Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 25, 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 11, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  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 ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDER #00345 TO BURKDELL MULCH FOR TWO 2,000 LB BAGS OF GREEN RUBBER MULCH FOR USE AT MALKOVICH PARK AROUND THE PLAYGROUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSION 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 THE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR USE OF CITY STREETS, PARKS, OR PUBLIC PLACES SUBMITTED BY LOUISE JACKSON (FROM PASSION TO ACTION) FOR THE USE OF CAPITOL PARK FOR THE FALL-O-WEEN EVENT TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 18, 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 STATED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS CLEANED UP THE NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT.  SHE STATED THEY HAVE ADDED GRAVEL TO THE AREAS WHERE TREES HAVE BEEN PLANTED.  SHE STATED THAT THE AREA LOOKS SO MUCH NEATER AND CLEAN NOW. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, POOL ADJUSTMENTS, OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WATER LINE PROJECT AROUND THE HIGH SCHOOL IS STILL IN PROCESS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00144 TO OC RUGGED LAPTOPS FOR 8 REFURBISHED TOUGHBOOKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,984.00.  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 APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00145 TO AMAZON FOR 8 BROTHER 200 DPI PRINTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,113.44.  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 #00157 TO BOB JOHNSON’S COMPUTER STUFF, INC FOR 8 HEADREST PRINTER MOUNTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,543.63.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE COUNTY DISPATCH BUILDING WILL BE DONE AND THE CITY SHOULD BE SWITCHED OVER TO COUNTY DISPATCH BY DECEMBER 1, 2025. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR AUGUST 29, 2025 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $77,898.55 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,324.79 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $104,223.34.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 NEXT WEEK’S TRASH DISPOSAL SCHEDULE WILL BE BEHIND ONE DAY DUE TO THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT A RELEASE WAS MADE BY AMEREN DESCRIBING A PROGRAM TO HELP CITIZENS WITH THEIR BILLS AND THAT IT WAS POSTED ON THE CITY’S FACEBOOK PAGE AND AVAILABLE TO BE PICKED UP AT CITY HALL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO REMIND CITIZENS THAT THE ANNUAL CHAMBER CAR SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 AROUND THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS YEAR THERE WILL ALSO BE RC DRAG RACING TAKING PLACE ON EAST WASHINGTON STREET. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT GUNNER BAILEY TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM OF 4 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT LORI HOLMAN TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM OF 4 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS 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 STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE APPROVE A PROCLAMATION  FOR NATIONAL SEE TRACKS? THINK TRAIN® WEEK IN THE CITY OF BENTON FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 TO SEPTEMBER 21, 2025.  COMMISSIONER KAYS 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 HE HAD RECEIVED THE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS IS THE SAME AGREEMENT WE HAVE SIGNED BEFORE.  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. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT MALKOVICH PARK HAS RECEIVED SOME GRAFFITI.  SHE STATED THAT SHE HAS SPOKEN WITH PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING THE GRAFFITI. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

5:16 P.M.

6:00 P.M.

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

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. 

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

6:01 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 11, 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 JULY 28, 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 GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDER #00723 TO SAPP’S HEATING AND COOLING IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,970.00 FOR TWO 3-TON MINI SPLIT UNITS TO BE PLACED AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSION COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY WAS TREMENDOUS.  SHE STATED THAT THEY RAN OUT OF SUPPLIES TO GIVE AWAY THIS YEAR.  SHE THANKED ALL THAT WERE INVOLVED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00346 TO ENERGY CULVERT FOR PLASTIC AND METAL TILE AND BANDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,017.26.  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 LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE NUMBER 3 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $156,426.51.  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 #25-10 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 WITH A RAIN DATE OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2025.  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 #00435 TO FAST TRUCK AND TIRE FOR REPAIRS TO ENGINE 801 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,469.41.  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 #00142 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR UNIFORMS, DUTY GEAR, AND INITIAL EQUIPMENT FOR NEW POLICE OFFICER JAMES WILLIAMSON IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,307.53.  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 APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00143 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR UNIFORMS, DUTY GEAR, AND INITIAL EQUIPMENT FOR NEW POLICE OFFICER SYDNEY HENSON IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,307.53.  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 POST THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR HIRE.  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 THE HIRING OF JAMES WILLIAMSON AS A FULLTIME PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER.  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 APPROVE THE HIRING OF SYDNEY HENSON AS A FULLTIME PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER.  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 APPROVE ALLOWING THE MERIT BOARD TO TEST FOR A POLICE OFFICER ELIGIBILITY LIST AS THE CURRENT LIST HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  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 AUGUST 15, 2025 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $85,969.47 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,568.60 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $109,538.07.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00867 TO JACK RUSSELL FISH COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,150.00 FOR 43 GIFT CARDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50.00 EACH.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WAS FOR THE SAFETY STIPEND FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF OUR FISCAL YEAR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $580,363.83, FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50.00, AND FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $175,761.91 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $756,175.74.  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 HE WOULD LIKE TO ADD A $250.00 CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR A NONUNION/NONCONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES AND BRIAN CALCATERRA.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE ITEMS SHOULD HAVE THE BENTON LOGO ON THEM.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM BOTH SAID THEY DID NOT AGREE WITH THAT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE GIVING NONUNION/NONCONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES AND BRIAN CALCATERRA A $250.00 YEARLY CLOTHING ALLOWANCE BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY.  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 HE ALSO WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT HE HAS BEEN LOOKING AT THE FINANCIAL REPORTS AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IS RIGHT WHERE IT SHOULD BE AT THIS TIME. 

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS HAS BEEN VERY BUSY FINISHING UP MULTIPLE PROJECTS.  HE STATED THAT OIL AND CHIP HAS BEEN COMPLETED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY WAS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED SYDNEY HENSON AND JAMES WILLIAMSON TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH SWORE BOTH OF THESE OFFICERS IN.  OATHS WERE SIGNED AND PICTURES WERE TAKEN.  THE COUNCIL CONGRATULATED BOTH OF THE NEW PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING PURCHASE ORDER #00695 TO ASCENT AVIATION FOR 7,851 GALLONS OF FUEL FOR THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,957.08.  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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00692  TO QT PETROLEUM ON DEMAND FOR REPAIRS TO THE AIRPORT FUEL PUMP IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,999.35.  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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00696 TO KONICA MINOLTA FOR A 36 MONTH LEASE OF A COLOR COPIER/PRINTER WITH UNLIMITED PRINTS, NO ESCALATIONS, TONER, SERVICE, PARTS AND LABOR ALL INCLUDED AS WELL AS DELIVERY, INSTALLATION, FAXING CAPABILITY, COLLATING CAPABILITY, AND STAPLING.  THIS LEASE WILL RUN $287.16 PER MONTH.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AT THIS TIME CITY HALL IS SPENDING ALMOST THIS AMOUNT IN INK FOR THE 2 SMALL COLOR COPIERS THEY HAVE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT IT TAKES A VERY LONG TIME TO MAKE COLOR COPIES ON THE CURRENT MACHINES.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED USE OF THIS MACHINE WILL BE FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES.  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 FOR A MOTION TO SET CITY OF BENTON TRICK OR TREAT HOURS FOR OCTOBER 31, 2025 FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M.  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 HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE SIGNS HUNG AT CAPITOL PARK AND MALKOVICH PARK DESIGNATING HOURS THAT INDIVIDUALS CAN BE IN THE PARKS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE HOURS TO BE POSTED AS 7:00 A.M. TO 10 P.M.  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 HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO OBTAIN A SURVEY FOR A PORTION OF THE LAND AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA PROVIDED THE COUNCIL WITH A GIS MAP OF THE AREA TO BE SURVEYED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  .  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE WOULD NEED TO CONTINUE THIS MEETING TO THURSDAY MORNING AT 8:30 A.M. TO ADDRESS ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY STEPHANIE HOGAN TO OWN AND OCCUPY A NEW DOUBLE WIDTH MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1111 EAST BOND STREET.  NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS GETTING 8-9 SERVICES SWITCHED OVER TO THE NEW WATER LINE PER DAY.  HE STATED THAT THERE ARE STILL 170 SERVICES  TO TRANSFER OVER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE OVERLAY ON MCLEANSBORO STREET LOOKS FANTASTIC. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATES THAT HE WOULD LIKE A LETTER DRAFTED AND PUT IN FILES THAT IF YOU ARE HIRED HERE AND TRAINED BY THE CITY, YOU WOULD BE UNDER AN OBLIGATION TO STAY WITH THE CITY FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL NEED TO BE NEGOTIATED INTO CONTRACTS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025 AT 8:30 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

5:31 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 28, 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 PUBLIC HEARING THAT TOOK PLACE ON JULY 14, 2025 AT 4:15 P.M. AS PRESENTED.  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 ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JULY 14, 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 GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING OTHER THAN A COUPLE OF UPDATES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE POWER WASHING HAS BEEN COMPLETED AT TWIN OAKS.  SHE SAID THERE ARE A FEW STAINS STILL ON THE ROOF, BUT OVERALL LOOKS GREAT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS WILL BE HOSTING A BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY THIS COMING SATURDAY AUGUST 2, 2025 FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00722 TO SMITH AND LOVELESS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE HMI WITH PROGRAMMING FOR IN THE PISTA GRIT AMOUNT OF $6,041.00.  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 POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR STEVEN LEMMONS, DOUGLAS HAGER, AND NOVELLA CASEY 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 HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO HIRE QUENTIN HENSON AS A PART TIME WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE WORKING ON WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS, AND FRIDAYS.  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 THE HIRING OF HAYDEN LINDHORST AS A FULL TIME WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE.  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 THE NON-HAZARDOUS WASTE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND PERRY RIDGE LANDFILL.  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 THE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW WATER MAINS AROUND THE HIGH SCHOOL IS ALMOST COMPLETE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM IS SLATED TO BE FINISHED ON THURSDAY OR FRIDAY AND THE MILLING ON MCLEANSBORO STREET SHOULD BE FINISHED IN A FEW DAYS. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLOWING THE MERIT BOARD TO TEST FOR A POLICE OFFICER ELIGIBILITY LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  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 JULY 18, 2025 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $88,084.79 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,779.22 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $112,846.01.  SECOND BY 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 AUGUST 1, 2025 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,632.82 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,831.47 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,464.29.  SECOND BY 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 BILLS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HOME RULE SALES TAX ORDINANCE #25-07.  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. 

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING PURCHASE ORDER #00694 TO QT PETROLEUM ON DEMAND FOR REPAIRS TO THE AIRPORT FUEL PUMP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00693 TO OAK HILL CONTRACTORS FOR DESIGN COSTS TO BUILD A TEMPORARY ROAD BEHIND BLUE RIDGE TRACTOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,925.00.  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 RICK AND BARB LINTON TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. AND MRS. LINTON SHOWED THE COUNCIL AND AUDIENCE COMMERCIALS THAT THEY HAVE MADE PROMOTING THE HISTORIC BENTON SQUARE.  MR. AND MRS. LINTON STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN DONE AT NO COST TO THE CITY AS IT WAS PAID FOR THROUGH TOURISM DOLLARS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING ORDINANCE #25-08 AMENDING DIVISION XX-SCHEDULES AS IT PERTAINS TO MOVING AND STORAGE OPERATIONS IN B3 AND B4 ZONES.  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 THE CITY HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO HOUSE THE CITY HALL IN THE FUTURE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE FEASIBILITY STUDY COMPLETED BY ARCHITECHNIQUES RECOMMENDED TWO SPOTS AND THE BUILDING THAT WAS APPROVED AND WOULD COST THE LEAST TO PURCHASE AND REMODEL WAS 105 NORTH MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS TOURED THE BUILDING AND IS WORRIED ABOUT THE SMELL OF CIGARETTE SMOKE.  SHE STATED THAT AFTER THE SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME SHE WAS IN THE BUILDING, HER CHEST HAS FELT HEAVY THE REST OF THE DAY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL GETTING RID OF THE SMOKE SMELL WOULD BE AN ISSUE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AGREED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED IF HE COULD GET A MOTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF THE BUILDING AND REAL ESTATE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 105 NORTH MAIN STREET CONTINGENT UPON INSPECTION AND APPRAISAL OF SAID PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  .  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYING INVOICE #2 TO GREATER EGYPT REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR PLANNING ON THE BIG MUDDY WATERSHED NARP.  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.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE, CRAIG MILES, AND COY COCKRUM HAD MET WITH THE VIKING COMPANY ABOUT THE CITY’S HOLDING TANKS.  HE STATED THAT THE TANKS ARE CURRENTLY IN GOOD SHAPE, BUT THEY ARE DETERIORATING.  HE STATED THAT HE WILL LEAVE THE REPORT IN CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG’S OFFICE FOR ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE INSPECTION AND PHOTOS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WE NEED TO START THINKING ABOUT WHAT THE NEXT STEPS WILL BE IN TAKING CARE OF THE WATER TANKS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

5:50 P.M.