TRAFFIC
Andrew J. McDaniel, 56 of Littleton, CO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 23 incident.
Connor E. O’Brien, 25 of Riverside, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 24 incident.
Anthony M. Reed, 29 of Fayette, MS, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a February 22 incident.
Patrick M. Nejmanowski, 58 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a February 25 incident.
Michael A. Coates, 49 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a February 16 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Palmyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 25 incident.
Jessica M. Jenkins, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 24 incident.
Jason L. Peter, 48 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 22 incident.
Matthew D. Knick, 21 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on suspended license in connection with a February 27 incident.
Julia A. Schall, 68 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a February 27 incdient.
Amy N. Gomer, 39 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 4 incident.
Dalton C. Bunyard, 32 of Wood River, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 28 incident.
Edward Tumpach III, 33 of Hillsboro, is charged with reckless driving, improper traffic lane usage, and disregarding a traffic control device in connection with a March 5 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Neil Ringer versus Whitney Ringer
- Christina Essington versus John Essington
- Scott Huddleston versus Jessica Huddleston
Comments
Illinois Farm Bureau to host ‘Rules for the Road’ trucking seminar in Carlinville on March 20
Zion Lutheran School to host open house on March 18 for preschool and kindergarten programs
