Community News
Top Stories of 2011
Here are the most viewed stories from each month. We did not pick them, our viewers did. Click on any heading to view the entire article. The stories are from March to December because we did not start our quest until the end of February.. enjoy!
March
Chuck Price to Open Restaraunt on Gillespie Main Street!
Gillespie’s own Chuck (C.P.) Price is planning to open a new restaurant on Main Street. It will be located in the building that last housed Ageless and Broadway Video. We recently interviewed Chuck to get the inside scoop on his new venture. Here are his responses:
What will the new restaurant be called?
Chuck: “Originally I had settled on “The Pit” but after asking for suggestions from friends and family I have decided to call it “CP’s Five n’ Dine. People still remember when that building was “The Dime Store” so we feel that “CP’s Five n’ Dine” will keep that sense of nostalgia and history alive. I’m even in talks to try to get the old robotic horse that used to be in the window at The Dime Store.”
What is your target opening date?
Chuck: “My goal is to do everything we can to be open by May 1st.”
What kind of food will be on the menu?
Chuck: “We will serve all the same dishes that were available at Chief’s as well as an expanded dinner menu, breakfast all day, protein shakes, and a full blown bakery.”
What will it look and feel like inside?
Chuck: “We’ll have a large dining area with lots of things to promote shopping local in G-Pie. As I said before we’re even trying to get the horse from the old dime store.”
April
Cody McGuire & David McGuire Charged in Gillespie Shooting
Two 19-year-old Granite City men have been charged in connection with the shooting of a 30-year-old male late Wednesday night in Gillespie, according to Illinois State Police.
The office of Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson confirmed late Thursday that Cody R. McGuire (pictured top left), 19, of Granite City is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated battery in connection with the the shooting of Lee Jason Walton, 30, in Gillespie. McGuire is accused of shooting Walton in the face and chest with a .38 caliber handgun.
David P. McGuire (pictured top right), 19, also of Granite City is charged with aggravated battery for allegedly causing great bodily harm to Walton by striking Walton in the head with his fist.
ISP Master Sgt. Dave Wasmuth said Thursday that the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department received a call shortly before midnight reporting a shooting in the 700 block of West Gillespie Street in Gillespie. Gillespie City Police and Macoupin County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly responded to the scene where they found Walton suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
May
80 Graduate From GHS
In a ceremony long on tradition with a few moments of serendipity, Community Unit School District 7 awarded diplomas to more than 80 graduating seniors during commencement exercises on Sunday afternoon in the Gillespie High School gym.
Valedictorian Ashley Heyen departed from the tradition of delivering a valedictorian speech to sing an original composition while accompanying herself on guitar. “Unlike my amazing co-valedictorians, I’m not a good speech writer,” Heyen said. “This song just came to me and I hope you enjoy it.”
The song, “Days Like This,” described Heyen‘s emotions upon saying goodbye to high school and preparing for the future. “They say all good things must come to an end,” she sang. “That’s life and it will happen over and over again.”
Class members gave Heyen a standing ovation at the conclusion of her performance. An emotional Katie Benz, high school math teacher, used part of her time at the podium to say goodbye. “The decision to leave Gillespie High School is one of the hardest I’ve had to make,” she said. She offered thanks to parents, teachers and to High School Principal Joe Tieman “for believing in me four years ago.”
June
Kylie Frensko crowned Miss Black Diamond Days 2011
Miss Kylie Frensko was crowned Miss Black Diamond Days 2011 queen on June 3, 2011 at Gillespie Civic Center. Kylie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Frensko of Benld. She is will be a junior at Gillespie High School and is very active in cheerleading. She also received awards for People’s Choice and Most Photogenic. Miss Frensko was among 7 other canidates and hundreds of people who quietly awaited the announcement of who would wear the crown. “It’s such a great honor,” Kylie said. First runner up went to Bailey Loveless and Miss Congeniality went to Mikayla Tarro.
Miss Emily Harszy was crowned Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days 2011. Emily will be a freshman at Gillespie High School and is very active in her church. She also received awards for Miss Congeniality. Ms. Harszy mentioned the pageant was, “an awesome experience.” First runner up was Reese Marshall and Kaitlyn Henrichs received awards for People’s Choice and Most Photogenic.
Before ending her reign, Miss Sarah Heyen expressed her gratitude for the experience, and encouraged her successor to, “Enjoy every moment because the experience goes by fast.” Then the runners-up and winners were announced and friends and family crowded the stage to congratulate them all.
July
Historic Coliseum Ballroom Destroyed by Fire
The storied entertainment venue that once hosted the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Fats Domino was destroyed by a fire that broke out about 9 p.m., Saturday, July 30.
Community Unit 7 Fire Protection District Chief Larry Norville said local fire departments were called shortly after 9 p.m. The first units arrived on the scene about 9:20 p.m., at which time the ceiling was fully inflamed. As many as 16 fire departments from throughout the region eventually responded to the blaze, many of them serving as tenders to bring water to service pumper trucks and two snorkels on the front lines of the battle.
The Coliseum was the scene of a free concert Saturday night featuring the local band, Shadow of a Doubt. Thirty or more people were in the building with flames reportedly erupted in the ceiling. Norville said initial indications were that the fire started in the ceiling in the northeast corner of the building. At least one person was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor burns. Two others were taken by private vehicle, apparently for treatment of smoke inhalation. Norville said some people inside the building feared they would be unable to escape the blaze when the fire broke out as burning ceiling tiles began to rain down at the front of the building as they were trying to exit.
August
DePoppe hired as Gillespie Chief: Special Council Meeting August 15
The city then went in to executive session to appoint a chief of police to the police department. After 30 minutes, the council returned to open session. With a motion made to hire Jared DePoppe to chief of police, the council voted 6-1 with the only decline coming from Gus Ottersburg.
While waiting for DePoppe to arrive at the council meeting to swear in, Mayor Hicks updated the council on the demolition of the buildings on Macoupin Street. Hicks said there were many counts of asbestos and it will have to be removed before demolition. Demolition is slated to begin August 26. The asbestos will have be removed prior to the demolition, there was not much asbestos. The titles of the buildings has not been signed over to the city, but it is expected to be handled soon.
DePoppe then arrived at the meeting and was sworn in by city attorney: Kevin Polo. DePoppe and his wife, Joanna, have been living in Gillespie since June of 2005. DePoppe and his wife have 2 children: Bree (5) and Lock (6 months). DePoppe has been with the Gillespie Police Department since October of 2006 when he was hired as a volunteer police chaplain. In August of 2007, Depoppe was then hired as a part time officer and he served this position for a year and one half until he was hired full time in March of 2009. In January of 2011, DePoppe was again promoted to Sergeant and then Depoppe was acting chief of police when Dean Plovich resigned almost 2 months ago. Depoppe has been the pastor at First Baptist Church in Gillespie since January of 2006.
September
CUSD #7 Breaks Ground on New Elementary
A crowd of over 100 visitors plus over 750 students were all smiles when school board members and elected officials broke ground on the new 26 million dollar new elementary school. Superintendent Paul Skeans welcomed everyone to the ceremony. “The new school will be completed by December of 2012,” Skeans addressed the crowd.
After the high school band and choir opened the morning ceremony, Superintendent Skeans reminded the crowd what the school district has been the recipient of. On Sunday, March 28, 2009, the school district lost the brand new elementary school in neighboring Benld. Just four days later, Skeans said, the school district was operating under double shifts in the high school and middle school. “That is why all the students are here, they were all apart of it,” Skeans mentioned. In November of 2009, the district was able to move the elementary students into modular building with the help of Phil Hare and Deanna Demuzio. Then, with the help of Governor Pat Quinn, the school district was able to receive 19 million dollars in grant money to help replace the elementary school. “The school board then matched 7 million dollars to help make the project possible,” Skeans said.
A committee of 26 members selected the Kelly street site on July 19, 2010. Then, in August of 2011, the school board awarded the first sitework construction bids. “In the next months, the school board will be awarding construction bids,” Skeans forcasted. It has been a long process, according to Skeans, but this community has joined together and overcame the obstacles and that has led us where we are today, “that is why we are here today.”
October
Local fitness center hoping to expand this August
A local business in Gillespie may just be getting a little bigger this summer. According to Pete Visintin, Ageless Fitness and Tanning, located at the old Curry concrete plant, is in the process of lining up financing for a new 11,000 square foot multi-sport gym that will be adjacent to the current building. If all goes as planned, they hope to have the new gym completed by the end of the 2012 summer.
“This has been our plan all along since we built the new gym. In fact, it was part of our agreement with the city. It was originally supposed to be completed within 5 years of opening our new gym, but with the success we’ve had, we decided to move it up. It will not just have a positive financial impact on our business, but the entire community should see a difference. We hope to run 10-12 tournaments per year as well as 4 or 5 sports league per year, bringing around 200 people per tournament to the Gillespie area. Retail shops, restaurants, and gas stations should see an increase in traffic. With the addition of the new school and the new high school sports complex, as well as the changes that are happening on main street, we hope we’ll be able to show outsiders what a small, nice town Gillespie is. ”
The 11,000 square foot facility will include a regulation full court basketball court that will also be able to be used as a volleyball or tennis court. It will also house a 3200 square foot turf area with at least 2 batting cages and plenty of room for groundballs and throwing. It will contain bathrooms and a concession stand, as well as plenty of seating for spectators. In addition, the new building will allow Ageless to redo the floor plan of its current building so they can add more cardio equipment, as well as expand their successful athletic strength and conditioning program.
November
Savant withdraws resignation and holds supervisor position
After resigning from his supervisor duties a week earlier, Savant chose to remain supervisor..
The Benld City Council met for a special meeting on Monday, November 21 to discuss personnel issues. On the last regularly scheduled board meeting, November 14, Jim Savant informed the City Council that he is resigning “from all supervisor duties.” Savant is the maintenance supervisor for the City of Benld.
Savant informed the council that he “is severely underpaid and is forced to ask for a raise.” He went on to say that he knows the excuses he will get after asking for a raise and is willing to accept them. After being with the city for 22 years, the supervisor title lost “a little luster” to Savant and he decided it is the best choice for him and his family.
After much discussion, the council voted to table the acceptance of his resignation on November 14 and discuss the issue with Savant. “He obviously has a grievance, we should hear him out,” Mayor Hendricks noted.
December
Gillespie Police Officer shoots dog
After being at new home just over one day, chocolate lab puppy, with the name of Molly, broke loose out of her backyard where she was in company of a pair of other chocolate labs.
According to owner Deanna Rife, the new puppy was anything but aggressive and was rather sweet and playful. Rife went on to say the puppy was a Christmas gift for her mother.
Upon escaping the fenced in yard, Molly wandered to a nearby neighbor where the action took place.
“When I came by she snapped at my arm and was growling and I was like, okay,” said Melissa Holmes. She was foaming at the mouth, and just like a lot of foam and drool, but there was a lot of foam and she growled a lot, like for 15 minutes straight.”
Unable to move the dog, Melissa said she had no other choice than to call the police. Gillespie officers arrived within minutes and from there Holmes stopped trying to apprehend the dog.
Comments
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.
Comments
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
Comments
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.
