Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABSENT. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE MEMBERS OF THE BENTON TRACK TEAM WHO WERE IN THE AUDIENCE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH CONGRATULATED THE BOYS ON AN AMAZING SEASON WHERE THE TEAM TOOK 3^RD IN STATE AND A.J. KINSMAN TOOK 1^ST IN SHOT PUT AND 12^TH IN DISCUS, GAVIN GENESIO TOOK 1^ST IN THE 1600 METER RUN, GABE MCLAIN TOOK 3^RD IN THE 1600 METER RUN, KADEN JONES TOOK 12^TH IN THE POLE VAULT, AND THE 4 X 800 METER RELAY CONSISTING OF COLE BUCHANAN, JACK BACON, GABE MCLAIN, AND GAVIN GENESIO TOOK 4^TH AND SET A NEW SCHOOL RECORD. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE EMERGENCY CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD AN UPDATE ON THE REPAIRS NEEDED AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS DONE AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL INSPECTION OF THE PROPERTY.  HE STATED THAT THEY HAVE NOW FORMALLY DENIED OUR CLAIMS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS ALREADY APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH HELITEC AFTER WE GOT THE ANSWER FROM THE INSURANCE, HE RECOMMENDED THAT THIS HAPPENS AT THIS POINT. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING HOMES:

1. SCHAFER @ 420 STONEBROOK DRIVE
2. ORE @ 725 EAST TAYLOR STREET
3. YOUNG @ 209 WEST WEBSTER STREET
4. TUCKER @ 115 MCFALL STREET
5. DAWSON @ 1205 WHISPER WAY
6. EASLEY @ 302 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET
7. LAMBERT @ 634 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET
8. ZINZILIETA @ 1010 ANNA STREET

COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING HOMES AS THEY DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS:

1. JONES @ 617 WEST SIXTH STREET
2. PALMER @ 413 WEST TAYLOR STREET

COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00415 TO ESO FOR THE ANNUAL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTING SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,633.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/21/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,154.02, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,380.93, AND FOR THE PAID ON CALL FIRE FIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $74.34 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,609.29.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO BILLS TO BE PAID AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AS AN UPDATE HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT THE ONLINE PAYMENTS IS STILL UNDERGOING SOME ONBOARDING, BUT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE BEFORE THE YEAR IS OVER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THE ANNUAL ZOBRIO AGREEMENT IS COMING UP AND WILL NEED TO BE PAID IN ORDER TO KEEP OUR SERVICE AGREEMENT. 

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO FURTHER UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND JACK RUSSELL FISH COMPANY, LLC.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT WOULD ALLOW JACK RUSSELL FISH COMPANY TO USE A PARKING SPOT IN THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT FOR THEIR DUMPSTER AND IT WOULD BE ENCLOSED WITH A FENCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND JACK RUSSELL FISH COMPANY, LLC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL MEMBERS RECEIVED A LIST OF THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD MEMBERS AS IT SITS RIGHT NOW.  HE STATED THAT MAJORITY OF THESE SEATS NEED TO BE REAPPOINTED AS THEIR TERMS HAVE ENDED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL NEEDS TO REACH OUT TO THESE BOARD MEMBERS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ALL IN AGREEMENT TO BE REAPPOINTED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED NO OTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON THESE APPOINTMENTS AT THIS TIME. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE AUDIT IS STILL ONGOING. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

5:13 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONTINUED MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 15, 2024 HELD IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON APRIL 22, 2024 IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS TO HEAR TESTIMONY FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY ON MONDAY APRIL 22, 2024 APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00686 TO EVAPAR FOR A SERVICE CALL FOR A SOUNDING ALARM ON THE GENERATOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,767.99.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS MET WITH HELITECH REGARDING THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FLOODING ISSUE AT 503 WEST WASHINGTON STREET.  SHE STATED THAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE OF $10,507.00 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT WOODS BASEMENTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE COMING TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE ON REPAIRS AS WELL.  AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING FORMING A COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION IT WAS DECIDED THAT A CALL NEEDED TO BE MADE TO OUR INSURANCE AGENT AT S.C.D. REA IN AN EFFORT TO SEE IF INSURANCE WOULD COVER THE DAMAGE.  NO OTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING AND IN HIS ABSENCE, ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH HANDLED HIS REPORT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00709 TO VELODYNE FOR A MIXER MOTOR FOR THE SLUDGE PRESS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,857.17.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR APPROVAL FOR KELLI SULLIVAN AT 607 EAST WEBSTER STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR APPROVAL FOR CASEY GARCIA OF 508 WEST 6^TH STREET.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR DENIAL FOR MELINDA ROHRSCHEIB AT 307 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED APPROVAL DIRECTING AN ORDINANCE TO BE PREPARED FOR A STOP SIGN ON GARDNER AT EAST TAYLOR STREET.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00122 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A SUPER MICRO SERVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,495.95 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THIS TO COME FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF WE KEEP TAKING THINGS FROM THE IMPOUND FUND, IT WILL BE EMPTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS SERVER WAS ORDERED BEFORE A PURCHASE ORDER WAS FILLED OUT, A CONVERSATION HAD, OR ANY APPROVAL HAD BEEN GIVEN.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER SAID HE WAS UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS WAS AWARE IT WAS NEEDED FOR HIS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AGAIN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE ORDER FOR PAYMENT FROM THE GENERAL FUND.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 2. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00123 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR UNIFORMS, DUTY GEAR, AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,210.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00121 TO LARRY FREDRICKS, LLC FOR 1 POINT BLANK BALLISTIC VEST AND 1 POINT BLANK GUARDIAN CARRIER FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $890.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00126 TO IDS APPLICATIONS, INC FOR ANNUAL LAWMAN SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO LAWMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00410 TO MATT WARREN FOR A USED DIGITAL RADIO FOR THE MINI-PUMPER IN THE AMOUNT OF $575.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE NEEDED TO UPDATE THE GOLF CART ORDINANCE CHANGING THE STICKER DUE DATE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A TEMPORARY TAG ALLOWING OWNERS TO DRIVE THE GOLF CART TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR INSPECTION.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THESE TOPICS AS WELL AS WHEN WEST CITY’S DUE DATE FOR STICKERS ARE CONSIDERING STICKERS WORK IN BOTH COMMUNITIES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE TWO TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS TO FILL IN THE GAP BETWEEN JEFF COLEMAN’S RETIREMENT AND THE HIRING OF A NEW FIREFIGHTER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIGHER JOHN OWENS AND ZACK HALSTEAD AS TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS.  HE STATED THEY WOULD BE SPLITTING THE WORK 80/20 AND THAT JOHN OWENS HAS BEEN A PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER FOR THE CITY SINCE 1992 AND ZACK HALSTEAD IS THE CANDIDATE THE MERIT BOARD IS LOOKING TO HIRE FOR FULL TIME FIREFIGHTER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER IN CLOSED SESSION.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE A NOTE THAT FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT OVERTIME FOR THE PAYROLL THAT INCLUDED THE ECLIPSE FESTIVAL WAS $3,252.05.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE 2 FIRE CALLS ALSO DURING THIS TIME PERIOD TO CONSIDER IN CALCULATING THE OVERTIME FOR THE EVENT. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR APRIL 26, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,430.83 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,046.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $106,477.39. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 05/01/2024 WHICH CONSISTED OF CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,700.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 05/10/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,886.26 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,743.43 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $104,629.69.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING IN THE AMOUNT OF $395,528.62 ALL FROM THE AP FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-04, A PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONCONTRACTUAL, NONUNION EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE PURCHASE ORDER POLICY IS NOT BEING FOLLOWED ACROSS THE BOARD.  IN AN EFFORT TO CONTROL THIS BETTER, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT FROM $500.00 TO $400.00 AND TAKE THIS FROM A POLICY TO AN ORDINANCE.  AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING THE $400.00 AMOUNT BEING TOO LOW FOR MOST ITEMS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE WOULD CHANGE HIS MOTION TO $750.00 AS LONG AS THE PURCHASE ORDERS ARE BEING FILLED OUT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT AN AMENDMENT BE WRITTEN TO ORDINANCE 1-2-34 (N) PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION AMENDING THE FY-24/25 BUDGET TO INCLUDE THE FORD F550 MINI PUMPER PAID FROM MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO TIME CLOCKS FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS.  A LONG DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THIS TOPIC.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT A STREET LIGHT PROGRAM AND WILL BRING MORE INFORMATION TO THE COUNCIL AS HE GETS IT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS YEAR’S REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL WAS REALLY GOOD.  ALSO, UNDER UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MASTER BIKE PLAN IS ALMOST FINISHED AND THAT THE PATH FROM THE SCHOOLS TO THE PARK WILL BE LABELED THE STEVE MCCOMMONS BIKEWAY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD LUNCH WITH GARY WILLIAMS FROM REND LAKE CONSERVANCY AND THAT IT WAS A GOOD MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00707 TO MONDAY.COM TO PURCHASE 5 SEATS ON THE WORKFLOW PLATFORM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,140.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00682 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR AN INK JET PRINTER TO BE USED BY MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $257.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEMS (C) AND (D) UNDER THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM (C), DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PERCENTAGE FOR THE TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.  HE STATED THAT THIS PROJECT WOULD BRING IN 18-20 NEW JOBS AND THAT ZONING AND TIF ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAS RECOMMENDED A TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON OF 80%.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN 80% TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ACTION ON ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE THE SURPLUS REAL ESTATE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 308 BUCHANAN STREET. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT #806 (MINI PUMPER) HAS ARRIVED.  HE STATED THAT IT HAS ALREADY HAD MORE CALLS HERE THAN IT HAD BEFORE WE PURCHASED IT. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WANTED TO THANK JEFF COLEMAN FOR HIS 26 ½ YEARS WITH THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT MR. COLEMAN HAS STARTED A JOB AS A PARK RANGER WITH THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND STATED HE WILL BE AN ASSET TO THEM.  MR. TOM CARTER ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL NEXT.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THAT THE PREVIOUS THRESHOLD FOR PURCHASE ORDERS WAS TOO LOW AT $500.00 AND HE WANTED TO SUGGEST THAT IF AN EMPLOYEE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THE EXACT AMOUNT IS, THAT THEY SHOULD ESTIMATE AND STILL GET A PURCHASE ORDER FILLED OUT.  MR. CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THE REDESIGN OF MALKOVICH PARK WILL INCLUDE A FENCE.  HE STATED THAT THERE IS A VAGRANT LIVING IN THE AREA AND HE BELIEVES WITHOUT A FENCED IN AREA, THIS SITUATION WOULD BE EASIER TO CONTROL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A FENCE WITH THE NEW DESIGN. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

6:26 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

7:05 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE JOHN OWENS AND ZACK HALSTEAD AS TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS NOT TO EXCEED A 60-DAY APPOINTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

7:06 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 25, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 S MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000995 TO C AND C PUMPS AND SUPPLY FOR A VERTICAL MULTISTAGE PUMP IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,769.97.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00238 TO BUMPER AND BUMPER FOR AN AIRCAT IMPACT WRENCH WITH 8” EXTENDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $511.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00708 TO SCHAEFFER’S FOR SYNTHETIC OIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $737.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWIMMING POOL SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR REBECCA REED OF 910 EAST WEBSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #30 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO HUTCHINS PROPERTIES II, LLC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #31 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO HUTCINS PROPERTIES II, LLC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2024 MFT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $785,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00408 TO EVAPAR FOR REPAIR OF EMERGENCY GENERATOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $757.95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF ZACK ANDREWS AS A FULL-TIME PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER THAT WILL BE GOING TO THE POLICE TRAINING INSTITUTE ON MAY 4, 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISISONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00409 TO LEO ELLEBRACHT COMPANY FOR 2 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR TO REPLACE EXPIRED SETS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,673.13.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS JUST ASKING FOR APPROVAL, BUT WILL NOT PURCHASE UNTIL THIS COMING FISCAL YEAR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMOVAL OF ROGER MABRY, TYLER CARROL, WARREN SMOTHERS, AND DANIEL HOLLOWAY FROM THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADD JACOB KINSMAN TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW JR ERWIN TO INSTALL ALL NEW LIGHT FIXTURES AND REMOVE BALLASTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,482.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MR. ERWIN HAS PRODUCED HIS INSURANCE FOR THIS PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING A $200,000.00 BID ON A 2020 FORD F-550 MINI PUMPER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PAYROLL OR BILLS TO APPROVE AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO AMEND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS IN CHAPTER 1 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ALIGN WITH THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET UNION CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM ANYONE THIS EVENING REQUIRING ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE UPDATES FROM 2023. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE WRITING OFF OF BAD DEBT FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET ON DISPLAY ON APRIL 12, 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH THANKED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE VOLUNTEER GROUPS, AND EVERYONE THAT WAS INVOLVED IN PUTTING ON THE “PARTY IN THE PATH” ECLIPSE EVENT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024.  AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT 43 PLANES LANDED AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT TO WATCH THE ECLIPSE AND THAT DAY THERE WAS $3,700.00 OF FUEL SALES MADE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00685 TO BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL FOR A $500.00 SPONSORSHIP FOR THE HALL OF FAME EVENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE REPAIRS TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE THROUGH BRANDON SMITH IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,249.36.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS IS INVESTIGATING ANY UPDATES AND PLANS TO DO WITH THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  HE STATED THAT THIS PROJECT IS CURRENTLY UNOFFICIALLY PAUSED. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT 8 CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF TREASURER. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT ZACK ANDREWS IS IN THE PROCESS OF TESTING AND HIS HIRING IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING ALL THE TESTING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO 04/15/2024 AT 9:30 A.M. FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 26^TH, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 12^TH, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 S MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS PENDING ONE CORRECTION OF “DECAPITATED HOUSE TO DILAPIDATED HOUSE” UNDER ITEM E OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. ABSTAINS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THE COUNCIL TO TAKE ON ITEM G UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS FIRST. MAYOR MESSERSMITH WISHED TO CONGRATULATE AND RECOGNIZE GAVIN GENISIO AND MASON TIEFFEL FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE AT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SPORTS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO ADDRESSED THE BOYS BCHS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AND COACHES FOR BEING STATE RUNNER UP IN CROSS COUNTRY THIS YEAR. COMMISSIONER KAYS SPOKE UP STATING THAT MASON TIEFFEL HAD ALSO RECEIVED THE TITLE OF ACADEMIC ALL AMERICAN THIS YEAR, BECOMING THE 3^RD EVER IN BCHS HISTORY. PROCLAMATIONS WERE MADE AND GIVEN TO MR. GENISIO AND MR. TIEFFEL FOR THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP AND RECEIVED BY MR. BUCHANAN ON BEHALF OF THE CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM AFTER SPEAKING ABOUT THE TEAMS RECORD THIS YEAR.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED FOR THE COUNCIL’S PERMISSION IN ALLOWING THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS (BAV) TO PROVIDE AN ICE-SKATING RINK FOR THE 2024 HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS. COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF THE BAV WOULD BE HOLDING THE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE POLICY AND TAKE CARE OF THE FUNDING FOR THE RINK.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASSURED HIM THAT THEY WOULD HAVE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE AND TAKE CARE OF THE FUNDING. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED IF THE RINK WOULD BE IN THE SAME LOCATION IT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY, BETWEEN THE KNEE-WALL AND BATHROOMS AT CAPITAL PARK, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA CONFIRMED. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THE MOTION TO ALLOW THE BAV TO PROVIDE THE ICE-SKATING RINK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED A MOWING CONTRACT FROM DAVID BOOKER AND EXPLAINED THE CITY HAD BEEN USING HIM SINCE 2018 FOR THE LISTED PROPERTIES AND THAT THE AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON WAS THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED WITH MR. BOOKER’S PERFORMANCE. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED TO NOT SEE THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA FOR APPROVAL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH SAID HE HAD IT LISTED AS IT IS BECAUSE HE WAS UNSURE IF THE CITY HAD AN OBLIGATION TO BID OUT THIS SERVICE AND BECAUSE HE DID NOT LIKE THE TWO-YEAR COMMITMENT. CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED IT WAS UNDER THE QUALIFYING AMOUNT TO HAVE TO BE BID OUT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ALSO STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD BE APPROVING PUBLIC FUNDS WITHOUT GIVING THE PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO BID FOR IT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FELT BECAUSE MR. BOOKER’S PRICES HAD BEEN EXPOSED PUBLICLY IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO BID THE 2024 MOWING BUT THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD TAKE ACTION AT THE NEXT MEETING TO APPROVE MR. BOOKER’S MOWING FOR 2024 AND TO START THE BID PROCESS FOR THE 2025 SEASON. BELOW ARE MR. BOOKER’S PRICES ON THE PRESENTED CONTRACT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED TO TABLE ITEM D UNDER THE PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT STATING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES AND THE STREET DEPARTMENT LEADMAN DALE WATKINS DO NOT THINK THE LOTS WILL BE READY IN TIME. IT WAS STATED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE ABLE TO REMOVE THE RUBLE AND DEBRIS BUT IT WOULD LIKELY LEAVE THE LOTS IN QUESTION IN A MUDDY MESS UNLESS IT REMAINED VERY DRY OVER THE NEXT MONTH. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD ONE PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE EVENING. PURCHASE ORDER #00674 FOR 10, TYPE-3 BARRICADES AT $272.95 TOTALING $2,729.50. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THESE BARRICADES WOULD BE PAID FOR OUT OF THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND GRANT AND WOULD BE USED FOR THINGS LIKE CLOSING OFF THE SQUARE FOR EVENTS TO REDUCE THE NEED FOR OVERTIME. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00674. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASES FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD TWO RESOLUTIONS FOR THIS MEETING, ONE TO CLOSE THE SQUARE FOR THE ECLIPSE EVENT ON APRIL 6^TH FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 9:00 P.M. AND ANOTHER TO CLOSE THE SQUARE FOR THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE ON MAY 4^TH FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-02 TO CLOSE THE SQUARE APRIL 6^TH, 2024 FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 9:00 P.M. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-03 TO CLOSE THE SQUARE MAY 4^TH, 2024 FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS THIS MEETING. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM FEBRUARY 1^ST TO FEBRUARY 26^TH HAD RESPONDED TO 446 CALLS AND THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD RESPONDED TO 58 CALLS IN JANUARY.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE HAD TWO CONTRACTS FOR THE MEETING, BOTH WITH AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. ONE CONTRACT IS FOR BODYCAM SERVICES AND THE OTHER FOR REVAMPING THE INTERROGATION ROOMS AT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY INVITED POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AND COMMISSIONER KAYS TO SPEAK ABOUT THESE SINCE THEY WERE PRESENT FOR THE DEMONSTRATIONS. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER EXPLAINED THAT THE AGREEMENT FOR THE BODYCAMS WOULD BE A 5-YEAR AGREEMENT TOTALING $69,227.10, WHICH IS ROUGHLY $13,000 A YEAR AFTER THE FIRST PAYMENT OF 5% DUE MARCH 1^ST.  HE STATED THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WITH AXON FOR THEIR BODYCAMS FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THE CAMS AND SOFTWARE ARE EASY FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE DEPARTMENT TO USE AND EVERYONE SEEMS TO LIKE THEM. HE STATED THAT TO SWITCH TO MOTOROLA WOULD COST UPWARDS OF $150,000, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THE CITY WOULD ALSO HAVE TO INCUR THE COST OF STORING THE BODYCAM DATA THAT AXON IS STORING CURRENTLY, AS AXON WOULD LIKELY NOT KEEP STORING IT AFTER TERMINATING THE AGREEMENT. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT AXON HAD PUT TOGETHER A PROPOSAL FOR UPGRADING THE HARDWARE IN THE INTERVIEW ROOMS, INCLUDING CAMERAS, CLOUD STORAGE, OTHER HARDWARE AND THE SOFTWARE TO USE THESE ITEMS. THE COST OF THIS PROJECT WOULD BE $48,844.40 AND THE FIRST PAYMENT WOULD NOT NEED TO BE MADE UNTIL THE BUILD STARTS IN LATE AUGUST OR EARLY SEPTEMBER. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THESE EXPENSES WOULD ALSO BE COVERED BY THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND GRANT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE OVER THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BID OUT THESE SERVICES BUT BECAUSE THE CITY OF BENTON IS HOME RULE BY ORDINANCE IF AT LEAST FOUR FIFTHS OF THE COUNCIL VOTED IN FAVOR THEY COULD BYPASS THAT PROCESS.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BYPASS THE BIDDING PROCESS AND ACCEPT THE CONTRACT FROM AXON ENTERPRISES, LLC FOR THE BODYCAMS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BYPASS THE BIDDING PROCESS AND ACCEPT THE CONTRACT FROM AXON FOR THE INTERVIEW ROOM UPGRADE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED PAYROLL TOTALING $100,009.22 WITH $73,685.03 BEING GENERAL FUND AND $26,324.19 BEING WATER AND SEWER. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PAYROLL AS PRESENTED FOR FEBRUARY 16^TH. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS THIS EVENING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE WANTED TO TAKE ITEM (C) UNDER ACCOUNTS & FINANCE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR DISCUSSION.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH WANTED TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE ECLIPSE EVENT PLANNING. HE STATED THAT ORIGINALLY, IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND WOULD BE ABLE TO PLAY ON THAT SATURDAY BUT BECAUSE OF PROM THE BAND HAD TO BACK OUT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH SAID THAT THEY HAVE TALKED TO THE PRODUCER OF THE EVENT AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE BAND WILL BE ABLE TO PERFORM FRIDAY NIGHT INSTEAD AT CAPITAL PARK ON THE STAGE. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAS AMBITIOUS HOPES FOR MALKOVICH PARK TO BE OPEN BY MOTHER’S DAY AND THAT THE MAJOR HOLD UP AT THIS TIME IS NEEDING A NOTICE TO PROCEED. MAYOR MALKOVICH INVITED THE PUBLIC AND COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE OPEN HOUSE FOR THE MASTER BIKE PLAN. COMMISSIONER STOREY VOICED CONCERN FOR WHERE ONE OF THE DRAFTED PATHS WOULD GO.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS EVENING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO SPEAK ON ITEMS (C) AND (D) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN THE ABSENCE OF ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MR. CALCATERRA. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED FOR ITEM (C) THAT THE DOXSIE’S LIVE ON NORTH STUYVESANT AT WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 602 AND 604. HE ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS MR. CALCATERRA’S RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT THE ANNEXATION AGREEMENT. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE ANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR THE DOXSIE FAMILY. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HART CANTRELL AND THOMPSON LLC HAD MET THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION AND THAT THEY WOULD BE THE 6^TH BUSINESS TO MAKE USE OF THIS PROGRAM. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION FROM HART CANTRELL AND THOMPSON LLC FOR THE WORK AT 602 PUBLIC SQUARE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ITEM E UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE S3DA ARCHERY TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVES HAD APPROACHED THE CITY AND ASKED FOR A DONATION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO APPROVE A $1,000 DONATION AND THAT ALONG WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE CITY OF SESSER WE WOULD BE LISTED AS A HOST CITY FOR THIS DONATION. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION TO DONATE $1,000 TO THE S3DA TOURNAMENT. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS COMMISSIONER STOREY WANTED TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR HANDLING HIS AFFAIRS AT THE CITY WHILE HE WAS AWAY FOR THREE MEETINGS. HE STATED HE GREATLY APPRECIATED IT.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THE HIGH SCHOOL WOULD BE HAVING A LARGE EVENT THIS WEEK WITH THE BASKETBALL GAMES COMING UP AND THAT IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME OUT AND SHOW SUPPORT YOU SHOULD. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO A BASKETBALL GAME RECENTLY TO SEE THE DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AND EVENT THEY DO THERE, YOU ARE REALLY MISSING OUT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM C UNDER ACCOUNTS & FINANCE AND ITEM E UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

5:44

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

6:38

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ENTER BACK INTO REGULAR SESSION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

6:40 PM