Community News
Tieman responds to traffic issues during School Board meeting
Mr. Joyce’s comment was “wrong”
During a regular scheduled board meeting on Monday, February 27th, Assistant Superintendent responded to Steve Joyce’s comment about the lack of administration during child pick-up. Tieman informed the board he met with Chief of Police Jared DePoppe and the Mayor of Gillespie John Hicks about traffic issues at the school.
“I wasn’t aware we had many traffic issues,” Tieman opened, “However, it is our job to deal with it.” Traffic was an issue on East Elm, so the school eliminated parking on that street and advised staff teachers could not park on Maple Street.
The City of Gillespie also made Oregon Street a one-way street and citizens cannot park on the opposite side of Oregon Street. “It is a matter of educating parents,” Tieman closed, “We feel like we have taken care of it. I take issue with Mr. Joyce’s comment that my administrators, I assume he includes me, ‘do not care and do not worry about traffic.’ He is wrong and I spent the last week getting in the way of some dedicated staff members to make sure our kids get home safely.”
Tieman went on to say that he would like anyone in the community that has any issue with student safety to contact a building administrator, so we can be proactive about the situation. “It is a shame I had to read about it in the newspaper.”
Assistant Superintendent Tieman then addressed a mold issue that was brought to the board’s attention by a concerned citizen. The district contacted district architect Tom Hyde and asked him to do a study of mold content of in the modulars. “The report came back negative,” Tieman stated, “And there is no mold count per say in the modular.”
Tom Hyde then explained that there were five samples done in the inside of the building and five samples done outside of the building. “If there was any mold in the building, it would not be the district’s responsibility,” Hyde explained, “It would be the owner of the building which is M-Space.” M-Space was faxed a report of the study done.
After returning to executive session for over 40 minutes to discuss information regarding the appointment, employment compensation, discipline performance or dismissal of specific employees, the school board returned to discuss certificated personnel.
The school board extended Lori Emmons’, principal of the middle school, contract for one year and raised her pay 5% and rehired Dennis Tiburzi, principal of the high school, for one year and placed his salary on the appropriate step of the salary schedule.
Finally, the board extended Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman’s contract by one year and placed salary on the appropriate step of the salary schedule. The school board took no action on Angela Turcol, principal of the elementary school, and no action on Superintendent Paul Skeans.
In other personnel actions, the board approved maternity leave for Benld Elementary instructor Jami Schmidt and employed Beth Rull for the elementary and middle school guidance counselor for FSY 2013 after oblige from Bill Carter and Peyton Bernot. A job vacancy was then posted for an assistant technology coordinator.
The board then accepted the resignation of Aaron Cooper as middle school boy’s track coach and went on to appoint Robin Niemeyer and Mark Hayes as volunteer girls’ soccer coach. In other coaching actions, the board approved Jordan Donnellson as a volunteer high school assistant football coach.
Tom Hyde then updated the school board on the current capital projects. The mine grouting work was completed on February 6th after certified by Marino Engineering. Bid package 1 is nearing completion as Ranger has finished everything except the storm water detention area which was given the final approval by IDOT last week as well as the new entrance on Route 16.
Korte Luitjohan will start bringing materials to the site this week for the concrete foundation and structural steel. There were three changes to the contract which added $4,737. Column Line 41 was relocated to accommodate building expansion and roof bar joists were increased to accommodate equipment loads. The cost for reinforcing steel due to mine grouting delays also increased at minimal amount. The changes for the contract were carried out by the board.
In bid project 4, the board decided to not accept to install partitions in lieu of solid walls dividing the speech rooms and Title 1 rooms. The board also did not accept the cafeteria/MPR corridor divider operable partitions. However, the board went on to accept the purchase of new gym bleachers at a cost of $56,000 and sell the old ones while using the old scoreboards from Benld Elementary to save $12,000.
Tom Hyde closed with a new telephone system for district buildings. He received a quote from Frontier Communications for $17,548 for a new digital phone system to be installed in the high school/middle school, elementary school, and district offices. The new phone system will utilize the data wiring system for “voice over IP” communication. The system, which was approved 7-0, will be installed over the coming summer in 2012.
The school board approved Sangamon Area Purchasing Cooperative for FSY 2013. SAPCO is program for area schools to buy food stuff for breakfast and lunch. CUSD #7 has been involved with the program for years and it entails only a $100 membership fee.
Under new business, the board declared three school busses as surplus property. According to Tieman, Gary Niehaus indicated that the three buses were not used. One of the busses has not been used for two years and two other busses sitting outside are not in use.
After declaring the three busses surplus property, the board was updated by the building principals:
Ms. Angela Turcol stated that Benld Elementary is prepping for the ISAT test approaching. They had theme related days to have students get more involved and excited for the test that starts Tuesday. The music program for the fourth grade and fifth grade will be held March 20th.
Middle school principal Lori Emmons then updated the board on middle school. She announced that the eighth grade science fair took place Wednesday and said there were some outstanding projects. She went on to say that parent teacher conferences were proven to be well received by parents at all grade levels. She went on to say the middle school is prepping for ISAT testing by studying in study hall and fun night will be held March 16th.
In middle school sports, girls volleyball ended their regular season and regionals for seventh grade has started this week while eighth grade will start play next week.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman updated the board on the high school news after the absence of Dennis Tiburzi. He opened with the attendance rate for January was 90.5% and reassured the board that PSAE/ACT questions are still presented in all classes. The WYSE team won second place at regionals and Abbie Cline, Dallas DeMartini, Nathan Dickinson, Allison Goldasich, Alex Greff, and Steven Wolf will compete in sectionals on March 6th.
In high school community and athletics, the FCA raised $5,265.00 at their super bowl party for Andy Easton and the students rose over $900.00 in food items for the Gillespie Area Caring Center. The girls basketball team won their regional while Eric Tiller qualified for the State Wrestling Tournament and Cort Hellmann advanced in the IHSA 3-Point Competition to Vandalia.
In closing, the board approved payment of the February bills:
- Education Fund: $63,325.69
- Building Fund: $8,777.21
- Transportation Fund: $9,428.51
- Site & Construction Fund: 704,126.71
- Total: $784,958.12
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The Gillespie community is proud to partner with ImpactLife to host a Community Blood Drive on Monday, May 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, located at 900 Broadway.
This vital event offers community members an opportunity to help save lives by donating blood, which is essential for patients in local hospitals and medical facilities. The blood drive is open to donors of all eligible ages and backgrounds.
Event Details:
What: Gillespie Community Blood Drive
When: Monday, May 12th, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, 900 Broadway, Gillespie, IL
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth experience. To schedule your donation, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 710-1336, visit bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive, or call ImpactLife directly at 800-747-5401.
Donor Eligibility:
Potential donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission available online), weigh over 110 pounds, and present a valid photo ID. Donors who have given blood on or before March 17, 2025, are eligible to participate. Individuals with controlled diabetes or high blood pressure may also be eligible to donate. For further eligibility questions, contact ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401.
About Blood Donation:
The blood donation process is safe, quick, and typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. It is a simple procedure that can make a significant difference in the lives of patients in need.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing blood products and services to over 100 hospitals and emergency providers across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as supporting medical research and resource sharing nationwide. To learn more about ImpactLife, visit www.bloodcenter.org and follow them on social media @impactlifeblood.
Special Donor Incentives:
All successful donors will receive a choice of an e-Gift Card, Bonus Points for ImpactLife’s Rewards Store, or the option to donate their reward to a nonprofit of their choice.
Join us in making a difference—your donation could be the reason someone in our community receives the life-saving care they need.
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Eagarville, IL — The Village of Eagarville is delighted to announce its highly anticipated annual Craft Fair and Vendor Festival, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The event will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This festive celebration will feature the work of 30 talented local artisans, crafters, and vendors showcasing a diverse array of handmade goods. It’s the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to shop local, support our community’s artists, and find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts—ideal for Mother’s Day or to celebrate your favorite graduate!
Attendees can enjoy delicious food options served throughout the day, including hearty biscuits and gravy in the morning, as well as savory sloppy joes and chicken salad for lunch.
Admission is just $1 for adults, with children under 16 admitted free.
Come out, explore the creative talents of our community, and enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping, food, and fellowship!
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Members of the Benld City Council on agreed to spend $319,000 for continuing work on the Benld Family Sports Park and voted to temporarily extend the city’s contract with the City of Gillespie for police protection while the two municipalities continue negotiations to renew the agreement, but it was horses and zoning that dominated the discussion during the council’s regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Appearing before the council as a visitor, Jennifer Zippay, 304 North Eighth Street, voiced concerns about a neighbors plans to board up to three horses on a neighboring lot zoned for agricultural use. Zippay said the property owner plans to fence the lot and build a stabling structure at the rear of the lot. The lot has been zoned for agricultural use since the city approved its zoning ordinance in 2016 and the parcel has been cropped for many years. Zippay said it never occurred to her or her neighbors that “agriculture” could also mean “livestock.”
“What is ‘agriculture’?” she asked. “To me there’s a difference between crops and horses or pigs.” Her concern she said is that the zoning ordinance does not define what animals are allowable, nor does it limit the number of animals the owner of an agricultural property can keep.
“I’m not in disagreement with you,” Mayor Jim Kelly told Zippay. “We should have a limit on the number of animals.”
The lot reportedly comprises about 220,000 square, prompting Zippay to question how many animals the property could accommodate.
“It’s well within the council’s prerogative to limit the number of animals allowed,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio advised, “but we can’t do something about something that hasn’t happened yet.” Without provisions in the zoning ordinance regarding the types and numbers of farm animals allowed, Verticchio said the city’s only option would be to pursue a public nuisance action if the animals become a nuisance.
“How many are too many?” Verticchio asked rhetorically. “Two hundred and forty seven pigs would be too many, but one goat is probably okay. The maximum number is somewhere in between.”
Responding to a question from Ald. John Balzraine, Verticchio said there is no way to preclude the property owner from implementing his plans other than to approve a zoning ordinance amendment before the individual starts to build stabling structure or fencing. The property owner reportedly has not applied for building permits to build on the property or erect a fence. Kelly told Zippay that any fencing would have to comply with the city’s fencing code.
“The council could do something now,” Verticchio said. “Someone could make a motion. Otherwise it would have to be a nuisance.”
Ald. Dustin Fletcher noted the property owner “did the right thing” by approaching the city to familiarize himself with the zoning provisions before making plans to board horses on the property. “I have to give him credit for that,” Fletcher said.
Balzraine later suggested amending the zoning ordinance to define “agriculture” as cropland only. “I wouldn’t want to smell horse poop either,” he told Zippay.
Verticchio said he could prepare the amendment for action within 10 days. “If you want to call a special meeting to approve it, you can.”
“We’ll get this rolling,” Kelly assured Zippay.
POLICE PROTECTION CONTRACT
On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Fletcher, the council voted unanimously to extend the city’s police protection contract with the City of Gillespie for 90 days while the two municipalities continue negotiations for a new contract. For the three months, the city will continue to pay the current $20,000 monthly fee for police protection.
Verticchio said the current police protection contract is set to expire April 30. Depending upon negotiations, the new rate could be charged retroactively or commence upon approval of the contract by both parties, according to Verticchio.
Verticchio said the contract can be terminated by giving 30 day’s notice to the City of Gillespie.
OFFICERS AND ALDERMEN SEATED
Before considering new business, the council paused to swear-in newly elected and re-elected officers and aldermen. Verticchio administered the oath of office, using a Bible belonging to his mother “who died 29 years ago today,” he said.
Kelly was sworn-in to begin his third term as Mayor, along with incumbent City Treasurer Cindy Crites and incumbent City Clerk Terri Koyne, both of whom were elected to their third terms.
Verticchio also administered oaths to incumbent Ward 1 Ald. Balzraine, re-elected April 1 to his third term; Ward 2 Ald. Mickey Robinson, currently the longest-serving member of the council, becoming an alderman in 1991; and newly elected Ward 3 Ald. Brant McFarland, who replaces two-term Ald. Lance Cooper, who chose to not seek re-election.
Immediately after being seated, Mayor Kelly thanked Cooper for his “time and dedication to the city.”
“You did a good job,” Kelly said.
On a motion by Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Jerry Saracco, the council ratified Kelly’s new committee appointments as follows:
- CITY PROPERTY: Balzraine (chair), Fletcher, McFarland, Robinson, Saracco.
- HOUSING; Ald. Norm Emmons (chair), Saracco, Robinson, McFarland, Balzraine.
- ORDINANCE/JUDICIAL: Robinson (chair), Emmons, Saracco, Fletcher, Balzraine.
- FINANCE: Saracco (chair), Emmons, Balzraine, Fletcher, McFarland, and City Clerk Koyne as an advisory co-chair.
- POLICE: McFarland (chair), Fletcher, Robinson, Saracco, Emmons.
- PROPRIETARY: Fletcher (chair), Balzraine, Robinson, Emmons, McFarland.
The Mayor’s appointments run for two years and include Verticchio as City Attorney, Balzraine as Mayor Pro-Tem, and Robinson, Fletcher and Jack Burns as members of a Police Liaison Committee.
SPORTS PARK EXPENDITURES
With Ald. Saracco casting the only “no” vote, the council approved expenditures of $319,244.89 for work completed on the new Benld Family Sports Complex, located on the former site of Benld Elementary School. Community Unit School District 7 deeded the property to the of Benld several years after a mine subsidence event destroyed the school. The city secured a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources last year to underwrite developing the parcel as a park. Once completed, the Benld Sports Association will take over operation and maintenance of the facility.
Monday night’s action authorized payment of $132,305 to Hayes Contractor, the project’s general contractor; $88,342.40 to DeLaurent Construction, Wilsonville, for paving a basketball court and walking path; and $98,597.49 to HHH Construction for construction of a pavilion and dugouts, and installation of basketball equipment, scoreboards and goal posts.
To finish the grant, the city estimates another $25,000 in expenditures, including $19,100 for concrete to dugouts and the pavilion, and $6,000 for accounting/audit fees
MFT BID
The council unanimously approved a bid of $32,818 from Illini Road Oil, LLC, Moro, to supply road oil for the city’s annual motor fuel tax street maintenance program. Illini Road Oil offered the lowest of three bids to supply 12,200 gallons of road oil at a cost of $2.69 per gallon. Other bidders were Macoupin County Asphalt, Inc., Carlinville, and Evergreen Roadworks, Urbana.
PARKING LOT BID
Council members accepted a bid of $5,342 from DeLaurent Construction to repave parking areas at the back and on the east side of the newly opened Benld City Hall, formerly First National Bank.
PROPERTY BID
Council members unanimously accepted a bid of $1,000 from Don Pratt for a surplus parcel at 205 South Seventh, provided Pratt demolishes and removes an existing nuisance structure within 120 days. Answering a question from the council, Verticchio said the council could extend the 120-day deadline in the event of extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, the property could revert to the city if the deadline is not met.
Pratt’s lives next door to the property and was the only bidder.
FOIA REQUEST
Monte Oberman, who has a small claims action pending against the city, appeared before the council, complaining that a flash drive he received in response to a Freedom of Information Act request could not be opened. Oberman said he asked for minutes from last month’s meeting of the council during which he also appeared to address the council. Since the flash drive was defective, he asked for written minutes of the meeting.
City Clerk Koyne said she could provide Oberman with a copy of the minutes since the minutes were approved by the council earlier Monday evening.
Verticchio told Oberman that future requests for information should be directed to him since Oberman is a litigant against the city.
“One of the grounds for denying a FOIA request is if the requestor is involved in litigation against the city,” Verticchio said. “I’m not criticizing the way you asked for information, I’m just saying you may not have been doing it the right way. The proper procedure would be for you to contact the city attorney and then I have to give it to you.”
In response, Oberman handed his written request to Verticchio and noted he also is asking for all other written communication about his case.
Property owned by Oberman is the subject of a public nuisance action initiated by Verticchio on behalf of the city. Vertichio told Oberman last week that the city’s nuisance complaint will be dropped after Oberman’s small claims case is adjudicated.
A bench trial set for April 4 was rescheduled for June 19 on a motion by Oberman late last month.
ITALIAN CLUB RECOGNITION
Balzraine publicly thanked the Benld Italian Club for paying for electrical work at the food stand in Benld City Park at a cost of $1,080.
