PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for the City of Benton Illinois will hold its regular monthly meeting at 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 6, 2023. The meeting will be held at the Benton City Hall, 1402 South Main Street, Benton IL 62812. Agenda for the meeting is:
John D. Aiken, Chairman
City of Benton IL Fire and Police Commissioners
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AGENDA
BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023
5:00 P.M.
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 06/22/23 AT 2:00 P.M./BC
Comments Off on City Council Meeting Agenda — June 26, 2023
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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 22, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED CODY WILLIFORD TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH SWORE IN CODY WILLIFORD AS THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023, WITH THE AMENDMENT OF ONE SENTENCE UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THE POSITION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED MIKE TYSON OF TAKE ACTION TODAY TO DISCUSS THEIR PROGRAM WITH THE COUNCIL. IT WAS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO COST ASSOCIATED WITH ENTERING INTO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY. THE AGENCY WOULD PROVIDE NON-CLINICAL PEER SUPPORT SERVICES, AID WITH RESOURCE LOCATION AND UTILIZATION, RESPOND TO OPIOID OVERDOSE SCENES, ASSIST WITH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS(S), AND ASSIST WITH LOCATING TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS ENCOUNTERED BY THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00501 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR A BROTHER PRINTER IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT OFFICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $629.59. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WATER CONTRACT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WAS INCREASING RATES AND THAT WE HAD A CHOICE OF A 1-YEAR CONTRACT OR A 3-YEAR CONTRACT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE FINANCE COMMISSIONER AND THE TREASURER, IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE CITY WOULD BE ABLE TO ABSORB THE RATE INCREASE FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND NOT HAVE TO RAISE RATES FOR THE CITIZENS OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A CALL FROM A BOARD MEMBER OF THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WHILE ON HIS WAY TO THE COUNCIL MEETING THAT SUGGESTED WE SHOULD ONLY DO THE 1-YEAR CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT THINKS THEY MAY HAVE ESTIMATED HIGH AND THE RATE AFTER THE FIRST YEAR MAY NOT NEED TO BE AS MUCH OF AN INCREASE. COMMISSIONER KAYS THEN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SIGNING A 1-YEAR CONTRACT WITH REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE WOULD NEED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID OF CA6/CA10 FROM BEELMAN TRUCKING IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,760.00 FOR 500 TONS OF CA/10 AND 1500 TONS OF CA/6. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO REJECT ALL THE BAM BIDS AND ASK FOR CONTRACTORS TO REBID BASED UPON CLARIFICATIONS DUE TO SOME CONFUSION IN THE PREVIOUS BID PROCESS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO NAME PSC ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING AS THE WEST MAIN PROJECT ENGINEER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO ATTAIN PETROFF ROAD EASEMENTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PUTTING THE WHISPER WAY OVERLAY PROJECT OUT FOR BID. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00395 TO ROGERS TOWING FOR TOWING OF FIRE TRUCK #803 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCKING DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE AMOUNT OF $725.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00393 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,780.00 FOR REPLACEMENT OF BROKEN LIGHT BAR ON ENGINE #803. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00394 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,804.66. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00395 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP FOR ONE PAIR OF FIREFIGHTER BOOTS AND 1 FIREFIGHTER RESCUE BELT IN THE AMOUNT OF $830.95. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A BICYCLE RODEO AT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE HELP OF THE BENTON CUB SCOUT PACK 7028 AND THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023 AT 6-7:30 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 1-YEAR NOTIFICATION OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF COLEMAN’S RETIREMENT PER BARGAINING AGREEMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR BILLS FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,732.17 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,952.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,684.88. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES.
IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED WORD FROM REG ANKROM WITH SIMEC, THE BROKER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM. THE MARKET RATE THE CITY HAS BEEN LOCKED IN WITH IS $0.0866. THIS RATE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2023 AND RUN THROUGH JUNE OF 2024.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MADE TO CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02. DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING WHAT THE CHANGES WERE. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THE CHANGES TOOK EMPLOYEES AWAY FROM ONE COMMISSIONER AND PUT OVER HALF OF THE EMPLOYEES UNDER JUST 1 COMMISSIONER. SHE STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THAT WAS TOO MUCH ON 1 COMMISSIONER. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WOULD CHANGE SUPERVISORS WOULD BE THE CITY CLERK, THE WATER CLERK, AND BILLING CLERK. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT EVERYTHING THAT THE WATER CLERK AND THE BILLING CLERK DO IS IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND THEREFORE THEY SHOULD ANSWER TO THE WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE OTHER ARTICLES IN THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCE THAT ALSO NEED TO BE WORKED ON AND CLEANED UP. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON OF ALL THE AMENDMENTS BEFORE A VOTE IS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AGREED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER ONE – ADMINISTRATION OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR, IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION FOR ANNEXATION OF LAND FOR CJ LANDS – FRANKLIN, LLC. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS FOR BEN’S LAWN SERVICE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PETITION FOR ANNEXATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDED TO APPOINT A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSIONER. HE STATED THAT FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS’ PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS BEEN ON THIS COMMISSIONER. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE THE MEMBER THAT IS APPOINTED AT THIS TIME. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT MAYOR LEE MESSERSMITH AS A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
NO OLD BUSINESS.
IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE ARE TERMITES, RUST, AND IN GENERAL FALLING IN OF THE BUILDING CALLED THE WATER BARN. HE STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS MOLD AS WELL. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE CONVERSATION OF BUILDING NEW BUILDINGS AT BOTH OF THESE PLACES. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE THEIR WORK VEHICLES HOME. HE SAID IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND THESE MEN ARE CALLED OUT, THEY HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE BARN AND RETRIEVE THEIR VEHICLE BEFORE THEY CAN GET TO THE EMERGENCY. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS SOUNDED LOGICAL TO HIM.
IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ON THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT IS UP FOR RENEWAL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS ITEM WILL BE ON THE NEXT AGENDA. MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE HAD QUESTIONS FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE REGARDING BORROWING MONEY FROM WATER FUNDS. MR. CARTER ASKED IF A FIREMAN WILL BE HIRED BEFORE THE YEAR FOR COLEMAN IS OVER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WILL BE THE CASE. MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVES CODY WILLIFORD SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN BENTON OR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MOVE INTO THE CITY LIMITS. MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COMMISSIONER OVER PUBLIC WORKS WOULD JUST BEFORE CRAIG MILES OR IF THE EMPLOYEES WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED HIS EMPLOYEES. MR. CARTER STATED THAT CRAIG MILES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NONUNION WITH NO CLAUSE AND BE ON EQUAL GROUND.
KAREN FREEMEN ASKED THE COUNCIL ABOUT A CROSSWALK FOR KOA. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH THE CITY ENGINEER IN REGARDS TO THIS REQUEST.
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 COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
5:55 P.M.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
6:29 P.M.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 2. COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
6:32 P.M.
Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — May 22, 2023
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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 12, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED GAVIN GENISIO TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH READ A PROCLAMATION FOR MR. GENISIO RECOGNIZING HIM ON HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE TRACK TEAM AND HIS RECENT 1ST PLACE CHAMPIONSHIP IN STATE IN THE 1600-METER RUN.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED MR. BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FEE INCREASE TO $250.00 FOR THE ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES TO ACCOMMODATE FRANKLIN COUNTY. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE COUNTY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FILE OUR TRANSFERS WITHOUT ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK BEING COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY THE CITY AND THEREFORE HE FELT AN ADDITIONAL FEE SHOULD BE ADDED TO COVER THE WORK BEING COMPLETED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THIS FEE HAS NOT BEEN INCREASED AT ALL OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FEE TO $250.00 PER LOT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO OPEN THE SEALED JANITORIAL BIDS THAT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE CITY FOR THE CLEANING OF CITY HALL, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, TWIN OAKS, AND THE AIRPORT. CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT TWO BIDS HAD BEEN RECEIVED. THE FIRST BID WAS FROM KEENER’S CLEANERS AND WAS FOR $143.75 WEEKLY FOR THE CITY HALL, $143.75 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, $143.75 MONTHLY FOR THE BENTON AIRPORT, AND $150.00 WEEKLY FOR THE TWIN OAKS LODGE. THE SECOND BID WAS RECEIVED FROM PRIZM SERVICES AND WAS FOR $600.00 A MONTH AT CITY HALL UPSTAIRS, $115.00 PER MONTH FOR CITY HALL DOWNSTAIRS, $585.00 MONTHLY FOR THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, $90.00 PER MONTH AT THE AIRPORT, AND $145.00 AS NEEDED AT THE TWIN OAKS LODGE. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO STAY WITH KEENER’S CLEANERS WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY DONE THE JANITORIAL WORK, IS A LOCAL VENDOR, AND HAD THE LOWER BID. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENTS BE ABLE TO DRIVE THEIR CITY VEHICLES HOME FROM WORK. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND THEY ARE CALLED OUT, THIS COULD SAVE TIME. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LETTING THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENTS DRIVE THEIR CITY ISSUED VEHICLES HOME FROM WORK. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT SHOULD BE STARTING ANY DAY NOW. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN ON THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM SOON.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00106 TO ZURCHER TIRE, INC. FOR 4 GOODYEAR EAGLE TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $594.98. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00109 TO LARRY FREERICKS, LLC FOR 1 POINT BLANK LEVEL II B-5 BALLISTIC VEST FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $690.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00105 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,406.49. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LATERAL HIRE OF BRIAN CUNNINGHAM, JR. WITH A STARTING WAGE OF 18 MONTHS ON THE PAY SCALE IN THE BARGAINING AGREEMENT AND A START DATE OF JUNE 14, 2023. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED OFFICER CUNNINGHAM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH SWORE OFFICER CUNNINGHAM IN AT THAT TIME.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-05 AMENDING RANK OF ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE DATE OF 05/26/2023 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,574.29 AND THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT FOR A TOTAL OF $25,206.99 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $99,781.28. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE DATE OF 06/09/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,429.98 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,745.70 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,205.68. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $294,819.55, OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,470.14, AND MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,833.67 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $356,123.36. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,732.17 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,952.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,684.88. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A REVISION TO THE ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER KAYS EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT WAS MADE, THE SALARY WAS NOT PUT IN CORRECTLY. THE CHANGE BEING MADE RAISED FROM $48,000.00 TO $48,960.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #23-12 AMENDING THE PREVIOUSLY PASSED PAY RESOLUTION. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE ONLY CHANGE TO THIS RESOLUTION IS THE REMOVAL OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AS HE IS NOW UNDER CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ZOBRIO SERVICE AGREEMENT. HE STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS NECESSARY FOR OUR AP AND PAYROLL SYSTEM FOR UPDATES AND TO RUN NECESSARY REPORTS TO COMPLETE OUR TASKS NECESSARY TO RUN THESE PROGRAMS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE BID PROCESS FOR ACQUIRING A TRASH SERVICE CONTRACT. THE CITY’S CURRENT CONTRACT EXPIRES ON JULY 31, 2023. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES.
IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT OVER THE WEEKEND THE AIRPORT HAD ITS FIRST FOOD TRUCK FLY IN AND A CONCERT ON THE SQUARE AND THAT BOTH HAD A GOOD RESPONSE. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THIS COMING WEEK THE S3DA TOURNAMENT WILL BE TAKING PLACE IN OUR REGION AND THAT THE LITTLE BIG BAND WILL BE PERFORMING A FREE CONCERT ON THE SQUARE. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE ARE LOTS OF FUN THINGS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY THIS SUMMER.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD A PURCHASE ORDER FOR ALL STARS-N-STITCHES TO PLACE A SIGN AT THE GRAND STREET PLAYGROUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $325.00 THAT WILL BE PAID FOR WITH LEFT OVER FUNDS FROM THE BUILDING OF THE PLAYGROUND. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00481 TO ALL STARS-N-STITCHES IN THE AMOUNT OF $325.00 FOR A SIGN AT THE GRAND STREET PLAYGROUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD A PURCHASE ORDER FOR MULCH TO BE PLACED AT THE GRAND STREET PLAYGROUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,334.00. HE STATED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID FOR FROM FUNDS LEFT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLAYGROUND. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00482 TO WAL-MART FOR GROUND SMART RUBBER MULCH IN THE COLOR OF ESPRESSO BLACK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,334.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT TODD THOMAS TO THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT BOARD. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PLAT OF RE-SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS THE JRN SUBDIVISION, (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION TO REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 504 E. WEBSTER STREET FROM I-1 TO R-3, (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION TO REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 502 E. WEBSTER STREET FROM I-1 TO R-3, AND (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT SUBMITTED BY LINDA KLEINE TO OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDTH MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 502 E. WEBSTER.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD RECEIVED THE NEW AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02. AT THIS TIME THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS, TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PROPERTIES, OR TO THE STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.
IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE REPAIRS TO THE ROOF AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS IN THE DISCOVERY PHASE. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED HE HAS A MEETING THIS UPCOMING WEEK WITH BOB REA REGARDING CYBERSECURITY COVERAGE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE WILL BE MEETING WITH ATTORNEY MALKOVICH AS WELL AS MELISSA AND DAMIEN IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS THE CREATION OF A BAD DEBT POLICY.
NO OLD BUSINESS.
NO NEW BUSINESS.
NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
5:46 P.M.
Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes – June 12, 2023
Posted in Uncategorized
AGENDA
BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON
MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2023
5:00 P.M.
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 06/08/2023 4:00 P.M./BC
Comments Off on AGENDA — CITY COUNCIL MEETING 06/12/2023
Posted in Announcements, Meeting Agendas
MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023 AT 8:30 A.M. AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKUP, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS NOT PRESENT.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $352,846.30 AND FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,951.09 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,797.39. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
TIME 8:35 A.M.
Comments Off on CONTINUED MEETING MINUTES — MAY 12, 2023
Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 8, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.
COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2023. THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH INVITED POLICE OFFICER MATTHEW PEMBERTON TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH SWORN IN OFFICER PEMBERTON AS A BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICER.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR REVIEW IN THE PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT.
COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED A LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LAKE LOTS 33 AND 34 FROM MARTHA CARLTON TO LINDA FREY. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS TRANSFER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED A LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LAKE LOT 132 FROM ROBIN AND DEBBIE YUCAS TO DEEDRA MCLAIN. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS TRANSFER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED ITEM (C) UNDER PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT, DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVE OF PRICE INCREASE FROM KEENER’S KLEANERS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO BID CLEANING SERVICES FOR THE CITY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STREET DEPARTMENT FOR ALL THEY DID TO HELP WITH THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE ON SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00104 TO DATA PILOT FOR ONE CAPTURE KIT AND ONE RENEWAL LICENSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,095.00 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS FOR A LATERAL HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH THANKED COMMISSIONER STOREY FOR ALL THE HARD WORK HE PUT IN ON MAKING THIS LATERAL HIRE HAPPEN.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UPDATE ON DISPATCH AGREEMENT UNTIL FURTHER DISCUSSION CAN BE HELD REGARDING THIS TOPIC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW APPOINTMENT TO THE CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD UNTIL FURTHER DISCUSSION CAN BE HELD ON THIS TOPIC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING AND WOULD NEED TO CONTINUE THE MEETING FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,536.70 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,851.08 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $122,387.78. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ACTUARIAL REPORT AGREEMENT WITH LAUTERBACH AND AMEN FOR THE PENSION FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES.
IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A LOT GOING ON IN TOWN OVER THE PAST WEEK WITH THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS A SUCCESS AND HE BELIEVES IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST REND LAKE WATER FESTIVALS IN YEARS.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ADDRESSED ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NAMING A BUDGET OFFICER. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE NAMED AS BUDGET OFFICER AT THIS TIME AND WOULD NEED A MOTION FOR THIS. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER ONE – ADMINISTRATION OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE SOME RESTRUCTURING OF DUTIES AND DEPARTMENTS TO BE AMENDED IN THIS CHAPTER. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT LISA MENO TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT LISA MENO TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION BY SUSAN SMOTHERS TO OWN AND OCCUPY A DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME AT 113 VIRGINIA. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD HAD APPROVED THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THERE WERE SOME ISSUES WITH GETTING WATER TO THE PROPERTY. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD RECOMMEND APPROVING THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT AS LONG AS EASEMENTS WERE OBTAINED FOR THE WATER LINE TO BE RAN TO THE PROPERTY. MS. SMOTHERS STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH THE WATER DEPARTMENT TO TRY AND GET THE WATER SITUATION RESOLVED. MS. SMOTHERS STATED THAT SHE WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE WAS NO WATER CURRENTLY PROVIDED TO HER PURCHASED LAND AND SO WHEN WORK WAS BEING DONE AND A WATER LINE WAS HIT, SHE WAS SURPRISED, MS. SMOTHERS STATED THAT THE WATER LEAKED OVERNIGHT AND HALF OF THE NEXT DAY BEFORE IT WAS DISCOVERED CREATING A 17,000-GALLON LEAK. MS. SMOTHERS ASKED IF THE METER COULD BE MOVED 150 FEET AND PLACED ON HER PROPERTY. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES STATED THAT THE METER COULD NOT BE MOVED DUE TO THE WATER LINE STOPPING AT THE PLACE THE METER IS CURRENTLY AT. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT TIME (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RATE SELECTION FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SOLAR PROJECT WITH KEYSTONE POWER HOLDINGS, LLC. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND RATES IN THEIR PACKET THAT HE HAD PREPARED. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL CHOSE THE FLAT RATE, NO SAVINGS WOULD BE SEEN FOR SEVERAL YEARS; HOWEVER, OVER A 30-YEAR PERIOD THE SAVINGS WOULD BE A TOTAL OF $901,382.00. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL CHOSE THE ESCALATOR, SAVINGS WOULD START IMMEDIATELY; HOWEVER, AFTER 30 YEARS THE TOTAL SAVINGS WOULD BE $776,673.00. MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD DISCUSSED THIS WITH CITY TREASURER LISA MENO. MRS. MENO BELIEVES THAT THE ESCALATOR IS THE RATE THE COUNCIL SHOULD CHOOSE AS THE IMMEDIATE SAVINGS WOULD HELP THE SEWER DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE ESCALATOR RATE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (I) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING CODY WILLIFORD AS CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS JOB WAS ADVERTISED ON INDEED AND THE CITY RECEIVED 30 APPLICATIONS. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT FOUR APPLICANTS WERE CHOSEN TO BE INTERVIEWED BY A PANEL. MR. WILLIFORD WAS CHOSEN BY THE PANEL FOR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR JOB FOR A PAY OF $18.00 PER HOUR WORKING 16 HOURS A WEEK. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO BENEFITS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW FOR THIS POSITION. COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED MR. WILLIFORD TO TELL THE COUNCIL A BIT ABOUT HIMSELF. MR. WILLIFORD STATED THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY WORKED FOR THE RAILROAD AND HAD ALSO OWNED A RESTAURANT IN THE PAST. MR. WILLIFORD STATED THAT HE HAD NOT EVER DONE WORK LIKE THIS JOB, BUT FELT HE WOULD BE GOOD AT TIT. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF CODY WILLIFORD FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE CITY OF BENTON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
NO OLD BUSINESS.
NO NEW BUSINESS.
IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT THE AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 1 WOULD BE AND IF THE CITIZENS WOULD BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE AMENDMENTS BEFORE BEING APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE AMENDMENTS, BUT NOT THE PUBLIC. ATTORNEY ALSO STATED THAT AFTER THE AMENDMENTS WERE APPROVED, THE PUBLIC WOULD THEN BE ALLOWED TO VIEW THEM. MR. CARTER ASKED IF MS. SMOTHERS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO GET AN ADJUSTMENT TO HER ACCOUNT SINCE THE LEAK DID NOT GET CAUGHT BY THE SYSTEM IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT. MR. CARTER STATED THAT LEAK DETECTION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EASIER WITH THIS NEW SYSTEM AND SINCE THE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING, HE FELT THAT MS. SMOTHERS SHOULD BE GIVEN AN ADJUSTMENT. MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THAT IF THE CITY HAD NOT PURCHASED THE WATER METER READING SYSTEM THAT IT DID, SOLAR COULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE CITY AND THE CITY WOULD BE MAKING A PROFIT OFF OF THE EXTRA ENERGY PRODUCED. MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED HOW MANY APPLICANTS WERE FROM THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE AND MR. CARTER COULD MEET AT CITY HALL OR THE BUZZ AT SOME POINT TO DISCUSS THIS POSITION FURTHER.
ROCKY MORRIS ASKED IF THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD BE SELLING ANY EXTRA ENERGY PRODUCED BY THE SOLAR PANELS. BRIAN CALCATERRA ANSWERED BY SAYING THAT THE CITY DOES NOT GET ANY PROFIT FROM THIS SYSTEM, THE CITY WILL JUST BE ABLE TO PURCHASE ELECTRICITY AT A DISCOUNTED RATE. MR. MORRIS ASKED MR. WILLIFORD HOW LONG HE HAD BEEN ON WORKER’S COMP. MR. WILLIFORD STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER BEEN ON WORKER’S COMP. MR. MORRIS ALSO ASKED THE COUNCIL WHO SAT ON THE COMMITTEE FOR HIRING OF THIS CODE ENFORCEMENT POSITION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COMMITTEE CONSISTED OF BRIAN CALCATERRA, LEE MESSERSMITH, TOM MALKOVICH, AND BROOK CRAIG.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023 FOR PAYING OF MONTHLY BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
5:38 P.M.
Comments Off on MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 8, 2023
Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for the City of Benton Illinois will hold a special meeting on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The meeting will be held at the Benton City Hall, 1403 South Main St, Benton Illinois, and begin at 2:00 PM. The purpose of the meeting is:
John D. Aiken, Chairman
City of Benton Illinois Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
Comments Off on Merit Board Special Meeting Notice
Posted in Announcements, Committee Meetings, Meeting Agendas
AGENDA
BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023
5:00 P.M.
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 05/18/23 AT 2:00 P.M./BC
Comments Off on City Council Agenda — May 22, 2023
Posted in Announcements, Meeting Agendas
AGENDA
BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023
5:00 P.M.
IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
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 05/04/23 AT 2:00 P.M./BC
Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA — MAY 8, 2023
Posted in Announcements, Meeting Agendas, Uncategorized
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