Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 12, 2026 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO TAKE ROLL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT MINUTES WERE PLACED IN ALL THE COUNCIL MEMBERS PACKETS.  HE STATED THAT ON PAGE THREE, THERE’S A STATEMENT THAT WE WOULD NEED TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO DECEMBER 12TH TO PAY THE BILLS AND THAT SHOULD BE REMOVED.  OTHER THAN THAT, THERE’S NO OTHER CHANGES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH THE CHANGE NOTED ABOVE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE ANY BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00580 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR REPAIR OF THE DECORATIVE LIGHTING ON MAPLE STREET NOT TO EXCEED $7,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS OR LAKE LOT LEASES FOR APPROVAL.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B), REGARDING METER WARRANTIES, FOR NOW. HE STATED THAT HE AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR WILL BE LOOKING INTO THIS A LITTLE FARTHER BEFORE WE ACTUALLY APPROVE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD RECEIVED A COST ESTIMATE ON THE SEWER MAIN PROJECT ON CARTER DRIVE. HE STATED THAT WE’VE GOT A NEW BUSINESS COMING IN ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SQUARE AND WE’RE TRYING TO GET PREPARED FOR IT. IN YOUR BOX, YOU’LL SEE A COST ESTIMATE THAT OUR ENGINEERS PUT TOGETHER. AND IT’S ONLY A COST ESTIMATE. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO PROCEED WITH SEEKING BIDS FOR THIS PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE CITY HAD HIRED A PART-TIME PERSON FOR OUR WATER DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT BILLS.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HER EMPLOYMENT HAS NOT WORKED OUT AND HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO TERMINATE CANDY ARMSTRONG AT THIS TIME.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE STORM SIREN BY THE GRADE SCHOOL HAS GONE DOWN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE QUOTE FROM NOVACOM COMMUNICATIONS TO REPLACE THE STORM SIRE IN THE AMOUNT OF $35.999.99.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT EVERYONE ON THE COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A CALL REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SHE STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 605 CALLS AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 133 INCIDENTS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WILL START PUTTING THESE REPORTS OUT ON THE TABLE WHERE THE PUBLIC CAN LOOK AT THEM AS THEY COME IN, NOT TO TAKE, BUT JUST TO LOOK AT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT YOU CAN SEE THAT OUR MEN HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN BUSY OUT THERE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE JANUARY 2, 2026 TOTALING $112,858.88 WITH $84,224.54 OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND AND $28,634.31 OUT OF THE WATER AND SEWER REVENUE FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS TOTALING $469,679.25 WITH $467,515.47 OUT OF THE AP FUND, $691.28 OUT OF MOTOR FUEL TAX, $736.25 OUT OF IJRL TIF FUND, AND $736.25 OUT OF THE DOWNTOWN TIF FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE WANTED TO DISCUSS ITEM 7C, DISCUSSION AND OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN LOOSELY TALKED ABOUT SINCE HE HAS COME ON THE COUNCIL AND HE STATED THAT WE’RE GOING TO PUT ACTION TOGETHER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE IS TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT IT, TIRED OF TALKING ABOUT IT, AND TIRED OF THE PANDERING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS HAS DIRECTLY TO DO WITH OUR PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO MORE MINIMUM WAGE SLIDING SCALE FOR PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS GOING FORWARD. HE STATED THAT THEY WILL BE PAID MORE THAN MINIMUM WAGE.  SO AS MINIMUM WAGE GOES, THIS RACE WILL BASICALLY BE OUT IN FRONT OF THEM GOING FORWARD. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE IS OPEN TO DISCUSSION, BUT THAT HIS RECOMMENDATION IS THAT WE PAY THEM $3 AN HOUR MORE THAN MINIMUM WAGE GOING FORWARD. COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF ANYBODY HAD ANY OBJECTIONS PR ANY DISCUSSION PIECES TO THAT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH SAID THAT HE HAD TALKED WITH COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABOUT THIS LINES UP BY THE WAY THIS LINES UP PERFECTLY WITH WHAT HE WAS THINKING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FEELS LIKE THE COUNCIL SHOULD PUT TOGETHER A PAID ON-CALL EMPLOYMENT PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES WHAT TRAINING IS, WHAT CLOTHING ALLOWANCE IS, AND INCLUDING THIS PAY SO THAT ANYONE CURRENT OR NEW THAT COMES ON HAS A COMPLETE PACKAGE TO LOOK THROUGH.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RAISING THE COMPENSATION FOR OUR PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS TO $3 AN HOUR MORE THAN THE PREVAILING MINIMUM WAGE GOING FORWARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE LAST ITEM HE HAS IS (7D) MODIFICATION OF INTENT TO RETIRE.  HE STATED THAT THIS HAS TO DO WITH OUR BILLING CLERK, MELISSA HUNGATE.  SHE IS GOING TO SHIFT HER RETIREMENT DATE UP. THIS STILL FALLS WITHIN THE INCENTIVE FOR THE INSURANCE. HER NEW RETIREMENT DATE WILL BE MARCH 9TH.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT HER MODIFIED RETIREMENT DATE OF MARCH 9TH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE ATTORNEY IS NOT HERE THIS EVENING AND SO THERE ARE NO UPDATES UNDER HIM. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT ONE OF THE THINGS THE COUNCIL HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT IS ABOUT HOW DO WE PUT TOGETHER A MASTER CALENDAR FOR THE CITY.  HE STATED THAT WE ARE WORKING ON AN UPCOMING MEETING TO BE ABLE TO BRING ALL THE DIFFERENT GROUPS, YOUR ELKS, YOUR VOLUNTEERS, YOUR CHAMBERS, AND THOSE, TO ALL GET ON THE SAME PAGE AND PLAN THAT OUT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED LOOKING AT A 250TH CELEBRATION, BUT WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE? COULD THAT HAPPEN AROUND 4TH OF JULY? COULD THAT HAPPEN IN SEPTEMBER?  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE ARE ALREADY WORKING ON PLANS FOR 2026 AND, FORTUNATELY, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY TEND TO BE SLOW MONTHS, SO IT GIVES US A LITTLE MORE TIME TO PLAN.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE DOES HAVE A COUPLE OF PURCHASE ORDERS THIS EVENING.  HE STATED THAT WITH MOVING PEOPLE AROUND AND SHIFTING PEOPLE AROUND, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HE HAS ASKED IS THAT OUR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BE OFFICED HERE AND NOT AT THE SEWER PLANT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BECAUSE HE THINK THAT THERE’S SOME PIECES THAT ARE MISSING AND HIM BEING ISOLATED OUT THERE MAKES IT HARD SOMETIMES TO GET THINGS DONE LIKE WE WANT TO.  THE MAYOR STATED THAT HE HAD ALSO GIVEN HIS OFFICE UP FOR DAMIEN AS THE DEPUTY CLERK AND GRANT WRITER SO THAT HE HAS HIS OWN SPACE.  BECAUSE OF THIS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WOULD ALSO BE NEEDING AN OFFICE.  HE STATED THAT HE HAD PUT TOGETHER AN ESTIMATE OF MATERIALS TO PUT TWO MORE OFFICES IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AND ADJUST THE SPACE OF THIS ROOM TO BE ABLE TO HAVE AN OFFICE FOR DAILUS AND AN OFFICE FOR HIMSELF.  HE STATED THAT THE MATERIALS SHOULD BE LESS THAN THIS, BUT NOT TO EXCEED $1,200.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THE MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HIS SECOND PURCHASE ORDER IS FOR VERIZON WIRELESS.  HE STATED THAT DAILUS RICHARDSON AND HE WENT LAST WEEK TO MEET WITH THEM. DAILUS NEEDS A NEW PHONE AS THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, WHICH WILL ASSIGN HIM A NEW NUMBER, AND ADDITIONALLY, IN ORDER TO DO THE JULIE MARKINGS LIKE WE NEED TO, WE NEED TWO TABLETS THAT ACTUALLY HAVE CELLULAR ATTACHED TO THEM SO THEY CAN DO THINGS IN THE FIELD, GENERATE REPORTS BASED ON THE NEW JULIE RECOMMENDATIONS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT IN ADDITION TO THAT, OUR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, CALEB, IS ON AN AT&T PLAN.  HE STATED THAT AT&T IS NOT BAD, BUT IT DOES NOT WORK IN THIS BUILDING AND SO HE’S NOT ABLE TO USE THE PHONE AS HE NEEDS TO USE THE PHONE AND SO WE NEED TO MOVE HIM OVER TO VERIZON  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE WILL SAVE SOME MONEY ON THE AT&T SIDE WHEN WE CANCEL THAT CONTRACT AND WE ARE ALSO GOING TO SAVE SOME MONEY ON THE VERIZON SIDE. THE PURCHASE ORDER SAYS “NOT TO EXCEED $500”, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE IT’S GOING TO BE ABOUT $263 OR IT MIGHT ACTUALLY BE LESS THAN THAT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PROCEED WITH VERIZON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A REQUIRED FOR A COMIC-CON SPONSORSHIP. THIS EVENT HAS GROWN EVERY YEAR AND THE CITY HAS SPONSORED IT THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. THEY APPROACHED THE CITY AND ASKED IF THE CITY WOULD BE WILLING TO PARTNER AGAIN?  THE VENT SAW OVER 1,000 PEOPLE GO THROUGH THE CIVIC CENTER LAST YEAR IN ONE DAY AND IT CONTINUES TO GROW EVERY YEAR.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD INVESTMENT FOR THE CITY FROM A TOURISM STANDPOINT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BRINGING PEOPLE INTO BENTON, EATING, GETTING GAS, AND KIND OF GETTING THEM EXPOSED TO WHAT BENTON IS LIKE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DO A $500.00 SPONSORSHIP.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE AMERICAN LEGION LADIES AUXILIARY  REQUESTING A DONATION OF $500.00 OR ANY OTHER AMOUNT, FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW AMERICAN FLAGS.  THESE FLAGS ARE THAT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS LIKE OUR CHEERLEADER GROUP GO AND PUT THE FLAGS OUT AND THEN OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT HELPS PICK THEM UP EVERY YEAR.  THERE HAS BEEN SOME WEATHERING AND AGING OF THE FLAGS AND SO THEY HAVE EVERY YEAR THEY HAVE A NEED TO GET NEW FLAGS.  THE LETTER STATED THAT LAST YEAR THEY HAD TO SPEND $400.00 TO REPLACE FLAGS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WONDERED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD BE WILLING TO CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION, WHICH WE’VE DONE IN YEARS PAST, TO SUPPORT THEM FOR THE FLAGS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS NOT AGAINST IT, HE JUST WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT.  HE STATED THAT OVER THE YEARS, THIS HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE ELKS DID IT FOR SEVERAL YEARS; STORED THEM, BOUGHT THEM, ASKED FOR DONATIONS.  HE STATED THAT THE ELKS GOT TIRED OF DOING IT AND THEN THE AMERICAN LEGION TOOK IT OVER, AND NOW THE CHEERLEADERS ARE DOING IT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ACTIVE THING AND IT HAS BEEN SHARED THROUGH THIS COMMUNITY.  HE STATED THAT THEY DO GET TORN AND THEY DO GET TATTERED BY THE WIND.  HE ALSO STATED THAT HE THINKS IT IS WONDERFUL THAT FLAGS ARE PUT OUT AND HE WANTED TO MAKE THE MOTION TO DONATE $400.00. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF COMMISSIONER COCKRUM COULD PULL HIS MOTION AS THE LETTER HAD ASKED FOR $500.00 IN THE OPENING PARAGRAPH AS A REQUEST.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NOT SEEN THAT AND WOULD WITHDRAW HIS MOTION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE DONATING $500.00 TO THE AMERICAN LEGION LADIES AUXILIARY FOR FLAGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD JUST A COUPLE OF UPDATES FROM FINANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WE HAVE GOTTEN A COUPLE OF INFORMATION PACKETS REGARDING POTENTIAL AUDITING TERMS.  HE STATED THAT HE IS GOING TO GO THROUGH THEM TONIGHT FOR AUDITING SERVICES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WE ARE LESS THAN THRILLED WITH ATLAS AND THE TARDINESS AND HOT WATER THEY HAVE PUT THE CITY IN WITH THE CONSISTENT LATENESS THAT THEY HAVE DONE AND THE FACT THAT THEY JUST DON’T DELIVER ON TIME.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT GETS TIRING AND THE CITY CAN’T FUNCTION WITHOUT GETTING AN AUDIT BACK ON TIME FROM THEM. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY GETS THEM ALL THE INFORMATION AND THEY DEPART HERE JUST LIKE THEY NORMALLY WOULD, BUT THAT THE CITY JUST DOES NOT GET OUR AUDIT BACK UNTIL AFTER DEADLINES FROM THE STATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WE HAVE HIRED AN IN-HOUSE GRANT ADMINISTRATOR AND THE AUDIT BECOMES SUBSTANTIALLY MORE IMPORTANT WHEN YOU’RE STARTING WITH GRANT FUNDS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WILL BE SOMETHING THAT WE WILL PROBABLY HAVE ON THE NEXT AGENDA, AS WELL AS WE TALKED ABOUT IN THE EITHER IN THE NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER MEETING ABOUT ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN FINANCE AND NEW STANDARDS CONTINUE TO BE AN ISSUE JUST WITH GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD AND GAAP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME ADDITIONAL TRAININGS THAT WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO DO IN ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE UP TO SNUFF AGAIN.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC

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

5:15 P.M. 

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN ON ITEM 7 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH OUR INSURANCE AGENTS AND THERE ARE STILL QUESTIONS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED REGARDING THE INSURANCE PLAN PRESENTED TO THE CITY AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

9:02 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM OCTOBER 27, 2025 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE TYPO IN THE OLD BUSINESS SECTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED.   

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE A FEW PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE WITH PRESENTATIONS AND THEREFORE HE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED JUSTIN MILLER, CPRS, WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. MILLER HANDED OUT A FOLDER TO EVERYONE AT THE COUNCIL TABLE AND IN THE AUDIENCE AS WELL.  THE FOLDER CONTAINED A REPORT ON THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER, WARMING CENTER GUIDELINES, AND A PROGRAM GUIDELINE.  MR. MILLER STATED THAT THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER IN WEST CITY WAS OPEN A TOTAL NUMBER OF 90 NIGHTS WITH A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,080 HOURS OPEN.  THERE WERE 59 UNIQUE GUESTS AND A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,332 VISITS.  THERE WERE 2,637 MEALS SERVED, 45 REFERRALS MADE, 169 SHOWERS TAKEN, LAUNDRY SERVICES WERE USED 26 TIMES, AND 48 PEOPLE HAD CLOTHING DISTRIBUTED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE OPIOID FUNDS HAVE STRICT GUIDELINES AS TO WHAT THE MONEY CAN BE USED FOR.  HE STATED THAT HE FELT THE CITY COULD DONATE $2,400.00 FROM THE OPIOID FUND TO HELP THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER OPERATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS THE AMOUNT THAT THE CITY DONATED LAST YEAR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BROOKLYN WITHROW AND CLAIRE GULLEY WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THE LADIES DESCRIBED THE PROGRAM AS AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM THAT HELPS STUDENTS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY BEGIN BUSINESSES.  IN ORDER TO START THEIR BUSINESSES, THEY WILL BE HOLDING A FUNDRAISER TO GET FUNDS TO START FROM.  THIS YEAR’S FUNDRAISER IS A “HOOPS & HOLLY TOURNAMENT & WINTER FESTIVAL”.  THIS WILL CONSIST OF A 3 ON  3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WITH 3 AGE GROUPS.  THERE WILL ALSO BE VENDORS FOR THE WINTER FESTIVAL.  THE LADIES STATED THERE ARE MULTIPLE SUPPORTER LEVELS AND ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSIDER DONATING AT ONE OF THE LEVELS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $750.00 TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM, WHICH IS A CANDY CANE CONTRIBUTOR.  THIS INCLUDES A LARGE COMPANY LOGO ON THE FLYER, SOCIAL MEDIA RECOGNITION, SPONSORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT, COMPANY NAME AND LOGO LISTED ON EVENT PROGRAM, AND COMPANY NAME ON T-SHIRT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0.   MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED AS HE IS PART OF THIS PROGRAM. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED RANDY HOUSE TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. HOUSE STATED THAT HE WAS ASKED BY THE CITY’S INSURANCE AGENT, BOB REA, TO LOOK INTO SOME HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. HOUSE STATED THAT THE CITY WAS LOOKING FOR A MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR THE EMPLOYEES TO BE ABLE TO ADD FAMILY IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO.  MR. HOUSE FIELDED QUESTIONS FROM SEVERAL EMPLOYEES IN THE AUDIENCE REGARDING COVERAGE WITH THE PROPOSED PLAN FROM CLEARWATER INSURANCE.  AFTER THE PRESENTATION COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING REGARDING SWITCHING HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WILL RECONVENE AT 9 A.M. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AFTER GETTING ANSWERS TO MANY POSED QUESTIONS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00242 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 1999 DUMP TRUCK IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1646.00.  SECOND 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00241 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 2007 DUMP TRUCK FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $763.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POLICY FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR NON-WATER USING CUSTOMERS IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  THE POLICY STATES THAT CUSTOMERS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS THAT DO NOT WISH TO HAVE WATER SERVICE SERVICES, THE CITY WILL NOT PROVIDE TRASH SERVICES TO THE RESIDENCE.  CUSTOMERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTACT A TRASH COLLECTION AGENCY FOR SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION POLICY.  THIS POLICY STATES THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE A LETTER WITH THE SAMPLING KIT TO INSTRUCT CUSTOMERS THAT IF THEY COMPLETE AND RETURN THE SAMPLE KITS WITHIN 14 DAYS, THEY WILL RECEIVE A $25.00 CREDIT ON THEIR WATER BILL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT DAMIEN WILBURN WILL BE MOVING INTO A GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION.  BECAUSE OF THIS NEW POSITION, A PART-TIME EMPLOYEE WILL NEED TO BE HIRED FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED HOW MANY GRANTS PER YEAR MR. WILBURN WILL BE DOING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT CAN VARY.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF MR. WILBURN COULD START BILLING FOR HAZMAT SERVICES SINCE HE WOULD BE DEALING WITH MONEY FOR THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY IS NOT READY FOR THAT CONVERSATION AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR A PART-TIME WATER CLERK POSITION AT $15.00 PER HOUR FOR 20 HOURS PER WEEK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR.  SECOND 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 APPLYING FOR PERMITS AND OBTAINING ESTIMATES FOR THE SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE BENTON SQUARE.  SECOND 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 #25-12 FOR ROAD CLOSURE OF THE BENTON PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 29, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00148 TO NOVACOM FOR 1 PHOENIX LIGHT BAR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,899.84.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00441 TO IFSI FOR ADVANCED FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION FOR JAMES NEFF AND MATT WARREN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00442 TO LEO ELBRECHT FOR 3 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,310.39.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PROVIDED CALL REPORTS FROM THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL.  THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANSWERED A TOTAL OF 604 CALLS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025.  THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD A TOTAL OF 58 INCIDENTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE FRANKLIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT GOES INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1, 2025.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS NOTED THAT THERE WILL BE A 3% INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF THE ANNUAL COST EVERY YEAR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT YEAR 1 IS $135,473.84, YEAR 2 IS $139,538.05, AND YEAR 3 IS $143,724.19. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF WARREN ALLEN SMOTHERS TO THE BENTON PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF A TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTER.  SECOND 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 APPROVE PAYROLL DATED NOVEMBER 17, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,572.22 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,460.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,032.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00874 TO BENTON SAVE A LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,150.00 FOR QUARTER 2 SAFETY STIPENDS FOR THE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $733,238.63, FROM TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,579.23, FROM COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,071.20, AND FROM MOTOR FUEL TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $217,042.07 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $990,931.13.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE #25-09.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE INCREASE ON THIS TAX LEVY OF 0.987% AND IS THE LOWEST TAX LEVEL HE HAS SEEN BY THE CITY IN MULTIPLE YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED PAY RESOLUTION #25-13 ADDING POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT KARASTIN SHEEDY TO THE RESOLUTION AT A BASE OF $36,400.00 AND AMENDING THE SALARY OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS AT A BASE SALARY OF $37,440.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON WITH THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS HAPPENING AROUND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE AMERICAN LEGION WILL HAVE A SERVICE AT MASONIC & ODDFELLOWS CEMETERY AT 11AM. AFTER THE SERVICE THEY WILL FIRE THE GUNS AND PLAY TAPS AT THE CEMETERY BEHIND THE POST. AFTER THIS EVERYONE IS INVITED INSIDE THE POST FOR CHILI AND HOTDOGS

THE BENTON ELKS WILL BE SERVING A FREE BRUNCH TO ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR THIS EVENT ARE MR. AND MRS. TROY WILLIAMS OF THE 3D U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT, “THE OLD GUARD”.

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF VICTOR SHOCKLEY AND GARRET COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT VICTOR SHOCKLEY TO THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT GARRETT COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA, STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS HAS BEEN DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT HE IS GOING TO BE ATTENDING SOME TRAINING TO ADD MORE TOOLS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MR. CAVINS IS GOING TO BE CERTIFIED WITH IPMC AND WILL BE ABLE TO BE STRICTER IN ENFORCING CODES AFTER THIS. 

ALSO IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE RECENTLY HAD A FAMILY MEMBER SEEN AT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HIS FAMILY RECEIVED WONDERFUL CARE WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL AND HE FEELS THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO BETTER CARE ANYWHERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL ALSO HAS A WONDERFUL LADIES AUXILIARY. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION WILL BE BEGINNING ANY TIME.  CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE AT THE NORTH MAIN DOLLAR GENERAL ON DECEMBER 3, 2025 COLLECTING FOR TOYS FOR TOTS FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT SHOP WITH A COP WILL BE HAPPENING ON DECEMBER 19, 2025. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COUNCIL MEETING UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

6:45 P.M.

___________________________________

                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________

CITY CLERK

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM AUGUST 25, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND 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 WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND LET RICK AND BARB LINTON PRESENT TO THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME.  MR. AND MRS. LINTON SHOWED A COMMERCIAL FEATURING ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS AROUND OUR HISTORIC SQUARE.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT THIS IS BEING SHOWN AT A COUPLE OF REST AREAS AND IS ACTIVE ON THE INTERNET AT THIS TIME.  THIS COMMERCIAL WILL ALSO HAVE A QR CODE IN THE RL ADVENTURES ISSUE AND THE 2026 VISITOR GUIDE.  LONGTERM, THIS WILL BE ABLE TO BE VIEWED ON ENJOYILLINOIS.COM AND THE HISTORIC MAIN STREETS STATE TOURISM SITE.  MRS. LINTON STATED THAT THIS COMMERCIAL WAS PAID FOR THROUGH TOURISM DOLLARS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.   

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WAS AWAITING CALL BACKS ON REPAIRS TO THE DOOR AT THE ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) ‘DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO THE DOOR ON THE ANTIQUE GARAGE MUSEUM’ UNTIL A LATER DATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00699 TO WIGG’S EXCAVATING FOR PAY ESTIMATE #4 IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,523.08.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00344 TO T & T RECYCLING IN THE AMOUNT OF $875.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR 501 CARLTON STREET AND 209 CARLTON STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR 200 EAST BLAKE STREET AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-11 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 3, 2025 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00436 TO FAST TRUCK AND TRAILER FOR A VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND A SIREN BRAKE REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,804.45.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $81,652.77 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,093.20 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,745.97.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $330,130.33, FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,045.50, FOR TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,710.03. AND FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $181,342.52 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $550,228.38.  SECOND 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 HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CAR SHOW WENT VERY WELL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE KUDOS TO JIMMY WELLS FOR ALL OF HIS WORK ON THE RC DRAG RACING.  HE STATED THAT THIS EVENT WENT VERY WELL. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00698 TO THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR THE RUNWAY LIGHTING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,828.46.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AN INSPECTION HAS BEEN DONE ON THE PROPERTY AT 105 NORTH MAIN STREET THAT THE CITY WAS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AFTER REVIEWING THE INSPECTION FINDINGS, THE CITY WILL NO LONGER BE PURSUING THIS PROPERTY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS COUNCIL POSITION/RESPONSIBILITY REASSIGNMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MOVED FROM THE COUNCIL TABLE TO THE PODIUM TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HE DID TO CAUSE THIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO ASKED IF THIS IS OVER THE FIRE CHIEF.  HE THEN PROCEEDED TO HAND OUT TIME SHEETS TO THE COUNCIL THAT SHOWED TIME WORKED AND PTO FOR FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED TO THE COUNCIL THAT MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER KAYS WILL NOT ANSWER THE PHONE WHEN CHIEF COCKRUM CALLS THEM.  HE STATED THAT HE BELIEVES ANY COUNCIL MEMBER SHOULD ANSWER THE PHONE WHENEVER ANY DEPARTMENT HEAD CALLS THEM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE STANDS BEHIND CHIEF COCKRUM 100%.  HE ALSO STATED THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH ARE CREATING A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE KNOWS HE IS ALSO CREATING A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE “HE IS ON SHANE ALL THE TIME”.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SAID HE DOES GET VERY MAD AT SHANE AND WANTS TO FIRE HIM, BUT HE HAS BEEN HERE 25 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN STATED THAT MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER KAYS ARE “BOTH SNAKES”.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH READ THE FOLLOWING STATE STATUTE. 

65 ILCS 5/4-5-3) (FROM CH. 24, PAR. 4-5-3).

  SEC. 4-5-3. EXCEPT WHERE CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER ARE REQUIRED TO RUN FOR A SPECIFIC OFFICE, THE COUNCIL, AT THE FIRST REGULAR MEETING AFTER AN ELECTION OF A MEMBER OR MEMBERS, SHALL DESIGNATE BY A MAJORITY VOTE ONE COMMISSIONER TO BE COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES, ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, WHO EX OFFICIO SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC PROPERTY. THIS DESIGNATION MAY BE CHANGED BY THE COUNCIL WHENEVER IT APPEARS THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE WOULD BE BENEFITED THEREBY. THE MAYOR SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE COMMISSIONER OF EACH DEPARTMENT SHALL BE SUPERINTENDENT OF THAT DEPARTMENT.
    IF THE MUNICIPALITY HAS VOTED, AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4-3-19, TO REQUIRE CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER TO RUN FOR A SPECIFIC OFFICE, EACH COMMISSIONER SHALL BE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT BEARING THE SAME DESIGNATION AS THE OFFICE TO WHICH HE WAS ELECTED. THE MAYOR SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE, EX-OFFICIO, COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS.
(SOURCE: LAWS 1965, P. 2677.)

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED “WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?”.  HE ASKED IF HE IS SUPPOSED TO REPRIMAND, FIRE, OR WRITE UP SHANE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT NO ONE HAS SAID THIS IS IN REGARDS TO CHIEF COCKRUM.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS NOT DOING THE THINGS HE HAD ASKED OF HIM AND THAT IS WHY HE IS RECOMMENDING THE CHANGE IN RESPONSIBILITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED IF ANYONE CAN WRITE UP ANY EMPLOYEE OR IF IT HAS TO BE THE COMMISSIONER OF THAT CERTAIN DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE REASON WE ARE HAVING THIS MEETING IS TO DISCUSS THE SWITCHING OF COMMISSIONERS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CHIEF COCKRUM TO SPEAK.  CHIEF COCKRUM ASKED WHAT HE HAS DONE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS IS A SITUATION WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AT THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE SWITCH THAT HAPPENED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDS SWITCHING COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY AND COMMISSIONER STOREY TO PUBLIC PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THAT MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.  ABSTAIN:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED DUE TO BEING SO CLOSELY INVOLVED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF BRANDTLEE BROWN FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION DUE TO HIM ACCEPTING A JOB WHERE HE WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF HE COULD GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  THE COUNCIL SAID THEY HAD NO REASON TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY REMOVED HIMSELF FROM THE TABLE AND SAT IN THE AUDIENCE WITH CHIEF COCKRUM STATING HE STANDS WITH THE CHIEF. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

5:28 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 14, 2025 AT 5:05 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 23, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 26, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE WERE STARTING THE MEETING WITH ITEM 9 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ANDY LAMONT OF DO YOUR PART RECYCLING TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM KASEY AND LUCAS KONNEKER ON THIS DAY ASKING HOW LUCAS (WHO IS 7 YEARS OLD) COULD GET MORE INVOLVED IN RECYCLING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED IT WAS A VERY FITTING LETTER TO RECEIVE WITH MR. LAMONT SCHEDULED TO SPEAK THIS EVENING.  MR. LAMONT THANKED THE COUNCIL FOR THE DONATIONS THEY HAVE GIVEN TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING OVER THE PAST 6 YEARS.  HE DESCRIBED HOW HIS BUSINESS HAS GROWN AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TOLD MR. LAMONT THAT HE KEEPS HIS BUSINESS PRISTINE AND SHE REALLY APPRECIATES THAT.  MR. LAMONT THANKS HER AND HE ALSO STATED THAT HE IS ABLE TO KEEP SOME COSTS DOWN BECAUSE HE HAS EARN FARE WORKER’S FROM THE TOWNSHIP THAT COME AND HELP WITH THE WORK AND KEEPING EVERYTHING IN ORDER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED MR. LAMONT WHICH COMMUNITIES HE HAS RECEIVED DONATIONS FROM.  MR. LAMONT SAID THAT THE BENTON TOWNSHIP HAS BEEN MATCHING WHAT THE CITY GAVE FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY HAD DONATED $1,200.00 AND THEN BUMPED TO $2,400.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE FELT THE CITY WAS ABLE TO DONATE $4,800.00 THIS YEAR AND THAT HE WAS SENDING OUT A CHALLENGE TO THE COUNTY AND WEST CITY TO NOT NECESSARILY MATCH THE CITY’S DONATION, BUT TO DONATE TO THE CAUSE AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $4,800.00 TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE  A BID FROM BAKERS PRESSURE WASHING FOR PRESSURE WASHING TWIN OAKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $600.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING THE BUILDING, $150.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING THE ROOF, AND $100.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING SIDEWALKS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $850.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WAS A LITTLE CONCERNED ABOUT PRESSURE WASHING THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS KNOWING WE JUST HAD SOME LEAKING ISSUES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A SOFT WASH WITH CHEMICALS AND WILL NOT CAUSE ANY DAMAGE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THE MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS LOOKED INTO WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO REMODEL THE CAPITOL PARK RESTROOMS AND ADDITION OF A POTTING SHED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS LOOKED INTO PRICES AND BELIEVES A POTTING SHED COULD BE PURCHASED FOR $1,552.00 AND THE REMODEL DONE FOR $2,000.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REMODELING THE CAPITAL PARK BATHROOMS AND THE ADDITION OF A POTTING SHED NOT TO EXCEED SPENDING $4,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00721 TO H&R AGRI-POWER FOR A STI G5461 16 STEEL SAW IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,250.00.  SECOND 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00691 TO LOWE’S FOR 52” BROWN PLASTIC EDGING BORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $658.98 FOR MALKOVICH PARK.  SECOND 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 POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR REBECCA MAYBERRY, VINCE KELLEY, TERESA BAYLESS, DOROTHY VOICE, MICHELLE CUPREMIA, ELIZABETH CARNEY, AND TONYA THIELE AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

THE ADJUSTMENT FOR SHELIA TAYLOR WAS NOT APPROVED AS IT DID NOT MEET THE CRITERIA.   

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FROM RICHARD AND AVA DARE TO JACOB AND ABBEY PARNELL FOR LOT #108B.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $270,748.89.  SECOND 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 THE MFT ROCK BID FROM BEELMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,140.00.  SECOND 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 THE MFT OIL AND CHIP BID FROM ILLINOIS ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $170,796.14.  SECOND 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 THE STREET RESURFACING BID FOR 2025 TO ET SIMONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $222,094.20.  SECOND 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 THE MFT BAM BID TO ILLINI ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,380.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00141 TO NEWMANS FOR AMMO IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,362.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING 3 POLICE OFFICERS FROM THE ELIGIBILITY ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE FACEBOOK LIVE HE DID FOR THE CITY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING THE 1% HOME RULE SALES TAX INCREASE WAS VERY WELL RECEIVED.  HE BELIEVES IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO DO ANOTHER IN THE FUTURE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JULY 3, 2025 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,914.93 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,648.64 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $104,212.42.  SECOND BY STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,719.60, FROM MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,284.84, AND FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,072,399.22 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $1,092,403.66.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HALF OF THAT AMOUNT IS TO BE PAID TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE WATER LINE REPLACEMENT AND THAT THE CITY HAS ALREADY RECEIVED THE CHECK TO COVER THIS FROM THE STATE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED COMMISSIONER KAYS’ MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE HOME RULE SALES TAX BY 1% TO BE RESTRICTED TO INFRASTRUCTURE WITH NO SUNSET ON THE TAX.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER BEEN FOR RAISING TAXES, BUT HE WOULD BE A “YES” VOTE ON THIS MOTION AS HE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO PAY FOR THESE PROJECTS THAT HAVE TO BE DONE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT THEY AGREED TO A 2% INCREASE IN WATER RATES AT THE APRIL 28, 2025 MEETING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COMPLETED ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE #25-06, FOR APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE NEW MINIMUM WATER BILLS WILL BE $60.35 AND $58.25 FOR SENIORS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #25-06 INCREASING WATER RATES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.   

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE RANGER RODEO 2026 TO BE HELD AS A 2 DAY EVENT ON JULY 3 AND 4, 2026.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS YEAR’S RODEO WENT VERY WELL AND HE FEELS LIKE IT WILL BE EVEN BETTER NEXT YEAR BY SCHEDULING THE DATE A BIT FURTHER INTO SUMMER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RANGER RODEO 2026 TO BE HELD ON JULY 3 AND 4, 2026 AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  PEGGY PAGE AND JUDY COURTER CAME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THEY STATED THAT THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PUTTING ON A BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY AGAIN THIS YEAR.  THEY STATED THAT THIS IS THEIR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR AND EVERYONE HAS A GREAT TIME.  THEY SAID THAT THIS YEAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RAISE A LOT OF FUNDS AND WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER DONATING TO THIS EVENT.  MS. COURTER STATED THAT SHE HAS PUT TOGETHER AN ESTIMATE OF WHAT IT WOULD COST TO PUT THIS EVENT ON AND IT COMES TO SOMEWHERE AROUND $3,500.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THEM THE $3,500.00 FOR THE EVENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS EXPLAINED THAT THE CITY ONLY BUDGETED $5,000.00 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR FOR THIS LINE ITEM AND WOULD HATE TO USE IT ON JUST ONE EVENT.  AFTER DISCUSSION, THE COUNCIL AGREED TO DONATE $750.00 TO THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS FOR THE BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS THAT IF THEY HAVE ANOTHER EVENT, TO COME BACK AND PETITION FOR ANOTHER DONATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 502 NORTH MCLEANS BORO STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS A PROPERTY HE HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET DEMOLISHED FOR A WHILE NOW.  HE STATED THAT THE FAMILY WHO OWNS THIS PROPERTY DECIDED THEY WOULD RATHER DONATE IT TO THE CITY THAN TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF DEMOLITION THEMSELVES.  MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT THIS PROPERTY IS ZONED FOR BUSINESS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 502 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BIDS TO REPAIR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WHEN WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, WE KNEW THERE WERE SOME COSMETIC ISSUES THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.  HE STATED THAT BIDS WERE OBTAINED FROM WILKINS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,325.05 AND FROM WEEKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,426.26.  MR. CALCATERRA RECOMENDED THAT THE CITY ACCEPT THE LOW BID FROM WEEKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,426.26.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY KASSIE LYNCH TO OPERATE A HAIR SALON IN HER RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 511 W. 6^TH STEET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE ZONING BOARD AND HE ALSO PERSONALLY RECOMMENDS THAT THIS BE APPROVED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY KASSIE LYNCH TO OPERATE A HAIR SALON IN HER RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 511 WEST SIXTH STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (I) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND SCHIRM U.S.A., INC.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH RECOMMEND AN AGREEMENT WITH 85% REIMBURSEMENT TO SCHIRM U.S.A., INC.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (J) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND SECTION 40-3-95 BUSINESS ACTIVITY /USE SCHEDULE OF THE ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MOVING AND STORAGE OPERATIONS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WAS APPROACHED BY SOMEONE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE OLD CAR WASH ON THE CORNER OF BAILEY LANE AND FRISCO STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THE PROPOSED BUYER WANTED TO PLACE STORAGE UNITS ON THIS PIECE OF PROPERTY.  UPON INVESTIGATING THE ORDINANCE ABOUT STORAGE UNITS, MR. CALCATERRA FOUND THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED IN THIS AREA.  UPON EVEN FURTHER INVESTIGATION MR. CALCATERRA FOUND THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE STORAGE UNIT LOCATIONS IN THE CITY THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED BY ORDINANCE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO TO THE ZONING BOARD AND DISCUSS CHANGING THE ZONING CODE TO ALLOW THESE STORAGE UNITS TO BE IN COMPLIANCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MR. CALCATERRA TO BEGIN EXPLORING AMENDING SECTION 40-3-95 BUSINESS ACTIVITY/USE SCHEDULE OF THE ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MOVING AND STORAGE OPERATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS DRIVING BY 1106 HIGHLAND STREET TO CHECK THE PROCESS SINCE THE CITY HAS HIRED SOMEONE TO CLEAN UP THE PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN CLEANED UP AND IS LOOKING SO MUCH BETTER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS CONDEMNED A HOUSE LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF JOPLIN AND MADISON AS IT WAS NOT SAFE FOR THEM TO ENTER ON A RECENT CALL.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY WERE GOING TO UNRESTRICT THE FUNDS FROM THE 1% SALES TAX AND USE IT FOR OTHER THINGS.  HE SAYS HE KNOWS THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AT OTHER ENTITIES. 

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

6:17 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD THURSDAY JUNE 26, 2025 AT 9:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-09, A RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE IN THE AMOUNT OF $475,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

9:02 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 23, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 9, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 2, 2025 FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM ON WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00719 TO FENCE FORCE AND MORE FOR A FENCE TO BE PLACED AROUND THE CITY’S PROPANE TANK ON THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,908.61.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID FOR THROUGH TIF FUNDS.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00718 TO MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT CO. FOR 3 BOXES OF 30 UV BULBS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,100.00.  SECOND 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00720 TO SUPER CARS FOR A 2014 FORD UTILITY TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,750.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS TRUCK WILL BE PAID FOR THROUGH THE LEACHATE FUND. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00690 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 FOR PROPOSED WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $288,449.64.  SECOND 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 POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR KAYE KONDRITZ, ALICE DONALDSON, LYNDSEY ODAM, JANIS THOMAS, BRITTANIE SKAGGS, BRANDON HAST, DAVID ORE, SAMANTHA WILLIAMS, AND MICHELLE EUBANKS AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS SUBMITTED FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A FULLTIME WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO HIRE MATT CLARK AS A PARTTIME STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE FOR A BLOCK OF 720 HOURS A YEAR.  SECOND 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 OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO GO OVER THE CHANGES TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NOTABLE CHANGES WERE IN RESIDENCY, FIREFIGHTERS MUST RESIDE IN THE BENTON GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT; FIREFIGHTERS SHALL BE COMPENSATED 24 HOURS OF COMP TIME IN LIEU OF OVERTIME FOR EVERY 40 HOURS SPENT IN A CERTIFICATION LEVEL TRAINING CONSISTING OF 40 HOURS OR MORE OF COURSEWORK; EDUCATIONAL BONUS WILL BE $250 FOR ADVANCED FIRE OFFICER (FIRE OFFICER 2) AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN B (EMT- BASIC) WILL BE $500.00; AND WAGE INCREASES WILL BE GIVEN AS 2025-26 3%, 2026-27 3%, AND 2027-28 AND 2028-29 WILL BE 2.5%.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LIUNA #773 UNION CONTRACT.  SECOND 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 APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JUNE 20, 2025 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,988.06 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,236.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,016.07.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STARTED A DISCUSSION ON RAISING PROPERTY OR SALES TAX.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE FEELS THE SALE TAX WOULD BE FAIRER TO OUR CITIZENS AS PROVED BY THE SALES TAX THE COUNTY USED TO BUILD THE NEW COURTHOUSE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THERE SHOULD BE NO SUNSET ON THIS SALES TAX.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS TAX WOULD BE SPECIFICALLY TO REPAIR AND UPDATE THE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING LEGISLATION TO ENACT A 1% SALES TAX ON GENERAL MERCHANDISE IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE TO VOTE “YES” ON ANY TAX INCREASE, BUT HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS IS NEEDED TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN TOWN.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00679 TO GREG WEEKS IN BENTON FOR A 2016 RAM 1500 FOR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,094.70.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BEFORE THE VEHICLE FOR CODES WAS FOUND BY WEEKS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAD MADE A BID ON A 2014 FORD F150 FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,500.00.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WON THIS BID AND HE NEEDED A MOTION TO BE MADE TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE AND THAT IT WILL BE USED AS A VEHICLE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00688 TO EPLANTERS.COM FOR 8 GARDEN PLANTERS TO BE PLACED AT MALKOVICH PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,055.38.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE TO APPROVE AMENDING CHAPTER 40 ZONING CODE TO ALLOW FOR DWELLINGS TO BE RECONSTRUCTED IN BUSINESS ZONED DISTRICTS IN THE EVENT OF DESTRUCTION DUE TO NATURAL DISASTERS OR FIRES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BIDS TO CLEAN UP NUISANCE LOCATED AT 1107 HIGHLAND STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THREE BIDS WERE RECEIVED.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM MENCKOWSKI EXCAVATING AND DEMOLITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,500.00.  THE SECOND BID WAS FROM BRITTON’S LAWN CARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,700.00.  THE THIRD BID RECEIVED WAS FROM EARTH SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,900.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID OF $6,700.00 FROM BRITTON’S LAWN CARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

THE COUNCIL ALL WANTED TO COMMEND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS FOR THE WORK HE PUT IN TO CLEAN UP THE PROPERTY AT 1107 HIGHLAND STREET. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CONSIDER CHANGING THE AGENDA TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK BEFORE AND AFTER THE COUNCIL VOTES ON ITEMS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO PURCHASING A LED BULLETIN BOARD FOR INFORMATION TO BE RELAYED TO THE PUBLIC. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE MIKE TYSON COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS AND JUSTIN MILLER FROM TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THE GENTLEMEN EXPLAINED THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY’S CRISIS WARMING CENTER PROGRAM IS A SHORT-TERM, LOW-BARRIER SHELTER DESIGNED TO OPERATE WHEN WEATHER CONDITIONS, SUCH AS HIGH TEMPERATURES, PRECIPITATION, AND WIND CHILL COMBINE TO CREATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO A STABLE, VIABLE SHELTER DURING THESE TIMES.  THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A “HAND UP” AND NOT JUST A “HAND OUT”.  THE GENTLEMEN EXPLAINED THAT THE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS IS TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH COLLABORATION, RESOURCE SHARING, AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS WITH THE AIM TO REDUCE HOMELESSNESS, IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE, AND EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS TO ACHIEVE STABILITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY.  MR. TYSON STATED THAT HE IS A RECOVERING ADDICT, BUT HE IS ALSO A HUSBAND, A FATHER, AND HOLDS A MASTER’S DEGREE.  MR. MILLER STATED THAT HE IS A RECOVERING ADDICT WHO WAS HOMELESS AND IS NOW A HUSBAND, FATHER, AND PASTOR.  BOTH GENTLEMEN STATED THAT RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER IS HELPING TO GET A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UP AND GOING IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS. 

IN MATTERS FORM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, THE NEIGHBORS FROM THE AREA OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET WANTED TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR TAKING ACTION.  THEY SPECIFICALLY WANTED TO THANK ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS FOR THE HARD WORK THEY PUT IN ON THIS PROCESS.  A GENTLEMAN ALSO APPROACHED THE COUNCIL STATING THAT HE IS INTERESTED IN OPENING A SOBER LIVING HOUSE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THIS GENTLEMAN TO CONNECT WITH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER. 

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