Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 11, 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, MARCH 28, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ READ A POST FROM FACEBOOK REGARDING ALL THE GRAFFITI AROUND TOWN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT SEVERAL BUSINESSES, THE PARK, AND CAPITAL PARK HAD BEEN VANDALIZED WITH THIS GRAFFITI.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES WOULD BE PROSECUTED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (C), (D), (E), AND (F).

5. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO VACATE A PORTION OF CRIP AND COPPLE STREETS. MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE VACATING A PORTION OF CRISP STREET AND A PORTION OF COPPLE STREET ADJACENT TO THE CITY OF BENTON STREET DEPARTMENT FACILITY. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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. 

635. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM FROM LANA BAIN OF BAIN AND ASSOCIATES. MRS. BAIN’S RECEIPTS SHOWED THAT SHE SPENT A TOTAL OF $6,635.00 AND THEREFORE SHE IS ELIGIBLE FOR A REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH THE GRANT OF $3,317.50. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

1. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE ALSO RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM FROM DAVID KIMMEL OF KIMMEL INSURANCE. MR. KIMMEL PRESENTED RECEIPTS SHOWING HE SPENT APPROXIMATELY $32,000.00 ON HIS PROJECT. THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED REIMBURSEMENT PER PROJECT IS $5,000.00.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR APPROVAL FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO MR. KIMMEL IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. CALCATERRA PRESENTED A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR HEIDI ZSIDO TO OWN AND OPERATE A HOME OCCUPATION (HAIR SALON) AT HER RESIDENCE OF 1354 WHISPER WAY. THIS WAS APPROVED BY THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

500. CALCATERRA PRESENTED AN APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY DOROTHY VOICE TO OWN AND OCCUPY A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED AT 411 S. BROWN STREET. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT AN EASEMENT HAS BEEN OBTAINED BY MRS. VOICE AFTER THIS WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER. MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT THE VOICE’S WERE INFORMED THEY COULD NOT PLACE THE MOBILE HOME IN THE CITY LIMITS WITHOUT A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND THEY PLACED THE MOBILE HOME IN THE CITY LIMITS ANY WAY.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL APPROVES THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT, THEY WILL BE MAKING HIS JOB HARDER IN THE FUTURE AS THE VOICE’S DID NOT FOLLOW CITY ORDINANCE.  MRS. VOICE ASKED IF SHE COULD ADDRESS THE COUNCIL AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ALLOWED THIS.  MRS. VOICE STATED THAT THEY HAVE PLACED ALL THEIR RETIREMENT INTO THIS HOME AND IT WILL COST THEM ANOTHER $2,500.00 IF THEY ARE MADE TO MOVE THIS HOME. 

AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF THE VOICE’S MOBILE HOME, COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO LEAVE THE MOBILE HOME WHERE IT IS AND APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF THE MOTION BEING ON THE FLOOR, IT DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO OWN AND OCCUPY A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED AT 411 SOUTH BROWN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.

2022. CALCATERRA STATED THAT AN AUCTION WAS HELD AT THE BENTON CITY HALL ON APRIL 9, 2022. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 102 ALEXANDER DRIVE RECEIVED A BID OF $15,000.00. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $15,000.00 FOR 102 ALEXANDER DRIVE FROM JIM HUGHES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

800. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 104 ALEXANDER RECEIVED A BID FOR $10,800.00. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $10,800.00 FOR 104 ALEXANDER FROM JOHN DIETRICH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

200. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 105 ALEXANDER RECEIVED A BID OF $19,200.00. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $19,200.00 FOR 105 ALEXANDER FROM JOHN DIETRICH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 #001780 TO C AND C PUMPS AND SUPPLY FOR A NEW LIFT STATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,087.30.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.   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 #00660 TO COE EQUIPMENT FOR A VACTOR SEWER TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $315,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT IT WILL TAKE ONE YEAR FOR THIS TRUCK TO BE READY.  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 THE TRANSFER OF LAKE LOTS 12 AND ½ OF 11 FROM JIM AND VICKI PAGE TO DUSTIN AND CHELSEA CRISP.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 CREATING A FAÇADE PROGRAM FOR BUSINESSES IN THE CITY LIMITS OF BENTON THAT ARE NOT IN THE TIF DISTRICT.  THE PROGRAM WOULD BE FOR A TOTAL OF $40,000.00 TO BE PAID FROM RESTRICTED FUNDS AND EACH BUSINESS WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE UP TO $5,000.00 BACK FROM THE CITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION # 22-04 FOR FUNDING THE EAST MAIN ROAD 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 WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE OF THE NEW FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  THE PUBLIC SQUARE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DURING THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT FRANKLIN COUNTY WILL BE STRIPING THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE SQUARE AND THEY HAVE ALSO AGREED TO RESTRIPE THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SQUARE AS WELL AS REPAINT THE CROSSWALKS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00053 TO DATAPILOT FOR SOFTWARE RENEWAL FOR COMPUTER FORENSICS IN THE AMOUNT OF $995.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00372 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICES FOR REPAIRS TO ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,761.98.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH TO ADDRESS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING UNION NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THEY ARE CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIREFIGHTERS ARE NEGOTIATING WAGES TO BE ABLE TO HIRE A SIXTH FIREMAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  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 FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $365,357.20.  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 THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,401.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,176.11 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $101,577.93.  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 COMMEND CITY TREASURER LISA MENO FOR ALL THE WORK SHE HAS DONE TO PUT THE BUDGET TOGETHER THIS YEAR. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING THE FY 2022-2023 BUDGET ON DISPLAY AT CITY HALL FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS.  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 REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTS FROM EACH DEPARTMENT TO BE READ AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BEGINNING IN MAY OF 2022.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE DEPARTMENTS COULD SPLIT THE MEETINGS UP AND NOT EVERYONE PRESENT AT THE SAME MEETINGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND ACTING CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER FOR HOW TUNED IN HE HAS BEEN WITH THE GRAFFITI SITUATION IN TOWN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ACTING CHIEF FUNKHOUSER IS DEFINITELY THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB AND ASKED WHEN WE COULD APPOINT HIM AS FULL TIME CHIEF.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WHEN PREVIOUS CHIEF MICHAEL ANDREWS HAS BEEN PAID OUT HIS TIME, THIS COULD TAKE PLACE, AND CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO GET THIS COMPLETED. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS STILL WORKING ON THE INSTALLATIONS OF PLAYGROUNDS THAT MAYOR KONDRITZ HAD ASKED HIM TO LOOK INTO.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE PROPERTY HE IS LOOKING AT IS IN A TRUST AND HE HAS TWO BANKS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN FUNDING THIS PROJECT.  THE PROPERTY USED TO HOUSE THE LINCOLN SCHOOL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD UPDATE THE COUNCIL AS HE GAINS MORE INFORMATION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM SOMEONE ON THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD LETTING HER KNOW THAT THE CITY CAN HAVE THE BENCHES THAT USED TO BE ON THE COURTHOUSE PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO PLACE THESE BENCHES AT CAPITAL PARK. 

ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT PREVIOUSLY THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN ASKED TO REVISE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LAKE LOT LEASE FOR LAKE BENTON IN AN EFFORT FOR CERTAIN BANKS TO PROVIDE MORTGAGES FOR THESE PROPERTIES.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL DECIDED NOT TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE.  THE COUNCIL PREVIOUSLY APPROVED A LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LOT #31, BUT BECAUSE OF THIS LANGUAGE THE FAMILY COULD NOT OBTAIN A MORTGAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE REFUNDING THE TRANSFER FEE OF $150.00 AT THE REQUEST OF THE BUYER. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. WILLIAM MCPHERSON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PLAQUE OF SOME KIND PLACED BY THE MR. A STATUE SO THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT FROM BENTON WILL KNOW WHO THE STATUE IS OF AND WHY IT WAS PLACED THERE.  DAVE SEVERIN ASKED IF HE COULD ADDRESS THIS MATTER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. 

REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN STATED THAT A PLAQUE IS BEING PLACED BY THE COMMITTEE WHO BROUGHT THE STATUE IN.  THE PLAQUE WILL HAVE NAMES OF DONORS WHO DONATED OVER $1,000.00 FOR THE PROJECT AND THERE WILL BE A QR CODE TO BE SCANNED BY YOUR SMARTPHONE THAT WILL TELL A STORY. 

REPRESENTATIVE SEVERAL SO STATED THAT THE BUDGET FOR THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAS BEEN PASSED AND REMAPPING IS COMPLETE.  IN ADDITION, HE STATED THAT THE PRIMARY WILL TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 28^TH THIS YEAR AS OPPOSED TO BEING DONE IN APRIL.  OTHER MATTERS ADDRESSED BY REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN INCLUDED A PORTION OF ROUTE 37 JUST OUTSIDE AND TO THE NORTH OF BENTON BEING RENAMED TO FRANK DUNBAR HIGHWAY, THE LOCAL FUNDS ARE BEING INCREASED A LITTLE BIT, THERE ARE EIGHT NEW SCOOTERS BEING BUILT IN THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS REGION, THERE ARE NEW FLIGHTS FROM CHICAGO TO MARION WITH A PRICE OF AROUND $100.00 PER FLIGHT, AND THERE IS A LINCOLN GOLF TRAIL WITH HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE WORKS.  REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN ALSO STATED THAT FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS WILL BE WHEN SESSER HOMECOMING WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG WITH THE SC3DA NATIONAL ARCHERY TOURNAMENT, PARENT’S DAY AT SIU CARBONDALE, AS WELL AS THE MISS ILLINOIS PAGEANT TAKING PLACE IN MARION.  DUE TO ALL THE EVENTS, ALL HOTEL ROOMS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ARE BOOKED FOR THAT WEEKEND. 

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. 

7:05 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 28, 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, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED REG ANKROM OF SIMEC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION CONTRACT THE CITY HAS ENTERED IN TO IS EXPIRING. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT ALL THE ELECTRIC RATES HAVE DOUBLED AND HE DOES NOT RECOMMEND THE CITY AGREE TO ANY OF THOSE RATES. MR. ANKROM ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PAUSE THEIR ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM FOR 12 MONTHS, BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2022, IN HOPES OF BEING ABLE TO OFFER A BETTER PRICE PER KILOWATT HOUR AT THE END OF THE PAUSE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND THE SIMEC ELECTRIC AGGREGATION CONTRACT FOR 12 MONTHS, BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2022. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO SPEAK REGARDING APPROVAL OF AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER STUDY FOR COMMUNITY HANGAR CONSTRUCTION. MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THERE IS A COMPANY INTERESTED IN LOCATING AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. THE COMPANY IS FUNDING THIS CONSTRUCTION OF THE HANGAR PRIVATELY, BUT THE CITY DOES HAVE TO ALLOW FOR THE STUDY IN ORDER TO BEGIN THIS PROCESS. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER STUDY FOR COMMUNITY HANGAR CONSTRUCTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF BRIAN CHARD AS A WATER DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEE. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. CHARD’S FIRST DAY WOULD BE APRIL 11, 2022 PENDING FIT FOR WORK RESULTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF ILLINOIS TO ELIMINATE PARKING ONE BLOCK OFF THE PUBLIC SQUARE AND CREATE A BIKE LANE ALONG WITH A PROJECT TO REPAVE EAST MAIN STREET. THE CITY’S PORTION OF THIS PROJECT WOULD BE $8,050.00.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AGREEMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE GREATER EGYPT REGIONAL PLANNING TO PROCEED WITH THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE GETTING ESTIMATES FOR AN OVERLAY PROJECT ON MCLEANSBORO STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONE4R STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BEGINNING THE HIRING PROCESS FOR A STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL ANDREWS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS ACTING/INTERIM POLICE CHIEF. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

THERE WAS NOTHING FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO BE DISCUSSED AT THIS MEETING.

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH WAS ABSENT AND NO UPDATES WERE LEFT FOR THE COUNCIL FOR THIS MEETING.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASING A LAUNCH KIT FROM SIDWELL TO CREATE AND CONFIGURE THE ArcGIS SUBSCRIPTION. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WHEN HE PRESENTED THE ArcGIS SYSTEM TO THE COUNCIL PREVIOUSLY, HE DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A LAUNCH KIT THAT HAD TO BE PURCHASED BEFORE THE SYSTEM COULD BE UTILIZED. THIS KIT IS $4,222.00. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF THE LAUNCH KIT FROM SIDWELL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHING SOLAR ENERGY FOR USE IN CITY PROPERTIES. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHORTAGE OF FIRST RESPONDERS IN THE UNITED ST A TES AND IT IS STARTING TO AFFECT OUR AREA AS WELL.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY HANGAR. MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE PRIVATELY FUNDED, BUT THE ENGINEERING STUDY MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE AIRPORT ENGINEER, BROWN AND ROBERTS. MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED ABOUT THE OVERLAY PROJECT ON MCLEANSBORO STREET. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ANSWERED AND STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE SIMILAR TO NORTH MAIN STREET AND WILL BE A 2-INCH OVERLAY.

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. AMON (MIKE) NEWBERRY OF 605 N MCLEANSBORO STREET SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING A HOUSE NEXT TO HIS. MR. NEWBERRY STATED THAT THE HOUSE NEXT TO HIS IS COVERED IN GRAFFITI AND IS AN EYESORE. MR. NEWBERRY STATED THAT THE HOME DOESN’T EVEN HAVE FLOORS IN IT. THE COUNCIL MEMBERS STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

6:50P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 14, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001781 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR REWIRING OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT AND NEW LIGHTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID OF BOOKER’S MOWING SERVICE FOR THE 2022 MOWING BID AT THE RATES LISTED BELOW.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A UTILITY TRACTOR WITH OLD EQUIPMENT TRADE IN FROM H&R AGRI-POWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,500.00 FOR THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE REND LAKE CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REPLACING THE DRIVEWAY AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THE MAPLE STREET ENTRANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ARRIVED AT THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:07 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00371 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICE FOR REPAIRS ON ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,067.65.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 $294,669.14.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MARCH 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,770.16 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,653.32 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,423.48.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MARCH 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,121.59 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,913.80 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $84,035.39.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH WAS ABSENT AND NO UPDATES WERE LEFT FOR THE COUNCIL FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A MOTION WOULD BE NEEDED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY’S STRONG COMMUNITIES’ PROGRAM.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS GRANT WOULD BE FOR $27,353.16.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THIS WOULD BE RESOLUTION #22-04.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT IS DOING A GREAT JOB ON THE WHEELCHAIR RAMP BEING BUILT AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, ROB WILMING FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  MR. WILMING STATED THAT THE HEAD DRIVER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S TRASH DISPOSAL HAS A HEALTH CONDITION THAT HAS CAUSED HIM TO MISS SOME WORK.  HE STATED THAT THE COMPANY IS TRYING TO GET THINGS BACK ON TRACK AND EXPECTS THEM TO BE BACK TO NORMAL VERY SOON. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

6:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS CALLED OUT OF TOWN FOR AN ILL FAMILY MEMBER AND HAS ASKED FOR PERMISSION TO ATTEND THE MEETING REMOTELY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER CATHY GARAVALIA TO ATTEND THE MEETING VIA TELEPHONE CONFERENCE.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ATTENDED VIA PHONE CONFERENCE AND ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-03 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  ABSTAINED:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE HAD A HARD TIME HEARING THE MOTION OVER THE PHONE AND THEREFORE WOULD ABSTAIN. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ARCGIS PROFESSIONAL BASIC SUBSCRIPTION WITH ESRI THAT INCLUDES EDITING CAPABILITIES FOR ZONING CHANGES AND LAND ANNEXATIONS.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE IN ADDITION TO THE GIS MAP WE USE THROUGH FRANKLIN COUNTY AND THIS SUBSCRIPTION WOULD COST $700.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO OPEN ALL MOWING BIDS THAT HAD BEEN RECEIVED IN HER OFFICE.  BIDS WERE RECEIVED AS FOLLOWS: 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF THE MOWING BIDS UNTIL ALL INFORMATION COULD BE VERIFIED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ESTIMATE FROM ALL STARS -N- STITCHES FOR A SIGN AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW A SURVEY OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,800.00 TO BE DONE BY JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY FENCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-02 FOR CLOSING OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICE #21 FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,460.22 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00369 TO FIRE APPARATUS AND SUPPLY TEAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $575.49 FOR REPAIR OF A WATER LINE ON ENGINE #803.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00370 TO SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,731.00 FOR HYDRAULIC RAM EXTRICATION MATERIAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF DAKOTAH REED TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ADDITION OF MATTHEW WARREN TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF KYLE SYNDER TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SALE OF THE 2011 CHEVY TAHOE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE BID RECEIVED FROM IBID IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,500.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, BILLS, OR PAYROLL TO APPROVE FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT” AND (D) “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW TITLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT” IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

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

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

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE FELT THE STREET DEPARTMENT DID A GREAT JOB WORKING ON OUR SNOW- AND ICE-COVERED STREETS THIS YEAR.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER STOREY BOTH STATED THAT THE STREETS WERE THE BEST THEY HAD EVER LOOKED DURING A STORM. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAD A MEETING WITH THE CITY AND IF THE DISCREPANCY WAS RESOLVED.  CITY TREASURER LISA MENO WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED HER TO ADDRESS THESE QUESTIONS.  MRS. MENO STATED THAT THE DISCREPANCY WAS A TYPO AND THAT THE AUDITORS WILL BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE CITY TO RESOLVE ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS CURRENT AUDIT. 

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

6:38 P.M.

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

7:45 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM 7 (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GIVE CHRISTINE KRAFT A $5,000.00 RAISE ON MAY 1, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM 7 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW TITLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  CITY TREASURER LISA MENO ASKED IF SHE COULD SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL ADJOURNED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ AGREED. 

LISA MENO STATED THAT SHE THOUGHT THE COUNCIL WAS VERY KIND AND GENEROUS FOR GIVING CHRISTINE KRAFT A $5,000.00 RAISE AND THEREFORE BELIEVED THAT THEY SHOULD ALSO AFFORD THE SAME TO THE CITY CLERK, THE BILLING CLERK, AND THE TREASURER POSITIONS.  SHE STATED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY AND THAT ALL JOBS HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN AND NOT JUST THE POSITION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED IF MRS. MENO HAD A NUMBER IN MIND AND SHE STATED THE NUMBER WAS $5,000.00.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THEY COULD TALK ABOUT THIS AT A LATER TIME. 

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

7:25 P.M.