Community News
Gillespie Council hears objections from landlords, tables action on inspection ordinance
Gillespie City Council (Archived photo)
The Gillespie City Council tabled action on an ordinance that would have changed requirements for housing inspections for rental properties during its regular monthly meeting Monday night after hearing objections from several landlords who said the new ordinance would unfairly penalize property owners who keep water service in their own name.
The proposed ordinance would have required annual housing inspections at a cost of $75 per year for properties where landlords keep the water service in their own names. Rental properties where the water service is in the name of the renter would have been inspected only when one tenant leaves and another tenant moves in. The objective of the ordinance was to encourage landlords to put water service in the names of their tenants to ensure the properties are inspected when tenants change.
Property owner Rusty Fredericks, however, told the council the proposed ordinance is unfair since the property owner, not the tenant, is responsible for unpaid water bills regardless of whose name is on the account. He said he has had instances when a tenant moved out while owing a water bill larger than what the renter’s water deposit would cover. In those instances, the property owner is responsible for paying the balance before water is turned on for a new tenant.
“I’d rather have the bill in my name so I can make sure it’s paid, since I’m responsible for it anyway,” Fredericks said, adding that property owners should be able to provide the city with some sort of alternative proof to show that the same tenant is living in a rental unit from one year to the next. “If I have proof the same person is living there, why should I have to pay for another inspection.”
The purpose of the ordinance was to encourage property owners to have water service in the names of their tenants
Mayor John Hicks said the re-inspection fee was in place in the proposed ordinance to cover the city’s cost of sending the housing inspector out for a second inspection.
Ald. Janice Weidner said the purpose of the ordinance was to encourage property owners to have water service in the names of their tenants so the city can make sure the properties are inspected before new tenants move in. “Otherwise,” she said, “we don’t know the comings and goings of who is living there.”
Fredericks argued that it should be the responsibility of the property owner, not the city, to provide notice of when tenants change and a housing inspection is required.
“We want it to be our responsibility,” Hicks said, “so we don’t having people living in places that haven’t been inspected. If it (the water service) is in the renter’s name, then we know when a renter moves out.”
Rick Fenton, who also owns rental properties in Gillespie, noted the proposed ordinance also would have created a discrepancy between owners of multi-unit properties where the water service for several apartments runs through a single meter and multi-unit properties that have separate water meters for each apartment. Under the proposed ordinance, a multi-unit property would be subject to re-inspection once a year if it has only one water meter, while each individual apartment would be inspected when tenants change in a multi-unit property with multiple water meters. Under that scenario, a property owner with water service in his or her name would pay $75 once a year for the entire building, while the owner of a building where apartment dwellers pay their own water bill would be required to pay $75 to inspect a single apartment when tenants move out.
Jeff Moss, who recently purchased a multi-unit building in Gillespie, said Ameren-Illinois has a program to notify city officials when utility services are switched to a new tenant, which would eliminate the need for the ordinance and relieve both property owners and the city of keeping track of when tenants move out and move in. City Attorney Kevin Polo, however, said Ameren has ended that practice except for larger cities that qualify as home-rule municipalities. Moss said he would contact Ameren and confirm whether or not Gillespie is eligible to participate.
Hicks, who appeared to initially defend the proposed ordinance, ultimately referred the issue back to committee “to consider what you guys have said and see if there is some kind of happy medium.” He invited the landlords to attend the committee meeting in two weeks and provide additional input into drafting a revised ordinance that achieves the city’s objectives while protecting the interests of the property owners. City Treasurer Dan Fisher advised the property owners to put their concerns in writing for presentation to the committee.
The expectation is that the committee will return to the council next month with a revised ordinance for possible action.
BACKHOE PURCHASE/CITY FINANCES
With one dissenting vote, the council agreed to borrow $60,000 over a period of five years for the purchase of a new backhoe to replace a nine-year-old machine the city currently owns. Public Works Committee Chair Jerry Dolliger reported during the last city council meeting that the current backhoe has significant issues with its hydraulic systems, causing the bucket to drop without warning when the machine is in transit and causing the backhoe to randomly lurch when it is being used to dig trenches. As a result, Dolliger had directed that no workers could be in the trench when the backhoe was in use as a safety precaution.
The committee proposed Monday night that the city trade in the old backhoe and buy a new John Deere backhoe from ERB Equipment, Mitchell, at a cost of $60,000. But Ald. Weidner said she reviewed the repair history for the machine now being used and questioned the necessity of the purchase.
“We really don’t have that many repairs in it,” she said.
Fisher concurred, saying that if the council was considering the purchase of a police car, it would take into consideration how much the city had spent in repairs for it and weighed the cost of needed repairs against the total value of the car. “What you have here is a $100,000 piece of equipment that is worth $30,000,” he said. “The question is would it cost $30,000 to fix it?”
That tractor is going to kill someone and that’s going to cost you a lot more than $60,000
“That tractor is going to kill someone,” said Street Department employee Landon Pettit, “and that’s going to cost you a lot more than $60,000.” He said he was struck by the bucket recently when he was standing five feet away from the hole when the bucket lurched to the side. The incident was not operator error, he said, noting that he was watching the operator at the time of the accident.
“You’re talking about spending $60,000 for a piece of equipment that isn’t going to kill someone and will give us more productivity,” Dolliger said. The backhoe is used by both the Street Department and Water Department for a number of tasks.
Fisher said the city has the money to make the purchase, but recommended that the purchase be weighed against other anticipated expenses over the next 12 to 24 months, including major infrastructure projects the city intends to undertake if it can secure grant money to subsidize some of the costs. Even with grants in place, Fisher said, the city will be required to provide matching funds. He asked for the Public Works Department to develop a list of major purchases that might be expected in the next two years. The Water Department reportedly has already identified about $6,000 in anticipated expenditures for pumping equipment. Dolliger said the committee also wants to spend about $3,000 to buy a spare pump for the sewer treatment operation.
Fisher also reported that a local bank is willing to loan money for the backhoe purchase if the city wished to finance the purchase.
“We can pay cash, we have the money,” he said, “but the bank is willing to loan it to us at two percent interest.”
Ald. Steve Kluethe’s motion to borrow $60,000 for the purchase was approved with Ald. Weidner casting the only negative vote.
In a related matter, Fisher provided council members with a financial report indicating the city has enough money on hand to cover about 2.9 times the city’s current obligations, just shy of the three times obligations that is recommended as a target for cash on hand.
“We are in pretty good financial condition despite late payments from the state,” he said. “But we have some big expenditures coming up. This money looks good on paper, but it could go away really quick.” He said the city has a total of about $1.5 million in reserve cash, but anticipates about $6 million in upcoming expenditures for infrastructure improvements including repairs to the dam at Gillespie Lake.
Though no action was taken Monday night, Fisher also recommended drafting an ordinance to increase sewer rates by $1 for the first 1,000 gallons and by 25 cents for each additional 1,000 gallons. The increase, if enacted, would generate close to $30,000 in additional revenue annually, according to Fisher–money that he says is need to cover increasing costs for providing sewer service and for anticipated future improvements and repair.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council members took no immediate action after meeting in executive session for nearly an hour to discuss personnel and real estate issues. Agenda items apparently discussed but not acted upon included setting wages for the city’s non-union employees; revising language regarding the position of foreman included in a contract accepted last month between the city and Laborers International of North America Local 338, the union representing the city’s Public Works employees; and setting a staff meeting with city employees regarding the employee evaluation process.
Apparently as a result of executive session discussion, the council voted to raise the hourly wage for part-time Public Works employee Nathan Thornhill from $8.25 to $10, with a proviso that he can work no more than 30 hours per week.
Also based on discussion that took place in executive session, Fisher announced plans to raze the current Police Department building once the department has completed its move to new facilities on Pine Street. In addition, the Street Department would move into an existing green metal building located to the east of the current Police Department. The vacant property created by the demolition would be used to store salt, other materials and equipment. He recommended drawing up specifications for demolishing the old building and seeking bids for the project. He said the demolition and remodeling could be paid for with Tax Increment Financing funds.
Ald. Kluethe, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said he expect the Police Department to be out of the old building by late April or early May.
It was reported that Walnut Gardens, the Illinois Valley Economic Development facility for developmentally disabled adults, may be willing to take over the city’s collection facility for recyclable materials, which could free up additional space for the Street Department.
As part of the project, a generator located at the current Police Department would be moved to City Hall.
SCHOOL TAX
Community Unit School District Supt. Joe Tieman visited the council to provide information about an upcoming county-wide referendum to impose a one-cent sales tax for the benefit of local schools. He said he is prohibited from expressing an opinion on how people should vote, but wanted to make sure voters have the information they need to make an informed decision in March. A similar referendum failed in 2014.
“Since then, I’ve heard from a lot of people who either didn’t vote or voted no because they didn’t know what it was about,” Tieman said. He said city officials are welcome to refer people with questions about the issue to his office or to the school’s website. There also is a Facebook page devoted to the issue, he said.
The measure, if approved by voters, would add one cent of sales tax onto purchases in Macoupin County that are already subject to sales tax collections. Groceries, prescription drugs and other sales-tax exempt items also will be exempt from the school tax. CUSD 7 is expected to receive about 18.5 percent of the revenue collected, based on the number of students it enrolls–about $400,000 annually. The school board voted last month to devote 20 percent of the new revenue toward paying down bonds issued for the construction of the new Ben-Gil Elementary School.
The supplemental sales tax already has been approved in Greene and Jersey counties, Tieman said. The new revenue can be used only for school facilities and cannot be used for salaries.
LAKE LOTS & OTHER BUSINESS
The council approved a five-page lake lot lease agreement that not only incorporates a recently approved lake lot lease rate hike, but also outlines rules and regulations governing the lots. Ald. Jim Alderson requested a correction to one item which required all decks and patios to be elevated at least four inches off the ground, noting that the rule should not apply to paved patios. Ald. Frank Barrett agreed, noting that the stipulation was meant to apply to wooden decks only. The document also includes specifications regarding the size of cabins allowed on permanent lots and provides provisions for converting a “picnic lot” to a “permanent residence” lot.
Also regarding the lake, council members approved a lake lot transfer at 3 Stump Lane from William Bomkamp to Frank and Sherri Barrett. Barret abstained from the vote.
While voting to approve the document, Alderson said it seemed the city was allowing for an expansion in residential uses at the lake without having an overall master plan in place.
Kluethe, a member of the committee, agreed, but noted the new document “is a good first step” toward developing and management plan.
OTHER ACTION
- Referred to committee the issue of renewing a lease with Royell Communications for a communications tower located at the city’s impoundment lot. A three-year contract allowing the company to lease the tower for $240 a month has expired.
- Authorized the purchase of a Quickbooks program to streamline accounting processes in the City Clerk’s office. Power to act on the purchase was given to the committee. Fisher noted that in addition to streamlining accounting for the city, the program also includes links with the Water Department’s accounting system, creating the potential for creating detailed revenue and expenditure reports to guide future decisions.
- Agreed to purchase a tennis net at a cost of $416 for one of the city’s two tennis courts. Barrett said he still intends to use one of the courts for a batting cage, at least temporarily, to see if there is enough interest in having the facility and it doesn’t displace too many tennis players.
- Authorized the Lake Committee to buy a used refrigerator to replace one that has stopped working at a cost of $150, to be paid with cash generated from the sale of scrap metal from the lake. The refrigerator will be used for bait sold at the Lake Office.
- Approved a resolution regarding a deferred compensation plan update from Massachusetts Mutual. Polo said the document brings the plan’s administration into alignment with current IRS rules.
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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.
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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
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Community News
Gillespie council provisionally approves $4 million streetscape contract, greenlights solar project at CCSC
With federal agencies facing budget and personnel cuts, and a spending bill to fund government operations in flux, Gillespie City Council members voted 5-2 to tentatively approve a $4 million contract to complete the long-awaited downtown streetscape project. The contract with Stutz Excavating, Inc., Alton, is conditioned upon the city receiving $4 million in grant funds previously awarded by Rural Development, a program administered by the federal Department of Agriculture and potentially at risk of Department of Government Efficiency cuts and/or Congressional failure to approve a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through Sept. 30.
With a bid of $4,032,048.79, Stutz was the lower of two bidders for the project. The second bidder, Kinney Contractors, offered a $4.9 million contract. In addition to the base contract, Stutz offered two alternate bids—$203,000 for additional electrical receptacles on newly installed street light poles, and $210,000 for brick pavers in lieu of stamped concrete for downtown sidewalks. In addition to being less expensive, stamped concrete is recommended for durability and easier maintenance, according to Mike Brandt, and engineer with Curry and Associates Engineering, who presented the bids to the council.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the grant requires the project to be completed by the end of 2025. With the grant funds vulnerable, the window for completing the project could narrow.
“The problem right now is we have DOGE making program cuts and the recurring issue of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government,” Fisher said. The House is likely to pass the CR, according to Fisher, but the bill could easily stall in the Senate. As part of the CR proposal, all earmarks from this year will be frozen, but Fisher said Gillespie’s grant money was earmarked in the prior year.
“I think we will know one way or another in the next 30 to 60 days,” he said. “The bid is good for 90 days so, in theory, we have three months.”
Ald. Landon Pettit questioned the lack of contingency funds in Stutz’s bid, pointing out unexpected expenses could push the project cost beyond the city’s budget. Fisher said Rural Development recommends contingency funds equal to five to seven percent of the project.
“Ten percent is ideal,” he said. “On a $4 million project, that’s $400,000.”
Additionally, Fisher said, the city is entitled to negotiate with the contractor once the contract is awarded to reduce the scope of the project to rein in costs.
“How can you do that after you sign a contract for $4 million and whatever?” Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller asked.
“We have exactly $4 million in grant money,” Fisher said. “The contract is a unit-based contract. We have the ability to reduce the contract by reducing the contract.” As an example, he said the contract may specify a monetary amount for each linear foot for sewer line installation; the city can reduce the contract by reducing the length of sewer line it decides to install. Ultimately, Fisher estimated the city will have to come up with about $250,000 out-of-pocket to complete the project.
Several aldermen expressed discomfort over entering the into the contract when the grant funds are in doubt.
“We have no guarantee this money is coming,” Ald. Pettit said.
“If we sign the contract and the money doesn’t come,” Ald. Wendy Rolando noted, “we don’t have $4 million dollars to spend.”
Fisher said the grant has been awarded, but the city cannot access the money until after the contract is awarded. If the grant money is stalled, the contract will be void and the project will be terminated.
Ald. Bob Fritz complained that improvements to side streets are no longer included in the scope of work.
“I was under the impression that we would do the streets for one block off of Macoupin Street,” Fritz said Walnut Street is deteriorated along with sidewalks on Chestnut Street. He said he would like to see Walnut repaved to the curbs to provide additional parking just a block away from the business district. Moreover, he said the sidewalk in front of the former Area News building on Chestnut is deteriorated to the point of being impassable.
“It doesn’t make sense to replace that sidewalk before the building is torn downs, because they will mess it up tearing it down,” he said. He proposed delaying parts of the project until the building is razed.
“We have to have the project completed in 2025,” Fisher replied. “We can’t put $4 million of grant money at risk for a $5,000 sidewalk.”
After several minutes of discussion, a motion by Rolando, seconded by Ald. Bill Hayes, to accept the Stutz contract, conditioned upon the city receiving $4 million in grant funds, was approved with Rolando, Hayes, Dona Rauzi, Dave Link and Frank Barrett voting “yes.” Ald. Fritz and Ald. Odell-Mueller voted “no,” with Ald. Pettit abstaining.
With a goal of improving the business climate in the downtown area, the Streetscape project has been under discussion for more than two years. Jointly initiated by Grow Gillespie, a civic improvement group, and the City of Gillespie, the project includes lighting, landscaping and parking improvements in the downtown commercial area with an eye toward stimulating economic growth.
SOLAR FIELD ZONING VARIANCE
With one dissenting vote, the council accepted the Zoning Board’s recommendation to approve a 35-year temporary use permit allowing SunCode Energy to install a power generating solar field on the north end of property owned by the Coal Country Sports Complex. Kent Tarro, representing the Coal Country Sports Association, told the council the solar field will not interfere with existing soccer fields or use of the property by cross-country runners while generating revenue to maintain and operate the recreational facility.
“This is a way to keep us sustainable while using reclaimed coal mine property,” he said.
Brett Jacoby, SunCode attorney, said the 18-acre solar field will generate about five megawatts of energy—enough to power five average sized homes. Located on the north side of the reclaimed “gob pile” left behind from the Little Dog Coal Mine, the solar field will be “virtually invisible” to persons using the sports complex for recreation, according to Jacoby.
Currently tax-exempt, the property is expected to generate $27,000 in property tax revenue in the first year and $654,000 over the life of the permit. The project is expected to produce 25 local prevailing wage construction jobs during the estimated 12-month construction period.
Once the temporary permit expires, SunCode will dismantle and remove all equipment and return the land to the Sports Association, according to Jacoby.
Jacoby told the council that power generated from the the field will be uploaded to the Ameren power grid. Local energy customers can participate by subscribing to the project to realize a slight discount on their power bills.
“There’s no cost to subscribe and subscribers can end the contract at any time,” Jacoby said. “It will take 10 to 15 percent off their monthly electrical bill, so it’s not life changing.”
City Attorney Rick Verticchio reported that during a Zoning Board hearing last week, SunCode officials pledged to offer training sessions for local firefighters and make arrangements for emergency services to have access to the fenced site.
A motion by Ald. Pettit to approve the temporary use permit was approved 7-1 with Ald. Rolando casting a dissenting vote.
SIREN PURCHASE APPROVED
Council members approved spending up to $90,000 to purchase and install four new emergency sirens. Initially, City Treasurer Fisher sidetracked Ald. Fritz’s proposal to purchase the equipment, saying there were no grant programs available and not enough money in the Emergency Services and Disaster Administration fund to cover the cost of new sirens.
“The only grant program available is through Rural Development and they have no funds to distribute until the budget is approved,” Fisher said, again invoking legislative chaos in Washington. He said the city’s ESDA fund had only $62,000.
The council then went on to other matters, only to have Ald. Pettit circle back to the siren issue after a few minutes.
“If we took some money out of the Revolving Loan Fund, some out of ESDA and some out of TIF II—and I know there’s not a lot in that fund—we could cobble together $80,000 and not hurt the General Fund too bad,” Pettit speculated. Pettit said money transferred from the Revolving Loan Fund and TIF II could be repaid over time. After further discussion, his motion to authorize the purchase was unanimously approved.
The equipment, provided by Sentry Sirens, Inc., will be installed at four locations, including the water treatment plant, city cemetery, Community Unit School District 7 campus, and a mobile home court on the city’s southwest side. Fritz said the sirens will blast different signals to indicate severe weather versus other emergencies.
LAKE LOT ISSUE
Following the city attorney’s recommendation, the council voted to secure a property tax “assignment” on a lake lot located at 10227 Fries Lane on which property taxes are delinquent. Council members, however, referred to committee a recommendation to amend lake lot leases to mandate forfeiture if a lease-holder fails to pay property taxes due.
“We don’t want a taxing body to acquire that property,” City Attorney Verticchio said. Monday night’s action secures the property and enables the city to transfer the lease to another lease-holder.
Verticchio said he would like to add a provision to future leases requiring the lease-holder to pay property taxes or surrender the lot. Ald Pettit said he and Ald. Barrett had other recommendations for amending future leases. He proposed tabling Verticchio’s request until after the Lake Committee can meet to make other changes to the lease.
In a related matter, Pettit asked to have the City Clerk’s office compile a list of all surplus real estate the city owns with an eye toward selling the lots. Verticchio said properties that have previously been advertised for sale but did not attract bidders can legally be sold for a price negotiated between the city and the buyer.
“Right now no one is paying taxes on those properties,” Pettit said “We can sell them essentially to recover attorney fees, and start getting tax revenue from them.”
EAST GILLESPIE/EAGARVILLE SEWER CONTRACT
As the City of Gillespie eyes a project to replace deteriorating sewer lines in the city, Verticcho recommended renegotiating satellite contracts with Eagarville and East Gillespie to continue treating waste from both communities. Council members voted unanimously to authorize Mayor John Hicks to enter into negotiations to draft new agreements.
The city apparently plans to seek financial assistance from Rural Development to undertake the project, similar to how it financed a project to replace water distribution lines. Verticchio indicated the new contracts should include new rates to comply with mandates Rural Development will require to underwrite the sewer improvement project.
LAKE POSITION
Following a 30-minute executive session, the council voted unanimously to hire Austin Loftis to step into duties vacated by former Lake Supervisor Gary Thornhill, though the motion to hire did not identify Loftis’ title or address wages. Loftis reportedly had been fulfilling Thornhill’s duties after Thornhill resigned to accept another job. The motion to hire Loftis included a provision for a six-month probationary period.
PROTECTIVE VEST SALE
Acting on a recommendation by Police Chief Jared DePoppe, the council voted to offer a protective vest used by an officer who recently resigned to take another job for sale to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department for $750. DePoppe told the council the vests are fitted specifically to the individual, so it would be essentially useless to the city. He said he based the asking price on the original cost and the amount time it had been used in Gillespie.
HOLLIS RESOLUTION
Council members unanimously approved a formal resolution recognizing Thomas William Hollis, a Gillespie resident who achieved the rank of Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps before he was killed in action at the age of 19 in Vietnam. Born May 24, 1948, Hollis attended Gillespie High School where he was a star athlete. After graduation, he volunteered for the Marine Corps and was killed on Jan. 28, 1968, in Quang Tri Province as a result of artillery rocket mortar fire. He was one of about 55,000 American soldiers killed in action during the Vietnam War.
Passage of the resolution paves the way for the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect signs honoring Hollis on Illinois Route 16 at the east and north entrances to the city.
CONXXUS SOLICITATION
The council heard briefly from Wendy Nobel, representing Conxxus fiber optic internet, before granting a solicitation permit for Conxxus employees to make door-to-door solicitations of Gillespie residents. Nobel said solicitors will explain various plans available to customers and potential benefits of the newly installed $1.6 million system. Nobel said most residents have received solicitation materials in the mail but “we’ve found people don’t always understand the materials and they’re more comfortable dealing with someone face-to-face.”
Solicitors will check in with city hall on the days they plan to work in the city, and voluntarily provide photos of the solicitors to be posted on the city’s social media page. Nobel there usually will be no more than one person working in the city at a time.
POLICE STATION PAYMENT
Council members approved payment of $1,500 to John Watson Contracting for work associated with reconnecting bathroom facilities in the basement of the newly renovated Police Station building on Macoupin Street. The work was not included in the original bid for the work.
In a related matter, the council approved payment of the second installment of $59,199 to Watson Contracting from the city’s Tax Increment Financing Funds for work completed on remodeling the new Police Station.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved advertising for applications for two seasonal worker positions at Gillespie Lake.
- Agreed to spend up to $500 to investigate electrical fixtures at Pomatto Park to determine what is needed for repairs.
- Accepted two bids totaling $950 from Feeley Tree Service to remove two trees located on city boulevards on Cedar Street and on Illinois Route 4 south.
