Community News
Gillespie Council approves payments for water plant, sewer improvements
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved a final payment to Korte & Luitjohan Contractors for renovation work done at the city’s water treatment plant and authorized a first payment request to Visu-Sewer of Missouri for work completed in the downtown business district as a first step toward implementing an extensive streetscape program to improve the business climate on Macoupin Street.
The council also took action on several fairly routine issues during a relatively brief meeting that was long on discussion and short on actions.
On a motion by Ald. Landon Pettit, the council voted unanimously to approve a final payment of $39,521 to Korte & Luitjohan for renovations at the water treatment plant, contingent upon the Water Plant Operator accepting the work. The amount includes an $8,736 change order approved by the council earlier in the meeting upon the recommendation of City Treasurer Dan Fisher.
Council members also unanimously approved a $57,362 pay estimate to Visu-Sewer for relining work done to the sanitary sewer system in downtown Gillespie. The approved payment, with includes a $25,000 change order, is a prelude to completing the city’s ambitious $320 million streetscape improvement project expected to improve aesthetics and efficiency downtown. The plan is expected to add green spaces, reconfigure parking and result in other improvements.
Fisher briefly discussed upcoming issues the council will need to consider, including building needs and the possibility of extending the life of the downtown Tax Increment Financing District. Fisher said he plans to convene a meeting of the Finance Committee in March to discuss future capital improvement needs.
“Whether you’re talking about buying a building or remodeling a building, you’re probably going to be looking at some long-term debt,” Fisher warned, emphasizing the city’s limited financial resources. “We need to be really cautious and we need to know how we’re going to pay for that.”
Since the Gillespie Fire Department moved out of the Gillespie Civic Center, the council has looked at the vacated space as a possible location for the Gillespie Police Department. Tentative cost estimates for that proposed renovation range upward of $750,000.
“I don’t think we’re ready to move on any of this,” Fisher said. Fisher advised that the committee needs to assess building needs, determine the cost of any projects the city wants to consider and determine how those projects could be financed.
Fisher also said the council may want to extend the life of the TIF District currently in place for the downtown area. The TIF system captures increases in property tax revenue and diverts that money to a TIF fund to finance infrastructure improvements in the TIF District. One of the programs funded by the TIF District is a business facade grant program under which business owners can recoup half of the cost of making improvements to the front of their buildings. Fisher said demand for facade improvement grants has been sporadic through much of the life of the TIF District but has picked up in recent years.
“I think we should at least look into extending it for another 12 years,” he said. “If you want to do that, it will need to be done this year.”
In a somewhat related matter, the council approved a facade grant application from T.J. Allan to install an awning and signage at Ageless Fitness. The grant will reimburse Allan $2,300 of the project’s $4,600 cost upon completion.
RULE CHANGES AT GILLESPIE LAKE
Upon a motion by Lake Chair Frank Barrett, the council authorized City Attorney Rick Verticchio to draft a new ordinance to implement rule changes regarding lot leases at Gillespie Lake. The new ordinance, subject to final approval by the council, will create a new category of lake lot leases for “year-round” use. The annual fee for a year-round lease will be $1,200 as opposed to $700 for typical picnic lots. The new category will allow leaseholders to use their lot at any time of year instead of being restricted to the summer season. The new rules also will double the size of existing picnic lots.
Barrett said it is hope the change will encourage greater recreational use at the lake. In addition, he said there is an expectation the change could reduce instances of vandalism and theft at the lake.
“People know the lake closes down,” he said. “This way, there will be people out there,” who can monitor neighboring properties and report suspicious activities. Barrett said vandalism has not been a major problem but most years at least a few part-time residents report damage or theft that occurred over the winter.
A finalized ordinance is likely to be acted upon next month.
RESPIRATOR PURCHASE
City aldermen unanimously approved the purchase of respirators for Water Treatment Plant employees in order to comply with an OSHA mandate. Ald. Dona Rauzi reported OSHA requires respirators to be on hand for each of the water plant’s four employees. She recommended buying five respirators at a cost of $311.90 each in order to have one spare available at the plant.
“We don’t have a choice,” Rauzi said. “We have to do this because OSHA is requiring it.”
The respirators, costing a total of $1,559.50, will be custom fitted for each employee once the equipment arrives.
Also to comply with OSHA mandates, Ald. Bob Fritz reported the Street Department plans to spend about $5,000 to replace hoses on a recently purchased vacuum truck.
ESDA ISSUES
Council members voted unanimously on a motion by Fritz to purchase a large computer monitor that will facilitate storm spotting by Fire District 7 personnel stationed on the north side of East Gillespie. Storm spotting, reporting and activating storm sirens is the responsibility of the city’s ESDA coordinator—a position that is currently vacant.
Fritz also reported the ESDA Committee is looking into updating the city’s emergency siren system. The siren located at city hall, he said, is currently non-functioning. To replace all five sirens in the city, according to Fritz, would cost about $192,000 but he said the city may be able to cut costs by installing a lesser number of more efficient sirens.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
On a motion by Ald. Rauzi, seconded by Ald. Bill Hayes, the council voted to accept a property at 204 Baker Street that previously was declared a nuisance. City Attorney Verticchio said the owner had offered to give the property to the city to avoid legal action that would force the owner to abate the nuisance or pay for the city doing it. In the meantime, Verticchio said, property owners on either side of the nuisance property expressed an interest in buying the property. Verticchio said the city could legally authorize that sale with a provision for the new owners to clean up the nuisance within 60 days or allow the ownership to revert to the city.
“You’re going to save a lot of money by doing this and not going to court,” Verticchio said.
Similarly, Verdicchio said he secured an agreement from a buyer to purchase a nuisance property at 608 Adams Street for $3,500, which would recoup legal fees and court costs the city has expended on the property. The city has a court order allowing city workers to abate the nuisance, but Verticchio said it will save the city time and money to sell to a new owner and require the new owner to abate the nuisance.
Verdicchio also reported he expects to get a court order authorizing clean up of property in the 500 block of Park Avenue. While the city has authority to proceed with the clean-up, Verticchio said he is trying to convince the private company that acquired the property to do the work.
SURPLUS PROPERTY
After hearing a request from Harold Besserman, owner of the Superbowl bowling alley, the council voted to declare a strip of city-owned property behind the business as surplus property and offer it for sale via sealed bid. Besserman said the city approached him five years ago about buying the entire parcel, the majority of which is marshy wetland. While he still does not have an interest in buying the parcel, Besserman said he would like to purchase a strip of land that remains dry to facilitate installation of solar energy panels.
Verticchio said the city could not negotiate the sale of the property directly with Besserman, but could declare the property surplus and offer it for sale.
The council referred to committee a request from Besserman to adjust an excessive water bill he incurred as a result of a water leak. He said his water bill more than tripled—from $50 to $170 as a result of the break. The break occurred, he said, inside the building in a wall adjacent to a rear patio.
Ald. Rauzi pointed out that city ordinance permits the council to credit a water customer one third of the customers average monthly bill if the break occurs between the meter and the foundation of the building. However, the city code does not authorize adjustments when the break occurs inside the building.
Ald. Pettit suggested there might be room for negotiation on the sewer portion of the bill since the water loss did not enter the sewer system.
The council also heard briefly from John Hilgert of the 600 block of West Oak Street who complained about dust arising from traffic on gravel the city used on his street. “It’s just a dust storm every day,” he said. Mayor John Hicks said the city had planned to sweep the street on Monday but city crews were diverted to deal with a water main break. With rain expected on Tuesday, Hicks said city workers would address the issue as soon as possible.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement to provide police protection services in the Village of Eagarville.
- Accepted a low bid from Republic Sanitation to pick up trash from city-owned facilities at a cost of $1,819 per month, compared with the $1,128.78 monthly contract that just expired.
- Agreed to close the 100 block of Pine Street, along with Montgomery Street between Pine and Chestnut for a Gears and Grub Festival and 5K run on June 10. The event will feature a classic car show and up to 10 food trucks.
- Agreed to lease a 100-by-100-foot plot of unused land at Gillespie Lake for an ATT communications tower.
- Agreed to advertise for applicants for a Street Department position requiring a CDL license.
Comments
The Gillespie community is proud to partner with ImpactLife to host a Community Blood Drive on Monday, May 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, located at 900 Broadway.
This vital event offers community members an opportunity to help save lives by donating blood, which is essential for patients in local hospitals and medical facilities. The blood drive is open to donors of all eligible ages and backgrounds.
Event Details:
What: Gillespie Community Blood Drive
When: Monday, May 12th, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, 900 Broadway, Gillespie, IL
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth experience. To schedule your donation, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 710-1336, visit bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive, or call ImpactLife directly at 800-747-5401.
Donor Eligibility:
Potential donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission available online), weigh over 110 pounds, and present a valid photo ID. Donors who have given blood on or before March 17, 2025, are eligible to participate. Individuals with controlled diabetes or high blood pressure may also be eligible to donate. For further eligibility questions, contact ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401.
About Blood Donation:
The blood donation process is safe, quick, and typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. It is a simple procedure that can make a significant difference in the lives of patients in need.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing blood products and services to over 100 hospitals and emergency providers across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as supporting medical research and resource sharing nationwide. To learn more about ImpactLife, visit www.bloodcenter.org and follow them on social media @impactlifeblood.
Special Donor Incentives:
All successful donors will receive a choice of an e-Gift Card, Bonus Points for ImpactLife’s Rewards Store, or the option to donate their reward to a nonprofit of their choice.
Join us in making a difference—your donation could be the reason someone in our community receives the life-saving care they need.
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Eagarville, IL — The Village of Eagarville is delighted to announce its highly anticipated annual Craft Fair and Vendor Festival, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The event will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This festive celebration will feature the work of 30 talented local artisans, crafters, and vendors showcasing a diverse array of handmade goods. It’s the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to shop local, support our community’s artists, and find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts—ideal for Mother’s Day or to celebrate your favorite graduate!
Attendees can enjoy delicious food options served throughout the day, including hearty biscuits and gravy in the morning, as well as savory sloppy joes and chicken salad for lunch.
Admission is just $1 for adults, with children under 16 admitted free.
Come out, explore the creative talents of our community, and enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping, food, and fellowship!
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Members of the Benld City Council on agreed to spend $319,000 for continuing work on the Benld Family Sports Park and voted to temporarily extend the city’s contract with the City of Gillespie for police protection while the two municipalities continue negotiations to renew the agreement, but it was horses and zoning that dominated the discussion during the council’s regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Appearing before the council as a visitor, Jennifer Zippay, 304 North Eighth Street, voiced concerns about a neighbors plans to board up to three horses on a neighboring lot zoned for agricultural use. Zippay said the property owner plans to fence the lot and build a stabling structure at the rear of the lot. The lot has been zoned for agricultural use since the city approved its zoning ordinance in 2016 and the parcel has been cropped for many years. Zippay said it never occurred to her or her neighbors that “agriculture” could also mean “livestock.”
“What is ‘agriculture’?” she asked. “To me there’s a difference between crops and horses or pigs.” Her concern she said is that the zoning ordinance does not define what animals are allowable, nor does it limit the number of animals the owner of an agricultural property can keep.
“I’m not in disagreement with you,” Mayor Jim Kelly told Zippay. “We should have a limit on the number of animals.”
The lot reportedly comprises about 220,000 square, prompting Zippay to question how many animals the property could accommodate.
“It’s well within the council’s prerogative to limit the number of animals allowed,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio advised, “but we can’t do something about something that hasn’t happened yet.” Without provisions in the zoning ordinance regarding the types and numbers of farm animals allowed, Verticchio said the city’s only option would be to pursue a public nuisance action if the animals become a nuisance.
“How many are too many?” Verticchio asked rhetorically. “Two hundred and forty seven pigs would be too many, but one goat is probably okay. The maximum number is somewhere in between.”
Responding to a question from Ald. John Balzraine, Verticchio said there is no way to preclude the property owner from implementing his plans other than to approve a zoning ordinance amendment before the individual starts to build stabling structure or fencing. The property owner reportedly has not applied for building permits to build on the property or erect a fence. Kelly told Zippay that any fencing would have to comply with the city’s fencing code.
“The council could do something now,” Verticchio said. “Someone could make a motion. Otherwise it would have to be a nuisance.”
Ald. Dustin Fletcher noted the property owner “did the right thing” by approaching the city to familiarize himself with the zoning provisions before making plans to board horses on the property. “I have to give him credit for that,” Fletcher said.
Balzraine later suggested amending the zoning ordinance to define “agriculture” as cropland only. “I wouldn’t want to smell horse poop either,” he told Zippay.
Verticchio said he could prepare the amendment for action within 10 days. “If you want to call a special meeting to approve it, you can.”
“We’ll get this rolling,” Kelly assured Zippay.
POLICE PROTECTION CONTRACT
On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Fletcher, the council voted unanimously to extend the city’s police protection contract with the City of Gillespie for 90 days while the two municipalities continue negotiations for a new contract. For the three months, the city will continue to pay the current $20,000 monthly fee for police protection.
Verticchio said the current police protection contract is set to expire April 30. Depending upon negotiations, the new rate could be charged retroactively or commence upon approval of the contract by both parties, according to Verticchio.
Verticchio said the contract can be terminated by giving 30 day’s notice to the City of Gillespie.
OFFICERS AND ALDERMEN SEATED
Before considering new business, the council paused to swear-in newly elected and re-elected officers and aldermen. Verticchio administered the oath of office, using a Bible belonging to his mother “who died 29 years ago today,” he said.
Kelly was sworn-in to begin his third term as Mayor, along with incumbent City Treasurer Cindy Crites and incumbent City Clerk Terri Koyne, both of whom were elected to their third terms.
Verticchio also administered oaths to incumbent Ward 1 Ald. Balzraine, re-elected April 1 to his third term; Ward 2 Ald. Mickey Robinson, currently the longest-serving member of the council, becoming an alderman in 1991; and newly elected Ward 3 Ald. Brant McFarland, who replaces two-term Ald. Lance Cooper, who chose to not seek re-election.
Immediately after being seated, Mayor Kelly thanked Cooper for his “time and dedication to the city.”
“You did a good job,” Kelly said.
On a motion by Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Jerry Saracco, the council ratified Kelly’s new committee appointments as follows:
- CITY PROPERTY: Balzraine (chair), Fletcher, McFarland, Robinson, Saracco.
- HOUSING; Ald. Norm Emmons (chair), Saracco, Robinson, McFarland, Balzraine.
- ORDINANCE/JUDICIAL: Robinson (chair), Emmons, Saracco, Fletcher, Balzraine.
- FINANCE: Saracco (chair), Emmons, Balzraine, Fletcher, McFarland, and City Clerk Koyne as an advisory co-chair.
- POLICE: McFarland (chair), Fletcher, Robinson, Saracco, Emmons.
- PROPRIETARY: Fletcher (chair), Balzraine, Robinson, Emmons, McFarland.
The Mayor’s appointments run for two years and include Verticchio as City Attorney, Balzraine as Mayor Pro-Tem, and Robinson, Fletcher and Jack Burns as members of a Police Liaison Committee.
SPORTS PARK EXPENDITURES
With Ald. Saracco casting the only “no” vote, the council approved expenditures of $319,244.89 for work completed on the new Benld Family Sports Complex, located on the former site of Benld Elementary School. Community Unit School District 7 deeded the property to the of Benld several years after a mine subsidence event destroyed the school. The city secured a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources last year to underwrite developing the parcel as a park. Once completed, the Benld Sports Association will take over operation and maintenance of the facility.
Monday night’s action authorized payment of $132,305 to Hayes Contractor, the project’s general contractor; $88,342.40 to DeLaurent Construction, Wilsonville, for paving a basketball court and walking path; and $98,597.49 to HHH Construction for construction of a pavilion and dugouts, and installation of basketball equipment, scoreboards and goal posts.
To finish the grant, the city estimates another $25,000 in expenditures, including $19,100 for concrete to dugouts and the pavilion, and $6,000 for accounting/audit fees
MFT BID
The council unanimously approved a bid of $32,818 from Illini Road Oil, LLC, Moro, to supply road oil for the city’s annual motor fuel tax street maintenance program. Illini Road Oil offered the lowest of three bids to supply 12,200 gallons of road oil at a cost of $2.69 per gallon. Other bidders were Macoupin County Asphalt, Inc., Carlinville, and Evergreen Roadworks, Urbana.
PARKING LOT BID
Council members accepted a bid of $5,342 from DeLaurent Construction to repave parking areas at the back and on the east side of the newly opened Benld City Hall, formerly First National Bank.
PROPERTY BID
Council members unanimously accepted a bid of $1,000 from Don Pratt for a surplus parcel at 205 South Seventh, provided Pratt demolishes and removes an existing nuisance structure within 120 days. Answering a question from the council, Verticchio said the council could extend the 120-day deadline in the event of extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, the property could revert to the city if the deadline is not met.
Pratt’s lives next door to the property and was the only bidder.
FOIA REQUEST
Monte Oberman, who has a small claims action pending against the city, appeared before the council, complaining that a flash drive he received in response to a Freedom of Information Act request could not be opened. Oberman said he asked for minutes from last month’s meeting of the council during which he also appeared to address the council. Since the flash drive was defective, he asked for written minutes of the meeting.
City Clerk Koyne said she could provide Oberman with a copy of the minutes since the minutes were approved by the council earlier Monday evening.
Verticchio told Oberman that future requests for information should be directed to him since Oberman is a litigant against the city.
“One of the grounds for denying a FOIA request is if the requestor is involved in litigation against the city,” Verticchio said. “I’m not criticizing the way you asked for information, I’m just saying you may not have been doing it the right way. The proper procedure would be for you to contact the city attorney and then I have to give it to you.”
In response, Oberman handed his written request to Verticchio and noted he also is asking for all other written communication about his case.
Property owned by Oberman is the subject of a public nuisance action initiated by Verticchio on behalf of the city. Vertichio told Oberman last week that the city’s nuisance complaint will be dropped after Oberman’s small claims case is adjudicated.
A bench trial set for April 4 was rescheduled for June 19 on a motion by Oberman late last month.
ITALIAN CLUB RECOGNITION
Balzraine publicly thanked the Benld Italian Club for paying for electrical work at the food stand in Benld City Park at a cost of $1,080.
