Author Archives: Brook Craig

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.

 

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

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

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

Download (PDF, Unknown)

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.

AMENDED CITY COUNCIL AGENDA — 11/10/2025

  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

 

  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 POLICY FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR NON-WATER USING CUSTOMERS
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WATER SAMPLE INCENTIVE
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADVERTISING FOR PARTTIME WATER CLERK POSITION AT $15 PER HOUR FOR 20 HOURS PER WEEK
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR
  9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE BENTON SQUARE
  10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ROAD CLOSURE FOR HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 29. 2025

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDITION TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTER APPOINTMENT

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TAX LEVY
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDED PAY RESOLUTION
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPOINTING JOHN DAUGHERTY AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON WITH IMRF

 

  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 DONATION TO TAKE ACTION TODAY
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO THE EDGE PROGRAM

E/     DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REAPPOINTMENT OF VICTOR SHOCKLEY AND GARRETT COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD

 

  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 11/07/2025 11:00 A.M./BC

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – NOVEMBER 10, 2025

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT COMMISSIONER STOREY
A. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
B. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS

5. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
A. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
B. APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
C. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS
D. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POLICY FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR NON-WATER USING CUSTOMERS
E. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WATER SAMPLE INCENTIVE
F. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADVERTISING FOR PARTTIME WATER CLERK POSITION AT $15 PER HOUR FOR 20 HOURS PER WEEK
G. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR
H. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE BENTON SQUARE
I. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ROAD CLOSURE FOR HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 29. 2025

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
A. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
B. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES
C. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDITION TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER
D. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTER APPOINTMENT

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT COMMISSIONER KAYS
A. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
B. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
C. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TAX LEVY
D. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE
E. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDED PAY RESOLUTION

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
A. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT MAYOR MESSERSMITH
A. UPDATES
B. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
C. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO TAKE ACTION TODAY
D. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO THE EDGE PROGRAM
E/ DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REAPPOINTMENT OF VICTOR SHOCKLEY AND GARRETT COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE
B. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
C. 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 11/06/2025 7:00 P.M./BC

City Council Meeting Minutes – October 13, 2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 13, 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. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY 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.

2024-2025 Treasurer’s Report

Download (DOCX, 42KB)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – OCTOBER 27, 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 POLICY FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR NON-WATER USING CUSTOMERS

 

  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 A 6-MONTH SUBLEASE BETWEEN BRYAN AND MEGAN LYLES AND AMY BAKER LOCATED AT 53 LEWIS LANE
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #5 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKING WITH HORNER SHIFRIN ENGINEERING

 

  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
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF OBTAINING AN APPRAISAL FOR TWIN OAKS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ICRMT INSURANCE RENEWAL

 

  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 10/23/2025 4:00 P.M./BC