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.
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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.
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The Public Access Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General’s office has agreed to investigate whether or not Macoupin County Board Chairman Larry Schmidt and 15 of the board’s 18 members violated provisions of the state’s Open Meetings Act when Schmidt polled board members by phone to weigh in on whether or not he should step down from the chairmanship or resign from the board in response to controversy in connection with a social media post he made denigrating the LGBTV+ community.
The investigation stems from a complaint filed by Chelsa Pruden, Staunton, who organized a sizable protest against Schmidt at the board’s April 8 monthly meeting in Carlinville. During that meeting, board member Ryan Kilduff, also of Staunton, read a prepared statement criticizing Schmidt’s social media comments and disclosing that Schmidt may have violated the Open Meetings Act by polling members of the board by phone. Kilduff said he was one of three board members not contacted by Schmidt.
Schmidt, a Republican, reportedly phoned 15 board members to elicit their opinions about his future tenure. The board is comprised of 15 Republicans and three Democrats.
In a letter dated April 16 to Schmidt from Public Access Attorney Matt Goodman, the Attorney General’s Office demands a response from the board or its representatives within seven days of receiving the letter.
“This office has determined that further action is warranted,” Goodman wrote in his letter to Schmidt.
Goodman’s letter directs the board to provide a written response “to the allegation that the Board held an improper private meeting by engaging in contemporaneous and interactive communication concerning the Board chairman’s tenure, whether electronically or in person.” The letter also directs the board to provide detailed documentation of all communication between and among board members concerning whether or not Schmidt should resign from the board or step down from the chairmanship. The letter further requested the total number of board members and the total number of board members who participated in the communications.
The Attorney General’s investigation was sparked by a letter of complaint Pruden filed the day after the April 8 board meeting in which she alleged Schmidt “conducted a secret meeting and held a ‘straw vote’ involving only elect board members.”
“This incident raise serious concerns of noncompliance with he Open Meetings Act, which exists to ensure transparency and accountability in the actions of public officials,” Pruden wrote. “Any private decision-making process that impacts the functioning or direction of the board is a matter of public concern, especially when it excludes other elected officials and the public.”
Pruden organized a protest involving about 100 people prior the April 8 board meeting and was among those making public statements during the meeting calling Schmidt’s comments regarding LGBQTV+ persons into question.
The controversy was ignited when Schmidt posted a comment to a Facebook item posted by St. Louis television station KMOV regarding Anheuser-Busch’s decision to withdraw sponsorship of the annual St. Louis Pride Parade. “Now is a great time to do away with Pride. You can be queer, but you don’t need to march in the streets to show off your disability,” Schmidt posted. Schmidt later acknowledged his comment was inappropriate and has since withdrawn his presence from social media.
Pruden is organizing another protest before the County Board’s upcoming May 13 meeting.
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Visitors Stacey Hart, Tim Loveless and Kim Henderson each addressed the Gillespie City Council during the Council’s regular meeting on Monday, April 14.
With Mayor John Hicks presiding over the last meeting of his tenure, the Gillespie City Council approved a new three-year contract with the Fraternal Order of Police last Monday night, April 14, and approved a change order reducing the expected cost of a major downtown streetscape project prior to the start of construction.
Approval of the FOP contract came after an hour-long executive session to discuss collective bargaining and a possible real estate transaction.
The 33-page FOP contract calls for salary increases of $7 spread over three years for police officers and dispatchers. Starting June 1, salaries for both classifications will increase by $5, followed by increases of $1 per hour for each of the remaining two years of the contract. The contract also establishes pay rates for various rankings and assignments. Under terms of the contract, Sergeants and Detectives are entitled to an additional 75 cents per hour, while Lieutenants will make an additional $1.50. The Police Department’s School Resource Officer will make an additional 25 cents per hour, while the LEADS coordinator will earn an additional 50 cents per hour.
Officers and dispatchers working the midnight shift will earn an additional 35 cents per hour, while those working the afternoon shift will be entitled to an additional 25 cents.
The contract also calls for salary increases of three percent for longevity upon completion of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.
The new contract was unanimously approved on a motion by Ald. Dona Rauzi, seconded by Ald. Landon Pettit, who will assume duties as Gillespie Mayor next month. After serving four terms as Mayor, Hick elected to not run in the April 1 consolidated election. Likewise, three-term City Clerk Frances Smith did not seek re-election. Tammy Beechler, who will be sworn in as City Clerk next month, shadowed Smith Monday night to familiarize herself with procedures.
STREETSCAPE CHANGE ORDER
On the recommendation of City Treasurer Dan Fisher, the council voted 5-1 to approve a pre-construction change order to reduce the scope and the cost of a long-anticipated Streetscape improvement project aimed at boosting the business climate for the downtown business district. The changes are expected to reduce the cost of the project by about $800,000.
Last month, the council voted 5-2 to provisionally approve a $4 million bid from Stutz Excavating, Inc. to execute the project, which includes new street lights, sewer work, sidewalks, green spaces and a realignment of parking spaces. The council greenlit the project on the condition that grant funds previously awarded by the federal Rural Development program actually materialize. Fisher warned last month that the grant funds could be at risk due to confusion of federal spending cuts and personnel reductions.
To shave the cost of the project down to $3,295,000, again provided grant funds are made available to the city, the council approved changing the style of street lights to a less expensive model, and eliminating the first block of Chestnut Street east and west of Macoupin Street from the project.
Fisher said he, Ald. Pettit and Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller met with Stutz representatives to discuss cost reductions.
“The contractor has reviewed this,” Fisher said, “and they’re fine with making these changes.”
Brought to a vote on a motion by Pettit, seconded by Odell-Mueller, the council approved the measure with Ald. Bob Fritz voting “no.”
The council also agreed to buy two additional street lights matching those used for the Streetscape Project with an eye toward using city workers to install them at Pomatto Park, replacing two defective streetlights currently located at the park.
PLUM STREET DAMAGE
After an extensive discussion, the council reached no definitive solution to mitigating damage caused to Plum Street by increased school bus traffic. Community Unit School District 7 has been using Plum Street extensively this year to facilitate synchronizing starting times and dismissal times for students at all three attendance centers. As a result, Plum Street’s integrity has become degraded, especially at the intersection with LJ Avenue where buses make a left turn onto Plum.
“There’s no bus traffic on Oak Street,” said Ald. Wendo Rolando. “It’s all on Plum. Plum Street is falling apart even more than last year.” She recommended leaving the situation “as is” until the end of the current school year, but addressing the problem with the school district before the 2025-26 school year.
At the beginning of this school year, the district routed buses west on Broadway to Kelly Street, south on Kelly Street to deliver or pick up students at BenGil Elementary School, then east on Plum Street for one block, then north on LJ Avenue to deliver and pick up students at the middle school/high school.
“Plum was never meant to be a heavily travelled street,” Ald. Pettit said. “We limited the weight on Plum because of the disintegration.”
CUSD 7 Transportation Director Tim Besserman, however, told the council that if Plum is no longer available for bus traffic, the district would be forced to return to staggered start and dismissal times. “That’s going to be terrible for everyone,” he said.
Fisher said stabilizing the street to accept bus traffic will cost upward of $250,000. The project would require removing subsurface soil at the intersection, and replacing it with more compactable soil or concrete. “That would be in addition to $100,000 or so for resurfacing,” he said.
“I think we could come up with a plan but it would it would need to involve some kind of cost-sharing with the school,” Fisher speculated. “We don’t have $200,000 to $250,000 to upgrade that street.”
Odell-Mueller, who has a background with the Illinois Department of Transportation, said the street has to be repaired immediately. “The school wanted to use Plum Street and didn’t want to listen to anyone else,” she said. “We don’t have the money” to upgrade the street.
The council reached no conclusion on the issue but will likely open conversations with CUSD 7 officials to outline an alternative route or reach a cooperative agreement to stabilize the street.
MOTOR FUEL TAX MAINTENANCE ESTIMATE
Council members approved a $608,700 cost estimate for Motor Fuel Tax maintenance costs during the 2025 calendar year. Ald. Fritz said the cost estimates include oil and chipping for 20 to 30 streets, plus milling and resurfacing for specific sections of Osie, Baker and Adams streets.
While the document specifies streets for maintenance, Fisher pointed out the bid is a “linear bid” for specific lengths of maintenance work. The streets that ultimately get oil and chips can change, depending on the Maintenance Department’s determination.
“It doesn’t have to be these streets,” Fisher noted. “Let’s let the Street Department decide.”
NEW BURNING ORDINANCE
The council referred to committee the issue of drafting a new ordinance governing the burning of yard waste in the city limits.
Ald. Fritz said the city’s ordinance apparently has no time restriction on burning, meaning residents can burn waste at any time during the day or night.
“I wouldn’t want to sit outside on a nice night and have to smell someone’s leaves or grass smoldering,” Friz said.
Ald. Pettit said he searched the ordinance book and found the city has no fewer than four ordinances governing burning, some with conflicting provisions.
“Technically, by the way our ordinances are written, you can’t burn leaves at all,” Pettit said. “You can only burn branches. We need to condense and clarify our ordinances.”
City Attorney Rick Verticchio said he would include a clause in the new ordinance to rescind provisions of all previous ordinances to eliminate confusion about what is allowed.
After a brief discussion, Verticchio also agreed to provide copies of an ordinance he wrote for the City of Benld to implement a city-wide trash hauler program. Fritz said using one trash hauler for the entire city would help control damage to alleys caused by trash pick-up executed by multiple companies. Other aldermen, however, said residents have opposed such a program in the past.
Verticchio said residents would be likely to embrace a city-wide trash program when they realize their rates will be lower than what they pay now. Under the Benld model, trash haulers bid for the city-wide contract, resulting in lower prices. The cost of trash pick-up is added to residents’ monthly water bills. Residents can opt out of the program and hire their own trash hauling service, but would still pay the monthly trash pick-up surcharge.
“All it takes is for me to write it up,” Verticchio said. “You pass it and put it into effect.”
DUMPSTER RESTRICTIONS
Verticchio agreed to write and present an ordinance to enforce restrictions on dumpsters, which had been previously approved by the council. Mayor Hicks said he remembered the council discussing the issue but apparently no subsequent action was taken to enact an ordinance. According to BenGil Post archives, the council discussed the issue in March last year and directed Verticchio to draft a proposed ordinance.
Based on the previous discussion, the ordinance will ban dumpsters in excess of three yards in size in residential areas. The new ordinance will carve out exceptions, however, for temporary dumpsters in place for construction, remodeling and similar projects. In those instances, the dumpsters can remain no longer than 30 days without council approval. The ordinance will also prohibit placing dumpsters on city sidewalks or rights-of-way.
FINAL POLICE STATION PAYMENTS
The council approved three resolutions authorizing payments from the city’s Tax Increment Financing funds to Watson Contracting for work completed on remodeling a building at 124 N. Macoupin Street to become the Police Department’s new headquarters. The separate actions authorized a third payment of $39,018.42 and a fourth payment of $17,759.77, plus a final payment of $5,919.94 due upon completion and acceptance of the project.
The council also approved a payment of $14,700 to Watson for work required after a sewer back-up in the basement resulting from excessive rain last month. The additional work included repairs plus installation of a backflow device to prevent back-ups in the future.
In a related matter, the council approved payment to Global Technologies of $11,699 for a new radio tower, plus $1,500 for installation. Police Chief DePoppe told the council the city originally intended to move an existing tower at the current Police Station but Global strongly advised against that plan.
The council also authorized DePoppe to hire up to three new full-time police officers to restore the department to a full complement.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The council denied a request registered by Tim Loveless to forgive and sewer portion of two excessive water bills he received as a result of water leak at 411 Elm Street. Loveless said he became aware of the leak after receiving a $1,600 water bill for the address. He said he shut of the water service at the house but did not have the city shut off the meter. A month later, he received a bill for $600. He asked that the city forgive the portion of the bill for sewer service, indicating the water collected under the house and in the yard but did not enter the sewer. Loveless said forgiving the sewer bill would save him about $400.
Mayor Hicks told Loveless, however, that the past practice of the council had been to hold homeowners responsible for charges resulting from water passing through the meter.
“Anything that goes through the meter is yours,” Hicks said.
The council took under advisement and referred to the Police Department a complaint from Park Avenue resident Stacey Hart regarding ATVs and side-by-sides allegedly attempting to run her off the road when she is operating a motorized scooter she uses for mobility issues. She also asked for clarification about the permissibility of placing “no trespassing” signs on her property. She said she once placed “no trespassing” signs but was later told by police that she had to remove them. Upon further questioning from City Attorney Verticchio, it was learned that the officer who allegedly told her to take down the signs has not been on the police force for two decades.
Verticchio told Hart she has a right to erect “no trespassing” signs on her on property, and that the city had no authority to advise her on where those signs have to be placed.
The council also gave permission for Kim Henderson to locate temporary vendors in front of Gotcha Latte for a Tea Party event on May 4 or 10. Henderson expressed concerns about the Streetscape project possibly precluding her from using the sidewalk at the time she wants to schedule the event. Mayor Hicks told her the project will proceed a block at a time. While the city doesn’t yet know the construction schedule, Hicks said Henderson could relocate her vendors if the space in front of the coffee shop is not available.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
• Heard a report from Ald. Rolando, regarding a city clean-up project scheduled for May 2. The city plans to use CUSD 7 students completing community service requirements for the project, and will enlist city workers to assist.
• Accepted a bid of $30 from Mark Rauzi to purchase grass seed declared as surplus property.
• Directed the Lake Committee to work on revising the rules and lease agreement for Gillespie Lake lots. Ald. Pettit said the current document runs to 15 pages and contains overlapping policies.
