Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS MEETING HAD BEEN CALLED FOR THE DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING

ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS THIS. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE

INTERVIEWED PEOPLE ALONGSIDE MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH. MR.

CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NARROWED THE POOL TO TWO INDIVIDUALS AND HAD CITY CLERK

BROOK CRAIG AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES INTERVIEW THEM BOTH AS WELL. MR.

CALCATERRA PRESENTED CALEB CAVINS FOR THIS POSITION. HE SAID MR. CAVINS HAD MOXY AND HE BELIEVES WITH HIS PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT IN REPOSSESSING PROPERTY, HE WILL DO GREAT IN THIS POSITION AS HE WILL KNOW HOW TO HANDLE SITUATIONS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE

FELT THIS POSITION WAS GREATLY NEEDED. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS NOTHING

PERSONAL AGAINST MR. CAVINS, BUT DOES NOT SEE THE NEED IN HIRING FOR THIS POSITION.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HOPES IN A YEAR HE CAN PUBLICLY SAY HE WAS WRONG AND

THAT THIS POSITION IS NEEDED.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO HIRE CALEB CAVINS AS CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY PENDING THE OUTCOME OF DRUG AND FIT FOR WORK TESTING WITH A

SALARY OF $32,500.00 PER YEAR ON A PAY RESOLUTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.

VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR

MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER KAYS.

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

9:45 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024, HELD AT 5 P.M.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVED THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN THE COZY CLUB PROGRAM THROUGH RSP HEATING AND COOLING FOR THE CITY HALL AND TWIN OAKS BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $24.95/MONTH PER SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE 8” WATER MAIN PROJECT ON PETROFF ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $290,005.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM OFFICER ROGER BRENT ERTHALL THAT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION, WITH REGRET, TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER ROGER BRENT ERTHALL EFFECTIVE MAY 24, 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 01/19/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,976.68 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,949.10 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $111,925.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CATASTROPHIC EVENT POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.  THIS POLICY ESTABLISHES UNIFORM GUIDELINES FOR PROVIDING PAID TIME OFF TO EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON FOR ABSENCES RELATED TO A CATASTROPHIC CASUALTY LOSS SUFFERED DUE TO A FIRE, NATURAL DISASTER, OR TERRORIST ATTACK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

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

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00673 TO ALLEGION FOR A 5-YEAR SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE AUTOMATIC DOORS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $116.00 PER YEAR FOR A TOTAL OF $1,160.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE MAYOR WOULD LIKE TO AMEND THE SUNDAY LICENSE OPTIONS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH WOULD LIKE TO ALLOW TWO OPTIONS FOR SUNDAY LIQUOR PERMITS.  FIRST OPTION WILL BE TO PAY $1,200.00 AND BE ALLOWED TO BE OPEN EVERY SUNDAY.  THE SECOND OPTION IS TO PAY $50.00 PER SUNDAY YOU WISH TO BE OPEN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO AMEND THE SUNDAY LICENSE OPTIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND A LETTER FROM THE LADY’S AUXILIARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION IN THEIR PACKETS.  THE LADY’S AUXILIARY HAS ASKED FOR A DONATION OF $500.00 OR WHATEVER PLEASES THE COUNCIL TO PURCHASE NEW FLAGS TO PLACE AROUND TOWN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $500.00 TO THE LADY’S AUXILIARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION FOR THE PURCHASE OR FLAGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NEEDED A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE DONATING TWO GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR WEEKDAY RENTALS TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THEIR ANNUAL DINNER SILENT AUCTION.   

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS A GOOD CROWD AT THE BENTON INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WAS GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN GENERAL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING ON MULTIPLE LEAKS AROUND TOWN. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.   SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.  

5:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $269,717.68, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $288,413.91, AND TIF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,845.85 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS TO BE PAID ON JANUARY 12, 2024 OF $564,977.44.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

TIME 9:35 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 8, 2024 AT 10 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023, HELD AT 10 A.M.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD RECEIVED THE WATER USAGE REPORT FOR TWIN OAKS AND THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF USAGE.  SHE STATED THAT THERE APPEARS TO BE A LEAK, BUT WE HAVE NOW TURNED OFF THE WATER FOR THE WINTER AND WILL BEGIN LOOKING FOR THE ISSUE ONCE SPRING GETS HERE. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERRY RIDGE NON-HAZARDOUS WASTE SERVICE AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THIS IS A STANDARD AGREEMENT AND NOTHING HAS BEEN MODIFIED SINCE THE LAST TIME THE CITY ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM REGARDING CREATING A LATERAL TRANSFER ORDINANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF A LATERAL TRANSFER ORDINANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JANUARY 5, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,973.17 AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,168.44 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $107,141.61.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING AND THAT THE MEETING WILL NEED TO BE CONTINUED FOR THE PAYMENT OF BILLS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-01 FOR THE LINE OF CREDIT WITH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK FOR THE WATER MAIN PROJECT TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE MEETING. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER KAYS HANDLED THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THERE WERE NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEMS (C), (D), (E), AND (F).

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY LOCATED IN 1^ST ADDITION.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HE AND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THIS ALLEY VACATION.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-01 VACATING AN ALLEY LOCATED IN REED’S 1^ST ADDITION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WOULD BE HAND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE A BODY AND FENDER WORKS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA MENTIONED THAT HE DID RECEIVE 1 LETTER IN OPPOSITION OF THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE A BODY AND FENDER WORKS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HE AND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE AND AUTOMOBILE SALES BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HIS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE CITY MAKE A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE #24-02 DEFINING SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AS A PRIMARY OR PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY BUILDING, STORAGE BUILDING, GARAGE, LIVING UNIT, OR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD VOTED 2-2 ON THIS SUBJECT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-02 DEFINING SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AS A PRIMARY OR PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY BUILDING, STORAGE BUILDING, GARAGE, LIVING UNIT, OR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS., ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD SCHEDULED 6 INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY, 2 OF THE INTERVIEWEES WERE NO CALL, NO SHOW. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE SAT IN ON A MEETING WITH AXON REGARDING BODY CAMERAS AND RENEWING OUR CONTRACT WITH THEM.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THE CAMERAS IN THE INTERVIEW ROOM NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AS WELL.  MORE INFORMATION WILL COME AT A LATER MEETING REGARDING THESE ITEMS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE CITY WOULD SEE A SAVINGS ON A LATERAL HIRE IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THEY DO STILL HAVE TO GO TO THE FIRE ACADEMY, BUT HE SAID WE WOULD SEE A SAVING BY HAVING LESS OVERTIME BECAUSE THE LATERAL TRANSFER WOULD NOT HAVE TO BE ON A SHIFT WITH ANOTHER FIREMAN FOR AS LONG.  MR. CARTER ALSO QUESTIONED WHERE THE LEAK AT TWIN OAKS IS AND IF IT IS GOING INTO THE STOOL.  HE SAID THAT IF IT IS RUNNING A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER THROUGH THE SEPTIC TANK, IT WILL KILL ALL THE GOOD BUGS OFF.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE STOOLS.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF THE PERRY RIDGE AGREEMENT STATED WHETHER OR NOT THEY WOULD BE USING FOREVER CHEMICALS AND IF THEY ARE PERIODICALLY TESTING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT AS FAR AS HE KNOWS THEY ARE NO USING FOREVER CHEMICALS, BUT THAT HE WILL TALK WITH SHANNON TOIGO AND CRAIG MILES ABOUT THIS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD SET UP A TIME TO MEET WITH MR. CARTER AFTER GETTING THESE ANSWERS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO FRIDAY JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. TO PAY BILLS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.  

5:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY DECEMBER 22, 2023 AT 10 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 11, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE IS A LEAK OF SOME KIND IN THE WATER SYSTEM AT TWIN OAKS AND SHE IS HAVING THIS LOOKED INTO.  SHE HAS ASKED FOR A REPORT FROM THE EWING INA WATER DEPARTMENT SHOWING THE USAGE AT TWIN OAKS; HOWEVER, SHE WAS TOLD IT WOULD ONLY SHOW 40 DAYS OF USAGE ON THIS REPORT.  SHE STATED SHE WOULD KEEP THE COUNCIL UP TO DATE ON HER FINDINGS. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR UPDATES. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INSTALLATION OF LED LIGHTING AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM J.R. ERWIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,482.00 PENDING PROOF OF INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO A NEW DISPATCH AGREEMENT WITH WEST CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTY DISPATCH AT A RATE OF $11,500.00 PER MONTH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDITION AND REMOVAL OF FIREFIGHTERS FROM THE PAID ON-CALL LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 12/22/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,365.63.02 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,397.09, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,796.97 FOR A TOTAL OF $111,559.69.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00672 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR A 3-FOOT-WIDE FILING CABINET FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $391.43.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00498 TO BENTON SAVE A LOT FOR END OF YEAR GIFT CARDS FOR ALL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $75.00 PER PERSON FOR A TOTAL PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT OF $3,225.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THESE GIFT CARDS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BOUGHT AND PASSED OUT BEFORE THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD DROPPED THE BALL AND HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE EMPLOYEES RECEIVED THIS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WANTED THE EMPLOYEES TO GET IT, BUT THAT HE FEELS COMMISSIONER KAYS DID THIS IN A DIRTY WAY AND HE WAS SICK OF THE DOG AND PONY SHOW, AS HE SAID COMMISSIONER KAYS HAD STATED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN STATED THAT HE NEVER WANTED TO HEAR COMMISSIONER KAYS CALL THIS COUNCIL A DOG AND PONY SHOW EVER AGAIN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IF THE MOTION DID NOT PASS, HE WOULD REIMBURSE THE CITY OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A GROUP RATE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON TO JOIN AIR EVAC.  AIR EVAC HAS OFFERED THE CITY A RATE OF $75.00 PER YEAR PER FAMILY AS LONG AS 3 EMPLOYEES SIGN UP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 3 EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE CONVEYED INTEREST IN THIS PROGRAM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK REGARDING A LINE OF CREDIT FOR THE ACEI BORE FUNDING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN COLLECTED AND EVERYTHING SHOULD BE READY TO GO AT THE NEXT SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS NO UPDATES. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE THAT BOTH THE ELKS AND THE LEGION WILL BE HAVING A FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER ON CHRISTMAS DAY FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN GOING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE LOCAL AREA CHURCHES WILL BE HOLDING A CANDLE LIGHT CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BENTON RANGER’S BASKETBALL TEAM IS CURRENTLY 10-0 AND A VERY FUN TEAM TO WATCH PLAY.  HE SAID THAT THERE WILL BE GAMES THIS EVENING AT THE RICH HERRIN GYM AT 4:00 P.M. FOR FRESHMEN, 5:15 P.M. FOR JUNIOR VARSITY, AND 6:30 P.M. FOR VARSITY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEMS (C), (D), (E), (F), AND (G).

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECENTLY BEEN APPROACHED BY SOMEONE INTERESTED IN BRINGING A SHIPPING CONTAINER TO TOWN FOR STORAGE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE TOLD THE PERSON THAT CURRENTLY THERE IS NOT AN ORDINANCE IN PLACE THAT WOULD STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING, BUT THAT HE PLANS ON CREATING ONE.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR A MOTION TO CREATE A ZONING ORDINANCE REGULATING SHIPPING CONTAINER USE WITHIN THE ZONING JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE CITY’S PREVIOUS FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM HAD EXPIRED AND HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO RENEW THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-26 AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ARTICLE 1, 40-1-2 DEFINITIONS TO DEFINE OFF-SITE SIGNS.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-27 AMENDING CHAPTER 40 APPENDIX E – SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO FLUSH WALL SIGNS IN THE B-1 ZONING DISTRICT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-28 AMENDING CHAPTER 40 APPENDIX 3 – SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO FLUSH WALL SIGNS IN THE B-6 ZONING DISTRICT.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE ACCEPTING BIDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION.  HE STATED THAT THE MARKET IS DOWN AT THIS TIME AND WE ARE HOPING TO LOCK IN A RATE THAT WILL BE LOWER THAN THE RATES WILL BE WHEN OUR CONTRACT IS UP AT THE END OF JUNE OF 2024.  CURRENTLY THE MARKET PRICE AVAILABLE TO OUR CITIZENS FOR THE NEXT CONTRACT IS $0.08100 PER KILOWATT HOUR.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS FOR COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION AT A RATE OF $0.065070 FOR A DURATION OF 39 MONTHS.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD SCHEDULED 6 INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY, 2 OF THE INTERVIEWEES WERE NO CALL, NO SHOW. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS WERE NOT GETTING A GIFT CERTIFICATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE PURCHASED GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM HAD PURCHASED HATS FOR ALL OF THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS.  ALSO UNDER NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOME SORT OF ACTIVITY IN THE CITY OF BENTON EVERY MONTH FOR THE NEXT YEAR.  HE MENTIONED THE POSSIBILITY OF AN AMATEUR BBQ COOKOFF WITH FUNDS BEING RAISED FOR THE COMMUNITY PARK.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD ATTENDED THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL BOARD MEETING RECENTLY AND A QUESTION WAS ASKED ABOUT PLACING A CROSSWALK ON COLLEGE STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING WE COULD LOOK INTO.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A NEW TEMPORARY SIGN HAS BEEN PLACED NEXT TO THE STATUE OF MR. A TO HELP IDENTIFY HIM TO VISITS AND THAT A PERMANENT SIGN WILL BE PLACED ONCE THE RENOVATIONS AT MALKOVICH PARK ARE COMPLETED. 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

10:50 A.M.