Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 11, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 27, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ SAID THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN WITH THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED RUSSELL JAY STAGLIK TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT HE WAS RAISED IN BENTON AND HAD MOVED AWAY OVER 20 YEARS AGO TO PURSUE A CAREER IN TELEVISION.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT HE IS A PRODUCER AND HAD PRODUCED SHOWS BASED ON TV SHOWS SUCH AS THE SIMPLE LIFE (WHICH WAS A REALITY SHOW BASED ON GREEN ACRES) AND KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIAN (A REALITY SHOW BASED ON THE BRADY BUNCH), AND THAT HE WILL BE FILMING A REALITY SHOW IN BENTON BASED ON SCHITT’S CREEK.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT TWO SURPRISE CELEBRITIES WILL FLY INTO THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AND LIVE AMONGST THE CITIZENS OF BENTON FOR 5-6 WEEKS.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT HE KNEW THERE WERE TOWNSPEOPLE WHO WERE SKEPTICAL AND DID NOT WANT BENTON TO BE MADE FUN OF.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT HE WAS NOT HERE TO MAKE FUN OF ANYONE IN BENTON AND THAT IF ANYONE WAS MADE FUN OF, IT WOULD BE THE CELEBRITIES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THANKED MR. STAGLIK FOR COMING TO TOWN. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED IF WE HAD ANY MORE INFORMATION REGARDING INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT WE HAD RECEIVED A BID AND HAD MOVED FORWARD WITH THE DRIVE THRU FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT, BUT THAT WE WERE STILL WAITING ON MORE INFORMATION FOR A BULLET PROOF WALL AND WINDOWS FOR CITY HALL. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED IF WE WERE READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUNINGER AVIATION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS ITEM WOULD NEED TO BE TABLED AGAIN.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUNINGER AVIATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT BROOK CRAIG TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AND TO THE FIRE PENSION BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00663 TO SANDNER ELECTRIC FOR A LIFT STATION AT CLEARVIEW IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,049.32.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT WE NEEDED TO RESCIND THE LAKE LOT TRANSFER APPROVAL OF 119B THAT WAS DONE A FEW MEETINGS AGO AS THE SALE DID NOT GO THROUGH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE DEPARTMENT REPORTS TO PRESENT AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID FROM NEWMAN OUT OF DES MOINES, IOWA FOR PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $156,700.00.  THE CITY LOGO WILL BE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WATER TOWER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH STATED THAT THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM HAD BEGUN AND STORM CLEANUP WAS STILL UNDERWAY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING A PLAYGROUND AT 304 GRAND STREET WITH LITTLE COST TO THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE TOTAL PROJECTED COST OF THE PROJECT IS $77,650.00.  OF THE TOTAL COST, $35,000.00 IN PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT TO BE PROVIDED BY THE REALITY SHOW PRODUCTION.  THE REMAINING COSTS TO BE COVERED BY DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE’S BANK, EARTH SERVICES, AND OTHER PARTNERS.  LABOR THE ROCK AND CONCRETE ARE TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MOTION ON THE TABLE WAS TO APPROVE FUNDING THE PROJECT.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION CLOSING THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR AN EVENT IN JULY ON JULY 23, 2022 FROM 12 P.M. TO 10 P.M.  THIS IS RESOLUTION #22-08.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION CLOSING THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL CHAMBER CAR SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2022 FROM 12:00 P.M. TO 6 P.M.  THIS IS RESOLUTION #22-09.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2022 MFT OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM FROM ILLINOIS ASPHALT CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $157,773.28.  THIS WAS THE ONLY BID RECEIVED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MCLEANSBORO AND JOPLIN STREET MILL AND OVERLAY PROJECT WITH THE LOW BID FROM E.T. SIMMONDS CONSTRUCTION, CO. IN THE AMOUNT OF $277,034.10.  BIDS WERE ALSO RECEIVED FROM SAMROM MIDWEST CONTRACTING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $313,224.00 AND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $325,194.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00374 TO ESO FOR EMERGENCY REPORTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,633.00.  THIS PURCHASE ORDER WAS SUBMITTED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $444,922.81.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JULY 8, 2022 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,526.63 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,789.17 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $87,315.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ATTENDANCE OF THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO BY FRED KONDRITZ, CATHY GARAVALIA, LEE MESSERSMITH, COY COCKRUM, BROOK CRAIG, BRIAN CALCATERRA, AND TOM MALKOVICH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ATTENDANCE OF THE ANNUAL TIF CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO BY BRIAN CALCATERRA AND TOM MALKOVICH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED THE COUNCIL THEIR OPINION ON LEAVING THE BUNTINGS UP AT CAPITAL PARK OR TAKING THEM DOWN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALL VOICED THEIR THOUGHTS OF LEAVING THE BUNTINGS UP UNTIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2022.  MAYOR KONDRITZ AGREED THAT THIS WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE TIME. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER WOULD BE A BLAST OR SPRAY.  CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS STATED THAT THIS IS A SPRAY.  ROCKY MORRIS ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY WERE AWARE THAT THE 2021 TAXES, 4^TH DISBURSEMENT, HAD NOT BEEN SENT OUT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY WAS AWARE OF THIS.  WILLIAM MCPHERSON ASKED WHAT THE SIZE OF THE COMMUNITY PARK WOULD BE AND WHO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING CARE OF IT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS PLAYGROUND AREA WOULD BE ON ONE CITY LOT AND IT WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  LENNIE SHELTON FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ASKED IF THE PARK WOULD BE HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS PARK WOULD NOT BE.  AKASH PATEL STATED THAT HE FELT LIKE THIS PARK WOULD BE VANDALIZED.  MATT HARRISON, AIRPORT MANAGER, STATED THAT THE AIRPORT SIGN IS UP AND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN TWO FOOD TRUCK FLY INS, 1 WAS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER THOUGH.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THE RUNWAY WILL BE REPAINTED IN THE NEXT WEEKS.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO THE SPECIAL EVENT AT THE AIRPORT FROM 2 P.M. TO 4 P.M. ON JULY 13, 2022. 

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

6:57 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 27, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  ABSTAIN:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND PRESENT FIRST.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE MATT WARREN AS A FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FIREFIGHTER WARREN TO COME TO THE FRONT OF THE COUNCIL ROOM.  MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN FIREFIGHTER WARREN AND AN OATH WAS SIGNED. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00063 TO MAJESTIC ENTERPRISE FOR A 20-FOOT COURTYARD SERIES FLAG POLE AND INSTALLATION AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $985.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS FLAG POLE WAS DESTROYED IN A STORM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS.  THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR INCIDENTS BETWEEN 05/01/22 AND 05/31/22 AND INCLUDED 9 FIRES, 35 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE CALLS, 4 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, 5 SERVICE CALLS, 6 GOOD INTENT CALLS, AND 4 FALL ALARM/FALSE CALLS FOR A TOTAL OF 63 INCIDENTS.  THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR INCIDENTS BETWEEN 05/26/22 AND 06/26/22 AND INCLUDED 9 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS COMPLETED, 9 TRAFFIC STOPS, 3 TRAFFIC CITATIONS ISSUES, 12 CRIMINAL ARRESTS, 14 ALARM CALLS, 2 AMBULANCE CALLS, 1 ARMED PERSON CALL, 1 ASSAULT/BATTERY CALL, 18 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 29 DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, 3 FIGHT-IN-PROGRESS CALLS, 11 JUVENILE PROBLEM CALLS, 1 MISSING JUVENILE CALL, 2 PROWLER CALLS, 29 SUSPICIOUS PERSON CALLS, 26 THEFT CALLS, 16 WELFARE CHECKS, AND 290 OTHER CALLS WITH A TOTAL DISPATCHED CALLS EQUALLY 443.  IN ADDITION, COMMISSIONER STOREY DISTRIBUTED A MEMO FROM CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER THAT WAS A LETTER OF RECOGNITION FOR OFFICER MORGAN CORN’S PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE ASSISTING THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES INVESTIGATOR ANGELO HIGHTOWER ON JUNE 17^TH, 2022.  THE MEMO STATED THAT INVESTIGATOR HIGHTOWER REPORTED THAT OFFICER CORN WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND VERY HELPFUL. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASES FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED HIS WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT REPORT TO THE COUNCIL.  THE REPORT WAS FOR DATES OF 06/01/22 TO 06/27/22 AND INCLUDED 12 SERVICE LEAKS, 2 NEW SERVICE INSTALLATIONS, 4 SEWER CALLS TO THE FRANKLIN HOSPITAL, 1 INK HOUSE, SEWER ISSUE ON SOUTH NINTH STREET, SEWER ISSUE ON SOUTH FIRST STREET, CHANGING OF THE PUMP ON THE LIFT STATION AT CLEARVIEW, SEWER SINK HOLE ON FAIRLAND STREET, AND THE “SHUT OFF LIST” FOR NONPAYMENT WAS COMPLETED. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO DEPARTMENT REPORT TO SHARE AT THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BIDS FOR THE MCLEANSBORO AND JOPLIN STREET OVERLAY PROJECT WILL BE OPENED NEXT WEEK.  ALSO, THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT BIDS WILL BE DONE IN AUGUST. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/10/22 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,047.95 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,416.28 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,464.23.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR HIMSELF.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

UNDER ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL, A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING BULLET PROOF GLASS AND BULLET PROOF WALLS.  THERE WERE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT GRADE OF “BULLET PROOF” OR “BULLET RESISTANT” MATERIALS THAT WERE TO BE USED.  BECAUSE OF THIS, A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY PASSES A RESOLUTION ALLOWING THE SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE OCCASIONALLY AND THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-07 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDS A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POTENTIAL BUSINESS LOCATING TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II, AS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION TO MOVE FORWARD AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE IN MALKOVICH PARK AFTER HOURS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE ARE HOMELESS PEOPLE SLEEPING IN THE PARK, URINATING IN THE PARK, LEAVING LITTER IN THE PARK, AND SOMEONE WAS ACTUALLY DAUGHTER SHOWERING IN THE GAZEBO AT THE PARK.  THE POLICE HAVE BEEN CALLED ON NUMEROUS INCIDENTS INCLUDING ONE INCLUDING THE MAYOR AND HIS WIFE BEING THREATENED BY ONE OF THE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN THE PARK.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW SIGNS TO BE HUNG IN THE PARK STATING THE HOURS THE PARK IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  THE SIGNS WILL STATE PARK HOURS BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 10 P.M. AND PARK CLOSED HOURS WILL BE 10 P.M. TO 6 A.M.   MAYOR KONDRITZ WOULD LIKE THE SIGNS HUNG AT MALKOVICH PARK AND CAPITAL PARK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO UPDATE ON THE GRUENINGER AVIATION AIRPORT GROUND LEASE AND SO HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THE ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AN AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER STATED THAT TE CONDUIT IN MALKOVICH PARK IS BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD CONTACT MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC TO HAVE THIS FIXED. 

FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL TO UPDATE THEM ON SOME TRAINING HIS DEPARTMENT IS DOING WITH THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THE SECOND WEEK OF JULY THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE DOING ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING WITH THE RESPONSE TEAM.  HE STATED THAT BENTON’S TWO DEPARTMENTS ARE HIGHLY TRAINED AND WILL BE OPEN TO ASSIST OTHER SCHOOLS IF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENT WERE TO HAPPEN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THAT THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEMS TO BE THE DEPARTMENT THAT GETS TO THE SCENE FIRST AND ASKED IF THEY HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED IN THAT SITUATION.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT DOES HAVE EQUIPMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THEN ASKED IF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS ARMED WITH WEAPONS.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ONLY OWNS 3 AR-15’S AND THAT IS BECAUSE THE CITY DOES NOT PURCHASE GUNS AND THE OFFICERS DO NOT WANT TO SPEND THE $1,500.00-$2,000.00 THEMSELVES TO ACQUIRE THIS GUN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ABOUT ADDING THIS TYPE OF PURCHASE TO NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET. 

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

6:40 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 13, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY WERE ABSENT. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TRANSFER LAKE LOT LEASE #119A AND #119B FROM THE BETTY J JONES TRUST TO DANIEL AND SHERRIE HAMMONDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE ONLY THING HE NEEDED TO REPORT ON HIS DEPARTMENT WAS THAT THERE WOULD BE A BID OPENING FOR PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER ON JULY 7, 2022. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE ONLY THINGS HE NEEDS TO REPORT ON HIS DEPARTMENT ARE THAT THERE WILL BE A BID OPENING ON JULY 6, 2022 FOR THE 2023 MFT PROGRAM AND HE WILL BE HAVING A MEETING WITH CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS FOR CURBS ON WASTENA AND TO DISCUSS ISSUES WITH LINCOLN DRIVE. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00059 TO LARRY J FREDERICKS, LLC FOR BALLISTIC HELMETS AND POINT-BLANK STEEL CARRIER VESTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,688.40.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00373 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP FOR A PART OF GLOBE BOOTS TO REPLACEMENT BOOTS WITH HOLES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $517.85.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING JAMES PRITCHARD AS A POLICE OFFICER.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT OFFICER JAMES PRITCHARD HAD SUBMITTED A LETTER NOTIFYING THE MERIT BOARD, CHIEF, AND CITY COUNCIL THAT HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER AT THIS TIME.  THERE WAS NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN ON THIS ITEM. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING MATT WARREN AS A FIREFIGHTER.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. WARREN HAS PASSED ALL BACKGROUND AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIRE MR. WARREN AS A FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER AT THIS TIME TO HELP CUT DOWN ON OVERTIME THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY VACATIONS AND SUCH.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF MATT WARREN AS A FIREFIGHTER.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT HIRING OF PERSONNEL SHOULD BE DONE WITH A FULL COUNCIL AND THEREFORE HE DID NOT FEEL HE COULD SECOND THE MOTION AT THIS TIME.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $352,278.20.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PAYROLL FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,322.84, FIRE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,275.13, AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,685.89 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $109,283.86.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PAYROLL.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED AN INVOICE FOR DO YOUR PART RECYCLING IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,400.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO PAY DO YOUR PART $2,400.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR HIMSELF.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

UNDER ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL, A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING BULLET PROOF GLASS AND BULLET PROOF WALLS.  BECAUSE THERE WERE NO BIDS TO EXAMINE AT THIS TIME, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF DAVID BOOKER’S REQUEST TO RAISE THE COST OF MOWING OF NUISANCE LAWNS DUE TO HIGHER COST OF FUEL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAS REQUESTED THAT THE DECISION OF WHETHER OR NOT TO RAISE PAYMENT BE BASED UPON HOW THE COUNCIL VOTED TO RAISE OR NOT RAISE PAYMENT FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTY MOWING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DENY THIS REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN PAY TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE REQUEST FOR AN INCREASE IN CITY OWNED PROPERTY MOWING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PAPERWORK FOR VACATING A PORTION OF PARK STREET.  IT WAS STATED THAT THE CITY WOULD STILL MAINTAIN AN EASEMENT OF THIS STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION MADE BY AKASH PATEL.  REIMBURSEMENT WOULD BE $5,000.00 AND ESTIMATED COMPLETE DATE OF THIS PROJECT IS OCTOBER 1, 2022.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LEASING A LOT IN THE BENTON INDUSTRIAL TIF UNTIL A FUTURE DATE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WE HAVE A BIT OF A HOMELESS PERSON PROBLEM IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD WITH NO SOLUTIONS AGREED UPON.   COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE DOESN’T BELIEVE WE SHOULD TURN OUR BACK ON THE HOMELESS POPULATION. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF VACATING THE SECITN OF PARK STREET WOULD CAUSE ISSUES BECAUSE OF MANHOLES IN THE ROAD.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE IS NO SEWER IN THIS AREA.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED WHAT THE CITY IS PLANNING TO DO ABOUT ELECTRIC AGGREGATION.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE CITY’S BROKER, REG ANKROM, IS WATCHING THE MARKET CLOSELY.  SHE STATED THAT THE CITIZENS WILL BE SWITCHED BACK TO AMEREN AND THAT THE RATE IS PROJECTED TO BE $0.1067 KWH WHERE OTHER SUPPLIERS ARE COMING IN WITH RATES BETWEEN $0.16 KWH AND $0.17 KWH.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR ELECTRIC SUPPLIER, BUT SHE URGED THEM TO READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE SIGNING OFF ON ANYTHING.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF THE CITY PLANS TO CLEAN UP THE MESS IN THE CLARIFIERS AT THE OLD WWTP.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT DUCKS ARE BUILDING NESTS IN THEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:35 P.M.