Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 23, 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, MAY 9, 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 ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH IF THERE WERE ANY UPDATES REGARDING ITEM (C) UNDER THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO UPDATES AT THIS TIME AND REQUESTED THAT THIS ITEM BE TABLED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  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 ZONING OFFICIAL BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF VACATING AN ALLEY LOCATED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PETITION TO VACATE A 20-FOOT-WIDE ALLEY RUNNING NORTH AND SOUTH A DISTANCE OF 352.5 FEET THAT IS SITUATED WEST OF LOTS 102 THROUGH 108 AND EAST OF LOTS 109 THROUGH 115 IN CRISP, COPPLE, AND MARTIN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF BENTON, SITUATED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS AND THAT ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS HAD BEEN PAID.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE VACATING THIS ALLEY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 COMMEND THE COUNCIL FOR ACTING ON THE ITEMS THEY HAVE BEEN PRESENTED WITH OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS HE FEELS THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS BEEN OVERLOOKED, BUT HE FEELS THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE REALLY HAS SET BENTON OFF AND HE FEELS WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO BETTER OPPORTUNITIES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED HIS DEPARTMENT REPORT.  BETWEEN MAY 1, 2022 AND MAY 23, 2022 THERE WERE SERVICE LEAKS ON BOWLING ALLEY ROAD, SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET, POPE STREET, FIFTH STREET, NINTH STREET, SHERIDAN DRIVE, FOURTH STREET, AND COMMERCIAL STREET.  THERE WERE WATER MAIN BREAKS ON EAST MAIN STREET AND SPANI STREET.  THERE WAS ONE NEW SERVICE PUT IN AT LAKE MOSES.  THERE WERE SEWER ISSUES AT THE HOSPITAL (3 TIMES), SINK HOLE ON FIRST STREET, SEWER ON SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET, LIFT STATION ON CLEARVIEW, SEWER SINK HOLE IN THE 200 BLOCK OF MITCHELL STREET, AND SEWER AT JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER (5 HOURS).  GENERAL WORK IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT CONSISTED OF THE MONTHLY SHUT OFF LIST, 76 JULIE CALLS MARKED, AND CLEANED OUT 13 METER PITS FOR METER REPAIRS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM DAVID BOOKER FOR AN INCREASE IN HIS PAYMENT FOR MOWING AT TWIN OAKS AND THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  MR. BOOKER’S REQUESTED STATED HE WAS ASKING FOR AN INCREASE OF $25 AT THE AIRPORT PER MOW AND $20.00 PER MOW AT TWIN OAKS DUE TO FUEL PRICES REACHING OVER $5.00 PER GALLON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT SINCE THE BID HAD BEEN ACCEPTED, THE CITY HAS SOLD TWO PIECES OF PROPERTY INCLUDED IN THE TWIN OAKS MOW AND THEREFORE HE DID NOT FEEL THE TWIN OAKS INCREASE WAS WARRANTED.  HOWEVER, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH GIVING AN INCREASE IN THE AIRPORT PRICE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE PAYMENT TO DAVID BOOKER TO $225.00 PER MOW FOR THE AIRPORT PROPERTY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A REQUEST TO PERMIT A CAMPER TO SIT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF TWIN OAKS ON JUNE 6, 2022.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD ALLOW THIS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THIS AS IT HAD BEEN DONE IN THE PAST AND FELT THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD ALLOW IT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO NOT ALLOW A CAMPER TO PARK ON THE PROPERTY AT TWIN OAKS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  CITY CLERK CLARIFIED THAT THE MOTION WAS TO NOT ALLOW THE CAMPER TO PARK ON THE PROPERTY. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED THE REPORT FOR HIS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER.  THE REPORT STATED THAT THERE WAS CONCRETE WORK DONE ON THE SIDEWALK ON THE FIRST BLOCK OF JOPLIN STREET AND A DRIVEWAY POURED BACK ON WHISPER WAY FROM REPAIRING A WATER LEAK.  THERE WAS A NEW TILE PLACED ON MITCHELL STREET.  A NEW TRAFFIC CONTROL LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 37 NORTH AND ILLINOIS AVENUE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT TO DATE 40 TON OF COLD PATCH AND 20 TON OF BAM HAVE BEEN USED.  THE STREET DEPARTMENT SPENT FOUR DAYS WEED EATING AND CLEANING THE MAIN PARADE ROUTE.  THE MECHANIC HAS COMPLETELY REDONE THE WATER DEPARTMENT DUMP TRUCK, COMPLETED SERVICE ON THREE OF THE BACKHOES, AND DONE ALL THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE OTHER VEHICLES.  THE MOWER IS BEING RAN EVERY DAY.  FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MONTH OF MAY, THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BE PATCHING HOLES LEFT FROM THE WET WINTER AND SPRING AS WELL AS WORKING ON A MAJOR DRAINAGE ISSUE BEHIND THE APARTMENTS ON LINCOLN DRIVE. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH IF HE COULD FIND OUT WHY THE ISLAND BESIDE US BANK HAS NOT BEEN MOWED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND GET AN ANSWER FOR THE MAYOR. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #0057 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR EQUIPMENT FOR TWO NEW POLICE SUVS IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,658.65.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 #00058 TO LAWMAN FOR ANNUAL SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUBSCRIPTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT.  FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL, 2022, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 8 FIRES, 1 OVERPRESSURE RUPTURE/EXPLOSION/OVERHEAT (NO FIRE), 27 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, 5 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS (NO FIRE), 5 SERVICE CALLS, 3 GOOD INTENT CALLS, AND 4 FALSE ALARM/FALSE CALLS.  THIS CAME TO A TOTAL OF 53 CALLS RESPONDED TO BY THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER CODY SHOCKLEY DUE TO CHANGES IN HIS WORK SCHEDULE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADD ANDREW CAIREL TO THE PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE MATT WARREN AS A FULLTIME FIREFIGHTER ON A 60-DAY-TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT AT A RATE OF $15.00 PER HOUR WITH NO BENEFITS.  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 INCREASE THE RATES FOR “TREAT NO TRANSPORT” AND MILEAGE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLS.  CURRENTLY “TREAT NO TRANSPORT” IS $0.00 AND IT WOULD BE RAISED TO $300.00 AND MILEAGE IS CURRENTLY $12.00 PER MILE AND WOULD BE INCREASED TO $18.00 PER HOUR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 13, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,635.15 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,648.26 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $99,283.41.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 CONSTRUCTION OF A DRIVE-UP TUBE SYSTEM FOR THE BENTON CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,656.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 CONSTRUCTION OF A DROP BOX FOR WATER BILLS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,603.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REQUEST BIDS TO REPLACE THE FENCING AT MALKOVICH PARK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CEASE PROVIDING INSURANCE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AS OF JUNE 1, 2022.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THE COUNCIL DISCUSS THIS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION BEFORE A DECISION WAS MADE. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A BAD DEBT WRITE OFF POLICY FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE WAS GLAD THE COUNCIL DID NOT INCREASE THE PAY FOR MOWING AS IT WOULD BE A BAD PRACTICE TO INCREASE A LOW BID.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ATTEND A COUNTY BOARD MEETING. 

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JASON SEDDON OF 1215 GRAYSON STATED THAT THE BENTON SQUARE LOOKS WONDERFUL.  HOWEVER, MR. SEDDON ASKED IF THE COUNCIL COULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT HIS NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THERE IS EXCESS TRASN, A PERMANENT YARD SALE, AND COOPER BURNS ALONG WITH “METH AND CRACK PROBLEMS”.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE ARE MOSQUITO PROBLEMS AND A LOT OF SPEEDING.  MR. SEDDON ASKED THAT HE IS VERY HAPPY THAT THE DOWNTOWN AREA LOOKS NICE, BUT ASKS THAT THE COUNCIL NOT FORGET THE REST OF TOWN. 

MATTHEW HARRISON, AIRPORT MANAGER, STATED THAT THE NEW SIGN HAS BEEN PLACED AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE AIRPORT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:55 P.M. 

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

7:45 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION IN REFERENCE TO ITEM 7(E) UNDER ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE TO CEASE ALL INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

7:50 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 25, 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 MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022.  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 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FY 2022-2023 BUDGET BECAUSE CITY TREASURER LISA MENO WAS IN THE AUDIENCE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FY 2022-2023 BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 #00671 FROM LENSING BUILDING SPECIALTIES FOR TWO MAGIC FORCE SINGLE AUTO OPERATOR DOORS, INSTALLED, FOR A TOTAL OF $7,995.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS WILL MAKE THE ENTRY DOORS AT CITY HALL ADA COMPLIANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID FROM WYANT CONSTRUCTION FOR A WINDOW AND WALL IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA BROUGHT A MOTION TO THE FLOOR TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH IF THE MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABLE TO HAPPEN.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY FOR COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, THE SECOND MOTION IS THE ACTIVE MOTION AND MUST BE ACTED UPON FIRST.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN SECONDED THE MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FUNDING FOR THE VACTOR SEWER TRUCK FROM STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000.00 WITH A 3.5% INTEREST RATE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT TREASURER LISA MENO AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WILL BE SIGNERS ON THIS ACCOUNT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 PURCHASING MATERIALS FOR THE PARRISH STREET WATER MAIN PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE PROGRAM FOR NON-DOWNTOWN TIF BUSINESS OWNERS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 RESOLUTION #22-05 FOR THE BCHS GRADUATION PARADE.  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 HIRE LOGAN DARR IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS POSITION WILL MAINLY BE FOR MOWING AND THAT MR. DARR WILL START ON 05/09/22 PENDING MR. DARR PASSING HIS PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT MR. DARR WOULD START AT $17.40 PER HOUR.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM 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 TABLE ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR THE MFT ROCK BID AS THE BID TABULATION HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 #00056 TO MORROW BROTHERS FORD FOR TWO 2022 FORD EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPTORS IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,160.00.  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 NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING ON ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING UNION NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPOINTING CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS POLICE CHIEF WITH A 15-MONTH CONTRACT SINCE OFFICER FUNKHOUSER HAD A DEATH IN HIS FAMILY AND HAD NOT HAD TIME TO GO OVER THE CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE DID NOT THINK WE SHOULD WAIT TO APPROVE THIS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO START THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS FOR LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  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 ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO START THE TESTING PROCESS FOR THE POLICE OFFICER ELIGIBILITY LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,044.65.  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 PAYROLL FOR APRIL 14, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,163.50 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,237.03 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $83,400.53.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 PAYROLL FOR APRIL 29, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,456.54 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,683.04 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $99,139.55.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 A PAY RESOLUTION FOR NON-CONTRACT/NON-UNION EMPLOYEES GIVING THE CITY TREASURER, CITY CLERK, BILLING CLERK, WATER CLERK, AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR A $2,100 RAISE TO THEIR BASE SALARY ONE TIME AND A 2% INCREASE IN FY 2023-2024.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DISCUSS THIS ITEM IN EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 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 MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH THE NEW OWNERS OF THE LAKE HAMILTON LOTS AND THAT THEY ARE VERY HAPPY. 

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

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT GRUENINGER AVIATION WAS NOT READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE AVIATION LEASE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  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 FOR A MOTION APPROVING BROWN AND ROBERTS AS THE AIRPORT SPONSOR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE LAND OWNER AT LAKE BENTON, WHERE THE STORM SIREN IS LOCATED, HAS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS SIREN RELOCATED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF THIS IS RELOCATED, IT WILL BE MOVED TO CITY HALL TO HELP WITH STORM NOTIFICATIONS ON THE SOUTH END OF TOWN. 

ALSO, IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE AN UPDATE FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT MOWING FOR THE CITY OF BENTON HAD BEGUN, THERE WERE 11 SERVICE LEAKS FIXED, NUMEROUS SINK HOLES FILLED, ELECTRICAL AT THE STREET BARN HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THERE WAS A POWER OUTAGE AT THE WATER BARN THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE PARRISH STREET WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WILL BEGIN IN JUNE, THE WATER DEPARTMENT IS WAITING ON EQUIPMENT FOR GROUND STORAGE, AND WHEN SCHOOL LETS OUT THE DAMAGED FIRE HYDRANT IN FRONT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE REMOVED AND CAPPED AS THERE ARE FIRE HYDRANTS ON BOTH ENDS OF THE PROPERTY EVEN AFTER THIS HAS BEEN REMOVED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT RODNEY POTTS WITH JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES AS APPLIED FOR THE WATER PERMITS FOR WEST MAIN STREET, DUQUOIN STREET, AND MAPLE STREET. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE NEW EMPLOYEE IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BE GRADER CERTIFIED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AT THIS TIME, MAJORITY OF THIS POSITION WILL BE FOR MOWING.  MR. CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM IF THE VACUUM TRUCK THAT IS BEING PURCHASED IS THE SAME AS WHAT THE CITY ALREADY HAS AND IF ANYONE HAS SEEN A DEMONSTRATION OF THIS MACHINE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS SEEN A DEMONSTRATION AND THAT THIS IS THE SAME MACHINE, BUT MORE MODERN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE CAPABILITIES OF THIS MACHINE HAVE INCREASED.

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, CITY TREASURER LISA MENO STATED THAT SHE HOPED THAT THE NON-CONTRACT/NON-UNION EMPLOYEES PAY RESOLUTION WOULD NOT BE DENIED AS COLLATERAL DAMAGE DUE TO A WAR AMONGST THE COMMISSIONERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:55 P.M. 

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

8:00 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN PAY FOR THE TREASURER, CITY CLERK, BILLING CLERK, WATER CLERK, AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF $40 PER WEEK FOR FY 2022-2023 IN LIEU OF PASSING A PAY RESOLUTION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN STATED THAT SHE DID NOT FEEL GOOD ABOUT DOING THE INCREASE THIS WAY AND WOULD IMMEDIATELY LIKE TO WITHDRAW HER MOTION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT PAY RESOLUTION #22-06 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 AND 2023-2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

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

8:05 p.m.

                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________

CITY CLERK

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 9, 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 PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO GO OUT OF ORDER FOR THIS MEETING AND BEGIN WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS BENTON POLICE CHIEF WITH A 15-MONTH CONTRACT AND A STARTING SALARY OF $67,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AT THIS TIME.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UNION CONTRACT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE A 6^TH FIREMAN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A REPORT IN THEIR PACKET FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT INCIDENTS IN THE MONTH OF APRIL.  THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 431 DISPATCH CALLS THAT INCLUDED 28 ALARM CALLS, 3 AMBULANCE CALLS, 1 ARMED PERSON CALL, 2 ASSAULT/BATTERY CALLS, 16 DISORDERLY CALLS, 21 DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, 4 FIGHT-IN-PROGRESS CALLS, 15 JUVENILE PROBLEM CALLS, 2 MISSING JUVENILE CALLS, 1 PROWLER CALL, 24 SUSPICIOUS PERSON CALLS, 19 THEFT CALLS, 13 WELFARE CHECKS, AND OTHER CALLS IN THE AMOUNT OF 289.  THE REPORT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 13 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS COMPLETED, 24 TRAFFIC STOPS, AND 9 TOTAL CRIMINAL ARRESTS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PRESENT THE ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE REPORT TO THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $236,912.40.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 PAYROLL FOR MAY 2, 2022 FOR THE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,125.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A WRITTEN POLICY ON WHETHER OR NOT THE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER HEALTH INSURANCE FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE REMEMBERED THE COUNCIL MAKING AN AGREEMENT TO NOT TAKE THE HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AT THE TIME HE SAID HE DIDN’T CARE EITHER WAY BECAUSE HE HAD INSURANCE AT THAT TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE SINCE CHANGED AND HE RECENTLY BEGAN TAKING THE HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD DONE SOME RESEARCH ON INSURANCE THAT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH CONTINENTAL TIRE (WHERE COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH’S WIFE WORKS) AND THAT COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH IS ABLE TO GET INSURANCE THROUGH THAT COMPANY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT CALLING HIS WIFE’S EMPLOYER WAS AN OVERSTEP AND THAT IF INFORMATION ABOUT HIS WIFE’S INSURANCE WAS NEEDED, HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPROACHED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO FORM A COMMITTEE TO OFFER THEIR RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO OFFER HEALTH INSURANCE TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED NO PART OF THIS COMMITTEE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMITTEE AND THEN SECONDED THE MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ IF HE HAD SKIPPED HIS TURN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WAS NOT SKIPPING ANYONE, JUST GOING OUT OF ORDER FOR THE EVENING. 

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH IF THERE WERE ANY FURTHER UPDATES ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT MR. MARK GRUENINGER WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND ASKED IF HE HAD ANY UPDATES.  MR. GRUENINGER STATED THAT HE HAS A MEETING ON MAY 11, 2022 WITH PEOPLE’S BANK TO REVIEW THE LEASE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED IF A MOTION COULD BE MADE BY THE COUNCIL TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A FURTHER DATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION FROM THE ZONING BOARD FROM JOHN MOHR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION.  MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF JOHN MOHR FROM THE ZONING BOARD WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 FRED KERLEY TO THE ZONING BOARD.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  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 CALL A RECESS AT THIS TIME.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ HOW LONG THE RECESS WOULD BE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A 28-MINUTE RECESS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TAKE A 28-MINUTE RECESS, RESUMING SESSION AT 6:49 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:21 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOLLOWING THE RECESS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:44 P.M.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD ONLY RECEIVED ONE BID FOR FENCING AT THE STREET BARN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS BID WAS FOR $95,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE BID FOR FENCING AT THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000.00.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00662 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR A STOP LIGHT CONTROL MONITOR FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON NORTH MAIN AND PETROFF ROAD.  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 ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR MFT ROCK FROM BEELMAN LOGISTICS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,980.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE GUYS ALL HANDLED THE PARADE VERY WELL AND THAT ALL CANDY WAS PICKED UP OFF OF THE ROADWAYS. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ TOLD COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH THAT THERE WAS CURRENTLY A POTHOLE ON WHISPER WAY WHERE HE STATED “CARS DISAPPEAR”.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS RECEIVED SOME BIDS ON CONSTRUCTION IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AT CITY HALL FROM ERWIN BUILDERS TO BUILD A WALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,610 AND RELOCATE THE DROP BOX IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,600.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD PRESENT THESE AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE DOES NOT WANT TO HURT ANYONE FEELINGS WHEN DISAGREEING ON AN ITEM.  HOWEVER, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WILL REMAIN FAIR AND WILL ALWAYS ADVOCATE FOR THE CITIZENS OF BENTON AND THEIR TAX DOLLARS BEING SPENT WISELY. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH MATTHEW HARRISON ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF RAISING THE FUEL COSTS AT THE AIRPORT. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AIRPORT IS AT LEAST BREAKING EVEN WITH THE FUEL SALES.  CITY CLERK, BROOK CRAIG, STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED A PROFIT WAS BEING MADE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS QUESTION WILL BE ASKED OF MATTHEW HARRISON. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATION. 

6:55 P.M. 

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

7:11 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION CONTRACT RETROACTIVE TO MAY 1, 2021 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

7:15 P.M.