CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, September 28, 2026 — 5:00 p.m.
Benton Council Chambers, Basement of the Campbell Building, 901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois 62812
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Messersmith called the meeting to order and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith
Absent: Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey
A quorum being present, the Mayor declared the meeting open for business.
3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 14, 2026
Commissioner Kays presented the minutes of the September 14, 2026 regular meeting and noted two corrections: (1) in Item 3.C (Minutes of the Special Meeting of September 1, 2026), the minutes should reflect that Commissioner Garavalia abstained; and (2) in Item 8.C (Discussion — Automated License Plate Readers and Surveillance Cameras), a typographical error referred to “block cameras,” which should read “Flock cameras.” No other corrections were identified.
MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to approve the minutes of the September 14, 2026 regular meeting as corrected.
SECOND: Commissioner Garavalia.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION — MOSQUITO ABATEMENT YEAR-END REPORT
Mayor Messersmith invited Dylan Young, owner of Little Egypt Pest Control of Anna, Illinois, the City’s mosquito abatement contractor, to present a year-end report. Mr. Young thanked the City for again contracting for mosquito reduction in public areas and reported the following:
Service locations included the Twin Oaks venue and surrounding picnic areas; the Grand Street Playground; the substation lot near the railroad tracks on Grand Street; the vacant lot at the corner of East Huddleston Street and South Mercer Street; the campsite near the lake; and various public road ditches and culverts within the city limits.
Service dates for the 2026 season were April 15, April 28, May 26, June 18, July 21, August 11, August 31, and September 28. Services included ultra-low-volume (ULV) spraying with backpack mist blowers targeting trees, foliage, and structures; granular applications for grass and soil; and larvicide dunk applications in culverts, standing water, and street ditches to interrupt the mosquito breeding cycle. Mr. Young reported that service was provided every 21 to 30 days as promised, that the dry season resulted in little standing water, and that larvicide dunks were placed in culverts as a precaution against flash flooding. He noted the season ends October 15 and that the final application should provide protection through the first frost, but offered to make an additional trip at the City’s request.
In response to a question from Commissioner Garavalia, Mr. Young confirmed that he offers residential service to Benton residents at a discounted rate of approximately $50 to $60 per yard, depending on size, compared to his typical rate of approximately $120, and that the City’s contract covers public areas only. Mayor Messersmith thanked Mr. Young for the report. No action was taken.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Messersmith reminded those wishing to address the Council that public comment is directed to the Council as a whole, is not a question-and-answer session, and is limited to five minutes.
Resident Tony Lang reported that a neighbor near the corner of Anna Street and Ninth Street (near Larry’s Transmissions) had erected a privacy fence in the middle of an alley that has not been vacated, and asked the City to contact the property owner and have the fence relocated onto the owner’s property. The resident noted that a City representative had previously visited the site and identified that no permit had been obtained. Mayor Messersmith stated he would research the matter and follow up with the resident after the meeting. The resident also expressed support for the proposal to renovate the old City Hall and remediate mold in the building.
No other members of the public came forward.
5. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT — Commissioner Storey (absent)
In Commissioner Storey’s absence, Mayor Messersmith presented the items on his agenda.
A. Facility Request — Swyear Amusements Carnival (Retroactive)
Mayor Messersmith reported that a carnival company, Swyear Amusements, contacted the City over the weekend after losing its scheduled location. The Public Square was not large enough to accommodate the carnival, and it was instead located on the airport property. Because the full Council could not be convened on a Sunday afternoon, the City Clerk conducted a straw poll of Council members, who gave approval to proceed. The carnival departed on September 28 and expressed appreciation for the City and its staff, and the Mayor expressed hope that it will return next fall. The Mayor requested retroactive approval of the facility request.
MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to retroactively approve the facility request for Swear Amusements to use the airport property.
SECOND: Commissioner Garavalia.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
B. Facility Request — Kingdom of Wonders Circus
Mayor Messersmith reported that Kingdom of Wonders, a Pennsylvania-based acrobatic and aerial circus that provides free performances to smaller communities, has requested to use City property. No animals will be involved. The circus has requested October 6 through 8, 2026, and the Mayor recommended the airport property, where portable restrooms, trash receptacles, signage, fields, and parking remain in place following the carnival.
MOTION: Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve the facility request for Kingdom of Wonders to use the airport property October 6 through 8, 2026.
SECOND: Commissioner Kays.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
6. WATER, SEWER AND STREET REPORT — Commissioner Cockrum (absent)
In Commissioner Cockrum’s absence, Mayor Messersmith presented the items on his agenda.
A. Purchase Order No. 00924 — Tree Removal, Bond Street
Mayor Messersmith presented Purchase Order No. 00924 to Britton’s Tree Service for removal of a tree on Bond Street, in the amount of $1,500.00.
MOTION: Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve the purchase order as presented.
SECOND: Commissioner Kays.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
B. Purchase Order — County Compressor
Mayor Messersmith presented a purchase order to Bi-County Compressor for oil, in the amount of $1,734.36.
MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to approve the purchase order as presented.
SECOND: Commissioner Garavalia.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
7. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT — Commissioner Garavalia
A. Purchase Order — LIFEPAK 1000 AEDs
Commissioner Garavalia presented a purchase order for LIFEPAK 1000 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to equip police squad cars, to be paid from the opioid settlement account, in the amount of $21,220.00.
MOTION: Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve the purchase order as presented.
SECOND: Commissioner Kays.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
B. Discussion — Trunk-or-Treat Events on City Streets and Park Areas
Commissioner Garavalia clarified that the purpose of this item was not to schedule a trunk-or-treat event, but to address concerns expressed by citizens about vetting participants at trunk-or-treat events held on public property. She noted that last year’s pop-up trunk-or-treat on the Public Square was well received and that residents would like to see it again, but that, after dark, anyone could pull up and distribute items to children. She proposed that participants register their name and vehicle information with the City or the Police Department and receive a sticker or tag identifying them as an approved participant. The proposal would not apply to events held by churches or other groups on their own property.
City Attorney Malkovich recommended that any such process include a registration deadline, such as a week to ten days in advance, as it would be unrealistic to review participants on the evening of the event. Commissioner Kays stated he does not disagree with the premise but expressed concern about the administrative burden, and noted that conducting background checks could trigger Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements. Mayor Messersmith stated the concept has merit and suggested that Commissioner Garavalia work out the details with the Police Chief. Commissioner Garavalia stated she will prepare a written proposal for the Council’s consideration. No action was taken.
C. Verbal Report
Commissioner Garavalia congratulated Chief Cockrum on the birth of his son on Friday, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and measuring 22 inches. She reported that the City has addressed concerns at the Grand Street Playground: the Flock camera was relocated, went offline during the move, and an order is in place to restore it; the graffiti has been painted over in black; and additional repairs and updates are planned. She also reported that the Police Chief attended child abuse training the previous week.
8. FINANCE REPORT — Commissioner Kays
Commissioner Kays reported that no payroll was presented at this meeting. He reported that the City is now running its monthly financial reports through an AI tool to better monitor budget performance and identify items that might otherwise be missed. Home rule infrastructure sales tax is on par with projections; the Water and Sewer Revenue Fund is running the projected deficit, in line with the budget, and water loss will be reviewed in the cooler months, as water use has been high during the dry summer; sales and sewer chemical costs are in line with budget; and public safety is running on par with its budget. No action was taken.
9. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Malkovich had no report.
10. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT — Mayor Messersmith
Mayor Messersmith thanked Cody Williford, City Clerk Brook Craig, Sarah Roach of the Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner Garavalia for helping place trash receptacles, and all others who helped make the carnival a success. He reported an overwhelmingly positive community response and stated he has begun conversations about adding entertainment for next year. Commissioner Garavalia expressed pride in City staff for preparing the site on short notice. The Mayor noted that the event was possible because of relationships the City has cultivated over the past several years, including with the portable restroom and trash service vendors and from prior events such as the rodeo held at the same site.
A. Donation — Inflatable Water Slide
Mayor Messersmith reported that the organizers of the former Bluegill Fest at Rend Lake have donated to the City an adult-sized inflatable water slide valued at approximately $4,500.00. Formal acceptance was requested so that the donors receive a donation letter.
MOTION: Commissioner Garavalia moved to accept the donation of the inflatable water slide, valued at $4,500.00, at no charge to the City.
SECOND: Commissioner Kays
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
B. Donation — Scrambler Carnival Ride
Mayor Messersmith reported that a couple from Louisville, Kentucky, has donated a Scrambler carnival ride to the City at no cost, including all transportation costs. The ride can be set up and maintained by the City for block parties, fall festivals, events on the Public Square, and other community events. Formal acceptance was requested so that the donors receive appropriate credit.
MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to accept the donation of the Scrambler carnival ride at no cost to the City.
SECOND: Commissioner Garavalia.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
C. Personnel
i. Resignation of Sarah Williams, Billing Clerk, with a final day of October 9, 2026.
MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to accept the resignation as presented.
SECOND: Commissioner Garavalia.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
ii. Hiring of a full-time Water Department employee. Following the Council’s September 14, 2026 approval to advertise for the position, City staff interviewed several candidates and recommended Fender Ely, whose resume was included in the packet, with a start date of October 14, 2026.
MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to approve the hiring of Fender Ely as a full-time Water Department employee.
SECOND: Commissioner Garavalia.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
D. Façade Grant Application — 1123 East Main Street
Zoning Administrator, Mr. Brian Calcaterra presented a façade grant application for 1123 East Main Street, located in the downtown TIF district, along with the scope of work narrative. Applicable costs total $17,633.00, qualifying the applicant for the maximum award of $5,000.00, and Mr. Calcaterra recommended approval. Mayor Messersmith noted that this is the fourth façade grant on East Main Street, which will result in improvements to approximately eighty percent of the storefronts on East Main Street.
MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to approve the façade grant application as presented.
SECOND: Commissioner Garavalia.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
E. Bid to Franklin County Trustee — 708 North Ninth Street
Mayor Messersmith presented for discussion and approval the placement of a bid, not to exceed $900.00, with the Franklin County Trustee to acquire the property located at 708 North Ninth Street for demolition purposes. Mr. Calcaterra explained that the lot was acquired by the Trustee for non-payment of taxes, and that the Trustee has changed its policy and will no longer consent to demolitions on such properties, instead placing them at auction. To prevent the property from falling into the wrong hands, he recommended that the City bid on it, acquire it, and demolish the structure. Because the structure is a mobile home, it is not eligible for reimbursement under the IHDA grant, but previous IHDA grant award funds may be used for demolition.
MOTION: Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve placing a bid not to exceed $900.00 with the Franklin County Trustee to acquire 708 North Ninth Street for demolition purposes.
SECOND: Commissioner Kays.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
F. Bid to Franklin County Trustee — 701 North Tenth Street
Mayor Messersmith presented a similar request to place a bid with the Franklin County Trustee to acquire the property at 701 North Tenth Street, also a mobile home, for demolition purposes. The Mayor noted this is one of thirteen properties the City is demolishing this year.
MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to approve placing a bid with the Franklin County Trustee to acquire 701 North Tenth Street for demolition purposes.
SECOND: Commissioner Garavalia.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
G. Abbey Road Crosswalk — Harrison House, McCann Street
Mayor Messersmith reported that the new owner of the Harrison House on McCann Street plans to restore the home to its appearance when Louise Harrison lived there, and has requested permission to paint an Abbey Road–style crosswalk in front of the home, at his own expense, to complement the theming, encourage tourism, and provide a photo location. The Mayor stated he had advised the owner of certain stipulations, including timing the work for weekends and placing barricades for safety.
MOTION: Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve the request to paint an Abbey Road–style crosswalk in front of the Harrison House on McCann Street, subject to the stipulations discussed.
SECOND: Commissioner Kays.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
11. OLD BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
A. Property Tax Levy Update — Commissioner Kays
Commissioner Kays reported that the Council will consider the City’s property tax levy at the next meeting or soon after, and noted that the City does not derive the majority of its revenue from the property tax levy. The levy supports the General Corporate Fund, Police Protection, Fire Protection, the Audit Fund, the Insurance Fund, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), Social Security and Medicare, the Airport, the Firefighters’ Pension Fund, and the Police Pension Fund.
Commissioner Kays reported that the Council has historically increased the levy by five percent each year to keep pace with inflation without requiring a property tax hearing. The levy increased four percent for tax year 2025–2026 and just under one percent for tax year 2026–2027, and current projections indicate a negative levy for 2027–2028, which would represent a reduction in property taxes. He noted that most homeowners will not see a large savings, because most of a property tax bill goes to the schools, library, college, park district, county, and state. He noted that the Police Protection and Fire Protection levy lines have been approximately $23,000, a small fraction of the cost of a single position, and discussed redistributing or eliminating those lines, as those functions are self-sufficient through state-shared revenues such as income tax and sales tax. He added that this approach supports the City’s commitment to shoring up its pension funds, which are on a path to being fully funded.
In response to a question from Mayor Messersmith, Commissioner Kays clarified that a potential small reduction in the levy, rather than an increase, is anticipated. He noted that when the City raised its sales tax, the Council made concessions to residents, including addressing the property tax levy and choosing not to reinstate a local grocery sales tax; the City of Benton is one of very few Illinois municipalities that does not impose a grocery sales tax of up to one percent. Commissioner Kays stated that the City will not raise the levy by five percent simply because it has the authority to do so, and that he would not recommend such an increase to the Council.
Commissioner Kays further reported that, under the City’s engagement with Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, the combined cost of police and fire pension services and the annual audit is less than the City previously paid its prior contractor for the audit alone, and that the pension funds now receive monthly statements for the first time in approximately twenty-six years. Mayor Messersmith remarked that the arrangement provides more and better service at a lower price. No action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council, Mayor Messersmith called for a motion to adjourn.
MOTION: Commissioner Garavalia moved to adjourn.
SECOND: Commissioner Kays.
VOTE: Ayes: Garavalia, Kays, Messersmith. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m..
