Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 9, 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 SEPTEMBER 25, 2023.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #32 FROM KATHLEEN MEILE TO CLAYTON MACE AND MAXWELL MEILE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF CODY WILLIFORD AS A FULL-TIME WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 1.   COMMISSIONER KAYS.

COMMISSIONER STOREY DISCUSSED THE NEED FOR ACCEPTING BIDS FOR HVAC SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SINCE THERE ARE 5 PROPERTIES WITH HVAC SYSTEMS AND NOT ALL CURRENT CONTRACTS ARE COMPLETED, COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS UNTIL ALL CONTRACTS HAVE REACHED THEIR END DATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WASTENA PROJECT IS PROGRESSING.  HE STATED THAT THEY WILL BE PUTTING IN CURB SOON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT ASPHALT WILL BE LAID IN NOVEMBER AND SEEDING WILL BE DONE IN THE SPRING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT SPANI STREET HAS BEEN OIL AND CHIPPED IN COOPERATION WITH ILLINI ASPHALT. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE MUTUAL AID BOX ALARM SYSTEM MASTER AGREEMENT.  IN APPROVING THIS AGREEMENT, A RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE BOTH WOULD NEED TO BE PASSED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #23-17 ENTERING INTO THE MUTUAL AID BOX ALARM SYSTEM MASTER AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-14 FOR THE MUTUAL AID BOX ALARM SYSTEM MASTER AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HOST A CHILI COOK OFF COMPETITION BETWEEN THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS.  THE DATE AND TIMES ARE TOO BE DECIDED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HOSTING A CHILI COOK OFF COMPETITION BETWEEN THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 09/29/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $84,524.66 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,998.33 FOR A TOTAL OF $109,522.99.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE MEETING WILL NEED TO BE CONTINUED TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED ORDINANCE #23-15 AMENDING CHAPTER 38 UTILITIES, SECTION 380201, ARTICLE II – RATES AND REGULATIONS TO INCLUDE TRASH IN THE PENALTIES ON WATER BILLS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INVOICE #1 TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE APRON REHABILITATION AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,218.79.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HIMSELF TO LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF INCREASING LAKE LOT FEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (C), (D), (E), (F), AND (G). 

ITEM (C):  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA PRESENTED A PETITION TO VACATE A PORTION OF TWO STREETS MADE BY TIMOTHY A. COOKSEY AND LACEY M. COOKSEY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  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 PRESENTED A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM THE ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY’S STRONG COMMUNITIES’ PROGRAM.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS GRANT MONEY CAN BE USED FOR DEMOLITION OF HOMES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #23-18 ACCEPTING A GRANT FROM THE ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY’S STRONG COMMUNITIES’ PROGRAM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

ITEM (E):  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT VICTOR SHOCKLEY TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THAT MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

ITEM (F):  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT GARRETT COLLIER TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA PRESENTED THE APPLICATION FOR THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY BRANDON FINKE TO CONTRACT AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1100 EAST ANNA STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED MR. FINKE IF HE WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. FINKE STATED THAT HE KNOWS THE HOME NEEDS REPAIRS AND HE WOULD LIKE TO DO THOSE REPAIRS WHILE LIVING IN THE HOME AND POSSIBLY IN THE FUTURE TEAR THE HOME DOWN AND BUILD A NEW HOUSE.  MR. FINKE PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH PICTURES OF PAST PROJECTS HE HAS WORKED ON AND ALSO PICTURES OF WHAT THIS SAID PROPERTY CURRENTLY LOOKS LIKE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR BRANDON FINKE TO CONTRACT AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1100 EAST ANNA STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE A FACILITY USE FORM FOR CAPITAL PARK WITH A PROCESS OF THE COUNCIL REVIEWING AND APPROVING THESE USES.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE FORM COULD BE FOUND IN THE COUNCIL MEMBERS PACKETS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FACILITY USE FORM FOR CAPITAL PARK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE COUNCIL FOR STARTER FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000.00 TO BEGIN PREPARING FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE ON APRIL 8, 2024.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CONCERT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR OUR CITIZENS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THERE SHOULD BE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO DO THIS AS THE MONEYS SET BACK FOR THE HAMILTON LAKE BRIDGE WERE NOT USED IN TOTAL AND THERE SHOULD BE MONEY IN THE BUDGET FROM COMMISSIONER KAYS AND HIMSELF NOT ATTENDING THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE HELD IN CHICAGO.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GIVE $10,000.00 TOWARDS THE SOLAR ECLIPSE WEEKEND.  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 IN MAY THE COUNCIL WAS PRESENTED WITH CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENTS AND IT WAS TABLED AT THAT TIME.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BRING THIS ITEM BACK UP FOR A VOTE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 2.   COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

IN OLD BUSINESS COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD ZERO ISSUES WITH THE HIRING OF CODY WILLIFORD AS A FULLTIME WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS SAID HE FELT LIKE THE PROCESS TO HIRE MR. WILLIFORD WAS BAD.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT WAS AGREED TO HIRE FOR THIS POSITION ON APRIL 24, 2023, BUT NO FURTHER ADVERTISEMENT OR APPLICATIONS WERE TAKEN AFTER THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WHAT THE COUNCIL DID WAS NOT ILLEGAL, BUT IT DEFINITELY WAS NOT CLEAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THAT IF AN EMPLOYEE OF THE CITY IS PART TIME, AND A FULL-TIME POSITION OPENS UP, HE BELIEVES THE PART TIME EMPLOYEE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO MOVE INTO THE FULL-TIME POSITION IF THEY ARE INTERESTED IN IT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF CRAIG MILES SAYS SOMETHING IS GOING TO WORK, HE BELIEVES IT WILL AND THAT IS WHY HE MOVED FORWARD WITH THE HIRING OF MR. WILLIFORD.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY WHAT HAD CHANGED AS HE WAS PREVIOUSLY ADAMANTLY AGAINST THIS MOVE BEFORE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT NOTHING HAS CHANGED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WAS ARGUING ETHICS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE IS VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS HIRING PROCESS AND COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE IS HAPPY WITH THE HIRING PROCESS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY IF HE CAN EXPECT ANY FURTHER SURPRISES AND COMMISSIONER STOREY REPLIED “NEVER KNOW”. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS IS CORRECT AND COMMISSIONER STOREY IS 100% IN THE WRONG.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT THE HIRING PROCESS “STINKS”.  MR. CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THE NEW CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WILL BE PART TIME AND IF THEY WILL BE A MALE OR A FEMALE.  MR. CARTER ASKED WHY HIS NEIGHBOR HAD TO PAY FOR TRASH EVEN IF HE DID NOT WANT IT.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN TOLD THAT A REFERENDUM WAS PASSED MANY YEARS AGO AND THAT THE PASSING OF THIS REFERENDUM GAVE TRASH TO ALL RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS IN THE CITY LIMITS WITH THE CHARGE BEING PLACED ON YOUR WATER BILL. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 TO PAY BILLS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

5:53 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED EMMA SWEELY FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MISS SWEELY STATED THAT EVERY YEAR THE EDGE PROGRAM DOES A FUNDRAISER TO START THEIR BUSINESSES.  MISS SWEELY STATED THAT THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM WOULD LIKE TO PUT A RODEO ON AND HOST THE RODEO ON THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT GROUNDS ON NOVEMBER 4, 2023 PUT ON BY THE WHIPPOORWILL RODEO.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE GROUP HAS MET WITH AIRPORT MANAGER MATT HARRISON AND HE IS ON BOARD WITH THIS PROJECT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT INSURANCE IS ALSO TAKEN CARE OF FOR THE EVENT THROUGH THE PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF AIRPORT GROUNDS FOR A RODEO.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY AUGUST 28, 2023.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00670 TO HOLZ TOOL SUPPLY FOR 1 MILWAUKEE TOWER LIGHT IN THE AMOUNT OF $449.99.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-12 RAISING WATER TAP-ON FEES.  THE NEW FEES ARE $1,000.00 FOR A ¾ INCH TAP, $2,000.00 FOR A 1-INCH TAP, $3,000.00 FOR A 2-INCH TAP AS WELL AS ADDING $1,000.00 IF A BORE IS NEEDED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID FOR THE 8” WATER MAIN (PETROFF ROAD) FROM WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $446,425.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.   THE ONLY OTHER BID RECEIVED ON THIS PROJECT WAS FROM KAMADULSKI EXCAVATING AND GRADING IN THE AMOUNT OF $632,493.00. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.  AS AN UPDATE COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE PAINTING THE STREETS AROUND THE FOOTBALL FIELD IN PREPARATION FOR HOMECOMING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00116 FROM NOVACOM FOR 7 PORTABLE RADIOS, 7 SPEAKER MICS, AND 7 LEATHER CASES IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,727.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM’S CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER’S CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-13 RAISING IMPOUND FEES BY $50.00 PER STEP. MAKING THE NEW FEES BE $250.00 FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT, $450.00 FOR THE SECOND INCIDENT, AND $650.00 FOR THE THIRD INCIDENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 09/01/2023 TOTALING $102,516.81 WITH THE GENERAL FUND PORTION BEING $75,226.99 AND THE WATER & SEWER PORTION BEING $27,289.82. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 09/15/2023 TOTALING $104,164.07 WITH THE GENERAL FUND PORTION BEING $78,346.61 AND THE WATER & SEWER PORTION BEING $25,817.46. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $370,837.98 WITH $39,290.26 COMING FROM TIF, $44,406.52 COMING FROM MFT, AND $17,888.90 COMING FROM THE AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CREATE A COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF HIMSELF, MAYOR MESSERSMITH, AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO RESEARCH IMPOSING A CIGARETTE/TOBACCO TAX.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF LOOKING INTO OPTIONS FOR CREATING A BED TAX FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY WOULD BE DECORATING THE POLES AROUND THE SQUARE AND STREETSCAPE FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY AWARENESS MONTH WITH PURPLE RIBBONS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A $1.2 MILLION-DOLLAR DCEO CDBG FOR A NEW WATER LINE ON THE NORTH EAST SIDE OF TOWN IN THE JOPLIN STREET AREA.  HE STATED THAT CITIZENS WILL SEE EMPLOYEES GOING DOOR TO DOOR TO HAVE SURVEYS COMPLETED REGARDING RECEIVING THIS GRANT. 

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE FOR BUILDING SETBACK LINE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1203 NORTH MAIN STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HUCKS WILL BE BUILDING A NEW BUILDING AND CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE GASOLINE PUMPS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HUCKS WOULD LIKE A VARIANCE FOR A SETBACK OF 15 FEET AS OPPOSED TO THE NORMAL 20.  MR. CALCATERRA RECOMMENDED APPROVING THIS VARIANCE AS DID THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIANCE FOR 1204 NORTH MAIN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION TO REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 624 AND 634 WEST MAIN STREET AND 447 WEST CHURCH STREET ALSO KNOWN AS THE JRN SUBDIVISION FROM B-6 AND R-3 TO B2.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THIS AS WELL AS A RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THIS WAS RECEIVED BY THE ZONING AND PLANNING BOARD.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE OSLAD GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE RENOVATION OF MALKOVICH PARK.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE WEEK OF 09/17/2023-09/23/2023 HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS NATIONAL RAIL SAFETY WEEK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS SIGNED A PROCLAMATION DECLARING THIS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 WILL BE MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT AT TABOR FIELD DURING THE VARSITY FOOTBALL GAME.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD AS STATING THAT THE CITY DID NOT ALLOW ONLY CERTAIN PEOPLE TO ATTEND IML DUE TO THE INABILITY TO AFFORD THE TRIP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CHOICE OF WHO TO SEND TO THE CONFERENCE WAS MADE BASED UPON THE MATERIALS THAT WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE CONFERENCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE IS VERY AGGRAVATED THAT THIS TOPIC HAS HAD TO BE DISCUSSED AT 3 DIFFERENT COUNCIL MEETINGS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WAS VERY OFFENDED BY THE FACEBOOK POST MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA’ S HUSBAND, DAVID GARAVALIA, REGARDING A GOFUNDME ACCOUNT BEING SET UP FOR COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO ATTEND IML.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT MR. GARAVALIA ALSO ALLUDED TO THE FACT THAT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS NOT BEING ALLOWED TO GO BECAUSE SHE WAS A FEMALE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE SIMPLY WISHED TO SEND COMMISSIONERS ON A ROTATIONAL BASIS TO THIS CONFERENCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS COUNCIL SHOULD BE WORKING TOGETHER AND IT WILL SUCCEED OR FAIL AS A TEAM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE PLANS ON PAYING HER OWN WAY TO GO TO CHICAGO AND THAT SHE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT HER HUSBAND’S FACEBOOK POST. 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH BEGAN THE MEETING WITH A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN RESPECT TO THE THREE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO DIED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT SEPTEMBER 16, 2023. 

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

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

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS, PURCHASE ORDERS, OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AS AN UPDATE, HE WANTED THE COUNCIL TO KNOW THAT MONY KASH HAD SUBMITTED HIS RESIGNATION FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ACCEPTING THE RFQ FOR THE WATER MAIN GRANT PROJECT FROM PSC CIVIL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RFQ FROM PSC CIVIL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.  AS AN UPDATE COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE 2023 OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THE OVERLAY PROJECT ON WHISPER WAY WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT IS PROGRESSING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR THE WAY THEY HANDLED THE RECENT TRAGIC ACCIDENT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ECHOED THIS SENTIMENT.   FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND STATED THAT ON BEHALF OF HIS FAMILY, WHO WERE PERSONALLY AFFECTED BY THIS ACCIDENT, HE WANTED TO THANK THE CITY FOR ALL THAT THEY DID TO HELP AFTER THE ACCIDENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CADET PROGRAM IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE IS NO PAYROLL TO APPROVE AT THIS MEETING AS TWO PAYROLLS WERE APPROVED AT THE LAST MEETING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO BILLS TO BE APPROVED AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ALLOWING PENALTIES TO BE APPLIED TO TRASH BILLS THAT ARE NOT PAID BY THE DUE DATE.  CURRENTLY 10% PENALTY IS APPLIED TO WATER BILLS THAT ARE NOT PAID BY THE 15^TH OF EACH MONTH EXCLUDING TRASH.  THIS AMENDMENT WILL APPLY A 10% PENALTY TO THE ENTIRE BILL INCLUDING TRASH IF NOT PAID BY THE 15^TH OF EACH MONTH.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00484 TO MID-SOUTH STEEL PRODUCTS, INC. FOR A FUEL PUMP FOR THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,806.19.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00491 TO BRANDON SMITH FOR REPAIRS TO THE CODE OFFICIAL CAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $337.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS REGARDING SWITCHING OF OUR EMAIL SERVER.  HE STATED THAT A NEW ALIAS EMAIL ADDRESS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO GETTING WORK PHONES FOR THE POLICE OFFICERS TO AVOID PERSONAL PHONES BEING USED FOR CITY BUSINESS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS MAY BE A BIGGER CONVERSATION AS HE BELIEVES THERE ARE SOME EMPLOYEES IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS AS WELL. 

IN MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE AGREED WITH THE PENALTY BEING CHARGED ON TRASH RATES AS WELL. HOWEVER, MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE ITEM ON THE AGENDA.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG APOLOGIZED TO MR. CARTER AS THE INCORRECT AGENDA HAD BEEN SET ON THE TABLE.  MR. CARTER WAS ASSURED THAT THE CORRECT AGENDA IS ON THE CITY’S FACEBOOK FOR VIEWING AS WELL AS POSTED ON THE FRONT DOORS OF CITY HALL. 

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

5:17 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 28, 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED PAUL TART AND TESSA LEECH WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED THEM WITH A PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2023 TO BE OVERDOSE AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF BENTON. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY AUGUST 14, 2023. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00480 FROM MENARDS FOR AN 18 CUBIC FOOT WHITE REFRIGERATOR FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $678.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00479 FROM MARION GLASS FOR REPAIRS TO THE FRONT DOOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $935.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR TERRY AND DEBBIE MCGUIRE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR JOHN WILSON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP A WATER CONNECTION BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF WEST CITY AND THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-10 AMENDING THE ORDINANCE REQUIRING BACKFLOW DEVICES ON SEWER HOOK UPS TO ALSO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HANDLED THE STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS REPORT.  HE STATED THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS THIS EVENING.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-15 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE DURING THE 2023 BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 FROM 1:30 PM TO 2:15 PM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00396 FROM FAST FOR REPLACEMENT OF OUT-OF-DATE HOSE WITH LEAKS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $925.00.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POLICE AND FIRE CHIEF (S) CONTRACTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TINTING OF THE SQUAD CARS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SHE STATED THAT THERE ARE 10 CARS AND IT IS $80.00 PER VEHICLE TOTALING $800.00 FOR ALL CARS TO BE TINTED.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER PROVIDED PICTURES SHOWING THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE SQUAD CARS FROM THE SUN AND HEAT COMING IN THROUGH THE TINTED WINDOWS.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED A SQUAD CAR WAS DAMAGED DURING A CALL AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO GET THE DENT FIXED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO RAISE IMPOUND FEES BY $50.00 PER STEP. CURRENTLY THE IMPOUND FEES ARE $200.00, $400.00, AND $600.00 AND THIS WOULD MAKE THE NEW FEES $250.00 FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT, $450.00 FOR THE SECOND INCIDENT, AND $650.00 FOR THE THIRD INCIDENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HER TO SPEAK WITH THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER TO NEGOTIATE A PRICE FOR HOLDING THE POLICE AND FIREMEN BALL AT THE CIVIC CENTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMBULANCE AGREEMENT WITH BCHS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM PROVIDED A DEPARTMENT REPORT TO THE COUNCIL STATING THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD RESPONDED TO 70 CALLS IN JULY.  POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD RUN A CAR DETAIL WITH THE COUNTY LAST WEEK THAT LED TO 3 ARRESTS AND 2 IMPOUNDMENTS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS THIS EVENING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL TOTALING $104,063.10 WITH THE GENERAL FUND PORTION BEING $79,209.22 AND THE WATER & SEWER PORTION BEING $24,853.88. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE FMLA TRAINING FOR DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY.  HE STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO SPECIFICS FOR TRAINING AND WILL GET BACK TO THE COUNCIL WITH THE SPECIFICS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WRITE OF BAD DEBT IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,399.92.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ENTER INTO A CO-OP WITH BCHS FOR A HIGH SCHOOL WORK PROGRAM.  HE STATED THIS IS AN UNPAID POSITION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM HAS BEEN WORKING ON A CADET PROGRAM FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THAT THIS STUDENT WORKER PROGRAM WILL WORK WITH THIS CADET PROGRAM IN THE FUTURE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-11 AMENDING THE TRASH RATE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-16 AMENDING THE TRASH RATE SCHEDULE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED ABOUT THE CREATION OF A BAD DEBT WRITE-OFF DEPOSIT ORDINANCE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE DID NOT THINK THIS WAS NECESSARY AT THIS POINT. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN CONTACTED BY THE HIGH SCHOOL REGARDING CHALKING THE SIDEWALKS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL AND THROUGH DOWNTOWN AREA FOR HOMECOMING WEEK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE JUST WANTED TO MAKE THE COUNCIL AWARE THEY MAY SEE THIS HAPPENING. 

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED SOMEONE TO MAKE A MOTION APPROVING TRICK OR TREATING FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ON OCTOBER 28, 2023 FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE MR. TONY LANG ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  HE STATED THAT THERE IS A TREE IN THE DRAINAGE DITCH BEHIND HIS HOUSE HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO LOOK INTO.  HE STATED THE TREE IS ABOUT TO FALL INTO THE DITCH AND THIS WILL CAUSE BACK UP TO HAPPEN ONCE AGAIN.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STAT5ED THAT HE WOULD HAVE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THE MATTER. 

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

5:50 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 14, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN VERY BUSY FIXING LEAKS ALL OVER TOWN. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE OVERLAY BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,601.82.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

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 PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 AND CHANGE ORDER TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCE MAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,452.50.  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 COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE WITH SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCE MAIN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00115 TO GALLS, INC FOR AN INTOXIMETER IN THE AMOUNT OF $597.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00114 TO BERLA FOR 1 AUTOMOBILE FORENSICS LICENSING RENEWAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,250.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00113 TO THE INSTITUTE OF POLICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT (IPTM) FOR 2 CRIME SCENE PROCESSING TUITIONS AND LODGING IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,487.76.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POLICE CHIEF/FIRE CHIEF CONTRACT(S) WILL BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BENTON HIGH SCHOOL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION TRAINING AGREEMENT.  A LENGTHY DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING HOURS, PAY, JOB DESCRIPTION, AND AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT.   COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A FURTHER MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A RECONSIDERATION REGARDING HER TO ATTEND THE IML CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO.  SHE STATED THAT THIS IS A GOOD CHEERLEADING TIME FOR DEPARTMENTS AND SHE WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RUB ELBOWS WITH OTHER POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSIONERS FROM AROUND THE STATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ACCORDING TO ORDINANCE, RECONSIDERATIONS ON MOTIONS MUST BE MADE AT THE SAME MEETING A MOTION HAS BEEN MADE OR THE MEETING FOLLOWING THE MOTION BEING MADE.  IT WAS STATED THAT IN ORDER TO FOLLOW ORDINANCE, THE RECONSIDERATION WOULD HAVE NEEDED TO TAKE PLACE NO LATER THAN THE MEETING ON JULY 24, 2023.  NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS MATTER. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY WAS A SUCCESS AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS ANNUALLY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF FORMING A BOARD TO PUT ON A POLICE AND FIRE BALL TO TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 13, 2024.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS INCLUDED IN THE COMMISSIONER’S FOLDERS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED AS A FINAL PART TO HER REPORT FOR THIS MEETING, THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER HAD TYPED COMMENDATIONS FOR OFFICER MICHAEL CAIN, OFFICER JEREMY WATKINS, OFFICER JUSTICE PURDIE, AND OFFICER TYLER ORE FOR RECEIVING CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION FOR DUI ENFORCEMENT FROM ALLIANCE AGAINST INTOXICATED MOTORISTS (AAIM). 

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $654,393.38 FOR THIS MEETING.  THIS TOTAL INCLUDED I-57 INTERCHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,050.44, IJRL TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $767.50, DOWNTOWN TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $767.50, POLICE PENSION IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00, FIRE PENSION IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00, HOME RULE GAS TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $200.00, AND MOTOR FUEL TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,038.05.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,609.52 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,298.29 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $96,907.81.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REPEAL THE SEWER RATE ORDINANCE THAT WAS PASSED AT THE LAST MEETING AS IT WAS NOT DONE WITH A RATE STUDY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  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 BAD DEBT POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY UPDATE HE HAS FOR THIS MEETING IS REGARDING THE SERGEANT PAY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO INTEREST IN THIS POSITION AT A RATE OF PAY OF $3,000.00 TO THE BASE.  HE STATED THAT THIS WILL BE FURTHER ADDRESSED WITH THE NEW UNION CONTRACT.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED UNDER UPDATES THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN AWARDED A $2.8 MILLION GRANT AND THAT IDOT WILL BE HAVING A MEETING SOON DISCUSSING THE REPAIRS TO BE MADE TO EAST MAIN STREET FROM THE WATER LEAKS. 

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY ZELLA RONE TO OCCUPY AN EXISTING DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1210 EAST ANNA STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS MOBILE HOME IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HE BELIEVES THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT SHOULD BE GRANTED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A 90-DAY EXTENSION WITH REGARD TO THE FAÇADE GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND DAVID B. GARAVALIA.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THERE IS A TIMEFRAME THAT THE FAÇADE WORK HAS TO BE COMPLETED BETWEEN APPLICATION APPROVAL AND COMPLETION.  MR. GARAVALIA HAS PAID MONEY TOWARDS THE PROJECT, BUT THE CONTRACTORS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START ON THE PROJECT.  MR. CALCATERRA SAID HE HAD NO ISSUES WITH GIVING MR. GARAVALIA AND EXTENSION ON THIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW A 90-DAY EXTENSION TO DAVID GARAVALIA ON HIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZING CITY FUNDS TO REMOVE JUNK AND DEBRIS FROM 1312 EAST ANNA STREET PURSUANT TO COURT ORDER.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE TWO DUMPSTERS TO CLEAN UP THE AREA REFERENCED ABOVE.  THE COSTS OF THIS IS $1,200.00 FOR THE 2 DUMPSTERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING BACKFLOW PREVENTER ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WE HAVE THIS ORDINANCE FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND THIS WOULD JUST BE ADDING COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES TO THIS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE CITY USING A FIRETRUCK TO PUMP WATER FOR KIDS TO PLAY IN AT CAPITAL PARK FOR CHRISTMAS IN JULY OR AT THE FIREHOUSE FOR THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS IS VERY HARD ON THE PUMP IN THE FIRE TRUCK AND COULD CAUSE UNNECESSARY DAMAGE AS WELL AS THE COST TO THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE UNDERSTOOD DON’S COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PUMP, BUT THAT THE COSTS WERE COVERED WITH COMMUNITY EVENT FUNDS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE PUMP WAS ONLY USED AT THE CHRISTMAS IN JULY AS THE HOSE WAS HOOKED DIRECTLY INTO A FIRE HYDRANT FOR THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY AT 1312 EAST ANNA STREET ASKED THE COUNCIL TO RECONSIDER THE CITY CLEANING UP HER PROPERTY.  THEY STATED THAT THE WEATHER HAS STOPPED THEM FROM BEING ABLE TO CLEAN UP.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN 4 SEASONS TO DO THIS CLEAN UP AS THE COURT ORDER WAS NOT JUST PASSED. 

TOM CARTER STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN 5 YEARS SINCE THE DISBANDING OF THE AIRPORT BOARD.  HE ASKED THE COUNCIL WHY NO ONE IS GOING TO THE AIRPORT TIP MEETING IN SPRINGFIELD.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE FAA HAS CHOSEN TO HOLD THIS MEETING VIA ZOOM IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND THAT CITY OFFICIALS HAVE ATTENDED THAT WAY. 

LYNETTE ING STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR CLEANING UP THE CITY.  SHE ALSO ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSIDER POSSIBLY DONATING EMPTY CITY OWNED LOTS FOR TINY HOMES OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (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.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

6:07 P.M.

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

7:25 P.M. 

NO ACTION TAKEN AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

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

7:26 P.M.