City of Benton

Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Date: February 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Benton City Hall

1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Roll Call

Present:

• Commissioner Garavalia

• Commissioner Kays

• Mayor Messersmith

Absent:

• Commissioner Cockrum

• Commissioner Storey

A quorum was present.

3. Reading and Approval of Minutes

February 9, 2026 – Regular Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Kays stated there were no changes.

• Motion: Commissioner Kays

• Second: Commissioner Garavalia

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

February 11, 2026 – Continued Meeting Minutes
No changes were requested.

• Motion: Commissioner Kays

• Second: Commissioner Garavalia

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

4. Department Reports / Administrative Items

• Commissioner Storey was absent.

• No purchase orders under his department.

• No public property use permits.

5. New Business

(C) RC Drag Racing

Discussion was tabled pending additional information from Mr. Wells.

• Motion to Table: Commissioner Garavalia

• Second: Commissioner Kays

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

Sewer Treatment Plant Purchase Order

Mayor Messersmith presented a purchase order for CNC Pumps and Supplies for a motor for the non-potable water system in the amount of $4,560.00.

• Motion: Commissioner Garavalia

• Second: Commissioner Kays

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

No pool adjustments and no lot lease transfers were reported.

(D) Hiring of Part-Time Water Clerk

Discussion was held regarding staffing needs due to upcoming retirement and increased workload. Consensus was to begin with a part-time position and reassess if needed.

• Motion: Commissioner Kays

• Second: Commissioner Garavalia

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

(E) Excessive Water Use Adjustment Policy

Permission was requested to explore updates to the policy and return with a revised form.

• Motion: Commissioner Kays

• Second: Commissioner Garavalia

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

(F) Carter Drive Project Bids

No action taken pending additional information from the City Engineer.

(G) West Main Street Project Bids

No action taken.

6. Purchase Orders

PO #00448 – Sentinel Emergency Solutions
Five SCBA cylinders at $5,449.36 each, total $17,392.32. Discussion included grant possibilities and compliance needs.

• Motion: Commissioner Garavalia

• Second: Commissioner Kays

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

PO #00160 – Zimmerman’s Garage
Strut assembly replacements totaling $910.98.

• Motion: Commissioner Garavalia

• Second: Commissioner Kays

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

7. Intergovernmental Agreement – Browning Township

Discussion regarding renewal and amendment to reflect additional insured language per insurance carrier requirements.

• Motion: Commissioner Garavalia (to approve pending insurance approval and final document)

• Second: Commissioner Kays

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

8. Payroll

Payroll dated February 27, 2026, totaling $114,617.26

• General Fund: $89,432.51

• Revenue Fund: $25,184.75

• Motion: Commissioner Kays

• Second: Commissioner Garavalia

• Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
  Motion carried.

9. Additional Purchase Orders

PO #00593 – Conference Registration
Community Economic Development Conference, Springfield, IL, for Damien Wilburn – $325.00.

• Motion: Commissioner Kays

• Second: Commissioner Garavalia

• Vote: Unanimous
  Motion carried.

PO #00594 – Hotel Accommodations
Conference lodging for Damien Wilburn – $727.32.

• Motion: Commissioner Kays

• Second: Commissioner Garavalia

• Vote: Unanimous
  Motion carried.

10. City Attorney Report

No updates.

11. Public Affairs

• No purchase orders.

• No update from Take Action Today.

Benton Area Little League Sponsorship
Council approved a $300.00 donation, with no names on signage, to be used for youth equipment.

• Motion: Commissioner Garavalia

• Second: Commissioner Kays

• Vote: Unanimous
  Motion carried.

Community Investment Fund balance reported at $1,500.00.

12. Miscellaneous Business

• Recognition of Benton Rangers athletes and teams advancing to state and postseason play.

• Decorative heart remains lit on the square in recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month.

• Hospital Auxiliary dinner announced; proceeds benefit student scholarships.

• Volunteer groups announced an Easter Egg Hunt on March 28, 2026, at the Benton Community Baseball Fields.

13. Old Business

None.

14. New Business

Commissioner Garavalia requested council consideration of a potential wage adjustment for Police Department Administrative Assistant Karastin Sheedy. No action taken.

15. Public Comment

None.

16. Adjournment

• Motion: Commissioner Garavalia

• Second: Commissioner Kays

• Vote: Unanimous

• Meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.

CITY OF BENTON

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

Friday, February 27, 2026

CALL TO ORDER

Commissioner Kays called the special meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays

Absent: Mayor Messersmith

AGENDA ITEMS

1. Discussion and/or Approval — Carter Drive Sewer Project Bids

Commissioner Kays introduced the item and deferred to Commissioner Cockrum and City Engineer Rodney Potts.

Commissioner Cockrum presented two bids received for a sanitary sewer installation on Carter Lane:

• Jeff Wiggs Excavating: $100,800
• Scott Scuda Construction: $94,xxx (approximately $95,000)

Commissioner Cockrum indicated he would also seek a third quote from Steve Lampley. City Engineer Potts noted that due to the time-sensitive nature of the project, obtaining three quotes would allow the City to bypass the formal bidding process by treating the project as an emergency.

City Attorney Tom Malkovich advised that a motion could be made to accept the low bid from Jeff Wiggs Excavating, or Steve Lampley’s bid if it came in lower.

MOTION: Commissioner Cockrum moved to accept the low bid from Jeff Wiggs Excavating, contingent upon the third bid from Steve Lampley not coming in lower. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

VOTE: Yeas: 4 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays) | Nays: 0

MOTION CARRIED.

2. Discussion and/or Approval — Spani Street Water Main Project

City Engineer Potts presented an engineering estimate for the Spani Street water main project, estimated at approximately $2,000,000. The project involves installation of a 10-inch water main running from the ground storage tank down First Street, crossing the railroad tracks, down Spani Street, crossing Route 37 South, and continuing to connect with the new water line near the high school on College Street.

Mr. Potts noted the project includes approximately 2,000 feet of directional boring and 2,700 feet of open excavation, with crossings at three railroad tracks (including one double track) and two highway bores, all requiring 16-inch diameter casings for the 10-inch water main.

Design work has been previously authorized. This item was presented as informational, with a motion requested to proceed with permit applications.

MOTION: Commissioner Cockrum moved to proceed with design plans and permit applications, including EPA permits, railroad permits, and highway permits, and to proceed to bid upon receipt of all required permits. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.

VOTE: Yeas: 4 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays) | Nays: 0

MOTION CARRIED.

3. Discussion and/or Approval — Route 37 Service Line Directional Bore

Interim Public Works Director Dailus Richardson explained that there is an ongoing service line leak located on Route 37, between the new coffee shop and the DNR Region Five office. The leak has been recurring and creates a safety hazard by icing the road surface during cold weather. The proposed solution is to directional bore a new service line and install a new tap.

Estimate received: $2,200

MOTION: Commissioner Cockrum moved to proceed with the directional bore of the new service line on Route 37. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

VOTE: Yeas: 4 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays) | Nays: 0

MOTION CARRIED.

4. Discussion and/or Approval — Fire Hydrant Replacements, Bailey Lane

Commissioner Cockrum introduced estimates for fire hydrant work on Bailey Lane, from Dairy Queen to the railroad tracks near Dollar General. Mr. Richardson explained that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) culvert replacement project in that corridor required relocation or replacement of three City fire hydrants.

Estimates presented:

• Fire Hydrant #1 (remove and replace): approximately $5,000
• Fire Hydrant #2 (remove and replace): approximately $5,000
• Fire Hydrant #3 (full replacement — 1982 vintage): $9,000

Commissioner Cockrum noted that the two newer hydrants (installed 2008) can be relocated and reused; only Hydrant #3 requires full replacement due to its age. City Engineer Potts confirmed that $9,000 reflects the current market cost for a new fire hydrant.

MOTION: Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve the estimates for all three fire hydrant replacements on Bailey Lane. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

VOTE: Yeas: 4 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays) | Nays: 0

MOTION CARRIED.

5. Discussion and/or Approval — One West Main Street Project Bids

Commissioner Cockrum reported that three bids were received for the One West Main Street project:

• Groundworks (Breese, IL): $1,740,000 — Low Bid
• Jeff Wiggs Excavating: $1,890,000
• Hair Plumbing: $2,400,000

City Engineer Potts presented a detailed review of the low bidder, Groundworks of Breese, Illinois. Mr. Potts reported the following concerns identified through reference checks:

• A prior OSHA violation (approximately four years ago) resulting in a $75,000 fine for failure to use trench boxes at required depths.
• Prior issues with late payments to laborers and subcontractors.
• Reference from Mount Vernon (900 LF shallow sewer project): acceptable quality, but prompt payment requests raised financial concerns; subcontractor payment inquiries noted.
• Reference from Effingham (0.6 miles, 24-inch storm sewer, shallow): required significant oversight; directional bore subcontracted.
• Reference from Granite City (recent project): safety violations involving trench boxes; reviewer stated he would not use Groundworks again if not required to.

Mr. Potts expressed concern that the One West Main Street project involves sanitary sewer installation at depths of 10–13 feet in a high-profile downtown corridor with active traffic, making OSHA compliance critical.

Mr. Potts recommended rejecting all bids and re-bidding the project with enhanced qualification requirements, including a provision that bidders must have successfully completed at least five similar water/sewer projects valued at $1.5 million or more. He noted that both submitted bids came in below the engineer’s estimate, which was favorable, and that re-bidding should not take significantly longer given that the project has already been publicly marketed.

Commissioner Storey expressed support for Jeff Wiggs Excavating based on their known performance record.

Mr. Potts also requested that an IDOT coordination meeting be scheduled to align project timelines, with Commissioner Kays (Case) invited to participate.

MOTION: Commissioner Cockrum moved to reject all bids for the One West Main Street project and authorize re-bidding with enhanced contractor qualification specifications. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.

VOTE: Yeas: 4 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays) | Nays: 0

MOTION CARRIED.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Commissioner Kays moved to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

VOTE: Yeas: 4 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays) | Nays: 0

MOTION CARRIED.

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

CONTINUED MINUTES

BENTON CITY COUNCIL

FEBRUARY 11, 2026

The Benton City Council convened in continued session on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Benton City Council Chambers, 901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois.

RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION

Commissioner Storey made a motion to return to regular session. Second by Commissioner Kays.

Vote was taken:

Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith.

Motion carried.

PAYROLL APPROVAL

Commissioner Kays reported that there is one (1) payroll for February 13, 2026, totaling $132,330.72, with the following breakdown:

General Fund:    $87,607.85

Revenue Fund:    $44,722.87

Commissioner Kays made a motion to approve the payroll as presented. Second by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote was taken:

Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith.

Motion carried.

BILLS APPROVAL

Commissioner Kays presented the bills for approval with the following breakdown:

Accounts Payable (AP):    $522,812.42

Revenue Fund:             $152,476.28

Motor Fuel Tax (MFT):     $2,400.00

TIF No. 2:                $5,573.33

Commissioner Kays made a motion to approve payment of bills as presented. Second by Commissioner Storey.

Vote was taken:

Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith.

Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Storey. Second by Commissioner Kays.

Vote was taken:

Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith.

Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.