Community News
Wilsonville hires ordinance enforcement officer, approves annual tax levy
(L-R): Pam Zaksas, Trustee John Veres and President Annetta Veres (Archived photo)
Members of the Wilsonville Village Board voted unanimously Monday night to hire Bob Reimann of Sawyerville as an ordinance enforcement officer, and approved the Village’s annual appropriations ordinance and tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year.
On a motion by Bob Carr, seconded by John Veres, the board voted unanimously to hire Reimann at a cost of $75 per month with Reiman working four days monthly to issue ordinance violation citations. The action followed a 20-minute executive session to discuss Reimann’s possible employment. Reimann, a former law enforcement officer, has worked as the ordinance enforcement officer for the Village of Sawyerville since 1997.
Addressing the board earlier in the meeting, Reimann said he doesn’t play favorites when it comes to ticketing alleged violators.
“If it’s one of your kids,” he said, “you’d better expect a ticket.”
I don’t write a ticket unless I have absolute proof and can back it up with pictures and so on.
He suggested the village might want to follow the example of Sawyerville and revise the structure of fines imposed for repeat offenders. In Sawyerville, he said, a first offense results in a $25 fine, but subsequent offenses result in increasing fines with some escalating to as much as $700. “I’ve had one guy in court five times for the same thing,” he said, “and he has paid fines up to $700.”
If the council determines later that his services are needed more than four days a month, Reimann said he would be willing to negotiate payment for additional service.
“I’m an easy dog to hunt with,” he noted.
APPROPRIATIONS AND LEVY
In other action, the board unanimously approved the Village’s annual appropriations ordinance and tax levy ordinance.
The appropriations ordinance, which sets spending ceilings for specific line items for the fiscal year starting May 1, 2016, authorizes expenditures of $87,340. Specifically, the ordinance sets appropriations for the General Fund in the amount of $45,840, $2,000 from the audit fund, $10,000 from Motor Fuel Tax, $25,000 for Water Operations and $4,500 for Sewer Operations.
The property tax levy ordinance approved Monday night totals $19,050 and is broken down as follows: General Corporate Tax, $3,900; Police Protection Tax, $1,370; Fire Protection Tax, $3,880; Audit Tax, $4,000; and Insurance Tax, $5,900. The levy sets the amount of revenue to be raised from property taxes. The tax rate, the amount by which the Village’s total equalized assessed valuation must be multiplied to generate the levy, will be set by the County Clerk upon review of the levy ordinance.
As presented by Village Clerk Tena Cerentano, the levy ordinance originally called for a $1,900 for the annual audit, but Trustee Deno Filippini questioned whether the levy was enough to cover the cost of the audit.
“How much did the audit cost last year?” Filipinni asked.
Trustee Pam Zaksas said the audit has cost about $4,000 for the past few years. Based on that information, Filipinni asked that the audit levy be increased before approval.
SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM
After some discussion, the board voted unanimously to authorize use of the Wilsonville Civic Center for a potential summer lunch program for Community Unit School District 7 youths. Village President Anetta Veres told council members that her participation in an “Improving Our Community One Step at a Time” sponsored by the Illinois Coalition for Community Services earlier this month had raised enough money to implement the lunch program this summer. A similar program was previously hosted at the Wilsonville Assembly of God Church.
Veres said the Civic Center is the logical location for the lunch program, but before the program can be implemented there, the facility must be inspected by the Macoupin County Public Health Department and certified for food service. It’s likely that upgrades, including installation of food service equipment, will be required.
Veres said she contacted MCPHD and had arranged for an inspection visit this week, but she asked for the board to authorize the use of the facility if it can be brought into compliance.
“I’d like to know what it’s going to cost first,” said Zaksas. “There’s going to be mucho deniro go into this to bring it up to standards.”
Veres, however, said the action she sought would simply give the lunch program the “ability” to use the center if it can be improved for food service.
Ultimately, the board voted 3-0 to approve the measure. Trustees John Veres and Keith Mohr abstained from the vote because of their affiliation with the Wilsonville Community Organization that manages the Civic Center.
WATER LIEN
With one dissenting vote, the board voted to waive an $865 Water Department lien against property in the 400 block of School Street that recently was purchased at auction by Donald Benjey. The measure is contingent upon Benjey making adequate progress toward cleaning up and improving the property within six months.
Earlier in the meeting, Benjey addressed the board, asking for some relief on the lien, noting that a reduction of the lien would free up money for him to put toward property improvement.
Zaksas, who cast the sole dissenting vote, objected to the plan, saying that the Village has previously refused to reduce or waive water liens on other properties. She specifically cited a similar situation, also on School Street, where the board refused to negotiate on an existing lien.
“They were landlords,” said Trustee Veres. “They were going to be making money on the property. Benjey is going to use this as his house. It’s apples and oranges.”
“Why even put liens on if this is what we are going to do?” Zaksas commented.
WATER METERS
Village President Veres asked board members to be thinking about ways the village can pay for new water meters to replace upward of 300 aging meters over the next 10 years. While not asking for formal action Monday night, Veres said one idea that has been discussed is the possibility of imposing a $3 monthly surcharge on water bills to build a meter replacement fund. Currently, the cost of replacing a meter runs about $75 each, excluding labor.
Also on the topic of infrastructure improvements, Trustee Veres reported on the possibility of improving manholes with a product called SpectraShield to prevent water infiltration. He said any potential project would focus only on manholes most in need of improvement and would be contingent upon the village receiving grant money to cover most of the cost. Estimates for installing the product, he said, run $300 per vertical foot for manholes and more than $300 per foot for lift stations.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Board members voted unanimously to formally name the Village President and each of the Trustees as contact persons for the county’s Animal Control Officer. Village officials will notify the Animal Control Officer of the decision and provide her with contact information for each of the village officials.
Earlier in the meeting, the board heard from a resident complaining about dogs running at large and the difficulty the resident allegedly has had in getting county officials to respond to her complaints.
RENTAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
While taking no formal action, the board discussed the possibility of amending current ordinances to impose a fine on the owners of rental properties who fail to have those properties inspected between tenants. Current ordinance requires an inspection for such properties after a tenant moves out and before another tenant moves in. President Veres suggested an initial fine of $75 for a first offense and fines that increase incrementally for subsequent violations.
“I think that is going to get their attention,” she said.
The issue was referred to the Ordinance Committee and is likely to be brought back to the full board for action at a later date.
President Veres also tabled action on imposing a fee for water usage when the fire department responds to fire calls.
“I want to get more feedback from other communities and fire chiefs first,” she said.
In other action, the board:
- Set the board meeting schedule for 2016 for the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m., except for July and September when the meeting will be on the first Tuesday to avoid conflict with the Independence Day and Labor Day holidays. Dates for All-Committee meetings are set for 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month, except for May when the meeting will be on Tuesday, May 31, to avoid conflict with the Memorial Day holiday.
- Agreed to donate $100 to buy gifts for a Christmas raffle at BenGil Elementary School, and $50 for the school district’s Adopt-A-Class program.
- Acknowledged a $100 donation for the Community Center in memory of Gilbert and Virginia Meldi.
- Approved a $50 holiday bonus for maintenance worker Mike Campagna.
- Approved the purchase of a rubber stamp to maintain the village’s postal permit for mailing water bills.
- Referred to the Street and Alley Committee the issue of researching a source and pricing for new street signs.
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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.
