Community News
Gillespie Council approves FOP contract, considers tax-supported police pension plan
Gillespie city aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a new contract with the Fraternal Order of Police which authorizes substantial wage increases for city police officers. Additionally, the council set a special meeting for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 16, to vote on whether or not to submit a tax referendum to voters that would support a place pension plan for local police. Both measures appear to be aimed at retaining officers.
The vote to approve the FOP contract followed a 25-minute executive session to discuss personnel issues. Police Chief Jared DePoppe met with the council for about half of the closed-door session.
The newly approved two-year contract is retroactive to May 1 and will increase starting wages police officers from $18.03 per hour to $22 per hour. The wage goes to $22.25 with one year of service, $22.50 after two years, and $22.75 after three years. Wages were increased by $1.50 per hour for Lieutenants, 75 cents for Sergeants and 25 cents for the school resource officer.
Under the agreement, the contract can be reopened in March to possibly adjust wages, contingent upon the city’s revenue estimates at that time, to take effect upon the contract’s anniversary date. Ald. Dona Rauzi, Police Committee Chair and one of the lead negotiators, said the new contract has been in development since March.
Rauzi told the BenGil Post the new contract will make Gillespie Police wages more competitive with surrounding communities with an eye toward keeping officers on the payroll. Police officers accepting jobs in other communities has been a perennial problem for Gillespie and other small towns. Officers often choose to move on after the city has expended money for training and police cadet certification.
“Officers were leaving because of pay,” Rauzi said.
In a related matter, the council set a special meeting for next Tuesday to consider whether or not to seek a tax referendum to support a pension plan for city police. Officer Justin Klopmeier appeared before the council to ask aldermen to approve language to appear on the ballot for the referendum. Klopmeier said a decision is needed by Aug. 22 in order to qualify for a position on the November ballot.
Local police are interested in the program, Klopmeier said, “to help retain officers and keep them here by providing a good retirement.” The initiative would allow local police to participate in a statewide retirement pool for full-time police officers. Officers would contribute to the fund and the city would provide matching funds.
“It’s going to be an expense,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio said. “It’s going to be a cost to the city. Basically, it will be a tax. It will only go into effect if it passes as a referendum in the November election.”
Klopmeier said he did not have exact numbers for what the city’s contribution would be, but he estimated it would amount to about 10 percent of the current payroll costs for the Police Department.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the city should consider other employees if it chooses to participate in the police pension program. Verticchio pointed out that the pension plan being promoted by local police is open exclusively to full-time police officers in Illinois.
“I don’t think we should make a decision tonight,” Fisher said. ‘I think we should have a special meeting. We have to be fair to all our employees.”
Mayor Hicks said the week delay between Monday and next Tuesday will give aldermen time to review information and make a more informed decision. “We’re not against it,” he said. “We just want people to know what’s going on.”
In other action related to the Police Department, the council accepted Chief DePoppe’s recommendation to hire Wade Hendricks, Benld, as the school resource officer, effective immediately. Hendricks, a veteran of local police departments, will take the place of Roby Irby, Hillsboro, who was hired last August to take the place of Jassen Stinnett who had retired from his position as the school resource officer. Irby reportedly transferred to street patrol this summer.
“I think he’ll be a great asset for the school district,” DePoppe said of Hendricks.
DePoppe reported that a full-time dispatcher recently resigned and he is in the process of accepting applications for a replacement. The Department also is taking applications for a full-time police officer position.
Also on DePoppe’s recommendation, the council declared as surplus two patrol cars—a 2015 Ford Taurus and a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. Both cars will be advertised for sale via competitive bids.
FOOD TRUCK PERMITS
Council members unanimously adopted an ordinance that for the first time will govern the operation of food trucks in the City of Gillespie. Mayor Hicks asked City Attorney Verticchio to draft the ordinance last month after he received a request from a food truck operator wanting to know the rules for food truck operation in the city.
Under terms of the ordinance, food trucks must be parked on a privately owned location.
After a brief discussion, the council reached a consensus to set the permit fee at $100 for an annual permit good for four days of operation. Additional days of operation will be permitted for a fee of $25 per day.
The new ordinance also applies to food trucks operating at Gillespie Lake.
Food operations sponsored by charitable or civic organizations as a fundraiser are excluded from the permit requirement.
Verticchio said he plans to present an ordinance at the council’s next monthly meeting dealing with residential fencing that will take into account input from the council. Among the issues to be resolved are setback requirements for fences between neighboring properties. Verticchio said ordinarily, fences must be set back three feet from the property line. “If you have a fence that’s set back three feet and your neighbor has a fence that sets back three feet, that leaves six feet between,” he said. As an alternative, he proposed allowing neighbors to mutually agree to a single fence on the property line. The written agreement, he said, would be recorded at the Macoupin County Courthouse so future property owners would know there is an agreement that mutually recognizes the location of the boundary for purposes of fencing.
He also suggested fine-tuning restrictions for fencing at the front of the property. Ideally, the front fence should be five feet back from the street, but he suggested the city could be more flexible for fences that are “see-through” fences such as a picket fence or low chain-link fence.
CIVIC CENTER IMPROVEMENTS, MAINTENANCE
The council accepted a bid of $15,000 from Patrick Riley, Chatham, to repaint the Civic Center exterior. The contract calls for power washing, priming rusted areas and repainting the entire building with acrylic paint. The bid was the lowest of four bids submitted by contractors from throughout the state. Tiles and Styles, Chicago, bid the project at $25,720; El Greco Painting, South Holland, submitted a bid of $27,200 and Jay Dingus, St. Charles, Mo., offered to do the project at a cost of $29,800.
Council members also approved a $1,380 contract with Young’s Roofing, Litchfield, to replace damaged downspouts. Young’s was the only bidder for the project.
Ald. Bob Fritz said he looking into the cost of a canvas awning to go across the front of the building, which would be installed once the painting project is completed.
Ald. Rauzi reported that an architect had done a walk-through to the area vacated by the Gillespie Fire Department. The architect is expected to submit a tentative plan for the council’s review to convert the vacated space into space to house the Gillespie Police Department. The plan, Rauzi said, should be available for the next monthly meeting of the council.
The council approved two resolutions to make payments to contractors from the Tax Increment Financing fund for work done to the Civic Center. Those payments included $390 to Hawkeye Steel Sales for replacing damaged steel siding and $1,500 to Bolash Roofing and Construction, Inc.
LIBRARY AIR CONDITIONING
Acting on a request from Steve Joyce, librarian for the Gillespie Public Library, the council voted to spend $4,300 for an air conditioning unit at the library. Joyce said the library has undergone extensive improvements in recent months, including $2,000 for plumbing, $1,500 for lighting improvements and nearly $14,000 for new carpeting. The failure of an air conditioning unit last week came as an unexpected expense the library could not afford.
Joyce said the expenditure will replace the outside condenser unit, which is 14 years old and covers one-half of the downstairs.
“The inside unit is okay,” Joyce said.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to enter into a $2,200 contract with Bill Claro, Gillespie, to repaint parking space lines, handicapped parking spaces and yellow curbing on Macoupin Street. Verticchio said the council could enter into the contract without seeking bids by affirming the painting project is an emergency situation for public safety.
- Voted to allocate $500 to the Lions Club to hire a band for a chili cook-off event. The 100 block of Chestnut Street and one block of Montgomery will be closed for the event.
- Voted to donate $100 to sponsor a hole for a golf tournament sponsored by the Gillespie Fire Department in October at Timber Lakes Golf Course near Staunton.
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FELONIES
Austen W. Nieder, 31 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with an October 20 incident.
Nathan A. Baker, 47 of Hettick, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illegal stopping/standing/parking in connection with an April 13 incident.
Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, is charged with aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon and domestic battery causing bodily harm in connection with an October 26 incident.
Janet L. Andrews, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI any amount of drug, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to reduce speed, carrying/displaying license, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver in connection with an October 31 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jamie M. Griffiths, 53 of Palmyra, is charged with violation of an order after being served a notice in connection with an October 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Aiden A. Knodel, 18 of Mount Olive, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an October 17 incident.
Matthew T. Troeckler, 38 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 18 incident.
James C. Fitzwater, 54 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 18 incident.
John E. Tisdale, 43 of Modesto, is charged with headlight violation and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jacquelyn Simons versus Jason Simons
- Ashline L. M. Harris versus Jeffrey Harris
- Jennifer L. Parker versus Darrin C. Parker
- Heather R. Elliot versus Ray K. Elliot III
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Jesse Clay Wright and Rebecca Lyn Mouser, both of Gillespie
- Colin David Robertson and Earl Reah Pastidio Sacabin, both of Staunton
- Gary Eugene Bellm and Micky Sue Cody, both of Virden
- Michael David Pratt and Bailey Ann Schmidt, both of Staunton
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Litchfield Road in East Gillespie. Cheri L. Bagwell, 48 of Carlinville, was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, improper use of title, operating an uninsured vehicle, and operating a vehicle without valid registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a death investigation.
Skylar A. Stewart, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for methamphetamine delivery.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue that took place in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Olive Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Easton Street in reference to an ordinance issue. Richard D. Grove, 76 of Gillespie ,was issued a citation for nuisance prohibited-obstructed alleyway.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Summer J. Blevins, 24 of Gillespie, was issued citations for uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Burton Street and Fillmore Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Lucas I. Smith, 35, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Benld. Jessica M. Brackman, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Madison County warrant for fraud/bad checks. She was also issued a citation for expired registration.
Douglas D. Davis, 58 of Pekin, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked.
Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central in Benld, in reference to an animal complaint
An officer was out on North Main Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to reckless driving in the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to assisting Animal Control with a call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Walnut in Benld. Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer assisted the City Alderman at Gillespie Lake on a call in the 15000 block of Oak Ln.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery. James J. Hamilton, 19 of Brighton, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Joshua T. Reese, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Kyle T. Yate, 19 of Wood River, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to an altercation and a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jessica M. McCoy, 27 of Eagarville was issued a citation for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Mor Street in East Gillespie. Teresa C. Dickerson, 45 of Mt. Olive ,was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street to speak with a female in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a criminal trespass warning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 45 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a dog running at large.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Chestnut Street and 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to South Macoupin Street and West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An Officer was dispatched to 5th Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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