Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 14, 2025 AT 5:05 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 23, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 26, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE WERE STARTING THE MEETING WITH ITEM 9 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ANDY LAMONT OF DO YOUR PART RECYCLING TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM KASEY AND LUCAS KONNEKER ON THIS DAY ASKING HOW LUCAS (WHO IS 7 YEARS OLD) COULD GET MORE INVOLVED IN RECYCLING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED IT WAS A VERY FITTING LETTER TO RECEIVE WITH MR. LAMONT SCHEDULED TO SPEAK THIS EVENING.  MR. LAMONT THANKED THE COUNCIL FOR THE DONATIONS THEY HAVE GIVEN TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING OVER THE PAST 6 YEARS.  HE DESCRIBED HOW HIS BUSINESS HAS GROWN AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TOLD MR. LAMONT THAT HE KEEPS HIS BUSINESS PRISTINE AND SHE REALLY APPRECIATES THAT.  MR. LAMONT THANKS HER AND HE ALSO STATED THAT HE IS ABLE TO KEEP SOME COSTS DOWN BECAUSE HE HAS EARN FARE WORKER’S FROM THE TOWNSHIP THAT COME AND HELP WITH THE WORK AND KEEPING EVERYTHING IN ORDER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED MR. LAMONT WHICH COMMUNITIES HE HAS RECEIVED DONATIONS FROM.  MR. LAMONT SAID THAT THE BENTON TOWNSHIP HAS BEEN MATCHING WHAT THE CITY GAVE FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY HAD DONATED $1,200.00 AND THEN BUMPED TO $2,400.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE FELT THE CITY WAS ABLE TO DONATE $4,800.00 THIS YEAR AND THAT HE WAS SENDING OUT A CHALLENGE TO THE COUNTY AND WEST CITY TO NOT NECESSARILY MATCH THE CITY’S DONATION, BUT TO DONATE TO THE CAUSE AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $4,800.00 TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE  A BID FROM BAKERS PRESSURE WASHING FOR PRESSURE WASHING TWIN OAKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $600.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING THE BUILDING, $150.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING THE ROOF, AND $100.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING SIDEWALKS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $850.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WAS A LITTLE CONCERNED ABOUT PRESSURE WASHING THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS KNOWING WE JUST HAD SOME LEAKING ISSUES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A SOFT WASH WITH CHEMICALS AND WILL NOT CAUSE ANY DAMAGE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THE MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS LOOKED INTO WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO REMODEL THE CAPITOL PARK RESTROOMS AND ADDITION OF A POTTING SHED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS LOOKED INTO PRICES AND BELIEVES A POTTING SHED COULD BE PURCHASED FOR $1,552.00 AND THE REMODEL DONE FOR $2,000.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REMODELING THE CAPITAL PARK BATHROOMS AND THE ADDITION OF A POTTING SHED NOT TO EXCEED SPENDING $4,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00721 TO H&R AGRI-POWER FOR A STI G5461 16 STEEL SAW IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,250.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00691 TO LOWE’S FOR 52” BROWN PLASTIC EDGING BORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $658.98 FOR MALKOVICH PARK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR REBECCA MAYBERRY, VINCE KELLEY, TERESA BAYLESS, DOROTHY VOICE, MICHELLE CUPREMIA, ELIZABETH CARNEY, AND TONYA THIELE AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

THE ADJUSTMENT FOR SHELIA TAYLOR WAS NOT APPROVED AS IT DID NOT MEET THE CRITERIA.   

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FROM RICHARD AND AVA DARE TO JACOB AND ABBEY PARNELL FOR LOT #108B.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $270,748.89.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MFT ROCK BID FROM BEELMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,140.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MFT OIL AND CHIP BID FROM ILLINOIS ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $170,796.14.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE STREET RESURFACING BID FOR 2025 TO ET SIMONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $222,094.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MFT BAM BID TO ILLINI ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,380.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00141 TO NEWMANS FOR AMMO IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,362.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING 3 POLICE OFFICERS FROM THE ELIGIBILITY ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE FACEBOOK LIVE HE DID FOR THE CITY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING THE 1% HOME RULE SALES TAX INCREASE WAS VERY WELL RECEIVED.  HE BELIEVES IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO DO ANOTHER IN THE FUTURE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JULY 3, 2025 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,914.93 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,648.64 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $104,212.42.  SECOND BY STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,719.60, FROM MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,284.84, AND FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,072,399.22 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $1,092,403.66.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HALF OF THAT AMOUNT IS TO BE PAID TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE WATER LINE REPLACEMENT AND THAT THE CITY HAS ALREADY RECEIVED THE CHECK TO COVER THIS FROM THE STATE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED COMMISSIONER KAYS’ MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE HOME RULE SALES TAX BY 1% TO BE RESTRICTED TO INFRASTRUCTURE WITH NO SUNSET ON THE TAX.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER BEEN FOR RAISING TAXES, BUT HE WOULD BE A “YES” VOTE ON THIS MOTION AS HE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO PAY FOR THESE PROJECTS THAT HAVE TO BE DONE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT THEY AGREED TO A 2% INCREASE IN WATER RATES AT THE APRIL 28, 2025 MEETING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COMPLETED ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE #25-06, FOR APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE NEW MINIMUM WATER BILLS WILL BE $60.35 AND $58.25 FOR SENIORS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #25-06 INCREASING WATER RATES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.   

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE RANGER RODEO 2026 TO BE HELD AS A 2 DAY EVENT ON JULY 3 AND 4, 2026.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS YEAR’S RODEO WENT VERY WELL AND HE FEELS LIKE IT WILL BE EVEN BETTER NEXT YEAR BY SCHEDULING THE DATE A BIT FURTHER INTO SUMMER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RANGER RODEO 2026 TO BE HELD ON JULY 3 AND 4, 2026 AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  PEGGY PAGE AND JUDY COURTER CAME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THEY STATED THAT THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PUTTING ON A BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY AGAIN THIS YEAR.  THEY STATED THAT THIS IS THEIR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR AND EVERYONE HAS A GREAT TIME.  THEY SAID THAT THIS YEAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RAISE A LOT OF FUNDS AND WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER DONATING TO THIS EVENT.  MS. COURTER STATED THAT SHE HAS PUT TOGETHER AN ESTIMATE OF WHAT IT WOULD COST TO PUT THIS EVENT ON AND IT COMES TO SOMEWHERE AROUND $3,500.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THEM THE $3,500.00 FOR THE EVENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS EXPLAINED THAT THE CITY ONLY BUDGETED $5,000.00 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR FOR THIS LINE ITEM AND WOULD HATE TO USE IT ON JUST ONE EVENT.  AFTER DISCUSSION, THE COUNCIL AGREED TO DONATE $750.00 TO THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS FOR THE BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS THAT IF THEY HAVE ANOTHER EVENT, TO COME BACK AND PETITION FOR ANOTHER DONATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 502 NORTH MCLEANS BORO STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS A PROPERTY HE HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET DEMOLISHED FOR A WHILE NOW.  HE STATED THAT THE FAMILY WHO OWNS THIS PROPERTY DECIDED THEY WOULD RATHER DONATE IT TO THE CITY THAN TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF DEMOLITION THEMSELVES.  MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT THIS PROPERTY IS ZONED FOR BUSINESS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 502 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BIDS TO REPAIR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WHEN WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, WE KNEW THERE WERE SOME COSMETIC ISSUES THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.  HE STATED THAT BIDS WERE OBTAINED FROM WILKINS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,325.05 AND FROM WEEKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,426.26.  MR. CALCATERRA RECOMENDED THAT THE CITY ACCEPT THE LOW BID FROM WEEKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,426.26.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY KASSIE LYNCH TO OPERATE A HAIR SALON IN HER RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 511 W. 6^TH STEET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE ZONING BOARD AND HE ALSO PERSONALLY RECOMMENDS THAT THIS BE APPROVED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY KASSIE LYNCH TO OPERATE A HAIR SALON IN HER RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 511 WEST SIXTH STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (I) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND SCHIRM U.S.A., INC.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH RECOMMEND AN AGREEMENT WITH 85% REIMBURSEMENT TO SCHIRM U.S.A., INC.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (J) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND SECTION 40-3-95 BUSINESS ACTIVITY /USE SCHEDULE OF THE ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MOVING AND STORAGE OPERATIONS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WAS APPROACHED BY SOMEONE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE OLD CAR WASH ON THE CORNER OF BAILEY LANE AND FRISCO STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THE PROPOSED BUYER WANTED TO PLACE STORAGE UNITS ON THIS PIECE OF PROPERTY.  UPON INVESTIGATING THE ORDINANCE ABOUT STORAGE UNITS, MR. CALCATERRA FOUND THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED IN THIS AREA.  UPON EVEN FURTHER INVESTIGATION MR. CALCATERRA FOUND THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE STORAGE UNIT LOCATIONS IN THE CITY THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED BY ORDINANCE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO TO THE ZONING BOARD AND DISCUSS CHANGING THE ZONING CODE TO ALLOW THESE STORAGE UNITS TO BE IN COMPLIANCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MR. CALCATERRA TO BEGIN EXPLORING AMENDING SECTION 40-3-95 BUSINESS ACTIVITY/USE SCHEDULE OF THE ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MOVING AND STORAGE OPERATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS DRIVING BY 1106 HIGHLAND STREET TO CHECK THE PROCESS SINCE THE CITY HAS HIRED SOMEONE TO CLEAN UP THE PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN CLEANED UP AND IS LOOKING SO MUCH BETTER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS CONDEMNED A HOUSE LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF JOPLIN AND MADISON AS IT WAS NOT SAFE FOR THEM TO ENTER ON A RECENT CALL.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY WERE GOING TO UNRESTRICT THE FUNDS FROM THE 1% SALES TAX AND USE IT FOR OTHER THINGS.  HE SAYS HE KNOWS THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AT OTHER ENTITIES. 

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

6:17 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD THURSDAY JUNE 26, 2025 AT 9:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-09, A RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE IN THE AMOUNT OF $475,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

9:02 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 23, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 9, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 2, 2025 FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM ON WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00719 TO FENCE FORCE AND MORE FOR A FENCE TO BE PLACED AROUND THE CITY’S PROPANE TANK ON THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,908.61.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID FOR THROUGH TIF FUNDS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00718 TO MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT CO. FOR 3 BOXES OF 30 UV BULBS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,100.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00720 TO SUPER CARS FOR A 2014 FORD UTILITY TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,750.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS TRUCK WILL BE PAID FOR THROUGH THE LEACHATE FUND. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00690 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 FOR PROPOSED WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $288,449.64.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR KAYE KONDRITZ, ALICE DONALDSON, LYNDSEY ODAM, JANIS THOMAS, BRITTANIE SKAGGS, BRANDON HAST, DAVID ORE, SAMANTHA WILLIAMS, AND MICHELLE EUBANKS AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS SUBMITTED FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A FULLTIME WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO HIRE MATT CLARK AS A PARTTIME STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE FOR A BLOCK OF 720 HOURS A YEAR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO GO OVER THE CHANGES TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NOTABLE CHANGES WERE IN RESIDENCY, FIREFIGHTERS MUST RESIDE IN THE BENTON GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT; FIREFIGHTERS SHALL BE COMPENSATED 24 HOURS OF COMP TIME IN LIEU OF OVERTIME FOR EVERY 40 HOURS SPENT IN A CERTIFICATION LEVEL TRAINING CONSISTING OF 40 HOURS OR MORE OF COURSEWORK; EDUCATIONAL BONUS WILL BE $250 FOR ADVANCED FIRE OFFICER (FIRE OFFICER 2) AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN B (EMT- BASIC) WILL BE $500.00; AND WAGE INCREASES WILL BE GIVEN AS 2025-26 3%, 2026-27 3%, AND 2027-28 AND 2028-29 WILL BE 2.5%.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LIUNA #773 UNION CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JUNE 20, 2025 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,988.06 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,236.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,016.07.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STARTED A DISCUSSION ON RAISING PROPERTY OR SALES TAX.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE FEELS THE SALE TAX WOULD BE FAIRER TO OUR CITIZENS AS PROVED BY THE SALES TAX THE COUNTY USED TO BUILD THE NEW COURTHOUSE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THERE SHOULD BE NO SUNSET ON THIS SALES TAX.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS TAX WOULD BE SPECIFICALLY TO REPAIR AND UPDATE THE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING LEGISLATION TO ENACT A 1% SALES TAX ON GENERAL MERCHANDISE IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE TO VOTE “YES” ON ANY TAX INCREASE, BUT HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS IS NEEDED TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN TOWN.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00679 TO GREG WEEKS IN BENTON FOR A 2016 RAM 1500 FOR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,094.70.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BEFORE THE VEHICLE FOR CODES WAS FOUND BY WEEKS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAD MADE A BID ON A 2014 FORD F150 FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,500.00.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WON THIS BID AND HE NEEDED A MOTION TO BE MADE TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE AND THAT IT WILL BE USED AS A VEHICLE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00688 TO EPLANTERS.COM FOR 8 GARDEN PLANTERS TO BE PLACED AT MALKOVICH PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,055.38.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE TO APPROVE AMENDING CHAPTER 40 ZONING CODE TO ALLOW FOR DWELLINGS TO BE RECONSTRUCTED IN BUSINESS ZONED DISTRICTS IN THE EVENT OF DESTRUCTION DUE TO NATURAL DISASTERS OR FIRES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BIDS TO CLEAN UP NUISANCE LOCATED AT 1107 HIGHLAND STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THREE BIDS WERE RECEIVED.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM MENCKOWSKI EXCAVATING AND DEMOLITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,500.00.  THE SECOND BID WAS FROM BRITTON’S LAWN CARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,700.00.  THE THIRD BID RECEIVED WAS FROM EARTH SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,900.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID OF $6,700.00 FROM BRITTON’S LAWN CARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

THE COUNCIL ALL WANTED TO COMMEND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS FOR THE WORK HE PUT IN TO CLEAN UP THE PROPERTY AT 1107 HIGHLAND STREET. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CONSIDER CHANGING THE AGENDA TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK BEFORE AND AFTER THE COUNCIL VOTES ON ITEMS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO PURCHASING A LED BULLETIN BOARD FOR INFORMATION TO BE RELAYED TO THE PUBLIC. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE MIKE TYSON COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS AND JUSTIN MILLER FROM TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THE GENTLEMEN EXPLAINED THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY’S CRISIS WARMING CENTER PROGRAM IS A SHORT-TERM, LOW-BARRIER SHELTER DESIGNED TO OPERATE WHEN WEATHER CONDITIONS, SUCH AS HIGH TEMPERATURES, PRECIPITATION, AND WIND CHILL COMBINE TO CREATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO A STABLE, VIABLE SHELTER DURING THESE TIMES.  THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A “HAND UP” AND NOT JUST A “HAND OUT”.  THE GENTLEMEN EXPLAINED THAT THE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS IS TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH COLLABORATION, RESOURCE SHARING, AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS WITH THE AIM TO REDUCE HOMELESSNESS, IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE, AND EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS TO ACHIEVE STABILITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY.  MR. TYSON STATED THAT HE IS A RECOVERING ADDICT, BUT HE IS ALSO A HUSBAND, A FATHER, AND HOLDS A MASTER’S DEGREE.  MR. MILLER STATED THAT HE IS A RECOVERING ADDICT WHO WAS HOMELESS AND IS NOW A HUSBAND, FATHER, AND PASTOR.  BOTH GENTLEMEN STATED THAT RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER IS HELPING TO GET A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UP AND GOING IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS. 

IN MATTERS FORM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, THE NEIGHBORS FROM THE AREA OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET WANTED TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR TAKING ACTION.  THEY SPECIFICALLY WANTED TO THANK ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS FOR THE HARD WORK THEY PUT IN ON THIS PROCESS.  A GENTLEMAN ALSO APPROACHED THE COUNCIL STATING THAT HE IS INTERESTED IN OPENING A SOBER LIVING HOUSE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THIS GENTLEMAN TO CONNECT WITH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER. 

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