Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS WITH THE CHANGE OF CLOTHING ALLOWANCE GOING UP FROM $650.00 TO $700.00 INSTEAD OF $600.00 TO $700.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

UNDER UPDATES, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT MALKOVICH PARK HAS CONCRETE POURING GOING ON.  SHE ALSO STATED THAT AN ELECTRICIAN IS CHECKING THE LIGHTS AROUND THE SQUARE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ALL IN WORKING ORDER BEFORE THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED JENNIE REN TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL TO GIVE HER PRESENTATION.  MISS REN PRESENTED A PLAN TO PLACE FREE MINI LIBRARIES IN 3 PLACES AROUND TOWN.  SHE STATED THAT SHE WAS NOT ASKING FOR FUNDING, BUT FOR PERMISSION FOR THE FIRST FREE MINI LIBRARY TO BE PLACED AT MALKOVICH PARK.  MISS REN STATED THAT SHE HAD 1,000 BOOKS TO DONATE TO THE PROJECT AND WAS HAPPY TO FUND THE BUILDING OF EACH MINI LIBRARY ON HER OWN AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $150.00 PER LIBRARY.  SHE STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO DO THIS PROJECT BECAUSE UPON RESEARCH SHE LEARNED THAT READING PROFICIENCY IN OUR AREA IS 2 TIMES LOWER THAN STATE LEVELS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS TOLD MISS REN THAT THE CITY WOULD LIKE TO FUND HER FIRST LIBRARY AND THEN SHE CAN FUND THE NEXT.  A MOTION TO PAY FOR THE BUILDING OF ONE MINI LIBRARY AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $150.00 WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SKIP ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR THE CDBG WATER MAIN PROJECT UNTIL LATER IN THE MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW BRIAN CALCATERRA AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PROCEED WITH AMENDING THE ORDINANCE FOR SEWER BILL ADJUSTMENTS DUE TO LEAKS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00424 TO RURAL KING FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN AIR COMPRESSOR FOR THE ENGINE BAY AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,903.96.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE EXISTING ONE HOUSED AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD THE MOTOR SEIZE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TAKEN NO ACTION ON PURCHASE ORDER #00423 TO THE EPSON STORE FOR A PROJECTOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,430.63 AS THE CITY OWNS A PROJECTOR ALREADY.  HE ASKED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TRY OUT THE CITY’S PROJECTOR BEFORE BUYING ONE.  NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS MATTER AT THIS MEETING. 

IN UPDATES, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ENGINE 801 IS BACK IN SERVICE.  HE STATED THAT THE REAR AIRBAGS ARE OUT THOUGH AND THIS IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AT THIS TIME, 100% OF FIRE DEPARTMENT UNITS ARE BACK IN SERVICE AGAIN. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED NOVEMBER 22, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,844.17 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,391.10 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,235.27.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO NOTED THAT THIS TOTAL CONTAINS A PAY PERIOD FOR PAID ON CALL FIRE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,630.44.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS NO BILLS FOR APPROVAL FOR THIS MEETING. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

UNDER UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WAS VERY PROUD OF THE RANGER FOOTBALL TEAM FOR MAKING IT TO THE ELITE 8.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE WILL BE A RECOGNITION OF A NUMBER OF ATHLETES TO COME IN THE FUTURE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO REMINDED EVERYONE THAT HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS IS SLATED FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024 FROM 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH INVITED PARKER JOHNSON TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. JOHNSON STATED THAT HE IS THE YOUTH GOVERNOR AND IS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING REPRESENTING THE ILLINOIS YMCA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT.  MR. JOHNSON STATED THAT IT COSTS AN AVERAGE OF $430.00 PER STUDENT TO ATTEND THE EVENTS INCLUDING THEIR MEALS AND ATTIRE.  MR. JOHNSON STATED THAT HE IS REQUESTING A SPONSORSHIP OF $500.00 FROM THE CITY COUNCIL TO HELP SEND A STUDENT TO THE EVENTS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO SPONSOR THE ILLINOIS YMCA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/0R APPROVAL OF REMOVING ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR ABSENTEEISM.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WAS VERBALLY GIVEN A RESIGNATION FROM MS. MASON, BUT HAD ASKED HER TO PUT IT IN WRITING SO THE BOARD COULD APPROVE IT.  AT THIS TIME, MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER RECEIVED A WRITTEN RESIGNATION AND SHE HAS NOT ATTENDED ANOTHER MEETING.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE BELIEVES SHE HAS ACTUALLY MOVED FROM THE AREA.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED MR. CALCATERRA TO ALSO HANDLE ITEM (E) OPENING SEALED BIDS FOR DEMOLITIONS IDENTIFIED BY THE CITY AND DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING THE LOW BID.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT ONLY ONE BID WAS RECEIVED AND IT WAS FROM CHRIS MENCOWSKI.  THE BID WAS FOR $5,800.00 FOR TAYLOR STREET, $3,800.00 FOR MADISON STREET, AND $5,950.00 FOR NORTH MCLEANSBORO.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS BID.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ENTERING INTO A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH DARBY BEASLEY-PIATEK FOR GRANT WRITING SERVICES AS HE HAS NOT HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW THE PROPOSAL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FOR THREE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FROM ARCHITECHNIQUES LIMITED IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN OVERSIGHT IN ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN CALCATERRA’S CONTRACT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BRIAN SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECEIVING MORE VACATION TIME THAN HE CURRENTLY IS AND HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS AMENDED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO AMEND MR. CALCATERRA’S CONTRACT TO READ AS THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET CONTRACT DOES FOR VACATION TIME.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN RESEARCHING INTO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORDINANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE TAX LEVY AND WILL HAVE IT READY FOR INSPECTION AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO PAUSE THE MEETING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO A PUBLIC HEARING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

5:30 P.M.

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

5:31 P.M.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-10 AS A COMMITMENT OF LOCAL FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $391,131.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

5:34 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALL. COMMISSIONER

COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY OCTOBER 14, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.  UNDER UPDATES, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO NEW NUMBERS TO REPORT AT THIS TIME REGARDING 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS NOTICED A LOT OF SIGNS BEING PLACED IN PLACES THEY SHOULD NOT BE PLACED THROUGHOUT THE CITY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT HAS ALREADY BEGUN GETTING THIS TAKEN CARE OF. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00711 TO VELODYNE FOR A PUMP FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,612.92.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR A SWIMMING POOL FOR 727 OLD ORCHARD DRIVE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED SUBLETTING OF LOTS 53 AND 54 IN LAKE BENTON PUBLIC PARK, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 53 LEWIS LANE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO REINSTATE THE EXCESSIVE WATER SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR WATER BILLS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE BELIEVES AN INSPECTION SHOULD BE DONE TO PROVE THAT THE WATER DID NOT TRAVEL THROUGH OUR SEWER SYSTEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN TO THE WATER DEPARTMENT ABOUT THIS AND AGREED WITH HER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM’ S MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00422 TO FENIEX INDUSTRIES FOR A REPLACEMENT LIGHT BAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,383.83.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MOVING THE SUCCESSFUL CADET CANDIDATE, RIVER STILLEY, FROM CADET TO PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER STATUS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MR. STILLEY HAS COMPLETED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED OF HIM AS A CADET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF TYLER JENNINGS, DAKOTAH REED, AND ANDREW KELLY TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MR. JENNINGS IS A RETIRED UNITED STATES MARINE FIREFIGHTER, MR. REED IS A CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER HAVING PREVIOUSLY SERVED IN BENTON, AND MR. KELLY IS A TRANSPLANT FROM THE PINCKNEYVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED COMMISSIONER STOREY’ S MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR OCTOBER 25, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $77,284.65 AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,7119.70 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $103,004.35.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DISCONTINUATION OF THE USE OF ILLINOIS E-PAY FOR WATER PAYMENTS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNION HAVE REACHED A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT, HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING THIS EVENING AND SO HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FOP AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

UNDER UPDATES FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PASSION TO ACTION AND BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS WITH CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION FOR ALL THE WORK THEY DO IN OUR COMMUNITY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FEELS THAT THE VOLUNTEER GROUPS HAVE SPARKED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND HE WANTED TO STATE HOW MUCH HE APPRECIATED ALL THEY DO.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT WE HAVE HAD WONDERFUL THINGS HAPPENING IN BENTON.  HE STATED THAT FOOTBALL IS HEADED TO THE PLAYOFFS, GOLF GOT 2^ND IN STATE, CROSS COUNTRY ARE REGIONAL CHAMPS, AND WE JUST HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL FALL-O-WEEN EVENT THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ACQUISIT5ION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 503 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA PROVIDED THE COUNCIL WITH PICTURES OF THIS DILAPIDATED PROPERTY THAT IS BEING GIVEN TO THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ACQUISITION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 503 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION APPROVING ENTERING INTO A GRANT WRITING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HEARTLAND MEDIA MANAGEMENT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE SOMEONE EMPLOYED FOR THE CITY THAT HAS THE TIME NEEDED TO SEARCH FOR AND WRITE GRANTS AND THIS WOULD SOLVE THAT PROBLEM.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AS IT IS NOW, THE CITY IS LEAVING A LOT OF MONEY FROM GRANTS OUT THERE THAT WE COULD BE PUTTING TO GOOD USE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO A GRANT WRITING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HEARTLAND MEDIA MANAGEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED COLE BUCHANAN AND PARKER JOHNSON, STUDENTS FROM BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL, TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS THE REASON THEY ARE ASKING FOR A SPONSORSHIP FOR THE EDGE PROGRAM.  MR. JOHNSON AND MR. BUCHANAN STATED THAT THEY, ALONG WITH OTHER STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, ARE IN THE EDGE PROGRAM THIS YEAR.  THEY DESCRIBED THE PROGRAM AND WHAT IT DOES FOR THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS.  MR. JOHNSON AND MR. BUCHANAN ASKED FOR A SPONSORSHIP OF $750 FROM THE CITY TO HELP WITH SETTING UP THEIR BUSINESSES FOR THE CLASS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $750.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED AS HE IS THE INSTRUCTOR FOR THIS PROGRAM. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS SO HAPPY TO SEE ALL THE LEADERSHIP COMING FROM OUR HIGH SCHOOL KIDS.  SHE STATED THAT HER “HEART IS EXPLODING” FROM ALL OF THIS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS WHEN THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT WILL BE PAID OFF.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE PAYOFF DATE IS MAY 1 OF 2038.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY IS MONEY AHEAD BY PAYING THE BOND OFF THE WAY IT IS SCHEDULED BECAUSE OF THE INTEREST RATE WE ARE GETTING.  MR. CARTER ALSO THANKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM FOR REINSTATING THE EXCESSIVE WATER LOSS SEWER ADJUSTMENTS. 

JUDY COURTER ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  SHE STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH SCOUTS FOR MANY YEARS.  SHE STATED THAT IT TAKES $85 TO REGISTER A SCOUT AND $400 FOR THEM TO GO TO CAMP.  SHE STATED THAT IT IS DIFFICULT FOR MOST OF THE KIDS TO COME UP WITH THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY.  SHE WANTED THE COUNCIL TO KNOW THAT OUR LOCAL SCOUT GROUP HAS WON A REGIONAL AWARD FOR SCOUTING 3 TIMES AND THAT IT TAKES 300 HOURS PER YEAR PER SCOUT TO DO THIS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED MS. COURTER TO PLEASE APPROACH THE COUNCIL WITH NEEDS THEY MAY HAVE SO THAT THEY MAY BE ABLE TO HELP. 

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

6:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 902 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

IN UPDATES, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS NO NEW NUMBERS TO REPORT ON THE REPAIRS TO 1403 SOUTH MAIN AT THIS TIME.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ADDED THAT AT THIS POINT IN TIME THERE HAS BEEN NO ONE WILLING TO TAKE THE PROJECT ON.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AGREED ON THAT POINT. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LOT #39 FROM JUDITH ACKERMAN TO THE JOHN AND JUDITH ACKERMAN TRUST.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-09 CLOSING THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR THE CDBG WATER MAIN PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00133 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR OUTFITTING THE NEW POLICE VEHICLE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,608.95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED FOP CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS OUTLINED CHANGES OF YEARLY RAISES BEING 4% FOR THE FIRST YEAR, 3% FOR THE SECOND YEAR, AND 2.5% FOR THE THIRD YEAR AS WELL AS AN INCREASE IN UNIFORM ALLOWANCE FROM $650.00 PER YEAR TO $700.00 PER YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOP CONTRACT FOR MAY 1, 2024 TO APRIL 30, 2027.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO SEND DYLAN PALMER TO THE FIRE ACADEMY IN PEORIA FOR A 17-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,975.00 FROM FEBRUARY 24, 2025 TO MAY 16, 2025 AND MAY 19, 2025 TO JUNE 20, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $76,571.74 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,159.50 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $100,731.24.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,499.34, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,516.83, TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,959.96, AND COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,634.43 FOR A TOTAL BILL RUN OF $341,610.56.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO ADDED THAT THE AMOUNT PAID FROM COMMUNITY EVENTS WAS COVERED BY A GRANT RECEIVED FROM THE BENTON ELKS’ LODGE.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO REPORT THAT THE RANGER FOOTBALL TEAM WILL BE HEADING IN TO THE 3^RD ROUND OF PLAYOFFS THIS COMING WEEKEND.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE LAST ROUND WAS PLAYED AT HOME AND HE WAS VERY PROUD TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE SUPPORTING THE TEAM.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS IS SLATED TO TAKE PLACE NOVEMBER 30, 2024 AROUND THE PUBLIC SQUARE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SETBACK LINE VARIANCE LOCATED AT 143 MUNDELL DRIVE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE CITIZEN NEEDED A 9-INCH VARIANCE ON HIS PROPERTY.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS REVIEWED THE LINES AND HIS RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR A SETBACK LINE VARIANCE AT 143 MUNDELL DRIVE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO PREPARE AND FILE THE ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S TIF REPORTS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE FIRM THAT DID THIS FOR US IN THE PAST IS NO LONGER ABLE TO FILE THE REPORTS FOR US.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD RECOMMEND HIRING MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO PREPARE AND FILE THE ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S TIF REPORTS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE COST FOR FILING THESE REPORTS WILL BE $1,500.00 FOR BOTH REPORTS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT DURING THE STRUCTURE FIRE LAST WEEK, HE NOTICED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS IN NEED OF A NEW 5-INCH HOSE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE HOSE HAS MULTIPLE BUBBLES IN THE LINE.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS HOSE HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE 1995.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE WORK THAT THEY DID DURING THIS HOUSE FIRE. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, LINDA SMITH ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  MRS. SMITH ASKED WHEN THE COUNCIL WAS PLANNING ON FIXING MCLEANSBORO STREET WHERE THE NEW SEWER LINE WAS PLACED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE IS A PERIOD OF SETTLING THAT MUST HAPPEN AND MORE REPAIRS TO THE ROAD WILL BE DONE IN THE SPRING.  MRS. SMITH ALSO STATED THAT SHE WAS REQUESTING TRASH FOR A HOME THAT THEY ARE REMODELING ON SMITH STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH MRS. SMITH EARLIER IN THE DAY AND THAT THEY HAD COME TO AN AGREEMENT AT THIS TIME REGARDING THIS SMATTER.  HE EXPLAINED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY IN REGARDS TO WHETHER THIS NEEDED TO BE CODIFIED INTO AN ORDINANCE OR IF THIS SHOULD BE POLICY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS CODIFIED INTO ORDINANCE.

ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT, KAREN FREEMAN FROM KOA ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL. MS. FREEMAN STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A CROSSWALK PLACED AT HER BUSINESS AS SHE HAS BUSINESS ON BOTH SIDES OF DUQUOIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD SPEAK TO THE PUBLIC WORKERS DIRECTOR, CRAIG MILES, ABOUT THIS AND GET BACK TO HER.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH SAFETY BY PUTTING A CROSSWALK IN DU TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE CROSSWALK WHEN TRAVELING NORTH., CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THERE BE GRANTS AVAILABLE TO HELP WITH THIS IF THE COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO THEM. 

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

5:38 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALL. COMMISSIONER

COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.  UNDER UPDATES, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE REPAIRS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAVE FINALLY BEEN COMPLETED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE IS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING BIDS FOR 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR 401 EAST BOND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00421 TO S&S MUFFLER FOR 2 FRONT TIRES, MOUNTED AND BALANCED, FOR THE PUMPER TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,190.98.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF DYLAN PALMER AS A PROBATIONARY FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER OFF THE CURRENT ELIGIBILITY LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH THEN SWORE MR. PALMER IN AS A FIREFIGHTER. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $81,489.14 AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,025.93 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $103,515.04.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM DOWNTOWN TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $515.91, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,472.91, AND THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $399,930.37 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $409,403.28 TO BE PAID ON 10/14/2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A YEAR END STIPEND FOR ALL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES OF A $50.00 SAVE A LOT GIFT CARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE COUNCIL NEEDED TO THINK ABOUT GIVING A YEAR END STIPEND TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS AS WELL. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNION HAVE REACHED A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVE OF THE UNION NEGOTIATIONS AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNION NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

UNDER UPDATES FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WORK HAS BEGUN ON MALKOVICH PARK, THE WORK IN THE NORTHEAST MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT HAS BEEN COMPLETED, AND FALL-O-WEEN WILL BE HAPPENING AT CAPITAL PARK THIS COMING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00851 TO LINKDIN FOR A 12 MONTH PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $959.88 THAT WAS SUBMITTED BY BRIAN CALCATERRA FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WOULD ALLOW MR. CALCATERRA TO BE ABLE TO CONNECT WITH BUSINESSES THAT MAY WANT TO COME INTO OUR COMMUNITY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00851 TO LINKDIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $959.88.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR A ZONING CHANGE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 328 SOUTH MAIN STREET.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED APPROVING THIS APPLICATION AS THE ZONING IS CONTIGUOUS AND NOT SPOT ZONING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR A ZONING CHANGE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 328 SOUTH MAIN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE COUNCIL RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE CDAP GRANT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-09.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT OF LOCAL FUNDS FOR THE CDAP GRANT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-10 A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT OF LOCAL FUNDS FOR THE CDAP GRANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED PATRICK GREENACRE AND KENDRA SHAW FROM BERWYN SHOPS TO GIVE A PRESENTATION.  THEY GAVE AN OVERVIEW OF THE BERWYN SHOPS AND BERWYN BOUTIQUES PROJECT THEY BEGAN IN BERWYN, ILLINOIS.  MR. GREENACRE AND MS. SHAW SHOWED THE COUNCIL PICTURES, DISCUSSED THE PROCESS OF PICKING TENANTS, AND WENT THROUGH COSTS TO COMPLETE THEIR PROJECT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE AND BRIAN CALCATERRA HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO DOING A PROJECT LIKE THIS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. 

ALSO IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE BENTON COMMUNITY PARK RECENTLY UNDERWENT AN I PARK INSPECTION.  HE STATED THAT HE WAS HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THE COMMUNITY PARK RECEIVED A “100”.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS UNHEARD OF.  HE STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE PARK DOES NOT BELONG TO THE CITY, IT IS A JEWEL FOR BENTON AND HE HEARS A LOT OF COMPLIMENTS ON HOW NICE THE COMMUNITY PARK IS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, A GENTLEMAN, WHO DID NOT REVEAL HIS NAME TO THE COUNCIL, STATED THAT HE HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED A HIGH BILL FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  THIS GENTLEMAN STATED THAT HE USUALLY RECEIVES A BILL CLOSE TO $90.00, BUT THIS BILL WAS FOR $358.00.  THIS GENTLEMAN STATED THAT NO ONE FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT CALLED TO LET HIM KNOW HE HAD A LEAK.  HE STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SEWER USED WITH THIS LEAK AS IT WAS EVENTUALLY FOUND IN HIS YARD AND HE DOESN’T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CITY OFFERS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THIS, BUT DOES OFFER ADJUSTMENTS FOR FILLING SWIMMING POOLS.  THIS GENTLEMAN STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THIS LEAK, HE HAD TO HAVE HIS YARD EXCAVATED AND IT ENDED UP COSTING HIM $5,100.00 TO FIX THIS. 

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT OUR METERING SYSTEM FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IS TERRIBLE.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED THE COUNCIL WHERE WE ARE ON PAYING OFF THE SEWER PLANT.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW LONG THE CITIZENS OF BENTON WILL BE CHARGED THE HIGH RATES. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE THE EXACT NUMBER FOR PAYING OFF THE SEWER PLANT, BUT HE WILL HAVE THIS NUMBER FOR THE NEXT MEETING.  MR. CARTER ASKED WHERE THE CITY IS ON THE COSTS FOR REPAIRING 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED ALL THE BIDS/PROPOSALS BACK AT THIS TIME.  MR. CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM IF SEWER ADJUSTMENTS WILL CHANGE TO INCLUDE LEAKS AT THE FIRST OF THE YEAR.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE COUNCIL IS LOOKING INTO THIS. 

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

6:00 P.M.