Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 23, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001765 TO DITCH WITCH SALES INC FOR 1 UTILIGUARD ADVANCED LOCATER IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,241.88. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF $20,000.00 FROM THE MOTOR FUEL TAX FUND TO THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX FUND FOR EQUIPMENT TRANSFER FOR THE 2020 MFT PLAN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL BACKHOE PAYMENT OF $24,570.22. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR DECEMBER 13, 2019 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,879.30 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,780.49 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $97,659.79. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SET AT $500.00 AND SHE FELT THAT IN ORDER TO KEEP TRACK OF SPENDING IT WAS NECESSARY TO LOWER THE AMOUNT TO $250.00. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH HIS DEPARTMENTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC AND HE DID NOT FEEL THAT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO LOWER THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT TO $250.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO REVISE THE CREDIT CARD POLICY. SHE STATED THAT THE FULL POLICY HAD BEEN PLACED IN THE COUNCIL MEMBERS PACKETS FOR REVIEW. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE TIMEFRAME FOR TURNING IN RECEIPTS FOR CREDIT CARD PURCHASES TO BE CHANGED FROM TWO DAYS TO TWO BUSINESS DAYS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CREDIT CARD POLICY WITH THIS CHANGE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN ORDINANCE DRAFTED REGARDING CREDIT CARD USE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER FURTHER BEFORE PROCEEDING. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS MATTER UNTIL A LATER DATE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PERSONNEL CODE REVISED. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE THIS DONE. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE FEELS AN INVENTORY NEEDS DONE OF EACH DEPARTMENT AND THE MISUSE OR EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS TO BE CLEANED UP AS THEY ARE NOT BEING KEPT IN A NEAT MANNER.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE VILLAGE OF WEST CITY ON A DISPATCH AGREEMENT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CURRENT DISPATCH AGREEMENT EXPIRED AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2019 AND, PER CONTRACT, THE CITY OF BENTON WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL $500.00 PER MONTH WHILE NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FROM CHRIS MENCKOSKI FOR DEMOLITION OF 308 NORTH BUCHANAN AND 208 WEST PARRISH. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THESE PROPERTIES NEED TO BE DEMOLISHED AND MR. MENCKOSKI HAS SUBMITTED A PROPOSAL OF $5,200.00 FOR NORTH BUCHANAN STREET AND $4,700.00 FOR WEST PARRISH STREET. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT MR. MENCKOSKI HAS AGREED TO DEMOLISH THESE HOUSES NOW IF APPROVED AND WILL BE PAID IN JUNE OF 2020. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSALS FROM CHRIS MENCKOSKI FOR DEMOLITION OF 308 NORTH BUCHANAN AND 208 WEST PARRISH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO PASS ORDINANCE #19-17 FOR DRUG FREE EMPLOYEES. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED THE BIDS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT LOW BID WAS FROM MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $427,600.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID OF $427,600.00 FROM MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CHARLES AND CATHERINE WIGGS WISHED TO RELINQUISH THEIR LAKE LOT LEASES FOR LOTS #1 AND #4 OF THE NORTH LAKE SUBDIVISION BACK TO THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED DAVID GARAVALIA TO DISCUSS ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESCINDING CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES MAPPING APPROVAL PREVIOUSLY APPROVED AT NOVEMBER 2019 MEETING. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT AFTER THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS PROCESS, HE WAS OFFERED A MAP IN COMPARISON TO THIS AT NO CHARGE. MR. GARAVALIA ASKED THE CITY TO RESCIND THE MOTION ALLOWING CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES TO BEGIN THIS PROJECT. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MR. GARAVALIA TO DISCUSS ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FROM JIM EMBERTON TO REMOVE SPECIFIED ITEMS FROM THE REAL ESTATE OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET PURSUANT TO COURT ORDER OBTAINED BY CODE ENFORCEMENT. MR. GARAVALIA PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH PICTURES OF THE PROPERTY AND AN ORDER FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT ORDERING THAT THE CITY OF BENTON SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO REMOVE THE ACCUMULATION OF TRASH, JUNK AND DEBRIS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WOOD, METAL, PLASTIC, PALLETS, SHINGLES, SIDING, AND WIRE SPOOL. THE COURT ORDER ALSO ALLOWED THE CITY OF BENTON TO PLACE A LIEN ON THIS PROPERTY. AFTER A DISCUSSION COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL ANOTHER MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED A SCHEDULE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING TIMES FOR 2020. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SETTING OF MEETING TIMES FOR THE YEAR OF 2020. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM JO ELLEN BAUER FROM THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD. MRS. BAUER STATED THAT SHE ENJOYED HER TIME ON THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD, BUT SHE HAS RELOCATED FROM THE AREA AND THEREFORE FEELS SHE NEEDS TO RESIGN. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESIGNATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT SHELLEY INGRAM TO THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SHELLEY INGRAM TO THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE IS SOMEONE BURNING GARBAGE ON THE NORTH EAST SIDE OF BENTON. HE STATED THIS IS AGAINST ORDINANCE AND HE IS INVESTIGATING THE SITUATION.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JULIE HUBLER MENTIONED THAT SHE BELIEVES THE STREET BARN NEEDS TO CLEAN UP THE AREA AROUND THEIR BUILDING. TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL HOW MANY CREDIT CARDS THE CITY OF BENTON HAS AND IF THE AIRPORT HAD ITS OWN CREDIT CARD. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS ONE CREDIT CARD CURRENTLY AND THE AIRPORT DOES NOT HAVE A CREDIT CARD. MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED FOR A COPY OF THE DRUG FREE EMPLOYEE ORDINANCE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AFTER THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN SIGNED, MR. CARTER COULD PICK UP A COPY. MR. CARTER ALSO TOLD MAYOR KONDRITZ THAT HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO VOLUNTEER AS AN INSPECTOR OF CITY PROPERTIES IF NEEDED.

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

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 13, 2019 AT 9:15 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER PERKINS WAS ABSENT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH WAS NOT IN ATTENDANCE FOR THIS CONTINUED MEETING.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS PAYABLE ON DECEMBER 13, 2019 IN THE AMOUNT OF $284,794.48. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THE CITY CREDIT CARD. SHE STATED THAT THE CITY HAS A CREDIT CARD POLICY, BUT THAT NOT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE COMPLIANT WITH THIS POLICY. SHE STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO WORK ON A NEW POLICY AND WOULD LIKE ALL EMPLOYEES WHO MAY USE THE CREDIT CARD TO SIGN THIS POLICY BEFORE USING THE CREDIT CARD. COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF A SECOND CARD COULD BE ORDERED IN CASE THE CARD HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF TOWN AND SOMEONE ELSE NEEDS TO USE IT. THERE WAS A DISCUSSION HELD REGARDING THE REWRITING OF THIS POLICY.

THE COUNCIL HELD A DISCUSSION ON REWRITING SOME CODES AND ORDINANCES. EACH COMISSIONER STATE THAT THEY WOULD TAKE TIME TO LOOK THROUGH THE ORDINANCES TO DO WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND BRING ANY ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE REWRITTEN TO THE COUNCIL.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING LOWER THE MINIMUM AMOUNT FOR A PURCHASE ORDER FROM $500.00 TO $250.00. A DISCUSSION WAS ALSO HELD REGARDING WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EMERGENCY. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED “POOR PLANNING ON AN INDIVIDUAL’S ACCOUNT DOES NOT CONSITUTE AN EMERGENCY FOR THE CITY”.

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

9:50 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED REG ANKROM OF SIMEC ENERGY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE A LOWER RATE FOR THE CITY’S ELECTRIC AGGREGATION CONTRACT THROUGH HOMEFIELD ENERGY. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT A RATE OF $0.04584/KWH FOR JUNE OF 2020 THROUGH JUNE OF 2022.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TRANSFER OR LAKE LOTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO BUSINESS FOR STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS.

NO BUSINESS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR NOVEMBER 15, 2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,406.65, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,107.74, AIRPORT MANAGER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00, AND AUXILIARY POLICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,320.75 FOR A TOTAL OF $94,935.14. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,697.89 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,580.07 FOR A TOTAL OF $93,277.96. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR RICHARD KONDRITZ OF 525 EAST BURKETT AND TROY KNIGHT OF 806 NORTH MCLEANSBORO. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD RECEIVED COPIES OF LETTERS THAT WERE SENT TO COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR KONDRITZ REGARDING THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS THE PENSION BOARDS ARE REQUESTING THE CITY TO LEVY FOR PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED IF ALL OF THE COUNCIL HAD REVIEWED THESE LETTERS. EVERYONE ON THE COUNCIL AGREED THEY HAD REVIEWED THE LETTERS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #19-16, THE TAX LEVY FOR 2020/2021. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018/2019. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THERE WERE COPIES AVAILABLE IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE IF ANYONE NEEDED A COPY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL WITH BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ILLINOIS. SHE STATED THAT THERE IS AN INCREASE OF $61.93 PER EMPLOYEE PER MONTH. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT THIS INCREASE IS BELOW THE NATIONAL RATES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER PERKINS ABSTAINED.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDING HOURS OF OPERATION FOR ALCOHOL/LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT MAYOR KONDRITZ HAS BEEN APPROACHED ABOUT ALLOWING THE LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS TO HAVE EXTRA HOURS OF OPERATION ON THANKSGIVING EVE, CHRISTMAS EVE, AND NEW YEAR’S EVE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION ALLOWING THE LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS TO BE OPEN TILL 2 A.M. ON THESE DAYS AT NO EXTRA CHARGE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED A PURCHASE ORDER FOR A FENCE TO BE PLACED AROUND THE GENERATOR AT CITY HALL. THE PURCHASE ORDER, #00088 WAS FOR DANIEL ROBINSON TO PLACE A 16 X 16 BLACK CHAIN LINK FENCE WITH PRIVACY SLATS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,855.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHY BIDS WERE NOT TAKEN ON HEALTH INSURANCE RATES. CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE INSURANCE PROPOSALS/RATES WERE TAKEN CARE OF BY S.C.D. REA INSURANCE.

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

6:25 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED REG ANKROM OF SIMEC ENERGY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE A LOWER RATE FOR THE CITY’S ELECTRIC AGGREGATION CONTRACT THROUGH HOMEFIELD ENERGY. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT A RATE OF $0.04584/KWH FOR JUNE OF 2020 THROUGH JUNE OF 2022.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TRANSFER OR LAKE LOTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO BUSINESS FOR STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS.

NO BUSINESS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR NOVEMBER 15, 2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,406.65, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,107.74, AIRPORT MANAGER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00, AND AUXILIARY POLICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,320.75 FOR A TOTAL OF $94,935.14. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,697.89 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,580.07 FOR A TOTAL OF $93,277.96. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR RICHARD KONDRITZ OF 525 EAST BURKETT AND TROY KNIGHT OF 806 NORTH MCLEANSBORO. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD RECEIVED COPIES OF LETTERS THAT WERE SENT TO COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR KONDRITZ REGARDING THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS THE PENSION BOARDS ARE REQUESTING THE CITY TO LEVY FOR PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED IF ALL OF THE COUNCIL HAD REVIEWED THESE LETTERS. EVERYONE ON THE COUNCIL AGREED THEY HAD REVIEWED THE LETTERS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #19-16, THE TAX LEVY FOR 2020/2021. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018/2019. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THERE WERE COPIES AVAILABLE IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE IF ANYONE NEEDED A COPY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL WITH BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ILLINOIS. SHE STATED THAT THERE IS AN INCREASE OF $61.93 PER EMPLOYEE PER MONTH. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT THIS INCREASE IS BELOW THE NATIONAL RATES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER PERKINS ABSTAINED.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDING HOURS OF OPERATION FOR ALCOHOL/LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT MAYOR KONDRITZ HAS BEEN APPROACHED ABOUT ALLOWING THE LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS TO HAVE EXTRA HOURS OF OPERATION ON THANKSGIVING EVE, CHRISTMAS EVE, AND NEW YEAR’S EVE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION ALLOWING THE LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS TO BE OPEN TILL 2 A.M. ON THESE DAYS AT NO EXTRA CHARGE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED A PURCHASE ORDER FOR A FENCE TO BE PLACED AROUND THE GENERATOR AT CITY HALL. THE PURCHASE ORDER, #00088 WAS FOR DANIEL ROBINSON TO PLACE A 16 X 16 BLACK CHAIN LINK FENCE WITH PRIVACY SLATS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,855.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHY BIDS WERE NOT TAKEN ON HEALTH INSURANCE RATES. CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE INSURANCE PROPOSALS/RATES WERE TAKEN CARE OF BY S.C.D. REA INSURANCE.

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

6:25 P.M.