Author Archives: Brook Craig

AGENDA — CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2024

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                    COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  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

 

  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 LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND JACK RUSSELL FISH COMPANY, LLC
  5. DISCUSSION OF CIVIC CENTER BOARD APPOINTMENTS

 

  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 06/20/2024 3:00 P.M./BC

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — MAY 28, 2024

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY ON MONDAY APRIL 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY ON MONDAY MAY 13, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED THAT AN AMERICAN FLAG BE HUNG AT TWIN OAKS AND SHE STATED THAT THE BUNTINGS NEED TO BE PUT OUT AT CAPITAL PARK. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD MET WITH HELITEC AND WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH USING THEM FOR REPAIRS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING.  ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THE CITY WAIT UNTIL THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER HAS HAD A CHANCE TO INSPECT THE DAMAGES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT HELITEC TOLD HER THEY WOULD BE 1-2 WEEKS OUT FROM BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE THE WORK AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THIS TOPIC WITH ERWIN BUILDERS SINCE THEY ARE WHO BUILT THE BUILDING.  AFTER A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THESE DIFFERENT OPTIONS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH HELITEC SUBJECT TO INSURANCE APPROVAL OR DENIAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00675 TO BEN’S LAWN SERVICE FOR A MOWER CLUTCH FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00240 TO ENERGY CULVERT FOR TILE AND DIMPLE BANDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,994.14 TO BE PAID FROM MFT FUNDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR:

  1. CRAWFORD @ 1204 ELECTION DRIVE
  2. RAYMER@ 306 NORTH EIGHTH STREET
  3. PENDERGAST@ 211 ELECTION STREET
  4. FLETCHER@ 118 WEST PARRISH STREET
  5. DILLARD @ 1011 ELECTION CIRCLE
  6. EUBANKS@ 809 NORTH NINTH
  7. ZSIDO @ 1002 SOUTH POPE STREET
  8. EAR L@ 500 WEST REED STREET
  9. DONALDSON @ 405 NORTH BUCHANAN
  10. MORRIS @ 1102 BAILEY LANE
  11. SMITH @ 702 DIAMOND STREET

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOTS #44 AND #45 FROM L. THOMAS WHITTINGTON AND SUE A. WHITTINGTON TO THOMAS TODD WHITTINGTON AND LORRIE A. WHITTINGTON AS JOINT TENANTS WITH RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP AND NOT AS TENANTS IN COMMON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-08 PLACING A ONE-WAY STOP SIGN ON GARDNER STREET AT EAST TAYLOR STREET FOR SOUTH BOUND TRAFFIC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCEMAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $121,790.10.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM HANDLED HIS PORTION OF THE AGENDA.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00122 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A SUPER MICRO SERVER FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,495.95 TO BE PAID FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00124 TO ACCREDITED SAFETY FOR ONE TASER AND ONE EXTENDED PERFORMANCE POWER MAGAZINE FOR THIS TASER IN THE AMOUNT OF $919.99.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00411 TO THE FIRE STORE FOR 2 PAIRS OF GLOBE SUPRALITE BOOTS, ONE TO REPLACE LT. MELVIN’S SET AND 1 SET TO ISSUE TO THE NEW FIREFIGHTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,265.65.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00130 TO LARRY FREDRICKS, LLC FOR A POINT BLANK BALLISTIC VEST AND A POINT BLANK GUARDIAN CARRIER FOR OFFICER MORGAN WATERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $890.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00414 TO CIRCLE LANE BUILDERS FOR MATERIALS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADDITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00413 TO CANHAM GRAPHICS FOR LETTERING AND STRIPING OF BENTON #806 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,408.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-10 AMENDING SECTION 24 – ARTICLE XI- GOLF CARTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE MERIT BOARD TO MOVE FORWARD WITH PRESENTING A CANDIDATE FOR HIGHER FOR BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 24, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $114,732.82 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,547.35 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $146,280.17. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 05/01/2024 WHICH CONSISTED OF CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,700.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO BILLS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-09 AMENDING 1-2-34 BIDDING AND CONTRACT PROCEDURES INCREASING THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT OF $750.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-04, A PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONCONTRACTUAL, NONUNION EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE THE COUNCIL AWARE THAT WE WILL BE PAYING A SOFTWARE AGREEMENT TO ZOBRIO SOON.  THIS PAYMENT IS A 3-YEAR COMMITMENT TO THE PRODUCT AND IS $9,600.00. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL NOW HAS 2 STATE CHAMPIONS IN TRACK AND THE TRACK TEAM TOOK 3RD IN STATE COMPETITION.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE DOING PROCLAMATIONS FOR THE TEAM AND THESE INDIVIDUALS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS NO PURCHASE ORDERS TO APPROVE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SUSPENDING THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE THE SURPLUS REAL ESTATE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 308 BUCHANAN STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE SOLD FOR $500.00 AND THAT IS THE FULL APPRAISED VALUE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

 

 

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

 

 

5:35 P.M.

EMERGENCY MEETING – 06/11/2024

NOTICE

 

EMERGENCY MEETING

BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

JUNE 11, 2024

 

 

AGENDA

 

BENTON CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD AN EMERGENCY CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024 AT 8:15 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

  1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TRANSFERRING FUNDS FROM THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ACCOUNT TO THE WATER AND SEWER REVENUE FUND TO BE USED FOR THE LAKE MOSES LIFT STATION REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT PROJECT

 

 

BEC

POSTED AT 6:00 P.M.

06/10/24

Agenda — City Council Meeting 06/10/2024

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF IMPLEMENTING THE USE OF WORK ORDERS

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                    COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISPOSING OF SURPLUS PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT IN THE

POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ATTENDING 2023 ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE

 

  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 THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY ELIZABETH BISCHOFF TO OWN AND OCCUPY A NEW DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1005 ENTERPRISE STREET
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR ZONING CHANGE MADE BY RILEY AND LEANN ROBERTS TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF PARCEL #08-18-227-012 FROM B-6 TO R-2

 

  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 06/06/2024 4:00 P.M./BC

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – MAY 13, 2024

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONTINUED MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 15, 2024 HELD IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON APRIL 22, 2024 IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS TO HEAR TESTIMONY FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY ON MONDAY APRIL 22, 2024 APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00686 TO EVAPAR FOR A SERVICE CALL FOR A SOUNDING ALARM ON THE GENERATOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,767.99.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS MET WITH HELITECH REGARDING THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FLOODING ISSUE AT 503 WEST WASHINGTON STREET.  SHE STATED THAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE OF $10,507.00 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT WOODS BASEMENTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE COMING TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE ON REPAIRS AS WELL.  AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING FORMING A COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION IT WAS DECIDED THAT A CALL NEEDED TO BE MADE TO OUR INSURANCE AGENT AT S.C.D. REA IN AN EFFORT TO SEE IF INSURANCE WOULD COVER THE DAMAGE.  NO OTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING AND IN HIS ABSENCE, ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH HANDLED HIS REPORT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00709 TO VELODYNE FOR A MIXER MOTOR FOR THE SLUDGE PRESS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,857.17.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR APPROVAL FOR KELLI SULLIVAN AT 607 EAST WEBSTER STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR APPROVAL FOR CASEY GARCIA OF 508 WEST 6TH STREET.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR DENIAL FOR MELINDA ROHRSCHEIB AT 307 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED APPROVAL DIRECTING AN ORDINANCE TO BE PREPARED FOR A STOP SIGN ON GARDNER AT EAST TAYLOR STREET.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00122 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A SUPER MICRO SERVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,495.95 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THIS TO COME FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF WE KEEP TAKING THINGS FROM THE IMPOUND FUND, IT WILL BE EMPTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS SERVER WAS ORDERED BEFORE A PURCHASE ORDER WAS FILLED OUT, A CONVERSATION HAD, OR ANY APPROVAL HAD BEEN GIVEN.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER SAID HE WAS UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS WAS AWARE IT WAS NEEDED FOR HIS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AGAIN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE ORDER FOR PAYMENT FROM THE GENERAL FUND.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 2. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00123 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR UNIFORMS, DUTY GEAR, AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,210.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00121 TO LARRY FREDRICKS, LLC FOR 1 POINT BLANK BALLISTIC VEST AND 1 POINT BLANK GUARDIAN CARRIER FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $890.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00126 TO IDS APPLICATIONS, INC FOR ANNUAL LAWMAN SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO LAWMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00410 TO MATT WARREN FOR A USED DIGITAL RADIO FOR THE MINI-PUMPER IN THE AMOUNT OF $575.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE NEEDED TO UPDATE THE GOLF CART ORDINANCE CHANGING THE STICKER DUE DATE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A TEMPORARY TAG ALLOWING OWNERS TO DRIVE THE GOLF CART TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR INSPECTION.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THESE TOPICS AS WELL AS WHEN WEST CITY’S DUE DATE FOR STICKERS ARE CONSIDERING STICKERS WORK IN BOTH COMMUNITIES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE TWO TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS TO FILL IN THE GAP BETWEEN JEFF COLEMAN’S RETIREMENT AND THE HIRING OF A NEW FIREFIGHTER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIGHER JOHN OWENS AND ZACK HALSTEAD AS TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS.  HE STATED THEY WOULD BE SPLITTING THE WORK 80/20 AND THAT JOHN OWENS HAS BEEN A PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER FOR THE CITY SINCE 1992 AND ZACK HALSTEAD IS THE CANDIDATE THE MERIT BOARD IS LOOKING TO HIRE FOR FULL TIME FIREFIGHTER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER IN CLOSED SESSION.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE A NOTE THAT FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT OVERTIME FOR THE PAYROLL THAT INCLUDED THE ECLIPSE FESTIVAL WAS $3,252.05.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE 2 FIRE CALLS ALSO DURING THIS TIME PERIOD TO CONSIDER IN CALCULATING THE OVERTIME FOR THE EVENT. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR APRIL 26, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,430.83 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,046.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $106,477.39. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 05/01/2024 WHICH CONSISTED OF CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,700.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 05/10/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,886.26 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,743.43 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $104,629.69.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING IN THE AMOUNT OF $395,528.62 ALL FROM THE AP FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-04, A PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONCONTRACTUAL, NONUNION EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE PURCHASE ORDER POLICY IS NOT BEING FOLLOWED ACROSS THE BOARD.  IN AN EFFORT TO CONTROL THIS BETTER, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT FROM $500.00 TO $400.00 AND TAKE THIS FROM A POLICY TO AN ORDINANCE.  AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING THE $400.00 AMOUNT BEING TOO LOW FOR MOST ITEMS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE WOULD CHANGE HIS MOTION TO $750.00 AS LONG AS THE PURCHASE ORDERS ARE BEING FILLED OUT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT AN AMENDMENT BE WRITTEN TO ORDINANCE 1-2-34 (N) PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION AMENDING THE FY-24/25 BUDGET TO INCLUDE THE FORD F550 MINI PUMPER PAID FROM MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO TIME CLOCKS FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS.  A LONG DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THIS TOPIC.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME. 

 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

 

IN UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT A STREET LIGHT PROGRAM AND WILL BRING MORE INFORMATION TO THE COUNCIL AS HE GETS IT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS YEAR’S REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL WAS REALLY GOOD.  ALSO, UNDER UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MASTER BIKE PLAN IS ALMOST FINISHED AND THAT THE PATH FROM THE SCHOOLS TO THE PARK WILL BE LABELED THE STEVE MCCOMMONS BIKEWAY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD LUNCH WITH GARY WILLIAMS FROM REND LAKE CONSERVANCY AND THAT IT WAS A GOOD MEETING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00707 TO MONDAY.COM TO PURCHASE 5 SEATS ON THE WORKFLOW PLATFORM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,140.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00682 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR AN INK JET PRINTER TO BE USED BY MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $257.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEMS (C) AND (D) UNDER THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM (C), DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PERCENTAGE FOR THE TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.  HE STATED THAT THIS PROJECT WOULD BRING IN 18-20 NEW JOBS AND THAT ZONING AND TIF ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAS RECOMMENDED A TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON OF 80%.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN 80% TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ACTION ON ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE THE SURPLUS REAL ESTATE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 308 BUCHANAN STREET. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT #806 (MINI PUMPER) HAS ARRIVED.  HE STATED THAT IT HAS ALREADY HAD MORE CALLS HERE THAN IT HAD BEFORE WE PURCHASED IT. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WANTED TO THANK JEFF COLEMAN FOR HIS 26 ½ YEARS WITH THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT MR. COLEMAN HAS STARTED A JOB AS A PARK RANGER WITH THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND STATED HE WILL BE AN ASSET TO THEM.  MR. TOM CARTER ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL NEXT.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THAT THE PREVIOUS THRESHOLD FOR PURCHASE ORDERS WAS TOO LOW AT $500.00 AND HE WANTED TO SUGGEST THAT IF AN EMPLOYEE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THE EXACT AMOUNT IS, THAT THEY SHOULD ESTIMATE AND STILL GET A PURCHASE ORDER FILLED OUT.  MR. CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THE REDESIGN OF MALKOVICH PARK WILL INCLUDE A FENCE.  HE STATED THAT THERE IS A VAGRANT LIVING IN THE AREA AND HE BELIEVES WITHOUT A FENCED IN AREA, THIS SITUATION WOULD BE EASIER TO CONTROL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A FENCE WITH THE NEW DESIGN. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS 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 GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

6:26 P.M.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

7:05 P.M.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE JOHN OWENS AND ZACK HALSTEAD AS TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS NOT TO EXCEED A 60-DAY APPOINTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

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

 

7:06 P.M.

AMENDED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — APRIL 22, 2024

AMENDED MINUTES

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED 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 SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD COMPLETED SPRAYING FOR ANTS AT TWIN OAKS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD A DISCUSSION WITH PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG REGARDING CAPITAL PARK RESTROOM RENOVATION. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE RENOVATIONS CAN BE DONE FOR AROUND $2,000.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RENOVATIONS TO CAPITAL PARK FOR $2,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWIMMING POOL SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR LACEY SMOTHERS OF 1103 SOUTH LICKLITER STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. AS AN UPDATE, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ENGINE 803 IS BEING TOWED TO BELLEVILLE. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT ZACKARY ANDREWS HAS PASSED ALL HIS TESTING AND WILL BE GOING TO THE POLICE TRAINING INSTITUTE ON MAY 5, 2024. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS 2 RETIRING IN THE NEXT MONTH, JEFF COLEMAN FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND BRENT ERTHALL FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR APRIL 12, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,967.71 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,606.53 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $113,574.24. 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 STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM ANYONE THIS EVENING REQUIRING ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE UPDATES FROM 2023.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AS A NOTE, HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THE AMOUNT OF BAD DEBT THAT WAS WRITTEN OFF AFTER THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING WAS $3,454.46.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET WITH AN ORDINANCE NUMBER OF #24-06. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AFTER THE HIRING COMMITTEE HAD MET, A CANDIDATE WAS CHOSEN FOR THE TREASURER’S POSITION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE TREASURER’S POSITION. 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.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WE ARE HAVING TO RAISE WATER RATES AT THIS TIME TO HELP KEEP THE FUND SOLVENT AFTER A RAISE FROM REND LAKE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS A 5% RAISE AND WILL MAKE THE MINIMUM BILL AN EVEN $59.00 INCLUDING WATER, SEWER, TRASH, AND SURCHARGE. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 24-07 RAISING WATER RATES 5%. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CITY AND THE EMPLOYEES THAT PUT ON THE CITY EMPLOYEE PICNIC.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BIDDING PROCESS FOR DEMOLITION OF MALKOVICH PARK. COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW THE RESEARCHING OF WORKFLOW PLATFORMS TO STREAMLINE WORK WITHIN THE CITY. 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 FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE EDC PARTICIPATION AT THE $2,500.00 LEVEL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THIS IS THE SAME LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION THE CITY APPROVED IN 2019 AND HE STATED THAT THE AMOUNT IS CURRENTLY IN THE BUDGET IN THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX FUND. 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.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS AND POLICE DEPARTMENT NEGOTIATIONS ARE UNDERWAY.

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT THE PLANS FOR MALKOVICH PARK ARE. HE STATED THAT THERE WILL NEED TO BE UPDATES AND UPGRADES TO THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. MR. CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA IF SHE HAS INSPECTED ALL THE BUILDINGS AND HE SUGGESTED THAT SHE SHOULD MAYBE BE DOING THIS ON A MONTHLY BASIS AND BRING A REPORT TO THE COUNCIL ON THESE INSPECTIONS. MR. CARTER ALSO TOLD COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THAT THE LAGOON NEEDS WEED EATED AND SPRAYED. MR. CARTER ASKED IF BIDS WERE TAKEN ON THE NEW BUILDING AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE STATED THAT NOT TAKING BIDS DOES NOT LOOK GOOD AND COMMISSIONER STOREY AGREED. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM GOT A GOOD DEAL ON THE BUILDING THOUGH. MR. CARTER STATED THAT THE COMPANY THEY USED DOES NOT PAY TAXES AND WANTS TO KNOW WHY WE DIDN’T USE A UNION COMPANY. MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WAS VERY HAPPY THAT SEWER RATES WERE NOT RAISED. MR. CARTER ASKED THE MAYOR IF HIS HOME HAD BEEN ROBBED AND IF HE WAS HURT IN THE INCIDENT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT COUNCIL BUSINESS AND NOT APPROPRIATE.

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

 

5:36 P.M.

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for the City of Benton Illinois will hold a special meeting at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 24, 2024.  The meeting will be held at the Benton City Hall, 1402 South Main Street, Benton IL  62812.  Agenda for the meeting is:

 

  1. Review Test Results and possibly approve the hire of a probationary firefighter.

 

 

John D. Aiken, Chairman

City of Benton IL Fire and Police Commissioners

 

 

 

City Council Meeting Minutes — April 24, 2024

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED 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 SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD COMPLETED SPRAYING FOR ANTS AT TWIN OAKS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD A DISCUSSION WITH PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG REGARDING CAPITAL PARK RESTROOM RENOVATION. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE RENOVATIONS CAN BE DONE FOR AROUND $2,000.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RENOVATIONS TO CAPITAL PARK FOR $2,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWIMMING POOL SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR LACEY SMOTHERS OF 1103 SOUTH LICKLITER STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. AS AN UPDATE, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ENGINE 803 IS BEING TOWED TO BELLEVILLE. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT ZACKARY ANDREWS HAS PASSED ALL HIS TESTING AND WILL BE GOING TO THE POLICE TRAINING INSTITUTE ON MAY 5, 2024. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS 2 RETIRING IN THE NEXT MONTH, JEFF COLEMAN FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND BRENT ERTHALL FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR APRIL 12, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,967.71 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,606.53 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $113,574.24. 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 STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM ANYONE THIS EVENING REQUIRING ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE UPDATES FROM 2023.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AS A NOTE, HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THE AMOUNT OF BAD DEBT THAT WAS WRITTEN OFF AFTER THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING WAS $3,454.46.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET WITH AN ORDINANCE NUMBER OF #24-06. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AFTER THE HIRING COMMITTEE HAD MET, A CANDIDATE WAS CHOSEN FOR THE TREASURER’S POSITION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE TREASURER’S POSITION. 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.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WE ARE HAVING TO RAISE WATER RATES AT THIS TIME TO HELP KEEP THE FUND SOLVENT AFTER A RAISE FROM REND LAKE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS A 5% RAISE AND WILL MAKE THE MINIMUM BILL AN EVEN $59.00 INCLUDING WATER, SEWER, TRASH, AND SURCHARGE. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 24-07 RAISING WATER RATES 5%. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CITY AND THE EMPLOYEES THAT PUT ON THE CITY EMPLOYEE PICNIC.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BIDDING PROCESS FOR DEMOLITION OF MALKOVICH PARK. COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW THE RESEARCHING OF WORKFLOW PLATFORMS TO STREAMLINE WORK WITHIN THE CITY. 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 FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE EDC PARTICIPATION AT THE $2,500.00 LEVEL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THIS IS THE SAME LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION THE CITY APPROVED IN 2019 AND HE STATED THAT THE AMOUNT IS CURRENTLY IN THE BUDGET IN THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX FUND. 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.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS AND POLICE DEPARTMENT NEGOTIATIONS ARE UNDERWAY.

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT THE PLANS FOR MALKOVICH PARK ARE. HE STATED THAT THERE WILL NEED TO BE UPDATES AND UPGRADES TO THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. MR. CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA IF SHE HAS INSPECTED ALL THE BUILDINGS AND HE SUGGESTED THAT SHE SHOULD MAYBE BE DOING THIS ON A MONTHLY BASIS AND BRING A REPORT TO THE COUNCIL ON THESE INSPECTIONS. MR. CARTER ALSO TOLD COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THAT THE LAGOON NEEDS WEED EATED AND SPRAYED. MR. CARTER ASKED IF BIDS WERE TAKEN ON THE NEW BUILDING AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE STATED THAT NOT TAKING BIDS DOES NOT LOOK GOOD AND COMMISSIONER STOREY AGREED. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM GOT A GOOD DEAL ON THE BUILDING THOUGH. MR. CARTER STATED THAT THE COMPANY THEY USED DOES NOT PAY TAXES AND WANTS TO KNOW WHY WE DIDN’T USE A UNION COMPANY. MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WAS VERY HAPPY THAT SEWER RATES WERE NOT RAISED. MR. CARTER ASKED THE MAYOR IF HIS HOME HAD BEEN ROBBED AND IF HE WAS HURT IN THE INCIDENT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT COUNCIL BUSINESS AND NOT APPROPRIATE.

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

 

5:36 P.M.

AGENDA – CITY COUNCIL MEETING 05/13/2024

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                    COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A STOP SIGN ON GARDNER AND EAST TAYLOR

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UPDATING CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE XI – GOLF CARTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTER

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONCONTRACT, NONUNION EMPLOYEES
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING ORDINANCE 1-2-34 (N) PURCHASE ORDERS
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING FY 24-25 BUDGET
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TIME CLOCKS FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS

 

  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 THE PERCENTAGE FOR TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTING REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE THE SURPLUS REAL ESTATE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 308 BUCHANAN STREET

 

  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 05/09/2024 4:00 P.M./BC

FY24/25 BUDGET

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