Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020 AT 9:00 A.M. PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE ONLY.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT VIA TELEPHONE/COMPUTER FOR ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 9, 2020. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER 00610 TO MIDSOUTH STEEL PRODUCTS FOR AN AVIATION FUEL HOSE FOR THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,817.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER 00612 TO DAVIS AUTO REPAIR IN MCLEANSBORO, ILLINOIS FOR REPAIRS TO THE COURTESY CAR AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,491.57. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF LAKE LOT LEASE #32 FROM JOHN MEILE TO JOHN AND KATHLEEN MEILE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE COUNCIL AWARE THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH PAM DORRIS OF STATE FARM INSURANCE. MS. DORRIS WOULD LIKE THE CITIZENS TO WRITE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT ON CITY SIDEWALKS WITH CHALK TO BE PROVIDED BY HER OFFICE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WAS A GREAT IDEA AND WANTED TO THANK MS. DORRIS FOR THIS IDEA.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INVOICE #8 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES, LLC, FOR DESIGN PHASE 1 OF THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,955.11. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00014 TO DINGES FIRE COMPANY FOR THREE IN-LINE RELIEF VALVES IN THE AMOUNT OF $528.81 TO BE PAID FROM THE EXTRICATION FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00041 TO AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR 25 TASER CARTRIDGES IN THE AMOUNT OF $706.25. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00090 TO DUNAGAN’S COLLISION CENTER FOR BODY WORK AND DENT REPAIR OF A SQUAD CAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,172.41. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED WHILE TAKING A SUSPECT INTO CUSTODY. THE SUSPECT RESISTED THE OFFICER AND STRUCK THE REA DOOR OF THE SQUAD CAR CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS IS SEEKING CHARGES FOR THE DAMAGE FROM THE SUSPECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT JEFF SHEW WILL BE RETIRING IN MAY. CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIRE TWO PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS TO WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT UNTIL THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD COULD COMPLETE THE HIRING PROCESS.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TWO 60-DAY TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS OF FIREFIGHTERS. THE TWO FIREFIGHTERS WOULD BE JAMES NEFF AND JOHN OWENS WHO ARE BOTH CURRENTLY PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS WITH THE CITY OF BENTON AS WELL AS EMPLOYEES OF ABBOTT AMBULANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE DIRECTING THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE HIRING PROCESS FOR A FIREFIGHTER TO FILL THE SPOT OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF SHEW AFTER HE RETIRES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER 00611 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF $747.90 FOR LED LIGHT REPLACEMENT AROUND THE EXTERIOR OF THE CITY HALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $287,050.29. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 03/20/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,205.11, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,727.79, AND FOR THE AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,032.90. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE WOULD SECOND THIS MOTION, BUT HE WANTED TO MAKE A STATEMENT FIRST. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD APPROVE THE PAYROLL, BUT WAS OPPOSED TO COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SENDING HALF OF HIS CREW HOME WITH PAY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE FELT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL BEFORE A DECISION WAS MADE. COMMISSIONER PERKINS SPOKE UP AND SAID HE AGREED WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY’S STATEMENT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 04/03/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,914.39 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,229.13 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,143.52. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR AMY SIZEMORE OF 908 E MAIN STREET AND JAMES ELDRIDGE OF 314 SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE CURRENT ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT CODES AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA AND CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR A “MOW TO OWN” PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF BENTON REGARDING CITY OWNED VACANT PROPERTIES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021 BUDGET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE POOL ADJUSTMENTS BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF MAN HOURS IT COSTS THE CITY TO PERFORM THESE ADJUSTMENTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER PERKINS ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN AMENDED ORDINANCE REGARDING ADJUSTMENTS FOR WATER/SEWER BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND THE EMPLOYEES AND THE COUNCIL ON HOW THEY ARE HANDLING BUSINESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE ALSO WANTED TO COMMEND EVERY ONE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THE WORK THEY ARE DOING DURING THIS PANDEMIC AS WELL AS HOW THEY ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE AT THIS TIME.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A DISCUSSION REGARDING WORKFORCE REDUCTION AS WELL AS EMPLOYEE WORK POLICIES/PROCEDURES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. DISCUSSION WAS HELD AMONG THE COUNCIL MEMBERS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SHOULD BRING HIS EMPLOYEES BACK TO WORK AND IF HE FELT HE NEEDED TO KEEP THE CREWS SEPARATE THEY COULD WORK ON SPLIT SHIFTS OR DIFFERENT PROJECTS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD BE LOOKING INTO THIS, BUT IT WOULD BE A PROCESS THAT MAY TAKE A FEW DAYS. COMMISSIONER PERKINS AND COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE FULL STREET DEPARTMENT BACK AT WORK AND NOT BEING PAID TO STAY AT HOME EVERY OTHER WEEK PER CREW.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE AIRPORT BOARD RECOMMENDING THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. REECE RUTLAND TO FILL THE VACANT SLOT ON THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

TIME 10:05 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2020 AT 8:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $376,250.07, FROM COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $805.92, DOWNTOWN TIF $440.00, AND I-57 INTERCHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,760.13 FOR A TOTAL MONTHLY BILLS AMOUNT OF $465,256.12. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

8:35 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2020 IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET IN BENTON, ILLINOIS AT 6:00 P.M.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. COMMISSIONER PERKINS WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2020 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER PERKINS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL NEEDED TO APPROVE TWO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. THE FIRST LAKE LOT TO BE TRANSFERRED WAS LAKE LOT 104 FROM STANLEY AND JOSEPHINE LYSKANOWSKI TO KEVIN AND TAMMY WESTON. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TRANSFER LAKE LOT LEASE 104 FROM STANLEY AND JOSEPHINE LYSKANOWSKI TO KEVIN AND TAMMY WESTON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

THE SECOND LAKE LOT LEASE TO BE TRANSFERRED WAS THE LEASE FOR LOTS 91 AND 92 FROM THE ESTATE OF SECCA MOSS TO MELVIN AND JANET HALL. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOTS 91 AND 92 FROM THE ESTATE OF SECCA MOSS TO MELVIN AND JANET HALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRTIZ STATED THAT WE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. MAYOR KONDRTIZ ASKED ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH TO READ THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD. THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDED THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY CRAFT LANGUAGE TO BE ADDED TO THE HANGAR LEASE AGREEMENT AS FOLLOWS: “PARAGRAPH #11 – LESSEE AGREES TO KEEP AIRCRAFT REGISTERED AND INSURED AT ALL TIMES. LESSEE WILL PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE UPON REQUEST.” IN ADDITION, IN ORDER TO PROMOTE INCREASED USAGE AND ATTRACT MORE TENANTS, THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDED THAT AN INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM BE CREATED/APPROVED TO PROVIDE NEW TENANTS, WHO AGREE TO LEASE ON A MONTH-TO-MONTH BASIS, RECEIVE 3 MONTHS FREE. TENANTS WHO AGREE TO A YEARLY LEASE SHALL RECEIVE 6 MONTHS FREE.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING PARAGRAPH #11. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARAGRAPH #11. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRTIZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, LLC. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE USED FOR ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY FOR A COST OF $95.00 PER HOUR. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID THROUGH TIF FUNDS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, LLC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MR. GARAVALIA TO ALSO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING A BENTON DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BET ESTABLISHED BY MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. MR. GARAVALIA PROPOSED A PROGRAM THAT WOULD MATCH 50% OF COSTS UP TO $5,000.00 FOR EACH BUSINESS OWNER IN THE DOWNTOWN TIF DISTRICT TO IMPROVE THE FAÇADE OF THEIR BUILDING. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID THROUGH DOWNTOWN TIF FUNDS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE MEETING WILL NEED TO BE CONTINUED TO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,469.26 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,157.24 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $99,626.50. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE APPROPRIATE INDIVIDUALS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THE SPRING AND SUMMER ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE WORKSHOPS FOR MUNICIPAL LICENSING AND REGULATION OF LIQUOR AND GAMING, MUNICIPAL REGULATION OF ADULT USE CANNABIS, AND NOT-S0-NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS WORKSHOPS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THE COSTS OF THESE WORKSHOPS AND HOW MANY ATTENDEES SHE HAD IN MIND FOR EACH. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THE COST IS $50.00 PER ATTENDEE LAND SHE ANTICIPATED NO MORE THAN TWO ATTENDEES FROM THE CITY OF BENTON FOR EACH WORKSHOP. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION NOT APPROVE THE LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY RENEWAL THROUGH BLISS MCKNIGHT, INC. ON A QUARTERLY PLAN WITH A COST OF $36,439.00 PER QUARTER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY OF BENTON HAD A $0.00 DEDUCTIBLE, BUT DUE TO SOME CLAIMS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, OUR INSURANCE AGENT SUGGESTED WE TAKE THE $5,000.00 DEDUCTIBLE PLAN IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP OUR PREMIUM FROM RISING. COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION, HOWEVER, STATED THAT IN THE FUTURE HE WOULD LIKE TO USE A BIDDING PROCESS TO SEARCH FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00009 TO ILLINOIS FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED COMPANY OFFICER TRAINING FOR JEFF COLEMAN AND ERIC DAVIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00008 TO FIRE APPARATUS AND SUPPLY TEAM FOR REPAIR OF ENGINE 801 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,122.55. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF HAZMAT AND EXTRICATION ACCOUNT DISCUSSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00226 TO SOUTHERN FS FOR A 55 GALLON DRUM OF 15-40 MOTOR OIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $542.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00227 TO FAST TRUCK AND TRAILER FOR TWO 10-22.5 REAR TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $720.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #20-02 FOR A THREE-WAY STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF FRISCO AND DIAL STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH DISTRIBUTED A DIAGRAM TO THE COUNCIL MEMBERS SHOWING PLACEMENT OF WHERE HE WOULD LIKE “PUBLIC SQUARE PATRON PARKING” SIGNS PLACED ON THE SQUARE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION AMENDING PARKING RESTRICTIONS WITH AN ORDINANCE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE TO “PATRON ONLY” PARKING MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8 A.M. AND 4 P.M. WITH A $75.00 FINE FOR THOSE DISOBEYING THE SIGNS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO CREATE AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING TWO PARKING SPOTS IN FRONT OF 205 EAST MAIN STREET, ONE PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF THE BUZZ, AND ONE PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF SEASONING BISTRO AS 15-MINUTE PICKUP/DROP OFF PARKING SPOTS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 11 A.M. AND 1 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD SENT ADVERTISED (RFQ) REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING SIDEWALK PROJECT. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT ONLY ONE RFQ HAD BEEN RETURNED TO THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RFQ FOR JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL ON NORTH DUQUOIN STREET CROSSWALK PLACEMENT” UNTIL A LATER DATE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE SPEED LIMIT TO 25 MPH FROM NORTH OF I-57 TO PETROFF ROAD ON NORTH DUQUOIN STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TROY RAY, OWNER OF SEASONING BISTRO, ASKED IF THE CITY HAD DISCUSSED PLACING “YIELD” SIGNS ON THE SQUARE. IT WAS EXPLAINED TO MR. RAY THAT THE MIDDLE OF THE SQUARE BELONGS TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS AND NOT THE CITY OF BENTON.

MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH TO CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL FRIDAY MORNING, 02/14/2020, AT 8:0 A.M. FOR PAYMENT OF MONTHLY BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

7:00 P.M.