Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2023 AT 5 P.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. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED PAUL TART, WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY, TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. TART STATED THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY IS OPENING A WARMING AND RESOURCE CENTER IN WHAT USED TO BE THE EDISON ROOM.  THE CENTER WILL BE OPEN FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AS A RESOURCE CENTER AND WARMING CENTER.  THE CENTER WILL BE CLOSED FROM 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M. AND THEN REOPEN AT 7 P.M. UNTIL 7 A.M.  PEOPLE WILL BE SCREENED AND A BACKGROUND CHECK WILL BE DONE BEFORE ENTRY IS ALLOWED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE IS AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA REGARDING A POSSIBLE DONATION TO THIS PROGRAM.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.    

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS ORDERED SOME CHEMICALS TO SPRAY AROUND THE CITY OWNED BUILDINGS TO HELP WITH BUGS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO PUT TOGETHER A QUESTIONNAIRE AND PORTFOLIO FOR EACH CITY OWNED BUILDING TO HELP KEEP UP MAINTENANCE AND SUCH. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000996 TO RESSLER ASSOCIATES FOR A CLARIFIER GEAR BOX AND MOTOR FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,187.26.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE ARE NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS TO APPROVE AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT BACKFILLING AND DIRT WORK IS CURRENTLY BEING DONE ON WASTENA STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID THE ROAD IS ANTICIPATED TO BE OPENING BACK UP SOON. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 11/22/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,827.56 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,762.50 FOR A TOTAL OF $105,554.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO STREAM ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BEGINNING AT THE FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE ACTUARIAL FOR POLICE AND FIRE PENSIONS HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO THE CITY.  HE STATED THAT THE FUNDS ARE FUNDED APPROPRIATELY.  THE ACTUARIAL WERE DONE BY THE STATE THIS YEAR AS OPPOSED TO LAUTERBACH AND AMEN AS IN THE PAST.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO NOTED THAT THE CITY’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND HAS INCREASED FROM 7.84% TO 8.70%. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS, AND THE VOLUNTEER GROUPS FOR ALL THE HELP THEY PROVIDED WITH PUTTING ON THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT ON THE SQUARE.  THIS SENTIMENT WAS ECHOED BY THE COUNCIL. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00496 TO THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE FOR 25 ROLLS OF FOREVER STAMPS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,650.00.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THIS PURCHASE WAS DUE TO POSTAGE INCREASING IN 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE IDENTIFYING HOME RULE CONFLICTS WITH CERTAIN STATE LAW REGARDING PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET A MOTION APPROVING THE CREATION OF THIS ORDINANCE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THE MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE IDENTIFYING HOME RULE CONFLICTS WITH CERTAIN STATE LAWS REGARDING PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE AMENDING DIVISION XI – ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY AMENDMENT TO THIS ORDINANCE IS MAKING BOTH POSITIONS FULLTIME POSITIONS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE ##2023-19 AMENDING DIVISION XI-ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.   

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY CURRENTLY DONATES $2,400.00 A YEAR TO RECYCLING AND HE BELIEVES THAT IS A GREAT THING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO DONATE $2,400.00 TO THE WARMING CENTER TAKE ACTION TODAY IS OPENING AND OPERATING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WILL BE SOLVING A PROBLEM THAT WE, AS A CITY, HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ABOUT USING FUNDS FROM THE OPIOID ACCOUNT TO PAY FOR THIS INITIAL $2,400.00 DONATION.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND SAID THERE ARE CERTAIN RULES AS TO WHAT THE FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR AND HE WILL LOOK INTO IT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF $2,400.00 TO THE TAKE ACTION TODAY WARMING CENTER FROM THE OPIOID ACCOUNT PENDING ANY RESTRICTIONS PREVENTING THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING 29-1-20 OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WILL BE AMENDING THE PRICING OF INSPECTIONS DONE BY THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION DIRECTION ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 29-1-20 OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

THERE WAS NO OLD BUSINESS.

THERE WAS NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

5:38 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2023 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

THERE WAS NO BUSINESS FOR PUBLIC PROPERTIES THIS EVENING. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 23-19 FOR STREET CLOSURE FOR THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON 11/25/2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT HAS MADE GOOD STRIDES DUE TO THE NICE WEATHER WE HAVE HAD AND HE EXPECTS THE ROAD TO BE REOPENED SOON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE MILL AND OVERLAY PROJECT ON WHISPER WAY HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THAT CONCRETE HAS BEEN POURED AT THE SPILLWAY ON BENTON LAKE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE PATCHING ON EAST MAIN STREET HAS BEEN DONE. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00397 TO MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR 6 FIRE HELMETS IN THE AMOUNT OF $368.00 A PIECE FOR A TOTAL OF $2,208.00.  THIS REPLACES 6 OUT OF DATE HELMETS AND IS ORDER 2 OF 3.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00119 TO CELLEBRITE INC. FOR CELL PHONE FORENSICS TRAINING IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,915.00.  THIS IS TO BE PAID FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF SHANE COCKRUM FROM THE WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD BECAUSE CHIEF COCKRUM CANNOT ATTEND THE MEETINGS ON THE DAYS THEY ARE SCHEDULED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO THE WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD AS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO SUPPLY A CELL PHONE TO THE OFFICER THE CITY OF BENTON HAS ON THE DRUG TASK FORCE FOR WORK USE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW DISPATCH SERVICE AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH AND THE CITY OF BENTON IS SET TO EXPIRE THIS MONTH.  HE ASKED FOR A MOTION ALLOWING CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AND COMMISSIONER DON STOREY TO NEGOTIATE A NEW SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR 2 YEARS WITH A LOCKED IN PRICE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THAT MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 10/27/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,047.18 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,179.71 FOR A TOTAL OF $100,226.89.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 11/09/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,028.32 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,637.20 FOR A TOTAL OF $97,665.52.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR PAYMENT ON 11/13/2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $952,902.62.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE BILLS BROKE DOWN AS SUCH: I-57 INTERCHANGE $32,436.01, TIF $160,907.82, MFT $67,367.46, AND AP FUND $691,891.33.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FIRST FINANCIAL POSITIVE PAY SYSTEM TO FIGHT CHECK FRAUD ON OUR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $40.00 PER MONTH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED TO LOOK INTO ESTABLISHING A TOBACCO TAX ORDINANCE IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT DURING RESEARCH IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CITY OF BENTON IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS UNDER HOME RULE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HEALTH INSURANCE RATES FOR EMPLOYEES FOR 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 10.54% IN OUR RATE, BUT THAT THIS WAS NOT A BAD INCREASE COMPARED TO WHAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE AND TREASURER LISA MENO ARE WORKING ON A PURCHASE ORDER POLICY AS WHAT THE CITY CURRENTLY FOLLOWS IS NOT IN WRITING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS URGED COMMISSIONERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS TO MAKE SURE PURCHASE ORDERS ARE BEING FILLED OUT AS HE IS SEEING MORE AND MORE BILLS WITHOUT PURCHASE ORDERS THAT ARE OVER THE CURRENT $500.00 THRESHOLD REQUIRED FOR A PURCHASE ORDER. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00493 TO ALVERSON SOUND INC FOR A 32 FOOT BY 24-FOOT MOBILE STAGE WITH LIGHTS AND SOUND FOR THE 2024 ECLIPSE CONCERT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5495.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00492 TO ACTION ENTERTAINMENT AS A DEPOSIT FOR CONFEDERATE RAILROAD TO PLAY A CONCERT FOR THE 2024 ECLIPSE WEEKEND.  THIS DEPOSIT WAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE HOSTING A HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 25, 2023 AND HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00495 TO KENNETH AND RUTH MATEYCAK FOR A SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS APPEARANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $125.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00494 TO ASCENT AVIATION FOR 7,937 GALLONS OF AVIATION GASOLINE IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,936.73 FOR RESALE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND 12-1-5 (A) OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES, DEFINITION OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WOULD CLEAN UP THIS SECTION OF ORDINANCES BY DEFINING EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-17 AMENDING 12-1-5 (A) OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES, DEFINITION OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE LIST OF 2024 MEETING TIMES AS PRESENTED IN THE COMMISSIONER’S PACKETS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SOME OF THE DATE CHANGES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE SAW NO REASON TO CHANGE THE MEETING DATES OF JANUARY 22, 2024 AND OCTOBER 14, 2024 AND THAT HE HOPED THEY WERE NOT BEING DONE DUE TO ONE MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT MOVING THESE MEETINGS WOULD GIVE THE PUBLIC A BETTER CHANCE TO ATTEND.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT INSTEAD OF MOVING THE MEETINGS HE WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN STREAMING THE MEETINGS ON FACEBOOK LIVE SO PEOPLE THAT GET OFF WORK AT 4:30 P.M. OR 5 P.M. COULD ATTEND VIRTUALLY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING TIMES AS INITIALLY PRESENTED.  NO SECOND WAS RECEIVED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WAS FINE WITH NOT MOVING THE JANUARY AND OCTOBER MEETINGS IN QUESTION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING TIMES WITH THE AMENDMENT OF JANUARY AND OCTOBER MEETINGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED A LIST OF HOLIDAYS THAT CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED IN 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 2024 HOLIDAYS FOR CITY HALL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (F).   ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CODY WILLIFORD HAS BEEN HIRED FULL TIME BY THE BENTON WATER DEPARTMENT AND THEREFORE LEAVING AN OPENING AS CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE FEELS THIS POSITION SHOULD BE MADE FULL TIME.  MR. CALCATERRA PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH FIGURES SHOWING HOW IF HOME INSPECTIONS WERE DONE ON EVERY NEW WATER HOOK UP, THE ADDITION OF A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE ALONG WITH WHAT WE WERE PAYING MR. WILLIFORD COULD BE A WASH.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WAS AWARE THAT ADDING A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE NOT ONLY ADDED MORE SALARY, BUT A BENEFIT PACKAGE AS WELL INCLUDING HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

THERE WAS NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR ILLEGAL BURNS THIS FALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CURRENTLY THERE IS NO PENALTY TO THIS, BUT HE WOULD LIKE TO WORK TOWARDS POSSIBLY WRITING TICKETS AFTER BEING CALLED TO THE SAME RESIDENCE MORE THAN 2 TIMES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE RECALLED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA DISCUSSING THIS A FEW MEETINGS BACK. 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

6:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2023 AT 5 P.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, AND 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 OCTOBER 9, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY OCTOBER 16, 2023, HELD AT 8:30 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD BUSINESS FOR 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 MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING, INC. FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCE MAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,242.40.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO MIDWEST EXCAVATING FOR PUMP HOUSE RENOVATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $306,860.16.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE RENOVATIONS ARE STATE OF THE ART AND WILL ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO BE ABLE TO RUN IT FROM AN APPLICATION ON HIS TELEPHONE. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WHISPER WAY MILLING AND OVERLAY PROJECT IS SET TO BEGIN IN THE FIRST OR SECOND WEEKS OF NOVEMBER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT IS ON TRACK. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00117 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY FOR 1 CUSTOM SIGNALS RAPTOR RP-1 POLICE RADAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,555.38.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE DATES OF 09/01/2023 TO 09/30/2023.  DURING THIS TIME THERE WERE 538 TOTAL DISPATCHED CALLS WHICH INCLUDED 21 ALARM CALLS, 3 AMBULANCE CALLS, 1 ASSAULT AND BATTERY CALL, 28 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 16 DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, 3 FIGHTS IN PROGRESS, 11 JUVENILE PROBLEM CALLS, 1 MISSING JUVENILE, 1 PROWLER CALL, 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON CALLS, 18 THEFT CALLS, 14 WELFARE CHECKS, AND 414 OTHER CALLS.  THE REPORT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE 13 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS COMPLETED, 32 TRAFFIC STOPS, AND 7 TRAFFIC CITATIONS ISSUES.  THERE WERE ALSO 38 CRIMINAL ARRESTS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE DATES OF 09/01/2023 TO 09/30/2023.  THE REPORT INDICATED THAT THERE WERE 60 TOTAL CALLS.  THESE CALLS INCLUDED 18 FIRES, 33 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE CALLS, 6 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, 3 SERVICE CALLS, 6 GOOD INTENT CALLS, AND 3 FALSE ALARM AND FALL CALLS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 10/13/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,895.47 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,576.10 FOR A TOTAL OF $100,471.57.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO SOME RESEARCH INTO THE AMOUNT PER MONTH USING POSITIVE PAY SERVICES FOR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WOULD BE AND THEN RETURN TO THE COUNCIL FOR A VOTE ON USING THIS SERVICE.  HE STATED THIS IS AN EXTRA LAYER OF PROTECTION IF THE CITY’S CHECKING ACCOUNTS WERE TO BE HACKED INTO.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WILL PROBABLY BE SOMEWHERE BETWEEN $80.00 AND $120.00 A MONTH. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE EVENT ON THE SQUARE, FALL-O-WEEN, WENT VERY WELL.  HE STATED THAT THIS WAS A TRUE COMMUNITY EVENT.  HE STATED THAT PARTICIPATION FROM THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WAS PHENOMENAL AND HE BELIEVES THIS HELPED THE EVENT TO SUCCEED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (C) AND (D). 

ITEM (C):  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS CHRIS SCROGGINS HAS COMPLETED THE CITY’S ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S TIF REPORTS, BUT THIS YEAR DID NOT FEEL LIKE HE WAS ABLE TO DO SOME DUE TO SOME NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IN THE PAST MR. SCROGGINS HAS CHARGED THE CITY $600.00 TO FILE THESE REPORTS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIRE MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO COMPLETE THE 2022-2023 FY ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S TIF REPORTS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STATED THAT THEY THINK THE COST FOR PREPARING THESE REPORTS WILL BE $1,500.00.   COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO COMPLETE THE ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S TIF REPORTS FOR FY 2022-2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

ITEM (D):  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF CREATING AN ORDINANCE REGULATING BILLBOARDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS/DUTIES.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE ARE A FEW MONTHS IN TO THIS CURRENT ADMINISTRATION AND HE FEELS THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A SHIFT AT THIS TIME.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COMMISSIONERS OVER PUBLIC PROPERTIES AND PUBLIC SAFETY TO SWITCH DEPARTMENTS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION AND COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE FELT LIKE COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM THIS MOTION AS IT IS OVER THEIR DEPARTMENTS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.  NAYS: 1.   COMMISSIONER KAYS. 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE WAS A SUDDEN CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATION DUTIES.  HE STATED THAT AGAIN, NOTHING HAD BEEN DONE ILLEGAL, BUT THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE COUNCIL TO KEEP THEIR HANDS ON THE TABLE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT MAYBE WE SHOULD SWITCH EACH COMMISSIONER TO A NEW DEPARTMENT EVERY 6 MONTHS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT TONIGHT’S MOVE MADE THE COUNCIL LOOK INEPT AND THAT TONIGHT IS THE FIRST TIME HE HAS FELT KIND OF EMBARRASSED OF THE CITY COUNCIL SINCE BECOMING A MEMBER. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE POLICY FOR KEEPING EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS IS THE SAME AS WHEN HE WORKED HERE.  AT THAT TIME, MR. CARTER STATED, APPLICATIONS WERE KEPT FOR 6 MONTHS.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE THINKS BENTON RESIDENTS SHOULD ALWAYS GET THE FIRST SHOT AT JOB OPENINGS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT BECAUSE OF UNION RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS, THAT ISN’T THE CASE.  MR. CARTER THANKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG FOR LOOKING UP THE “OPT OUT” POLICY FOR RESIDENTIAL TRASH.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WAS PLANNING ON MAKING THE SIZE OF BILLBOARDS DIFFERENT IN THE NEW ORDINANCE OR ELIMINATING BILLBOARDS COMPLETELY. 

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

5:30 P.M.