Community News
Gillespie Council approves dump truck purchase, eyes wage increase for part-time/seasonal employees
Gillespie City Council members voted Monday night to approve the purchase of a new dump truck at a cost not to exceed $100,000. Council members also referred to committee a proposal to raise wages for part-time and seasonal employees, approved purchasing a lot on which the burned remains of a house are located, and renewed a lease for a postage machine in the City Clerk’s Office.
City aldermen also green-lit plans for the city’s annual Holiday Sparkle event in downtown Gillespie, and tentatively approved a Halloween event at Gillespie Lake, contingent upon the sponsors providing proof of insurance.
No action followed a 20-minute executive during which the council reportedly discussed possible litigation in connection with one of the city’s water plant substations. Sitting in for City Attorney Rick Verticchio, Jono Verticchio reportedly advised the council against filing a lawsuit.
The dump truck purchase followed a lengthy and sometimes convoluted discussion that included not only pricing but also details about how the city will pay for the vehicle. Ald. Bob Fritz raised the issue, agreeing to secure pricing to be considered at next month’s council meeting. Ald. Wendy Rolando, however, noted that Ald. Landon Pettit had already researched pricing and had presented the numbers three months earlier.
“We need to do something,” Pettit told the council. “We’re going to be down to junk (with the existing truck).”
Referring to pricing he had presented in August, Pettit said the city could purchase a Ford F-150 diesel truck equipped with a dump bed, along with a snow plow, spreader and other equipment, for $95,261 from Victory Lane Ford. He said the price quote is a so-called “state bid” affirmed by the State of Illinois, which enables the city to buy the truck without a formal bidding process.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher noted that the city’s decision to buy a neighboring building to relocate the Police Department instead of remodeling a portion of the Civic Center vacated by the Gillespie Fire Department has freed up some money for major purchases. Additionally, the city has 350,000 in available Tax Increment Financing funds, and $360,000 in American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds. He recommended paying for the truck with ARPA funds.
Pettit noted that the pricing he obtained was several months old and may have increased in the meantime. On a motion by Fritz, seconded by Pettit, the council authorized the expenditure of up to $100,000 to purchase a truck. The vehicle will be used by the Street Department, Lake Department, and Water Department, as needed.
In a somewhat related matter, the council approved a resolution that formally authorizes the city to finalize an agreement to purchase real estate at 124 North Macoupin Street. The city agreed earlier to purchase the building for $67,000 to house the city’s Police Department. Monday night’s action was a formality to authorize the expenditure. Ald. Dave Link cast the sole dissenting vote.
On Mayor John Hicks’ recommendation, the council tabled a proposal to purchase two new 60-inch zero-turn mowers at a cost of $32,598. Hick’s noted the mowing season is coming to an end and the council has time to research pricing and features with an eye toward purchasing the mowers before next spring.
PAY INCREASES FOR PART-TIMERS
A recommendation from Police Chief Jared DePoppe asking the council to consider raising hourly wages for part-time dispatchers and police officers led to a larger discussion about whether or not to increase wages for all city part-timers and seasonal workers. Ultimately, the issue was referred to committee, which may return to the full council at a later date with a resolution to address the issue.
DePoppe said the police department relies heavily on part-time officers and part-time dispatchers, but it is difficult to recruit those workers because the city’s wages are so low. The part-time employees are not covered by the union contract, he said, so the council can opt to increase wages without violating the contract.
He recommended raising part-time police officer wages from $17.77 per hour to $19 per hour, and raising part-time dispatchers from $14.36 per hour to $16 per hour.
“That’s still below the full-time rate,” DePoppe said. “It is difficult to recruit people when wages are so low, and we do depend on part-time people a lot.”
Ald. Pettit questioned whether or not wages should be raised for all part-time and seasonal workers, suggesting it would be unfair to raise wages for police part-timers without raising wages for part-time employees in other departments.
HOLIDAY SPARKLE, HALLOWEEN EVENT
The council voted unanimously to approve plans for this year’s Holiday Sparkle and provide sponsors of the event with $500 to pay for bands and musicians. However, the council deferred action on approving a Halloween event at Gillespie Lake pending the sponsors being able to provide proof of insurance.
Tammy Beecher, one of the Holiday Sparkle planners, said the event has been scheduled for Dec. 21, with more than 30 vendors already signed to offer crafts and gift items. Because the Sparkle date is close to Christmas Day, Beecher said the traditional Christmas parade and tree lighting will be on Dec.1, which is the first Sunday after Thanksgiving. The parade will step-off at 4:30 and end at the community Christmas tree, where a lighting ceremony will take place.
The Dec. 21 Holiday Sparkle will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beecher said the committee is contacting downtown business owners to host vendors. If there is an overflow, Beecher said the committee has the use of tents from the Macoupin County Public Health Department that can be erected on Chestnut Street just off Macoupin Street on the east and west sides.
The group plans to decorate planters located on the sidewalk, but Beecher was told the group could not string lights over the street.
“We can’t do that anymore,” Ald. Rolando commented. “I checked last year to find out why we didn’t put up our lighted swags above the street.”
Fisher reported that the restriction on hanging banners or lights above the street is a federal, not state, rule, resulting from Illinois Route 4 being part of the federal scenic highways program. It is possible to hang banners or lights above the roadway, if the group or city secures permission from the Scenic Highways administrators.
The council gave tentative approval for a Halloween event at Gillespie Lake, provided the sponsors can provide proof of insurance. Lake Manager Gary Thornhill appeared with event coordinator Carrie Ronde to seek permission to hold an event on Oct. 25 at the lake. If it is held, the event will include a haunted hayride, a haunted trail and other attractions for youths.
The event reportedly is in jeopardy, however, because of an exorbitant increase in insurance costs. Last year, the event was insured for $411 for the two-day event. This year’s quote is about $8,000 for coverage. Both Thornhill and Ronde said the event will be canceled if the insurance issues can’t be resolved.
Thornhill said the group donated proceeds from last year’s event to Community Unit School District 7 but retained enough to cover start-up expenses for this year’s event.
“We didn’t keep back nearly enough to pay for insurance at that rate,” Thornhill noted. He asked if there was any possibility of piggy-backing on the city’s liability policy.
“The problem is our insurance will cover us but it won’t cover you,” Fisher said. “If anything happened, even though it’s on city property, any lawyer will tell you that you’re going to get sued. It’s in your best interest to have your own insurance.”
Runde said the dramatic increase in the insurance premium apparently is not unusual, and said their insurance agent told them the increases are a nationwide phenomenon. “State Farm will no longer write a policy for a one-day event,” she said. “Two days is even worse.”
She said the group is scrambling to find affordable coverage but plans to cancel the event if insurance can’t be found.
“I can tell you this,” said Ald. Pettit, who also serves on the Black Diamond Days committee, “If Black Diamond Days’ insurance goes up like that, Black Diamond Days will be done. This is a bad thing for our town.”
LIQUOR LICENSE CONSIDERATION
Local realtor Ruth Loveless introduced John Patel of O’Fallon, who is seeking a liquor license to open a liquor/tobacco/convenience store in the former location of the Dollar General Store on Macoupin Street. The building has been the focus of an ongoing public nuisance complaint.
Fisher said issuing the license could be complicated because Patel is not a resident of the city. Depending on how the business is organized—sole proprietorship, limited liability, etc.—can affect whether or not state law requires the license holder to be a resident. Patel said he ran into that issue with a store he opened in Belleville and was able to satisfy the requirement by hiring a manager who was a resident of the city.
Mayor Hicks told Patel the City Attorney would research the law to see if a license can be issued for a non-resident.
“If there’s no rule against it, chances are we’ll approve it,” Hicks told Patel.
In a related matter, Hicks presented a standardized liquor application form for council members to review. Among the changes the new form requires is a $16 fee to cover the cost of background checks, and requires posting a $2,000 surety bond.
Once the new form is approved, Hicks suggested it should be completed not only by new applicants but by current license holders as well so the city will have their information on file.
IMRF COMPLICATIONS
A proposal from City Treasurer Fisher to “find a way” to help employees “buy back” years of service to ensure they are fully vested to collect IMRF benefits when they retire was referred to committee. City employees voted earlier this year to participate in Illinois Municipal Retire Fund (IMRF).
Under IMRF rules, “Tier I” employees are vested in the system after eight years, while “Tier II” employees have to work 10 years to be able to retire with benefits.
“We all thought our most senior employees were Tier I employees,” Fisher said. IMRF, however, said the start date for determining whether or not an employee is Tier I or Tier II is calculated from the month the employee joined the IMRF system. For Gillespie city workers, that date is March of this year.
Because of the discrepancy, senior employees, some of whom are nearing retirement, have to buy back 10 years of service to be vested in the system. Further complicating the issue, the buy-back rate will increase after January 1.
Fisher said part of the confusion resulted from a computer glitch at IMRF at the time the city was switching over to the IMRF system. Consequently, city employees were not fully informed of their options regarding buy-backs at the time.
When the city switched pension systems, it paid current employees the amount each employee had accrued in their retirement accounts. Most employees, especially those who had worked several years, chose to reinvest those funds in interest-bearing or dividend-bearing accounts. Most are unable to “buy back” years in the IMRF system now without paying a penalty to withdraw funds from their private retirement accounts.
“We need to find some way to help them buy back their years up to 10 years,” Fisher said. “I would like to come up with something before the end of the year. For anyone willing to make a contribution to buy back years, we would match a percentage of that to help them get to 10 years or as close to 10 years as possible.”
Fisher proposed developing a formula under which the city would match a percentage of funds needed to ensure long-term employees are fully vested in the IMRF system. For the senior employees, Fisher said, the buy-back will be more expensive than it will be for employees who have workers for shorter periods. Fisher said he would like to have a formula that is weighted to pay different percentages of the buy-back for different employees, based on each employee’s longevity and age.
“We would have to act on it in December,” Fisher noted. “I have no idea how we would pay for it. We’d have to figure that out. I thought we should do something, especially for guys who’ve been with us for a long time.”
Fisher said the cost to the city will “not be insubstantial,” estimating an outlay of $100,000 to $150,000.
In another personnel-related matter, the council asked the City Attorney to develop a draft policy to bring the city into compliance with the state’s Paid Leave Act.
Under the law, Fisher told the council, an employee is entitled to earn one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours they work. Fisher said the city needs a policy, however, to ensure employees can only use those hours for paid leave for attending funerals or personal business, but cannot be reimbursed for them upon terminating from city employment.
“If someone quits or gets laid off, are they entitled to be reimbursed for paid leave they’ve built up?” Fisher asked. “We need to have a policy for how we’re going to handle this going forward.” Reimbursing terminated employees for paid leave, he argued, is “not in keeping with the intent of the law.”
DISPUTED WATER BILL
On a motion by Ald. Dave Link, the council voted to waive late fees and sewer charges for a city resident who accrued a large water bill due to an undetected leak. Gary Irvin, who resides in the 100 block of East Spruce Street, appeared before the council to voice concerns about the bill said the leak was discovered and repaired after he returned home from being out of town. He later received a $535 bill for 57,000 gallons of usage.
“I’m retired,” he explained. “I don’t have that sort of income.”
In addition to reducing the amount of the bill, Link’s motion gives Irvin 60 days to make payment.
Irvin also asked about replacing a sidewalk at his residence that has been in a state of disrepair since the city’s water infrastructure replacement project. He said he has fallen twice because of the broken sidewalk.
Fisher told Irvin the sidewalk will be replaced under a Streetscape project that is supposed to begin next year.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council voted unanimously to purchase a lot with a burned out residence at 301 East Maple Street for $811 in delinquent real estate taxes. Verticchio told the council a tax trustee purchased the property at a tax sale and $811 would redeem the property. In the alternative, the city could pursue condemnation procedures which would cost a minimum of $3,000 in legal fees.
By purchasing the property, Hicks noted, the city will be able to go in and clean up the property in order to resell it.
Council members also voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Zoning Board to reclassify 209 Montgomery Street from business to residential. The brick building originally was used as a funeral home and was most recently occupied by a non-denominational church congregation.
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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
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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.
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FELONIES
Levi T. Kroll, 35 of Eagarville, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a November 10 incident.
David J. Karrick, 44 of Virden, is charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 10 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jason H. Rells, 50 of Virden, is charged with resisting a peace officer/ firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin H. Bodine, 42 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a November 2 incident.
Stephanie K. Short, 59 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officer, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 31 incident.
Stacey L. Hart, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene in connection with an October 27 incident.
Troy J. Camerer, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to give notice of crash, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 30 incident.
Lucas J. Edwards, 22 of Caledonia, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 26-34 mph over the limit, and being unlicensed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Allen D. James Jr, 62 of Virden, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an October 30 incident.
Zachary S. Hoffstot, 44 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
Dustin P. Cunningham, 33 of Greenfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 11 incident.
Courtney R. Coonce, 31 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a November 8 incident.
Ashley R. Winters, 38 of Kane, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jennifer M. Bushue versus Jesse J. Bushue
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Daniel Robert Dobrino of Benld and Hannah Marie Pritchett of Edwardsville
