Community News
Vertichio tells Newingham the water line is a big problem: Benld City Council
Shari Albrecht explains the benefits of joining MEDP.
In a regular scheduled council meeting on December 12, Mickey Robinson questioned city attorney Rick Vertichio about a problem “that has risen in the past year and has been pending for a long time.” There is a water line that was put in and tapped onto off Benld’s main line that runs down Macoupin and Clark Street in Gillespie. “Someone that lives in the outside of Gillespie city limits is supposedly tapping onto our line,” Alderman Robinson went on to say, “He was supposedly told by the City of Benld that he has permission and I never gave him permission under my time as water commission. Also, no one knows who gave him permission to him to dig.”
The problem Robinson is referring to is Ned Newingham tapping onto Benld’s main water line that runs down Macoupin Street in Gillespie and then to Benld. Newingham lives outside of Gillespie’s city limits, but does not live in Benld’s municipality either. “My question is if he has tapped on it and he builds more buildings, what happens if there is a water break and who is responsible for the water loss?” Mickey questioned.
According to Rick Vertichio, no one is allowed to tap onto Benld’s line without permission but Mayor Jeff Hendricks assured everyone that Newingham did have permission. “I have been in contact with Mr. Newingham and the Gillespie mayor,” Mayor Hendricks opened, “We approved that tap, sold him that tap and he is legally tapped for that matter.” Hendricks went on to state that problems lie on how the water lines were ran by Newingham through the City of Gillespie.
Vertichio went on to say that the problem has nothing to do with the City of Benld yet because Benld can legally sell Newingham water even if he lives outside of Benld city limits under the permission of the City of Gillespie. “As long as that line is not serving residents inside of Gillespie’s corporate limits,” Vertichio stated, “I see no problems.” If there is any leaks or problems with the 930 feet of water line Newingham installed, Newingham has to fix the problems himself.
The tap on point where Newingham tapped on at is at the driveway of Ameren substation and is beyond Benld’s main meter. The only problem with the installed water line is there is no water meter where Newingham tapped on at and according to previous meeting minutes, he was told to have a shut off valve and a meter at the tap on point. There is a shut off valve installed, but there is no meter until the very end of the installed line.
“I realize what you are saying, “Newingham spoke up, “But when I talked to people here, they told me a meter by the tap was not needed.” Vertichio advised Newingham that 930 feet of unmetered water line is a huge problem and the meter needs to be moved up to tap on point.
Jesse Maynard from HMG Engineers provided some insight on when the project came through. “It was decided that the 4 inch tap was not included in the permit either. So as of now, there is 930 feet of 4″ water line that is obviously not permitted,” Maynard explained. “So not only does he need a 4″ meter tap on his tap-on point, he needs a permit for 930 feet of water line.” Maynard went on to say he is going to check from the EPA, but he is pretty sure Newingham would need a permit for a 4″ service tap from the EPA.
Jesse Maynard from HMG Engineers explains that Newingham's water line is not even permitted.
“I wish all of this would have been done sooner because it is a lot harder to put a meter in now,” Newingham advised, “But I will offer the City of Benld 750 feet of my water line, I got $10,000 in it.” Mayor Hendricks explained that it is up for discussion later, but that line would have to go through numerous EPA inspections. “There has not been a drop of water that has gone through that line,” Hendricks closed, “It has not been charged.”
Maynard went on to say that the Eiler Avenue project is complete and the amount due to Korte Luitjohan is $26,092. Maynard recommended passing the payment pending record drawings. The payment was passed 6-0 with all funds coming from a grant.
Tilashakski then went on to question city attorney Rick Vertichio if the property on Kentucky and Park Avenue was all tied up or is it available for the city. “There is nothing that is all tied up, the only thing there is to do now is sell it,” Vertichio informed, “You have the complete go-ahead. If you can get a buyer, then let me know and I can draw up a contract.”
Next, Tilashakski questioned if there was any way the library could get any money back since they have put over $70,000 into it for repairs. “As I understand since Helitech got in there, it is a not a mine situation,” Tilashakski noted. Vertichio explained that the library was not constructed correctly and yes, there is a statute of repose but on the downside it is only 10 years and the library is past that. All claims against the construction of a building is 4 years from when the damage is discovered, but no more than 10 years from when the discovery occurs.
After voting 6-0 to renew the Macoupin County Economic Development membership, the council heard from Shari Albrecht. The rate is based on population and is $1 per person according to the 2010 census information. “I am sure you all are aware that MEDP was awarded $75,000 from the State of Illinois to award small businesses with energy efficient grants,” Albrecht opened. MEDP recruited 7 new businesses this year to Macoupin County as well as hosted 4 business education workshops. MEDP also maintains a business insight database which is a national listing of Macoupin County proprieties available for purchase or lease.
Shari went on to explain that Ken Snider purchased a building in downtown Benld to open a winery and applied for a grant to upgrade the furnace and air conditioning. Since Benld is a member of MEDP, the grant was available and awarded to Ken for the amount of $5,000.
“I would like to thank MEDP and Shari Albrecht for the tremendous amount of help for my project,” Ken stated, “I thank everyone for their support.” The building Snider bought is the previous Benld Packing Company that rests on 5th and Central.
Lynn Fraelle thanked the council for their help in the Benld Christmas dinner and referred to the event “a huge success.” Fraelle went on to say that Build Benld had a sign made for the Veteran’s Memorial. The sign will be erected in the park and the frame will be made by Chuck Voyles.
After hearing from the pubic, Mickey Robinson gave his report on city properties. First and foremost, the civic center has been upgraded after the south wall was painted. The only thing left is to paint the bathrooms. Secondly, Robinson stated there is a 60-80 foot tree that is about 70% dead on the east side and about 95% dead on the west side at 604 North 6th Street. All other committee reports paid and approved all bills.
Mayor Jeff Hendricks reads the new insurance proposals.
Under new business, the tax levy ordinance was approved for the amount of $1,905,092.00. Last year the levy was increased 1.5%, but this year it remained the same and is identical to last year’s. Recently, the mayor met with the insurance group and received the new proposal based on the amount of employees and current employees the city has.
The new proposal increased the deductible from $500 to $1,000 and increased the out of pocket from $2,000 to $2,500 and the city will save an overall 5% from last years premium by doing so. The city will take the 5% savings and will set up and insurance fund so when the employees reach the out of pocket expense, the city will cover $500 so that will leave the employees where they are at benefit wise. The new insurance proposal was passed 6-0.
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SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Henrietta and Staunton Road. Asa M. Proctor, 46 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a dog at large. Nathan S. Thornhill, 38 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Edgar Olivero, 22 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Granite City for failure to appear on illegal possession of ammunition.
Kyle J. Lancaster, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. He was also given citations for possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID and for possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Westwood Street in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Tree Lane in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was called to the Gillespie Middle School in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Brian L. Musgrove, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Western Avenue in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a battery and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in Benld in reference to disorderly contact.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke to a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble in the 100 block of Green Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Osie Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Jersey in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a missing child.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henry Street in East Gillespie in reference to a golf cart on fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue. A 12-year-old male from Gillespie was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer responded with the school resource officer to a medical call at the Gillespie High School track.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was out with a suspicious person on East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to West Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to 4th Street and Oak Street in Benld in reference to theft and possession of stolen property.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass and criminal damage to property on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare. Kyrstyn J. Kordish, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Brennden D. Cobine, 21 of Gillespie, was issued citations for possession of paraphernalia and possession of alcoholic liquor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
