Residents would like “police beat” published in newspapers

Tom Hubuert asked the council to start working as one now.
A handful of residents spoke up during the council’s regular meeting on Monday, August 13. Tom Hubuert asked the council “something that will not cost a penny.” Hubuert asked for the council to start working as one now.” There are no differences among yous and I know there have been differences, but there is a new council, new mayor and people need to work together for the better of the town.” Hubuert advised the council to vote how they feel right.
After a round of applause, Gina Mendenhall thanked the council “for stepping up to the plate for a job that is not always wanted.” Mendenhall advised the board to listen to a wise man as she pointed to Hubuert. Mendenhall questioned whether rental property is inspected and whether tenants can have a background check done.
Rick Vertichio, city attorney, explained that the property is inspected at least once per year and it would be illegal for the city to request or run a background check on tenants. “That would be the landlords job,” Vertichio added. Mayor Robinson said this is the way the city has been running it and will keep running it this way.

Phyllis Spurney, Mayor of Sawyerville, questioned if anyone said she turned the building on 6th street in to the EPA.
Mendenhall also questioned why Benld does not have their police news published in the newspapers. “I read Staunton’s, Litchfield’s, Gillespie’s, but not Benld’s. Why?” Mayor Robinson said it has been Benld’s choice to only publish arrests as someone in the audience referred to the rest as “noisy business.”
Ferdinand Gerardi agreed with Mendenhall. “I stay up late at night, I don’t go to bed early,” he started. “I see our police working hard. Publish in the paper what they are doing, when they are doing it, and what they hand out so people know what they are up to!” The audience agreed with Ferdinand.
Phyllis Spurney, Mayor of Sawyerville, greeted the council with a question: “Who turned me in?” She went on to say that she has heard many rumors that someone has turned her in for reporting a building on 6th street to the EPA. “I would not do this. I worry about Sawyerville and Sawyerville only. I take care of my plate.”
Jim Tilashalski responded to Spurney. He advised her that many people have confronted him as well. “I was for tearing that building down and I never wanted it to stop.” Tilashalski went on to say, he wanted to make it clear that he did not name any names when he questioned the EPA why demolishment had halted. Spurney told him, and the council, that people are saying this and she wants answers.
“People are also saying that I want to get rid of the police department,” Tilashalski responded. “These things start. I guess we find out what happens in small towns.” Spurney said she tries to work with Benld and she does not want any trouble with Benld.
Daniel Pinkerton of the boy scouts then asked permission from the council to work at the library in Benld. As pictures were passed around the room, he noted this would be project to earn his Eagle Badge. According to Pinkerton, he received approval from the library board already and Mary Newman advised him materials would be provided to him. Without any objections, the council applauded the fellow for his achievements.
After the police report was approved, Jim Tilashalski noted that there is an ordinance that reads, “The police chief or anyone he designates must attend all city council meetings.” He went on to say he was struck when everyone was sworn in and they were swearing to uphold all the ordinances, “and that is an ordinance.” Mayor Robinson tabled any action, but notified Jim not to let it loose.

Daniel Pinkerton requested permission from the council to pour a sidewalk at the Benld Library to earn his Eagle Badge.
In new business, Bernot informed the council that he contacted a gentleman from the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. First he talked with him via phone and then via email to document the conversation. After Bernot questioned whether backflows were mandated on residential water meters, his response was: there are not any U.S. EPA requirements for backflow preventions to be installed on new meters. He handed forth the letter to the mayor.
Alderman Nepute explained to Bernot he is “exactly right.” There are no restrictions, but it will do the city good to install them on all the meters. The only problem is the City of Benld cannot afford backflows for the meters. The backflows are $116 each plus tax which would add up to nearly $96,420 for the city as there are over 800 meters in Benld.
Bernot went on to add that until these meters are installed, the grant that purchased these meters will not be closed out. This means, Benld cannot apply for any other grants through this agency until the previous grant is closed out. The city has already applied for another grant through the agency for sewer lift stations. This grant is a matching grant and will provide the funds to purchase 4 brand new sewer lift stations. But, to even be eligible for this, the city has to install the meters. A small minority of the meters in the ground now do have backflow preventers. Backflow preventers can be installed at a later date or as funds arise.
In other old business, the mayor is going to call to have the same company that repaired the floor in the civic center to put a fresh “buffing” on the floor. Robinson also said the general assumption of the post office is “Benld is without one.” Vertichio noted that USPS was not happy with the work the volunteers did inside the police office and requested more work that totaled nearly $16 thousand dollars.
Lastly, Lynn Fraelle made a motion that every alderperson receive a copy of the financial statement for all meetings in the future. The motion was passed 6-0.
The next meeting for the City of Benld is on Monday, August 27 at 6:00pm in the Benld Civic Center.
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