Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY AUGUST 26, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR SEVERIN AT 303 WEST BOLING AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR KUBOW AT 11139 SAM PYLE BRIDGE ROAD AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION CLOSING CERTAIN STREETS FOR THE ANNUAL HOMECOMING PARADE ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 FROM 1:30 P.M. TO 2:15 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT HE HAD DISTRIBUTED A MAP EXPLAINING WHAT AREAS WOULD BE RECEIVING A NEW WATER LINE WITH THE CDAP GRANT AS WELL AS A BID TABULATION FOR THE PROJECT.  THE ONLY BID RECEIVED WAS FROM WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,589,611.00.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THIS WAS HIGHER THAN WHAT THE CITY WAS PREPARED TO PAY.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT AFTER SPEAKING WITH PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES, A CHANGE ORDER WILL BE DONE ON WHICH SIDEWALKS ARE BEING REPLACED AND REPLACEMENT OF THESE SIDEWALKS WILL BE DONE THROUGH THE MFT PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ACCEPTING THE BID FROM WIGGS EXCAVATING PENDING APPROVAL FROM THE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE CDAP GRANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING A FIREFIGHTER OFF THE CURRENT ELIGIBILITY LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 600 CALLS AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 90 CALLS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND A NEW SQUARE CAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,320.00 FROM MORROW BROTHERS FORD THAT THEY WILL BE PURCHASING.   

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR AUGUST 30, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $85,927.96 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,780.05 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $107,708.01. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,447.47 AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,880.86 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $101,328.33.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $225,937.59, FROM MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $177,143.36, FROM IJRL TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,413.84, AND FROM DOWNTOWN TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,242.77 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $467,737.56.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE YOUNG AMERICANS CLUB FOR PUTTING OUT 3,000 FLAGS ON THE HIGH SCHOOL LAWN IN MEMORIAL OF 9/11.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE PUTTING OUT THEIR LARGE FLAG OVER WEST MAIN TO HONOR THOSE LOST IN THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM HAD TOLD HIM THAT ENGINE 803 IS BACK IN SERVICE, BUT THAT ENGINE 801 IS NOT FINISHED YET.  FINALLY, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE AIRPORT WILL BE HAVING ITS FINAL FOOD TRUCK FLY IN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 AND THAT IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE AIRPORT CAR IS DOWN AND A NEW VEHICLE IS BEING SOUGHT. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS TO APPROVE FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT THIS TIME. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE IS A POSSIBLE HOUSING GRANT COMING UP THAT WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY CROSSWALK.  IN THE PAST THE CITY HAS MADE A MATCHING CONTRIBUTION OF $5,000.00 TOWARDS THIS GRANT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION FOR A $5,000.00 MATCHING CONTRIBUTION TO THE UPCOMING CDAP GRANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARY OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS PROPERTY IS OVERGROWN WITH NO ACCESS TO IT FROM THE STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS HEARD FROM THE NEIGHBORS AND THERE ARE NO OBJECTIONS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THE COUNCIL APPROVE THE PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY FOR TYLER AND BETHANY SINK AND RAYMOND DOW AND MARILYN JO SMITH IN THE MCFALL AND DIMOND’S ADDITION OF THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED MR. BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE RESIGNATION OF ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MS. MASON HAD NOT BEEN ATTENDING THE MEETINGS AND THE BOARD CHAIRMAN CONTACT HER REGARDING WHETHER OR NOT SHE WAS STILL WILLING TO SERVE ON THIS BOARD.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MS. MASON LET THE BOARD KNOW THAT SHE WAS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THIS BOARD THROUGH A TEXT MESSAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE RESIGNATION WILL NEED TO BE RECEIVED IN WRITING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESIGNATION OF ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION PENDING RECEIPT OF RESIGNATION LETTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT BILLING HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO THE CAMPBELL BUILDING AND THAT BILLS CAN BE PAID IN PERSON THERE BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THE PAYSTAR APPLICATION IS GOING WELL AND A LOT OF CITIZENS ARE USING IT TO PAY THEIR BILLS.  ALSO UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE OSLAD GRANT HAS FINALLY BEEN APPROVED TO BEGIN WORK ON MALKOVICH PARK.    

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

5:20 P.M.

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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024 AT 5:00 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 WAIVE THE READING APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 22, 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE WILL BE SOME PAINTING OF THE DOORS AND OTHER THINGS BEING UPDATED AT THE RESTROOMS AT CAPITAL PARK. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HVAC WORK TO BE DONE AT CITY HALL AFTER STATING THAT MOLD HAD BEEN DETECTED UPON DUCT WORK SAMPLING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED AT THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT MADE FOR 415 E BOND STREET AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT 200 E BLACK STREET AT IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2024-06 CLOSING THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL BENTON/WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CAR SHOW.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00418 TO NOVACOM FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPEATER ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00159 TO LARRY J. FREDRICKS, LLC FOR 7 POINT BLANK BALLISTIC VEST PANELS, 7 GUARDIAN CARRIER BESTS AND THE FREIGHT CHARGE FOR DELIVERY IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,820.00 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR AUGUST 2, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,940.19 AND FROM THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,578.36 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $96,518.55.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR PAYMENT ON 08/12/2024 FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $470,637.40, FROM MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,445.86, AND FROM OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,052.43 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $571,135.69.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR MATTERS FOR TONIGHT’S MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD SOME GREAT EVENTS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE ATTENDED THE FLY IN/DRIVE IN AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE MORNING AND THEN THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY HOSTED BY BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS IN THE AFTERNOON/EVENING.  HE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THAT WERE INVOLVED IN PUTTING ON BOTH EVENTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00503 TO ASCENT AVIATION GROUP, INC. FOR A TANKER FUEL LOAD OF AVIATION GASOLINE FOR RESALE AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,086.08COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND SET THE HOURS FOR TRICK OR TREATING FOR 2024.  HE STATED THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY TRIED TO DO TRICK OR TREATING ON THE WEEKENDS, BUT THIS YEAR IT WOULD EITHER BE DONE TOO EARLY OR AFTER HALLOWEEN IF DONE ON A WEEKEND AND SO HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE HOURS SET FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024 FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE REAPPOINTING THE MEMBERS TO THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD MOST OF THE TERMS HAD PREVIOUSLY EXPIRED AND NOT BEEN REAPPOINTED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTMENTS FOR 3 YEAR APPOINTMENTS AS LISTED BELOW. 

DAVID SNEED, EXPIRATION FEBRUARY 28, 2026              LOMA BAXTER, EXPIRATION APRIL 14, 2026

RICK KNIGHT, EXPIRATION APRIL 14, 2026                       ROBIN FRAILEY, EXPIRATION APRIL 8, 2025

BRAD BURZYNSKI, EXPIRATION FEBRUARY 27, 2026         ALLAN KIMBALL, EXPIRATION APRIL 9, 2022

MARTY LEFFLER, EXPIRATION NOVEMBER 13, 2024          JEREMY YOUNG, EXPIRATION OCTOBER 14, 2025

SHELLEY INGRAM, EXPIRATION DECEMBER 23, 2024

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION APPROVING ORDINANCE #2024-12 REGULATING PUBLIC CAMPING WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH REITERATED THAT THIS IS FOR CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY VOSBURGH HOLDINGS, LLC TO OPERATE AN INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL AND INVITED MR. VOSBURG TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS THEY MAY HAVE REGARDING THIS BUSINESS.  IT WAS STATED THAT MR. VOSBURG OWNS A TREE TRIMMING BUSINESS.  MR. VOSBURG WOULD BE LEASING THE EAST SIDE OF THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE FORMER BEN’S LAWN SERVICE BUSINESS.  MR. VOSBURG STATED THAT HE WOULD BE DOING NO RETAIL BUSINESS IN THIS LOCATION, IT WOULD JUST BE A PLACE TO PARK HIS EQUIPMENT AND HE PLANNED ON ADVERTISING HIS BUSINESS ON THE SIGNAGE ALREADY IN PLACE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER RECOMMENDED TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT, HOWEVER, MR. CALCATERRA DID NOT AGREE AND IT WAS HIS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE COUNCIL NOT APPROVE THIS PERMIT AS HE FELT THAT THIS BUSINESS WAS BETTER SUITED FOR AN INDUSTRIAL PARK AREA IN TOWN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY VOSBURG HOLDINGS, LLC TO OPERATE AN INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS BUSINESS AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET.  THIS MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLOWING ROAD CLOSURE FOR A PRIVATE EVENT ON WASHINGTON STREET WITH A SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  HE STATED HE FEELS THE COUNCIL NEEDS ADDITIONAL INFO ON THIS EVENT BEFORE MOVING FORWARD WITH A MOTION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY A LANDOWNER IN TOWN WHO WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO REVISIT THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR INSPECTIONS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THE COUNCIL TO THINK ABOUT THIS AND HE STATED HE WOULD PLACE THIS ON A

FUTURE AGENDA.  ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CHECK FOR DOWN PAYMENT TO HELITEC FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS IN THE MAIL AND WORK SHOULD BE STARTING SOON.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED THE COUNCIL TO NOT LET MOTIONS DIE.  HE STATED THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE BETTER THAN THAT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU SECOND A MOTION, THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO VOTE “YES” ON THE ROLL CALL VOTE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE BELIEVES WE SHOULD BRING ITEMS LIKE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO A VOTE. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JOHN METZGER CAME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. METZGER STATED THAT HE FEELS THE CIVIL WAR CEMETERY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BETTER.  MR. METZGER PROVIDED THE COUNCIL WITH PICTURES OF THE CEMETERY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENTS ARE AWARE OF THE DOWNED TREE AND OTHER ISSUES, BUT A FENCE NEEDS TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO CLEAR THIS DEBRIS IN ORDER TO NOT TAKE EQUIPMENT OVER THE GRAVES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD SPEAK WITH PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES ABOUT GETTING THIS AREA TAKEN CARE OF. 

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

6:05 P.M.

MINUTES OFTHE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JULY 29, 2024 AT 8:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT A JOB VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HAD BEEN POSTED ON INDEED AND FROM THE CANDIDATES THAT APPLIED CHIEF FUNKHOUSER, CITY CLERK CRAIG, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY HAD CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER HAS CHOSEN SYDNEY HENSON FROM THE CANDIDATES FOR THIS POSITION.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF SYDNEY HENSON AS THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT WITH A 60-DAY PROBATION TO BEGIN ON 07/29/2024. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

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

8:05 A.M.

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.