Community News
Gillespie Council to consider sewer rate hike, finalizes dispatching deal with Ambulance Service
The Gillespie City Council is likely to vote on raising sewer rates as early as next month, City Treasurer Dan Fisher told council members Monday night during the panel’s regular monthly meeting.
Fisher’s discussion followed the council’s approval of $40,000 in emergency spending to repair a deteriorating sewer line on Clark Street which feeds the Clark Street Lift Station—the first in a series of lift stations within the system to keep raw sewage flowing to the treatment plant.
“It’s in bad shape,” Mayor John Hicks acknowledged.
Fisher said the council will consider next month a measure to authorize about $60,000 in repairs for the Clark Street Lift Station itself.
“That’s $100,000 for this project alone, and this is just a small part of our system.” Fisher said. Meanwhile, according to Fisher, the city has only $212,000 in the Sewer Fund, meaning nearly 50 percent of the entire fund will be spent on the Clark Street project.
“I talked to you about raising sewer rates in the past,” Fisher said. “It’s time to do that now.” He said a draft ordinance to raise rates will be presented to the council in September but did not announce the size of the increase to be proposed.
In March 2020, Fisher advised the council the City of Gillespie would be ineligible for state or federal loans or grants because the city’s sewer rates are too low. At that time, Fisher said state grant administrators are invoking a previously seldom-used rule requiring municipalities to meet a minimum threshold for water and sewer rates. That rule requires rates for 5,000 gallons of usage to be one percent of a community’s average household income. That would put Gillespie’s minimum rate at about $30 for minimum usage.
The council earlier raised water rates to improve the city’s eligibility for grants and loans to finance the recently completed $10 million water infrastructure replacement project.
Gillespie residents currently pay about $15 for minimum usage sewer service—about half of the state’s recommended minimum. During his presentation last year, Fisher said he would present a plan to incrementally raise rates over a period of time to preclude doubling the rate at one time.
In other action Monday night, the council learned that the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service had tentatively agreed to a contract for the city to provide dispatching services for one year, appointed a Mayor Pro Tem, and concurred with the Police Department’s hiring of a new Resource Officer to provide policing services at the Community Unity School District 7 school campus.
AMBULANCE CONTRACT
Ald. Dona Rauzi told the council the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service had verbally agreed to a proposed contract that would require the Ambulance Service to compensate the city $12,000 for dispatching services. The contract is awaiting formal approval by the Ambulance Service Board of Trustees, after which the council will give its final approval for the agreement.
The development ends months of contentious negotiation between the city and the Ambulance Service. The city originally proposed a three-year contract starting at $12,000 for the first year, increasing to $17,500 the second year and increasing to $25,000 in the third year. Representatives of the Ambulance Board had sought to limit the amount compensation to $10,000 a year—about double the $5,000 the Ambulance Service traditionally gave the Police Department as an annual donation.
The new contract, if ratified and signed, is good for one year.
MAYOR PRO TEM
At the urging of Ald. Bill Hayes, Mayor Hicks appointed Ald. Dona Rauzi as Mayor Pro Tem, essentially a “vice mayor” who can sign documents and preside over meetings in the event the mayor is absent or incapacitated. Hayes cited a recent incident during which a second in command took action at the Water Treatment Plant when the council’s Water Chair was unavailable. He said it would be wise for the city to also have a second in command at the city’s executive level to take emergency action in the mayor’s absence.
Hayes disclosed his recommendation for the post would be Rauzi. City Attorney Dan O’Brien pointed out, however, that the Mayor Pro Tem is technically a mayoral appointment, after which Hicks immediately appointed Rauzi to the spot.
The previous Mayor Pro Tem was former Ald. Dave Tucker, who was defeated in last April’s consolidated election. Mayor Hicks had not appointed a successor after newly elected aldermen were seated in May.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
On a motion by Rauzi, seconded by Ald. Frank Barrett, the council approved Police Chief Jared DePoppe’s decision to hire Roby Iroy, Hillsboro, to serve as a School Resource Officer within Community Unit School District 7.
DePoppe said Iroy has “extensive police experience,” including a lengthy stint with the Secretary of State/State Capitol Police and the Girard Police Department.
Iroy will fill a vacancy created by the June 11 retirement of long-time School Resource Officer Jassen Stinnett.
COAL MUSEUM FACADE GRANT
With one dissenting vote, the council approved payment of the second portion of a facade improvement grant to the Illinois Coal Museum from the Tax Increment Financing Fund (TIFF). Fisher said half of the $53,800 project will be covered with a museum grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with the city subsidizing the remaining $16,900 portion.
The TIFF reimbursement grant will help cover the cost of an extensive facade update that includes new signage and the addition of a plaque listing the names of about 400 Macoupin County miners who died on the job while working in Macoupin County coal mines.
Ald. Bob Fritz voted against the measure without further comment.
BOAT PARKING LEASE AGREEMENT
On the recommendation of Lake Chair Barrett, the council approved an agreement to allow boat owners to lease parking spaces at Gillespie Lake to store their trailered boats when not in use. Lease agreements will be available at a cost of $100 for six months or $200 for a full year.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- approved an ordinance to convert the intersection of Shelby Street and Chestnut Street from a two-way stop to a four-way stop.
- approved an ordinance to facilitate the city receiving funds from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.
- heard a complaint from Andrew Stokes who said his water bill jumped last month from an average usage of 3,500 gallons to 15,900 gallons. Hicks told Stokes that Water Department employees would be directed to recheck Stokes’ water meter.
- approved an outdoor liquor license for Josh Taylor of Cee-Joos Tavern on Oct. 16. Taylor plans to block of the parking lot on the north side of the business for an outdoor party.
No action followed a 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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