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City Council Meeting Minutes – December 8, 2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 8, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 24, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR NO PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMIT. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN OBTAINING ESTIMATES FOR FASCIA AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00152 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR 12 HIGH BACK OFFICE CHAIRS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,328.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00151 TO ZIMMERMAN’S GARAGE FOR REPLACEMENT OF A WATER PUMP ON A 2019 FORD EXPLORER IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00150 TO AXON ENTERPRISES FOR 10 AXON TASER PACKAGES IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,992.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER KAYS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED DECEMBER 5, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $89,046.54 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,265.93 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $116,312.47.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MEETING WOULD NEED TO BE CONTINUED TO PAY BILLS. 

 

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

 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE ELKS PARADE WAS GREAT.  HE ALSO STATED THAT A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN INTERVIEWING FOR THE POSITION OF WATER CLERK AND THAT THERE WERE 161 APPLICANTS FOR THIS POSITION.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD ATTENDED THE GRADUATION FROM THE SWIC POLICE ACADEMY THAT THAT OUR 2 NEW OFFICERS HAVE STARTED THEIR FIELD TRAINING WITH THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED CHIEF FUNKHOUSER HOW THE SWITCH TO THE NEW DISPATCH IS GOING.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO MAJOR PROBLEMS OTHER THAN AN ISSUE WITH THE LOBBY PHONE AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THAT THIS ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN RESOLVED. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001077 TO WEEKS IN BENTON FOR REPAIR OF THE OIL FILTER HOUSING ON THE CODES TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $865.49.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN WORKING WITH S.C.D. REA AND RKH INSURANCE FOR A NEW HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO WITH THE GOLD 3000 OPTION OF LEVEL HEALTH.  THIS WILL COST THE CITY $716.42 PER EMPLOYEE AND THE EMPLOYEE WILL HAVE NO COINSURANCE WHEREAS BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD WAS OVER $900.00 PER MONTH AND THE EMPLOYEE HAD AN 80/20 COINSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LEVEL HEALTH PROPOSAL FOR THE GOLD 3000 OPTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO PROVIDE END OF THE YEAR GIFTS FOR ALL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $100.00 TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR THEIR DEDICATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ADD THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS TO THE SAFETY STIPEND PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD A LISTING OF ALL THE MEETING TIMES FOR THE BOARDS IN THE CITY OF BENTON FOR 2026 IN THEIR FOLDERS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2025-10 ESTABLISHING A GRANT/WRITER/ADMINISTRATOR POSITION IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 24- MANUFACTURED HOUSING CODE TO INITIATE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING MANUFACTURED HOMES FOR RESALE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS A CREATION OF A SEPARATE SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A MANUFACTURED HOME, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN ISSUED A TITLE, TO BE AVAILABLE TO A DEVELOPER WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE INTENTION TO OCCUPY SAID MANUFACTURED HOME.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ORDINANCE, #2025-11.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO GIVE SOME STATS ABOUT THE VETERAN’S ASSISTANCE PROVIDED IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS OFFICE HAS SECURED $268,832.39 IN BENEFITS FOR VETERANS AND THAT THERE WERE 671 CLIENTS SERVED IN THE PAST YEAR WITH 1,014 INTERACTIONS MADE. 

 

ALSO IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN SETTING UP A NON-PROFIT MEETING. 

 

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE COUNCIL UNDERSTOOD THAT THE EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE THAT WAS PASSED WILL STAY THE WAY IT WAS PRESENTED.  NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING.  ALSO IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE FORGOT TO SAY THAT THE MONTHLY REPORTS FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE PLACED IN THE COUNCIL MEMBERS FOLDERS. 

 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BRING THE AUXILIARY POLICE BACK TO THE CITY OF BENTON.  HE ASKED CHIEF FUNKHOUSER WHAT WE COULD DO TO BRING THEM BACK.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT UNTIL THE SAFETY ACT HAS BEEN CHANGED, YOU CANNOT HAVE AUXILIARY POLICE IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 

 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COUNCIL MEETING UNTIL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025 AT 9:30 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

5:30 P.M.

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Posted on December 22, 2025 in Meeting Minutes

City Council Meeting Agenda — December 22, 2025

Posted on December 18, 2025 | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Agenda — December 22, 2025

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS
  4.                                                
  5. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                          COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  7.      APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS
  9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR RESIGNATION
  10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF 120 DAY TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DECORATING COMMITTEE
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE FOR E-BIKES, SCOOTERS, AND OTHER LIKE ITEMS

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                    POSTED 12/18/2025 1 :00 P.M./BC

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Posted in Announcements, Meeting Agendas

SPECIAL AGENDA – DECEMBER 12, 2025

Posted on December 10, 2025 | Comments Off on SPECIAL AGENDA – DECEMBER 12, 2025

A G E N D A

THE CITY OF BENTON WILL HOLD A SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING FRIDAY 12/12/2025 AT 9:45 A.M. AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS 62812.

 

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE ON THE AGENDA FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING:

 

  1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING THE RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT LETTER OF THE BILLING CLERK IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT
  2. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A PART-TIME CLERK FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT

 

BEC

12/10/2025

 

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Posted in Announcements, Meeting Agendas

City Council Meeting Minutes – November 24, 2025

Posted on December 9, 2025 | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes – November 24, 2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS, HE HAD SOMETHING TO SAY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS TIRED, HE KNOWS THE COUNCIL IS TIRED, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY HE KNOWS THE EMPLOYEES ARE TIRED.  HE STATED THAT HE DOESN’T HAVE A VOTE THAT COUNTS UNLESS IT IS A TIE, BUT THAT HE DOES HAVE CONTROL OF WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE EVERYONE TO SPEAK RESPECTFULLY TOWARDS EACH OTHER AND ALLOW BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED LIKE NORMAL. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED KATHY THOMAS WITH THE MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MRS. THOMAS STATED THAT THEY ARE SPENDING APPROXIMATELY $3,000.00 PER MONTH ON FOOD TO PASS OUT.  SHE STATED THAT THERE ARE 150 PEOPLE PER DAY, 2 DAYS A WEEK (TUESDAY AND THURSDAY), THAT COME THROUGH THE MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE FOR FOOD DURING A 3 HOUR WINDOW.  SHE STATED THAT SHE HAS PLANNED A KIDS PARTY FOR DECEMBER 13, 2025 FOR KIDS 9 AND UNDER.  THE PARTY WILL START AT 2 P.M.  THERE WILL BE FOOD, DRINKS, SANTA, AND PRESENTS FOR THE KIDS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED MRS. THOMAS WHAT SHE WOULD LIKE FOR A DONATION TO THE PROGRAM.  MRS. THOMAS STATED THAT SHE WAS KNEW TO THIS AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO ASK FOR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $1,000.00 TO THE BENTON MISTRIAL ALLIANCE FOOD PANTRY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF ANYONE HAD ANY CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS TO BE MADE TO THE MINUTES PLACED IN PACKETS.  NO ONE HAD ANY RECOMMENDATIONS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS THEN MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 10, 2025 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE TYPO IN THE VOTE TAKEN REGARDING HIRING A PART-TIME POSITION IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND SPELLCHECK CHANGING “IDNR” TO “DINER” REGARDING AN AGREEMENT.    SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF ANYONE HAD ANY CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS TO BE MADE TO THE CONTINUED MINUTES PLACED IN PACKETS.  NO ONE HAD ANY RECOMMENDATIONS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS THEN MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AS PRESENTED.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE GENERATOR MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $830.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00724 TO SANDNER ELECTRIC TO REBUILD THE BOWLING ALLEY LIFT STATION PUMP IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,565.93 PLUS FREIGHT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00705 TO X-CELL SPRAY FOAMING FOR 2 INCH SPRAY FOAM OF THE NEW BUILDING FOR THE STORAGE OF THE SEWER VAC TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,650.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00703 TO SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DOOR COMPANY FOR ONE 12’2” X 12 FLUSH PANEL DOOR AND ONE OPENER IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,384.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS AN ASSET IN PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES.  HE STATED THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN LUCKY TO HAVE HIM AND THE KNOWLEDGE HE BRINGS TO THE JOB.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT WE WILL MISS MR. MILES, BUT HE BELIEVES IT IS TIME THAT WE LET HIM RETIRE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AGREED AND STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH HE AND MR. MILES HAVE HAD THEIR DISAGREEMENTS, THEY HAVE BECOME BUDDIES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF COMMISSIONER COCKRUM HAS SEEN ALL THE UPDATED NUMBERS FOR THE ERI.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS SEEN THEM.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF HE WAS PREPARED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE RESOLUTION AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WAS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH AN EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE ALLOW  ING CRAIG MILES, JASON MILES, MELISSA HUNGATE, AND SHANNON TOIGO THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT AND RETIRE EARLY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THE MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT HIS PREFERENCE WAS TO TALK ABOUT THIS LATER IN A CLOSED SESSION BEFORE COMING TO A DECISION.  HE STATED THAT THE POTENTIAL LIABILITY IS $732,000.00 OVER 5 YEARS.  HE STATED IF ONE EMPLOYEE DOES NOT TAKE THIS IT WILL DECREASE THE LIABILITY TO $530,000.00.  HE STATED IF TWO EMPLOYEES DO NOT TAKE IT, IT WILL BRING IT DOWN MUCH FURTHER.  HE STATED THAT THERE ARE SOME VERY GOOD LININGS TO THE ERI, BUT THEY NEED TO TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS BEFORE AGREEING TO THEM.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD PIECES TO THIS, BUT INSTEAD OF MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS TODAY, HE FELT MORE RESEARCH SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN VOTED ON AND THE COUNCIL NEEDED TO MOVE ON. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. MILES PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH PLANS FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE OF MINES AND MINERALS DISCUSSING THE PLANS FOR A RECLAMATION  PROJECT ON THE WARD MINE.  MR. MILES STATED THAT THE MINE SHAFTS WILL BE FILLED IN DURING THIS PROJECT.  MR. MILES STATED THAT AN AGREEMENT WILL BE DONE WITH IDNR, BUT THIS AGREEMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME ON ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00149 TO AMAZON FOR 6 BROTHER DESKTOP SCANNERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,964.04.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID THROUGH THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT A STORAGE SHED IS GOING TO BE NEEDED AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE AS WE SWITCH TO ANOTHER CALL CENTER, 7 YEARS OF CALL REPORTS WILL NEED TO BE STORED AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES ASKED IF HE COULD MAKE A SUGGESTION THAT SINCE THE WATER BARN IS EMPTY NOW THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS COULD BE MOVED TO THE WATER BARN AND THE STORAGE SHED, THEY ARE IN COULD BE USED FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT STORAGE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF THIS SHOULD BE A SECURE FACILITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT IT SHOULD.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN RESEARCHING WHAT WOULD BEST SUIT THE NEEDS FOR STORAGE AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED WHAT WE WERE VOTING ON AND THEN VOTED YES ALONG WITH COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA HANDED THE COUNCIL PAPERWORK SHOWING NOVEMBER RESPOND HOURS AND PAID ON CALL PAYROLL FROM JULY 9, 2026 TO OCTOBER 31, 2025.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS VERY BIG ON VOLUNTEERISM.  SHE STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONSISTS OF 6 CAREER FIREFIGHTERS AND A WORKING SHIT AND THEREFORE THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR COMMUNITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THEY ARE ONLY PAID WHEN THE BELL RINGS.  SHE STATED THAT THE POC SAVE THE CITY A LOT OF MONEY BY THEIR VOLUNTEERING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS MAKING A PLEA TO APPROVE GIFT CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS FOR THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN IN THAT DEPARTMENT FOR ALMOST 8 YEARS AND HE HAS SEEN THEM GO OUT ON HOLIDAYS AND BIRTHDAYS.  HE STATED THAT 99% OF THE PAID ON CALL RESPOND NO MATTER WHEN CALLED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS 1 PART TIME WORKER IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND HE WANTS HIM TO BE INCLUDED AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IT’S THE HOLIDAYS AND THAT EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS WHETHER THEY ARE FULL TIME OR PART TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS DO NOT GET PAID FOR THEIR TRAINING.  SHE STATED THAT IT HURTS HEARTS FOR THEM NOT TO BE RESPECTED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT REGULAR EMPLOYEES, THEY ARE BETTER THAN THAT.  SHE STATED THAT THEY ARE SPECIAL EMPLOYEES WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR $15.00 AN HOUR.  SHE SAID THEY DESERVE OUR APPRECIATION AT CHRISTMAS TIME.  SHE STATED THAT WE COULD TAKE THE MONEY FROM THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH FUND AS WE GIVE OTHER MONIES FROM THIS FUND TO VOLUNTEERS WHO DO NOT DO AS MUCH AS THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION THAT THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS AND 1 PART TIME WATER DEPARTMENT WORKER BE GIVEN $50.00 GIFT CERTIFICATES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED NOVEMBER 21, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,024.71 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,565.67 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $109,590.38.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IN UPDATES HE WANTED TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT THE HOME RULE SALES TAX OF 1% WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2026.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE AUDIT HAS BEEN RETURNED AND THE ONLY FINDING WAS THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE SEPARATION OF DUTIES, BUT DUE TO OUR SMALL STAFF THAT ISN’T POSSIBLE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS SHOWS THE NEED FOR A CITY ADMINISTRATOR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE WEST MAIN PROJECT WILL BE LET SOON.  ALSO, COMMISSIONER KAYS REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT THE CITY CHOSE NOT TO PUT A GROCER TAX BACK ON FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. 

 

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

 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS IS SLATED FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025, BUT DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO LA GALERIE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT DISPATCH WILL BE SWITCHED OVER ON DECEMBER 1, 2025 AT 12:00 A.M.  AND FINALLY IN UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL HAVE TWO POLICE OFFICERS GRADUATING THE ACADEMY ON DECEMBER 5, 2025. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00557 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR 11 MINI COMPUTERS WITH WINDOWS 11 PRO IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,450.00 DUE TO END OF LIFE FOR WINDOWS 10.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00556 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR 17 OFFICE 2024 PRODUCT KEYS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,253.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF AN ORDINANCE FOR THE POSITION OF GRANT ADMINISTRATOR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.   JOHN OWENS ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY ADVERTISED FOR THIS POSITION.  THE MAYOR STATED THAT THIS POSITION IS DEPUTY CITY CLERK AND GRANT WRITER/ADMINISTRATOR AND THAT WE ALREADY HAVE A DEPUTY CITY CLERK AND THEREFORE THE POSITION WAS NOT ADVERTISED. 

 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY QUESTIONED THE AMOUNT TO BE PAID FOR DISPATCH.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE AMOUNTS ARE $135,473.84 FOR DECEMBER 1, 2025 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2026, $139,538.05 FOR DECEMBER 1, 2026 TO NOVEMBER 30, 2027, AND $143.724.19 FOR DECEMBER 1, 2027 TO NOVEMBER 30, 2028.  COMMISSIONER KAYS NOTED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN GIVEN THIS AGREEMENT AT THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING AND THAT THESE NUMBERS WERE ALSO REFERENCED IN THE MEETING MINUTES APPROVED AT THE START OF THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN TOLD THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY HAS BEEN SHUT DOWN IN WEST CITY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN TOLD THAT STATEWIDE TAKE ACTION TODAY HAS RECEIVED OVER $1,000,000.00. 

 

ALSO IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE ELKS LIGHTS PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 7, 2025 AND THAT HE WANTED TO THANK THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS FOR TAKING PART IN THIS EVENT. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO THANK MAYOR MESSERSMITH FOR STARTING THE MEETING THE WAY THAT HE DID.  SHE STATED THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE SPEAKING TO EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT AND “SHAME ON US” FOR HAVING TO BE TOLD TO DO SO.  SHE STATED THAT THE COUNCIL JUST NEEDS TO AGREE TO DISAGREE ON SOME ITEMS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT WHEN COMMISSIONER STOREY HAD PREVIOUSLY CALLED COMMISSIONER KAYS AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH SNAKES, HE DID SO IN A FIT OF PASSION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS HAVING A NAME PLATE WITH “SNAKE” ON IT WAS THOUGHT OUT AND SHE FELT LIKE IT WAS UNCALLED FOR.  SHE ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO REMOVE THIS NAME PLATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE THE NAME PLATE REMOVED BEFORE THE NEXT MEETING. 

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER JOHN OWNS CAME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. OWENS STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN A PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON FOR 33 YEARS.  HE STATED THAT HE APPRECIATED THE COUNCIL AGREEING TO GIVE A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS, BUT HE IS WANTING TO KNOW WHY THEY ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY STIPEND. 

 

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

 

5:51 P.M.

Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes – November 24, 2025

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA — DECEMBER 8, 2025

Posted on December 3, 2025 | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA — DECEMBER 8, 2025

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF OBTAINING ESTIMATES FOR FASCIA AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                          COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.      APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL END OF YEAR GIFTS FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDING PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS TO THE SAFETY STIPEND PROGRAM
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MEETING TIMES FOR 2026
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION
  9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 24 – MANUFACTURED HOUSING CODE TO INITIATE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING MANUFATURES HOMES FOR RESALE

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                    POSTED 12/03/2025 4:00 P.M./BC

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CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 17, 2025

Posted on December 3, 2025 | Comments Off on CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 17, 2025

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN ON ITEM 7 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH OUR INSURANCE AGENTS AND THERE ARE STILL QUESTIONS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED REGARDING THE INSURANCE PLAN PRESENTED TO THE CITY AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

 

9:02 A.M.

 

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 10, 2025

Posted on December 3, 2025 | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 10, 2025

 

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM OCTOBER 27, 2025 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE TYPO IN THE OLD BUSINESS SECTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED.   

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE A FEW PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE WITH PRESENTATIONS AND THEREFORE HE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED JUSTIN MILLER, CPRS, WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. MILLER HANDED OUT A FOLDER TO EVERYONE AT THE COUNCIL TABLE AND IN THE AUDIENCE AS WELL.  THE FOLDER CONTAINED A REPORT ON THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER, WARMING CENTER GUIDELINES, AND A PROGRAM GUIDELINE.  MR. MILLER STATED THAT THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER IN WEST CITY WAS OPEN A TOTAL NUMBER OF 90 NIGHTS WITH A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,080 HOURS OPEN.  THERE WERE 59 UNIQUE GUESTS AND A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,332 VISITS.  THERE WERE 2,637 MEALS SERVED, 45 REFERRALS MADE, 169 SHOWERS TAKEN, LAUNDRY SERVICES WERE USED 26 TIMES, AND 48 PEOPLE HAD CLOTHING DISTRIBUTED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE OPIOID FUNDS HAVE STRICT GUIDELINES AS TO WHAT THE MONEY CAN BE USED FOR.  HE STATED THAT HE FELT THE CITY COULD DONATE $2,400.00 FROM THE OPIOID FUND TO HELP THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER OPERATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS THE AMOUNT THAT THE CITY DONATED LAST YEAR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BROOKLYN WITHROW AND CLAIRE GULLEY WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THE LADIES DESCRIBED THE PROGRAM AS AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM THAT HELPS STUDENTS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY BEGIN BUSINESSES.  IN ORDER TO START THEIR BUSINESSES, THEY WILL BE HOLDING A FUNDRAISER TO GET FUNDS TO START FROM.  THIS YEAR’S FUNDRAISER IS A “HOOPS & HOLLY TOURNAMENT & WINTER FESTIVAL”.  THIS WILL CONSIST OF A 3 ON  3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WITH 3 AGE GROUPS.  THERE WILL ALSO BE VENDORS FOR THE WINTER FESTIVAL.  THE LADIES STATED THERE ARE MULTIPLE SUPPORTER LEVELS AND ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSIDER DONATING AT ONE OF THE LEVELS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $750.00 TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM, WHICH IS A CANDY CANE CONTRIBUTOR.  THIS INCLUDES A LARGE COMPANY LOGO ON THE FLYER, SOCIAL MEDIA RECOGNITION, SPONSORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT, COMPANY NAME AND LOGO LISTED ON EVENT PROGRAM, AND COMPANY NAME ON T-SHIRT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0.   MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED AS HE IS PART OF THIS PROGRAM. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED RANDY HOUSE TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. HOUSE STATED THAT HE WAS ASKED BY THE CITY’S INSURANCE AGENT, BOB REA, TO LOOK INTO SOME HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. HOUSE STATED THAT THE CITY WAS LOOKING FOR A MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR THE EMPLOYEES TO BE ABLE TO ADD FAMILY IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO.  MR. HOUSE FIELDED QUESTIONS FROM SEVERAL EMPLOYEES IN THE AUDIENCE REGARDING COVERAGE WITH THE PROPOSED PLAN FROM CLEARWATER INSURANCE.  AFTER THE PRESENTATION COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING REGARDING SWITCHING HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WILL RECONVENE AT 9 A.M. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AFTER GETTING ANSWERS TO MANY POSED QUESTIONS. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00242 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 1999 DUMP TRUCK IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1646.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00241 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 2007 DUMP TRUCK FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $763.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POLICY FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR NON-WATER USING CUSTOMERS IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  THE POLICY STATES THAT CUSTOMERS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS THAT DO NOT WISH TO HAVE WATER SERVICE SERVICES, THE CITY WILL NOT PROVIDE TRASH SERVICES TO THE RESIDENCE.  CUSTOMERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTACT A TRASH COLLECTION AGENCY FOR SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION POLICY.  THIS POLICY STATES THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE A LETTER WITH THE SAMPLING KIT TO INSTRUCT CUSTOMERS THAT IF THEY COMPLETE AND RETURN THE SAMPLE KITS WITHIN 14 DAYS, THEY WILL RECEIVE A $25.00 CREDIT ON THEIR WATER BILL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT DAMIEN WILBURN WILL BE MOVING INTO A GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION.  BECAUSE OF THIS NEW POSITION, A PART-TIME EMPLOYEE WILL NEED TO BE HIRED FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED HOW MANY GRANTS PER YEAR MR. WILBURN WILL BE DOING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT CAN VARY.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF MR. WILBURN COULD START BILLING FOR HAZMAT SERVICES SINCE HE WOULD BE DEALING WITH MONEY FOR THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY IS NOT READY FOR THAT CONVERSATION AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR A PART-TIME WATER CLERK POSITION AT $15.00 PER HOUR FOR 20 HOURS PER WEEK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE APPLYING FOR PERMITS AND OBTAINING ESTIMATES FOR THE SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE BENTON SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-12 FOR ROAD CLOSURE OF THE BENTON PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 29, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00148 TO NOVACOM FOR 1 PHOENIX LIGHT BAR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,899.84.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00441 TO IFSI FOR ADVANCED FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION FOR JAMES NEFF AND MATT WARREN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00442 TO LEO ELBRECHT FOR 3 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,310.39.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PROVIDED CALL REPORTS FROM THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL.  THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANSWERED A TOTAL OF 604 CALLS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025.  THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD A TOTAL OF 58 INCIDENTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE FRANKLIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT GOES INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1, 2025.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS NOTED THAT THERE WILL BE A 3% INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF THE ANNUAL COST EVERY YEAR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT YEAR 1 IS $135,473.84, YEAR 2 IS $139,538.05, AND YEAR 3 IS $143,724.19. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF A TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED NOVEMBER 17, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,572.22 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,460.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,032.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00874 TO BENTON SAVE A LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,150.00 FOR QUARTER 2 SAFETY STIPENDS FOR THE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $733,238.63, FROM TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,579.23, FROM COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,071.20, AND FROM MOTOR FUEL TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $217,042.07 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $990,931.13.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE #25-09.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE INCREASE ON THIS TAX LEVY OF 0.987% AND IS THE LOWEST TAX LEVEL HE HAS SEEN BY THE CITY IN MULTIPLE YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED PAY RESOLUTION #25-13 ADDING POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT KARASTIN SHEEDY TO THE RESOLUTION AT A BASE OF $36,400.00 AND AMENDING THE SALARY OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS AT A BASE SALARY OF $37,440.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON WITH THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

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

 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS HAPPENING AROUND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE AMERICAN LEGION WILL HAVE A SERVICE AT MASONIC & ODDFELLOWS CEMETERY AT 11AM. AFTER THE SERVICE THEY WILL FIRE THE GUNS AND PLAY TAPS AT THE CEMETERY BEHIND THE POST. AFTER THIS EVERYONE IS INVITED INSIDE THE POST FOR CHILI AND HOTDOGS

THE BENTON ELKS WILL BE SERVING A FREE BRUNCH TO ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR THIS EVENT ARE MR. AND MRS. TROY WILLIAMS OF THE 3D U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT, “THE OLD GUARD”.

 

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

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF VICTOR SHOCKLEY AND GARRET COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT VICTOR SHOCKLEY TO THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT GARRETT COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA, STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS HAS BEEN DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT HE IS GOING TO BE ATTENDING SOME TRAINING TO ADD MORE TOOLS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MR. CAVINS IS GOING TO BE CERTIFIED WITH IPMC AND WILL BE ABLE TO BE STRICTER IN ENFORCING CODES AFTER THIS. 

 

ALSO IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE RECENTLY HAD A FAMILY MEMBER SEEN AT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HIS FAMILY RECEIVED WONDERFUL CARE WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL AND HE FEELS THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO BETTER CARE ANYWHERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL ALSO HAS A WONDERFUL LADIES AUXILIARY. 

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION WILL BE BEGINNING ANY TIME.  CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE AT THE NORTH MAIN DOLLAR GENERAL ON DECEMBER 3, 2025 COLLECTING FOR TOYS FOR TOTS FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT SHOP WITH A COP WILL BE HAPPENING ON DECEMBER 19, 2025. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COUNCIL MEETING UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

6:45 P.M.

 

 

___________________________________

                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

 

 

________________________________

CITY CLERK

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Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes

COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – NOVEMBER 24, 2025

Posted on November 20, 2025 | Comments Off on COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – NOVEMBER 24, 2025
  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF GENERATOR MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                          COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.      APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MOVING FORWARD WITH EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE OPTIONS
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF  PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER GIFT CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO THE BENTON MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE FOOD PANTRY
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A STORAGE SHED FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WRITING A GRANT ADMINISTRATION POSITION ORDINANCE

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                    POSTED 11/20/2025 4:00 P.M./BC

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Ordinance #2025-09 – Tax Levy for 2026-2027

Posted on November 13, 2025 | Comments Off on Ordinance #2025-09 – Tax Levy for 2026-2027

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Posted in City News, Uncategorized

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City Council Meeting Minutes – October 27, 2025

Posted on November 12, 2025 | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes – October 27, 2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 27, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, POOL ADJUSTMENTS, OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE THE INFORMATION CONCERNING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A 6-MONTH SUBLEASE BETWEEN BRYAN AND MEGAN LYLES AND AMY BAKER LOCATED AT 53 LEWIS LANE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL HE HAD FURTHER NOTICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE HAS BEEN PROGRESS ON THE OVERLAY FOR JOPLIN AND MCCANN STREETS.  HE ALSO STATED THAT HE IS HOPING TO BID OUT THE WEST MAIN PROJECT NEXT WEEK AND THEN BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION IN QUARTER 1 OF 2026. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00438 TO SYNTEX INDUSTRIES FOR A HOSED COVER, MEDICAL CABINET COVER, FRONT BUMPER COVER, AND CRIBBING COVER FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,399.84.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00147 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR 1 MINICOMPUTER WITH WINDOWS 11 PRO AND 1 SOFTWARE OFFICE 2024 HOME AND BUSINESS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,259.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PROVIDED CALL REPORTS FROM THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR FIRE/EMS PROTECTION BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND BROWNING TOWNSHIP.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO HIRE KARASTIN SHEEDY AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY RECEIVED 165 APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT FIRST INTERVIEWS WERE DONE WITH 26 APPLICANTS, SECOND INTERVIEWS WERE DONE WITH 3 APPLICANTS, AND THEN THE DECISION WAS MADE TO HIRE MS. SHEEDY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BRAXTON KING FOR THE PAID ON CALL ROSTER AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FREDRIC FOSSE FOR THE PAID ON CALL ROSTER AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED OCTOBER 10, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,856.51 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,268.44 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $103,124.95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00873 TO VERIZON CONNECT FOR 7 FLEET GPS UNITS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,591.80 FOR 12 MONTHS.  THESE 7 UNITS WILL BE PLACED ON THE ZONING CAR, THE AIRPORT VAN, THE LEADMAN’S TRUCK IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT, THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR’S TRUCK, THE POLICE CHIEF’S TRUCK, THE CODES OFFICER’S TRUCK, AND THE FIRE CHIEF’S TRUCK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF WE RAISE TAXES AND SPEND MONEY LIKE THIS, HOW ARE WE SAVING ANYTHING?  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS DATED OCTOBER 13, 2025 FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,938.82, COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $99.72, MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,990.00, AND AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $550,538.59 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $581,567.13.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

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

 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE ANNUAL FALL-O-WEEN EVENT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 18, 2025 FROM 4 P.M. TO 9 P.M.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT TRUNK OR TREATERS ARE STILL NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT. 

 

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

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF THE MATAYCEK’S FOR SANTA AND MRS. CLAUSE FOR THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THEM TO BE BROUGHT IN ON THE FIRE TRUCK AS THEY HAVE BEEN IN THE PAST.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN TOLD BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT THERE WILL BE NO MORE RIDING ON THE FIRE TRUCKS AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD THEM TO STOP.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE WOULD FIGURE OUT A DIFFERENT WAY TO BRING THEM IN.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION TO HIRE MR. AND MRS. CLAUS FOR THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE GRANT MONITORING TRAINING FOR DAMIEN WILBURN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY CAITLIN GRAY TO OWN AND OCCUPY AND EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1S11 ANNA STREET.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS HOME HAS PASSED AN OCCUPANCY INSPECTION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY BRANDON OVERTON TO OWN AND OCCUPY A NEW DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 415 WILSON STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT GREG BAKER TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM OF 4 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT GREG BAKER TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM OF 4 YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT GAY BOWLIN TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM OF 4 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION TO APPOINT GAY BOWLIN TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM OF 4 YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO HIRE MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO PREPARE AND FILE THE ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S REPORT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR APPROVAL OF DOING FUNDRAISING FOR THE 2026 RODEO.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED WHAT KINDS OF EVENTS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WILL BE GUN RAFFLES, SEAFOOD BOIL, ETC.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF THE CITY LOST $7,000.00 ON THE FIRST RODEO THAT WAS RAINED OUT DUE TO THE WEATHER.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE DID LOSE MONEY DUE TO THE CANCELLATION, BUT WE WOULD HAVE ACTUALLY MADE $3,000.00 IF WE HADN’T HAD TO CANCEL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE FUNDRAISING FOR THE 2026 RODEO.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISIONER STOREY ASKED WHY HE WAS MOVED TO PUBLIC PROPERTIES FROM PUBLIC SAFETY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM IF HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS SECONDING AND HOW HE KNEW ABOUT THE SWITCH.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID THAT HE HAD HEARD ABOUT IT AND THAT IS HOW HE KNEW.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT COMMISSIONER COCKRUM DOESN’T VOTE AGAINST MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE VOTES WITH THE MAYOR BECAUSE HE BELIEVES HE IS DOING A GOOD JOB. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

 

5:26 P.M.

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