Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 14, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT ANY TIME THE MUNICIPALITY IS DEALING WITH FEDERAL MONEY, A CERTAIN CRITERION MUST BE FOLLOWED.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT A QBS POLICY MUST BE PASSED AS WELL AS RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. DOUG CIME FROM HANSEN PROFESSIONALS ACCOMPANIED MR. POTTS AND STATED THAT HIS COMPANY HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING EASEMENTS FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. CIME STATED THAT 21 OFFERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT THIS TIME.  THERE ARE 8 SIGNED EASEMENTS, 2 THAT ARE IN AGREEMENT AND WAITING TO SIGN, AND THERE ARE 11 PENDING AND IN NEGOTIATIONS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS POLICY FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THIS HAS TO BE DONE EVERY 5 YEARS AND THAT SINCE IT WAS A VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS, IT IS GOOD FOR ANY PROJECT DONE WITH FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 RELEASE OF RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING LAKE LOT LEASE LANGUAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD BEEN APPROACHED AND ASKED TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LEASE TO ONLY BEING ABLE TO TERMINATE A LAKE LOT LEASE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THIS LANGUAGE OR MAKE NO CHANGES AT ALL.  NO MOTION WAS MADE FROM THE COUNCIL ON THIS ITEM. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REWIRING OF THE STREET BARN AND TO GET PRICES FOR THIS TO BE DONE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A DISCUSSION HAS BEEN HELD REGARDING PARKING ON EAST MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT UNTIL CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURTHOUSE IS COMPLETED BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON PARKING. 

 COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-01 FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE REND LAKE WATER PARADE.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MONTHLY “CRUISE” SERIES PUT ON BY MR. JEFF SHOCKLEY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST SECTIONS OF THE SQUARE FROM MALKOVICH PARK TO CAFÉ BLOOM, AND IF NEEDED THE USE OF CAPITOL PARK.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HIMSELF TO APPROACH THE COUNTY FOR CARES FUNDING TO REPAIR INFRASTRUCTURE AND SIDEWALKS AROUND THE SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 #00367 TO EVAPAR FOR EMERGENCY GENERAL REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $649.50.  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 ORDINANCE #22-01 AUTHORIZING LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  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 STATED THAT THE MOVE OF DISPATCH HAS GONE VERY WELL AND THAT HE FEELS THE SERVICE IS BETTER THAN WHAT WEST CITY PROVIDED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,325.96.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,439.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,498.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,388.77.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,688.52 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,739.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,427.52.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS TOTAL INCLUDES POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,108.94.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS TO SPEAK ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WILL BE RETIRING THIS YEAR AND HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HIS $5,000.00 STIPEND FOR COMPUTER CRIMES INVESTIGATOR TO BE GIVEN TO CHRISTINE KRAFT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT CHRISTINE HAS BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR 12 YEARS AND HAS BEEN HANDED A LOT OF NEW DUTIES WITH THE NEW POLICE REFORM AND HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES A SALARY INCREASE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MRS. KRAFT RECEIVE A $7,000.00 A YEAR RAISE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT THIS WOULD TAKE MRS. KRAFT’S SALARY TO $43,900.00 A YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS VERY GOOD AT HER JOB AND ALWAYS APPEARS BUSY WHEN HE IS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES WHAT CHIEF ANDREWS HAS PROPOSED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS NOT PREPARED TO VOTE ON THIS AT THE CURRENT MEETING AND WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO RUN THE NUMBERS BEFORE THE VOTE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE SECURITY MEASURES AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO SEEK BIDS FOR FENCING OF THE STREET AND WATER PROPERTIES AS WELL AS INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOLAR POWER FOR CITY PROPERTIES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF CRAIG MILES, LEE MESSERSMITH, AND RODNEY POTTS TO RESEARCH SOLAR POWER FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO POSSESS A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME ALREADY PLACED ON BROWN STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION ALLOWING AN ORDINANCE TO BE DRAFTED FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO HAVING A DRIVE THRU WINDOW PLACED IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CITY’S QUESTIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AN IN-PERSON MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED.  LENNIE SHELTON, DIRECTOR OF THE BENTON/WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, STATED THAT SHE APPRECIATES ALL THAT THE CITY DOES FOR THE CHAMBER AND THEIR EVENTS. 

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

7:24 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 14, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 224, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT ANY TIME THE MUNICIPALITY IS DEALING WITH FEDERAL MONEY, A CERTAIN CRITERION MUST BE FOLLOWED.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT A QBS POLICY MUST BE PASSED AS WELL AS RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. DOUG CIME FROM HANSEN PROFESSIONALS ACCOMPANIED MR. POTTS AND STATED THAT HIS COMPANY HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING EASEMENTS FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. CIME STATED THAT 21 OFFERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT THIS TIME.  THERE ARE 8 SIGNED EASEMENTS, 2 THAT ARE IN AGREEMENT AND WAITING TO SIGN, AND THERE ARE 11 PENDING AND IN NEGOTIATIONS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS POLICY FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THIS HAS TO BE DONE EVERY 5 YEARS AND THAT SINCE IT WAS A VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS, IT IS GOOD FOR ANY PROJECT DONE WITH FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 RELEASE OF RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING LAKE LOT LEASE LANGUAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD BEEN APPROACHED AND ASKED TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LEASE TO ONLY BEING ABLE TO TERMINATE A LAKE LOT LEASE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THIS LANGUAGE OR MAKE NO CHANGES AT ALL.  NO MOTION WAS MADE FROM THE COUNCIL ON THIS ITEM. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REWIRING OF THE STREET BARN AND TO GET PRICES FOR THIS TO BE DONE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A DISCUSSION HAS BEEN HELD REGARDING PARKING ON EAST MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT UNTIL CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURTHOUSE IS COMPLETED BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON PARKING. 

 COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-01 FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE REND LAKE WATER PARADE.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MONTHLY “CRUISE” SERIES PUT ON BY MR. JEFF SHOCKLEY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST SECTIONS OF THE SQUARE FROM MALKOVICH PARK TO CAFÉ BLOOM, AND IF NEEDED THE USE OF CAPITOL PARK.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HIMSELF TO APPROACH THE COUNTY FOR CARES FUNDING TO REPAIR INFRASTRUCTURE AND SIDEWALKS AROUND THE SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 #00367 TO EVAPAR FOR EMERGENCY GENERAL REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $649.50.  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 ORDINANCE #22-01 AUTHORIZING LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  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 STATED THAT THE MOVE OF DISPATCH HAS GONE VERY WELL AND THAT HE FEELS THE SERVICE IS BETTER THAN WHAT WEST CITY PROVIDED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,325.96.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,439.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,498.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,388.77.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,688.52 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,739.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,427.52.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS TOTAL INCLUDES POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,108.94.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS TO SPEAK ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WILL BE RETIRING THIS YEAR AND HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HIS $5,000.00 STIPEND FOR COMPUTER CRIMES INVESTIGATOR TO BE GIVEN TO CHRISTINE KRAFT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT CHRISTINE HAS BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR 12 YEARS AND HAS BEEN HANDED A LOT OF NEW DUTIES WITH THE NEW POLICE REFORM AND HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES A SALARY INCREASE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MRS. KRAFT RECEIVE A $7,000.00 A YEAR RAISE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT THIS WOULD TAKE MRS. KRAFT’S SALARY TO $43,900.00 A YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS VERY GOOD AT HER JOB AND ALWAYS APPEARS BUSY WHEN HE IS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES WHAT CHIEF ANDREWS HAS PROPOSED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS NOT PREPARED TO VOTE ON THIS AT THE CURRENT MEETING AND WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO RUN THE NUMBERS BEFORE THE VOTE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE SECURITY MEASURES AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO SEEK BIDS FOR FENCING OF THE STREET AND WATER PROPERTIES AS WELL AS INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOLAR POWER FOR CITY PROPERTIES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF CRAIG MILES, LEE MESSERSMITH, AND RODNEY POTTS TO RESEARCH SOLAR POWER FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO POSSESS A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME ALREADY PLACED ON BROWN STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION ALLOWING AN ORDINANCE TO BE DRAFTED FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO HAVING A DRIVE THRU WINDOW PLACED IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CITY’S QUESTIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AN IN-PERSON MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED.  LENNIE SHELTON, DIRECTOR OF THE BENTON/WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, STATED THAT SHE APPRECIATES ALL THAT THE CITY DOES FOR THE CHAMBER AND THEIR EVENTS. 

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

7:24 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 24, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW CIRCUIT CLERK JIM MUIR TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. MUIR STATED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL INVITATION, BUT HE WANTED TO PRESENT A “SAVE THE DATE” OF SORTS FOR THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  MR. MUIR STATED THAT THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION IS APRIL 22, 2022 AT 11 A.M.  CITIZENS WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE WEST SIDE ENTRANCE OF THE COURTHOUSE, BE GIVEN A TOUR, AND EXIT THROUGH THE SALLY PORT WHERE HOTDOGS, BURGERS, AND OTHER SANDWICHES WILL BE SERVED.  THE FOOD IS BEING DONATED BY THE LOCAL BANKS.  MR. MUIR ALSO STATED THAT THAT EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE WILL RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE COIN AND BOOKLET THAT ARE BEING PAID FOR BY ADVERTISING IN THE BOOKLET. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO ASKED DAVID HARP TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARP STATED THAT THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IS PROCEEDING WELL AT THIS TIME. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF LAKE LOT LEASE #31 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO BRETT LOHMEYER AND JULIE LOYMEYER.  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 THE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT RENEWAL WITH EVAPAR FOR THE GENERATOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 QTPOD SUPPORT AGREEMENT AND ANNUAL CELL PLAN FOR THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,425.00.  THIS SUPPORT IS WHAT ALLOWS THE USE OF THE “PAY AT THE PUMP” FUEL SYSTEM.  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 ADVERTISING FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MOWING BIDS FOR TWIN OAKS, BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, BENTON CITY HALL, AND THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS MOWED THE CITY HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND TWIN OAKS IN THE PAST, BUT THIS YEAR THEY WILL BE CONCENTRATING ON REPLACING WATER LINES INSTEAD.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE SAW NO REASON TO BID OUT THE AIRPORT AS LAST YEAR’S MOWING PERSONNEL DID AN EXCELLENT JOB.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE FELT IT WAS ONLY FAIR TO BID ALL OF THE AREAS THAT NEED TO BE MOWED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY FOR THE WATENA STREET CROSSING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THIS IS PART OF THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT AND MONEY HAS BEEN ALLOTTED TO COVER THE COSTS ASSOCIATED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT IN JULY OF 2022 THE I-57 EXPANSION PROJECT WILL BE COMING TOWARDS BENTON, BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 71 AND 77.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00052 TO NOVACOM FOR A CAMERA SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,574.95 TO BE PAID FROM THE DUI FUND.  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 HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY HAS THE MONEY TO DO THIS, BUT WE ARE USING OUR MONEY IN OTHER PLACES AS OPPOSED TO WHERE IT SHOULD.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JANUARY 21, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,750.99 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,443.91 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,194.90.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION THAT NO ADDITIONAL COVID BENEFITS BE PAID TO CITY EMPLOYEES RETROACTIVE TO DECEMBER 31, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00659 IN THE AMOUNT OF $900.00 TO PURCHASE A PAGE IN THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HISTORY SOCIETY/COURTHOUSE DEDICATION BOOKLET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE FELT THE SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR TWIN OAKS NEEDED TO BE RAISED FROM $100.00 TO $200.00 TO COVER THE COSTS OF CLEANING AND REPAIRS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 AT 10 A.M. THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD CEASE DISPATCH WITH WEST CITY AND BEGIN WITH CENTRAL DISPATCH. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JEFF SHOCKLEY STATED THAT HE FELT NOT ALLOWING HIS CAR SHOWS ON THE SQUARE WAS A MISTAKE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. SHOCKLEY STATED THAT HE HAD ONE SHOW WITH 68 CARS, HAS THE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE, AND HAS ASKED BUSINESSES ON THE SQUARE IF THEY MIND HIS SHOWS.  MR. SHOCKLEY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HIS CAR SHOWS ON THE 2^ND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER FROM 4 P.M. TO 8 P.M. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SEPTEMBER, WHICH WOULD BE THE 3^RD SATURDAY TO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WOULD DO SOME CHECKING WITH THE BUSINESSES AROUND THE SQUARE AND REPORT BACK TO THE COUNCIL WITH THEIR FINDINGS AT THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. 

1. TOM CARTER STATED HE HAD SOME QUESTIONS REGARDING THE AUDIT. HE STATED THAT THE DID NOT BELIEVE THE AUDIT WAS ACCURATE AS IT SHOWED A $600,000.00 DEFICIT IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS. CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT WAS AWARE THERE WERE SOME PROBLEMS AND MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED WITH THE AUDITING FIRM TO DISCUSS THIS AND OTHER ITEMS.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE COUNTY IS $2½ MILLION DOLLARS BELOW BUDGET ON THE COURTHOUSE AND HE BELIEVES THEY ARE DOING A GOOD JOB. 

AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS MOWER AT THE AIRPORT PROPERTY CHARGED $200/00 PER MOW.  HE ALSO REPORTED THAT THE TREE REMOVAL HAS ALMOST BEEN COMPLETED, THE TERMINAL HAS BEEN PAID OFF, AND THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,500 TAKE OFF AND LANDINGS THAT OCCURRED AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT THIS YEAR.  MR. HARRISON ALSO STATED THAT 20,000 GALLONS OF FUEL WERE SOLD THIS YEAR AT THE AIRPORT AND THIS PRODUCED APPROXIMATELY A $5,000.00 PROFIT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE RUNWAY PAINTING WILL OCCUR IN THE SPRING, A REDO ON RUNWAY LIGHTING WILL BE PLACED FOR BID, AND THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF A CORPORATE SIZED HANGER BEING BUILT AND A RUNWAY EXTENSION.  MR. HARRISON ANNOUNCED THAT THE 2^ND SATURDAY FOOD TRUCK FLY INS WENT VERY WELL LAST YEAR AND WILL BE DONE AGAIN THIS YEAR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THANK MR. HARRISON FOR ALL HIS HARD WORK AND STATED THAT WHEN THE GOVERNOR AND TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY VISITED THE AIRPORT, THEY WERE VERY PLEASED WITH ALL THE UPDATES. 

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. 

6:55 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 10, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION CEREMONY.  THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.  THE REND LAKE PARADE IS SET TO TAKE PLACE TWO WEEKS LATER.  THE CHAMBER WILL MAKE A DECISION ON ALL THE SPECIFICS AT A LATER DATE.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INVOICE #20 FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE SUMMER CRUISE ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $346,693.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JANUARY 7, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,933.53 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,247.10 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $111,180.63.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN BRIAN CALCATERRA AS ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A THANK YOU LETTER FROM THE BENTON ELKS FOR REDUCING THE GAMING LICENSE FEES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD RECOMMENDED APPROVING THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR SCHIRM USA, INC. TO CONTRACT AN AG CHEMICAL FORMULATION PLANT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  THIS BUSINESS WILL HAVE BETWEEN 15 AND 20 EMPLOYEES IN MULTIPLE POSITIONS.  OPEN DATE WILL BE OCTOBER 1, 2022 AND THEY WILL BE DEALING IN HERBICIDES. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS IT WAS STATED THAT DAVID GARAVALIA HAD WORKED ON 87 DEMOLITIONS BETWEEN 2016 AND 2021. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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. 

6:25 P.M.