Author Archives: Brook Craig

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026

5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC USE OF CITY PROPERTY
7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTANCE OF 2026 MOWER RESIGNATION
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING A NEW MOWING BID FOR THE CITY OF BENTON

5. WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
7.     APPROVAL OF POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENTS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING OF SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE THE MERIT BOARD TO PREPARE A PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTER CANDIDATE FOR HIRE
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF 60 DAY APPOINTMENT OF A FIREFIGHTER
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SAFETY STIPEND FOR PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH WEST CITY FOR FIRE PROTECTION
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC COMMENTS BEFORE ACTION ITEMS

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SETTING COMPENSATION FOR BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH PERRY ENVIRONMENTAL FOR LUST INCIDENT
14. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ENFORCING ILLEGAL BURN ORDINANCE

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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.

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                    POSTED 05/07/2026 4:00 P.M./BC

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026

5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC USE OF CITY PROPERTY
7. UPDATES
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR FASCIA REPAIRS AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

5. WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
7.     APPROVAL OF POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENTS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SUBLEASE LOCATED AT 53 LEWIS LANE
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR JOB ORDINANCE
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING OF SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WATER RATES
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE FOR A TWO WAY STOP AT OLIVER AND STOTLAR STREET FOR NORTH AND SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SESSER FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT UPDATED AUTO AID AGREEMENT
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LETTER OF INTENT/PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH MACQUEEN EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS FOR A FIRE ENGINE
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES FOR THE VILLAGE OF WEST CITY

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FY 2026/2027 BUDGET
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COUNCIL COMPENSATION FOR 2027 – 2031
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MEETING START TIME ORDINANCE
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APROVAL OF 2026-2027 PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONUNION, NONCONTRACTURAL EMPLOYEES
14. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WRITING OFF BAD DEBT IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING THE FEE FOR A CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINE LICENSE

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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.

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 04/23/2026 5:00 P.M./BC

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPLICATION FOR USE OF CAPITAL PARK
7. UPDATES
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR FASCIA REPAIRS AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CITY STREET USE FOR RC DRAG RACING
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CASH RENT BIDS TO LEASE THE AIRPORT FARM FOR A TERM OF 5 YEARS

5.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
7.     APPROVAL OF POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENTS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED WATER LINE LOCATED AT 13815 ROBIN ROAD
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING FOR FULL TIME WATER MAINTENANCE POSITION
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING FOR PART TIME WATER CLERK
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL FOR HIRING OF SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL AUTHORIZING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PERMIT, DESIGN, AND BID THE BAILEY LANE LIFT STATION
14. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID FOR CARTER DRIVE SEWER

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PAID ON CALL COMPENSATION SHEET
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DIRECTING THE MERIT BOARD TO SET A TESTING DATE FOR CREATION OF POLICE AND FIRE CANDIDATE LISTS
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH WEST CITY FOR FIRE SERVICE

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SETTING DATE FOR BUDGET HEARING
11. POSTING OF 2026/2027 DRAFT BUDGET ON DISPLAY

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS AUTHORZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY RAYMOND NEWBURY TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 806 HICKMAN STREET
14. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER 21 LIQUOR CODE PERTAINING TO “CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES”
15. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR BENTON SQUARE RECONSTRUCTION
16. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR CITY’S SHARE OF BENTON SQUARE RECONSTRUCTION
17. DISCUCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HARD DRIVE STORAGE POLICY

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS
12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15.      DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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.

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 04/10/2026 1:30 P.M./DW

NOTICE

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

APRIL 6, 2026

AGENDA

BENTON CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2025 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MOWING BIDS
2. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL FOR THE FIRE CHIEF, PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER, AND CITY ATTORNEY TO BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS FOR AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE FIRE SERVICES TO THE VILLAGE WEST CITY 

BEC

POSTED AT 9:30 A.M.

04/02/26

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026

5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. UPDATES
7. OPENING OF MOWING BIDS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FOR FASCIA REPAIRS AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

5.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
7.     APPROVAL OF POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENTS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF 2026 MFT RESOLUTION
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INTERNAL POSTING OF WATER MAINTENANCE POSITION

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PAID ON CALL COMPENSATION SHEET
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF P.D. ADMIN ASSISTANT PAY INCREASE
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH MACQUEEN FOR A NEW   

                FIRE TRUCK

1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ROAD CLOSURE FOR REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPONSORSHIP FOR WIT & WISDOM
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO ACCEPT BIDS TO LEASE THE AIRPORT FARM PROPERTY
14. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO REMOVE JUNK, DEBRIS AND TIRES FROM THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 404 SOUTH COMMERCIAL STREET

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15.      DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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.

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 03/19/2026 3:00 P.M./BC