Author Archives: Brook Craig

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 AT 8:15 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. COMMISSIONER WYANT WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $91,620.17, FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,276.38, AND FOR OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $229,173.52 FOR A TOTAL OF $387,070.07. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 8:20 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.

MAYOR KRAFT ASKED THAT WE GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW THE CIVIC CENTER TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR PRESENTATION. BILL KING, RICK KNIGHT, AND RON SINK WERE IN ATTENDANCE FROM THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD. BILL KING PRESENTED A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION ON WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE CIVIC CENTER AND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE UPCOMING YEAR.

MAYOR KRAFT ASKED THAT WE AGAIN GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW BRIAN BUCHHEIT FROM HMG TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. MR. BUCHHEIT UPDATED THE COUNCIL ON THE FACILITY PLAN DATED FEBRUARY, 2013 AND ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL TO MOVE FORWARD AND BEGIN DESIGN OF THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE TO APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR THE DESIGN AND BID OF THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR $661,300.00 WITH HMG ENGINEERING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 13, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE PRESENTED A SEALED BID ON SURPLUS HEATING AND AIR UNITS. THE BID WAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $200.00. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE BID AND SALVAGE OR REBID THE SURPLUS HEATING AND AIR UNITS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THE CITY HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ROOF AT CITY HALL INCLUDING A LEAK IN THE CITY CLERK’S VAULT. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THERE ARE 19 BROKEN WINDOWS IN CITY HALL AS WELL. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR AN ARCHITECT TO DETERMINE THE NEEDS OF THE BUILDING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO PAY ESTIMATE #15 FROM ET SIMMONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $140,699.24. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001369 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,310.00 FOR AN 8 FOOT WESTERN PRO SNOW PLOW TO KNAPHEIDE TRUCK EQUIPMENT TO BE PAID OUT OF THE 2% GASOLINE TAX FUND. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 9, 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 2014. THEY HANDLED A TOTAL OF 189 DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE. THESE INCLUDED 4 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND 33 TRAFFIC STOPS, 8 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 4 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 2 FIGHT IN PROGRESS CALLS, 5 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 50 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 13 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS AND CHIEF.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 13, 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 24, 2014. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 13 INCIDENTS WHICH INCLUDED 4 FIRST RESPONDER/SERVICE CALLS, 1 FALSE ALARM, 1 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, 4 STRUCTURES FIRES, 1 BRUSH FIRE, AND 1 MUTUAL AID CALL (HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILL ON I-57). THERE WAS 3,000 GALLONS WATER USAGE/LOSS AS OF JANUARY 2014. ENGINE 801 HAS HAD THE AIR LEAKS FIXED AND IS BACK IN SERVICE. ENGINES 803 AND 805 ARE IN SERVICE.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002011 IN THE AMOUNT OF $525.00 FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOR FIREFIGHTER MATT CARPENTER TO ATTEND TRAINING THAT HE DID NOT ATTEND. THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS HAS APPROVED A CREDIT FOR $525.00 IF WE PAY THE INVOICE. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO PAY THIS PURCHASE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $525.00 TO BE PAID TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002016 IN THE AMOUNT OF $540.95 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP INC. THIS IS ACTUALLY BEING PAID BY THE $500.00 GIFT GRANT FROM AUXILIARY FIREFIGHTER JOHN OWENS THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DEPOSITED. THEREFORE THIS IS ACTUALLY ONLY COSTING THE CITY $40.95. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $540.95 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP INC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.
NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002018 AS AN CORRECTED PURCHASE ORDER FOR 4 REAR TIRES INSTALLED, MOUNTED, AND BALANCED ON A FIRE TRUCK FROM S&S MUFFLER IN THE AMOUNT OF $2724.60. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.
NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002017 FOR 20 HEAD FLASHLIGHTS FOR THE AUXILIARY FIREMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $829.20 TO ALEXIS FIRE EQUIPMENT. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.
NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW CHIEF FAIRES TO ORDER A PLAQUE FOR AUXILIARY FIREFIGHTER KEVIN SMITH TO BE PRESENTED UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE AXILLARY FIREFIGHTERS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.
NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT WEST CITY IS HAVING SOME CHANGES IN THEIR FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE STATED THAT WE NEED TO SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH THE WEST CITY REPRESENTATIVES TO ADDRESS MUTUAL AID FOR THEIR DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO SCHEDULE THIS MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 01/17/2014 FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,204.21, AUXILIARY POLICE AND FIRE IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00, AND GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,890.05 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,894.26. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR BILL SHIPP, 310 N BUCHANAN; NANCY DELATOUR, 416 SMITH; AND VIRGINIA BENNS, 409 W MCFALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR SAM KRAFT 1626 N MAIN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, AND COMMISSIONER MILLER. NAYS: 0. MAYOR KRAFT ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO GIVE THE AUTHORITY FOR COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, MAYOR KRAFT, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH, AND HIMSELF TO START LOOKING FOR FUNDING SOURCES FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED UNDER OLD BUSINESS THAT THE NEW WEBSITE IS MOVING FORWARD. COMMISSIONER MILLER ALSO STATED THAT WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH DIRECT DEPOSIT AND HE STATED THE GOAL IS TO HAVE THIS UP AND GOING BY THE FIRST OF MARCH.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN TO A 16-HOUR TRAINING CLASS ON CONCEALED CARRY. THE STATE LAW STATES THAT ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS ARE ON PROHIBITED AREAS FOR CONCEALED CARRY. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ASKED THAT HE BE GIVEN PERMISSION TO ACQUIRE SIGNS TO BE PLACED AT ALL CITY PROPERTIES STATING CONCEALED CARRY IS PROHIBITED. COMMISSIONER BURNETT WILL HAVE CHIEF ANDREWS ORDER THE SIGNS.
MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 8:25 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. COMMISSIONER WYANT AND COMMISSIONER BURNETT WERE ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 27, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDER #002568 TO HD SUPPLY FOR 24, 5/8” I PEARL METERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE THE LANDLINE TELEPHONE FROM TWIN OAKS SUBJECT TO SAFETY REASONS BEING REVIEWED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND CAMP MANITOWA FOR A PERIOD OF 1 YEAR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE READ THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT ON BEHALF OF COMMISSIONER BURNETT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR JANUARY 24, 2014 THROUGH FEBRUARY 10, 2014. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 11 INCIDENTS WHICH INCLUDED 5 FIRST RESPONDER/SERVICE CALLS, 1 FALSE ALARM, 1 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, 2 BRUSH FIRES, 1 MUTUAL AID CALL, AND 1 SEARCH AND RESCUE. WATER LOSS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2014 WAS 3,000 GALLONS. ENGINE 801 HAS A MINOR AIR LEAK, BUT THE TRUCK IS STILL IN SERVICE AND WAITING ON F.A.S.T. TRUCK AND TRAILER TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. ENGINES 803 AND 805 ARE IN SERVICE.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 01/31/2014 FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,874.51 AND GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,506.80 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $85,381.31. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDER #000970 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR A KYOCERA COPIER AND MONTHLY SERVICE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,667.00. THIS PRICE INCLUDES THE FIRST MONTH OF THE SERVICE AGREEMENT AND EACH SUBSEQUENT MONTH WILL BE $42.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR DONALD STOREY, 1208 S COMMERCIAL; SHERRI MARTIN, 910 N MADISON; ELLEN SLAYTON, 1106 S LICKLITER, LOT 4; MARCUS ABBOTT, 1106 S LICKLITER, LOT 7; JUSTIN WRIGHT, 1106 S LICKLITER, LOT 27; PAUL BRUYERE, 421 N TENTH; DORIS MABRY, 422 N TENTH; MONA SANDEFUR, 727 E TAYLOR; AND CLAYTON ROBB, 340 W MCFALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED A REVOLVING LOAN FUND APPLICATION FROM THE BIOFUEL PLANT. THE REQUEST WAS FOR $90,000 TO BE PAID BACK IN 6-12 MONTHS. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THIS AS LONG AS THE PRIOR OWNER HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT GREATER EGYPT REGIONAL PLANNING HAD SENT OFF OUR EDA APPLICATION GRANT PACKET ASKING FOR $3 MILLION FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. HE STATED HE WOULD UPDATE THE COUNCIL WHEN HE RECEIVED MORE INFORMATION.

MAYOR KRAFT PRESENTED A TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR JD PROPERTIES LLC. JD PROPERTIES LLC REQUESTED FOR 75% REIMBURSEMENT. IT WAS DISCUSSED TO OFFER A 35% REIMBURSEMENT. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH JD PROPERTIES LLC WITH CHANGES FOR A 35% REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REMAINING LIFE OF THE TIF, NOT TO EXCEED $50,000. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 AT 8:15 A.M. TO PAY BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 7:20 P.M.