Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO PRESENT FIRST AT THE MEETING. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING JUSTICE PURDIE AS A FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SRO CONTRACTS WITH BENTON CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 47, K-4 AND 5-8.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE AND CHIEF FUNKHOUSER HAD WRITTEN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS WITH THE BENTON CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 47 FOR TWO STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICERS, ONE FOR K-4 AND ONE FOR 5-8.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT EACH COUNCIL MEMBER HAD RECEIVED A COPY OF THESE AGREEMENTS IN THEIR PACKETS AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THESE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE BENTON CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 47 FOR K-4.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE BENTON CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 47 FOR 5-8   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED OFFICER JEREMY WATKINS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASING A K9.  OFFICER WATKINS STATED THAT HE HAS FELT FOR A WHILE THAT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD BENEFIT FROM HAVING A K9 ON STAFF AGAIN.  HE STATED THAT WITH THE CHANGES TO THE POLICE REFORM THAT WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2023, A K9 WOULD BE USEFUL IN SEARCHING OF VEHICLES.  OFFICER WATKINS STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS K9 WAS AN ATTACK DOG AND THE DOG THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING INTO AT THIS TIME WOULD BE A SNIFFER DOG.  OFFICER WATKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE K9 AND THEREFORE WOULD SWITCH FROM HIS CURRENT SHIFT TO A POWER SHIFT.  HE WOULD BE ON PROACTIVE PATROL AND THERE WOULD BE LITTLE TO NO OVERTIME IN HIS POSITION.  APPROXIMATELY $17,000.00 WOULD BE NEEDED IN ORDER TO PURCHASE THE NEW K9 AND OFFICER WATKINS STATED THAT HE FEELS THE DEPARTMENT COULD RAISE MAJORITY OF THE FUNDS THROUGH GRANTS, DONATIONS, AND FUNDRAISERS.  OFFICER WATKINS STATED THAT IT WOULD COST THE CITY APPROXIMATELY $2,500.00 A YEAR, AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, IN ORDER TO FEED, HOUSE, AND GENERAL TAKING CARE OF THE K9.  OFFICER WATKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE COUNCIL FOR PERMISSION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF RAISING THE FUNDS FOR THE K9 WITH THE HOPES OF BEING ABLE TO ACQUIRE THE K9 IN MAY OF 2023.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE STARTING THE PROCESS OF RAISING FUNDS FOR A K9 IN THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ROB WEILT WITH AGE (AFFORDABLE GAS AND ELECTRIC) TO SPEAK WITH THE CITY COUNCIL ON AGGREGATION FOR CITY OWNED ELECTRIC ACCOUNTS.  MR. WEILT STATED THAT THE CITY’S CURRENT AGGREGATION PROGRAM FOR CITY OWNED ACCOUNTS WILL NOT EXPIRE UNTIL JANUARY OF 2024, HOWEVER, WITH THE RECENT SPIKE IN ELECTRIC RATES AND THE FACT THAT IT DOES NOT APPEAR COSTS WILL LOWER MUCH IN THE FUTURE AND PROBABLY ONLY GO HIGHER, MR. WEILT WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS ALLOWING AGE TO SIGN THE CITY WITH A NEW RATE.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT IT WAS THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN THE CITY COUNCIL NEEDED TO SET TRICK OR TREATING HOURS.  WITH HALLOWEEN FALLING ON A MONDAY EVENING, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SET OFFICIAL TRICK OR TREATING HOURS FOR SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, 2022 FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TRICK OR TREATING HOURS FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2022 FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAY

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL FOR ACQUIRING APPRAISAL OF LAND APPROXIMATELY 28 ACRES LYING SOUTH OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND SOUTH OF THE I-57 AIRPORT BUSINESS PARK FOR POTENTIAL SALE AND DEVELOPMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOT #110 FROM WILLIAM G. TENNISON AND SHIRLEY A. TENNISON TO CHRISTY LANGFORD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOT #152 FROM PHILLIP BARTLEY DURHAM TO ROBIN SMITH AND BEN SMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A VERBAL DEPARTMENT REPORT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN BUSY BORING ON IOWA STREET AND INSTALLING NEW LINES IN ADDITION TO FIXING LEAKS AND OTHER DAILY DUTIES. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DESIGN/ENGINEERING OF INDUSTRIAL PARK II WATERMAIN EXTENSION STATING THAT THIS WILL BE PAID FROM THE IJRL TIF FUNDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH GAVE A VERBAL DEPARTMENT REPORT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MILLING AND OVERLAY PROJECT ON SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET AND A PORTION OF JOPLIN STREET WAS UNDERWAY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS PROJECT WOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND THEN STRIPING WILL BE SET FOR THE NEXT WEEK.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE STREET SWEEPER IS CURRENTLY OUT OF COMMISSION, BUT PARTS HAVE BEEN ORDERED AND ONCE THEY ARRIVE STREET SWEEPING WILL COMMENCE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022, AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 P.M.  THE PARADE WILL BEGIN AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND GO WEST ON EAST MAIN STREET, AND END AROUND THE PUBLIC SQUARE. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DESIGNATING THE NEW PLAYGROUND ON GRAND STREET AS A PARK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS EMPLOYEE WILL ACTUALLY BE A WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE, BUT WILL BE LOANED TO THE STREET DEPARTMENT AT TIME.  THE EMPLOYEE TO BE HIRED IS KEVIN SAMPLE.  SECOND Y COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PAY MONTHLY BILLS DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 IN THE AMOUNT OF $360,501.79.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 2022 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,357.41 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,082.39 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,439.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THE BREAK ROOM AT CITY HALL NEEDED SOME NEW CHAIRS AS WELL AS A COUPLE TALES WERE NEEDED AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE HOSPITAL WAS GETTING RID OF SOME FURNITURE AND SHE COULD ACQUIRE IT ALL FOR $200.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASING THE CHAIRS FOR CITY HALL AND CHAIRS AND TABLES FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS GROUP HAS BEEN FORMED AND WILL BE HELPING WITH FESTIVALS AND DECORATING OF THE CITY FOR EVENTS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE NEXT MEETING FOR THIS GROUP WILL BE AT THE BENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022, FROM 6-7 P.M.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT IF MULTIPLE COUNCIL MEMBERS ATTEND THE MEETING, NO CITY BUSINESS IS TO BE DISCUSSED. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO FURTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD JUST SIGNED THE PAPERWORK WITH THE ENGINEERS AND IDOT DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICS TO LAY ASPHALT AT THE AIRPORT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE WAS SOME PROPERTY ON NORTH MAIN IN FRONT OF BETTY AIKEN AND DAVID MCCOLLUM’S PROPERTIES THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT MAYOR KONDRITZ SHOULD HAVE CALLED HIM AND LET HIM KNOW THERE WAS AN ISSUE SO THAT IT COULD BE RESOLVED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN TO PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES ABOUT THIS AND THAT HE HAD NOT HANDLED THE SITUATION.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN MOWING THE CITY OWNED PROPERTY AT INDUSTRIAL PARK II THAT HOUSES THE SIGN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT AT THIS TIME THERE ARE WEEDS THAT ARE WAIST HIGH AND IT IS AN EMBARRASSMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HIS FINAL COMMEND UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS WAS THAT THE ROADS ON WHISPER WAY, NEAR HIS HOME, ARE DISINTEGRATING WITH GRASS GROWING IN THE ROADS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HOMEOWNERS EITHER HAVE TO MOW THE ROAD (AS HE DOES), SPRAY WEED KILLER, OR PULL THE WEEDS WHICH ENDS UP PULLING THE ROADWAY UP AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS.   

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT TONIGHT, BEFORE THE MEETING, A CALL WAS RECEIVED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT A POTENTIAL DRUG DEAL HAPPENING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY THE OFFICER ON SHIFT WAS ALREADY AT A CALL AND COULD NOT GO.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO HIRE MORE OFFICERS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO THANK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR HELPING WITH THE FLAGS, BANNERS, AND BUNTINGS AROUND TOWN FOR PATRIOT DAY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO WANTED TO THANK GREG BAKER FROM THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS FOR PUTTING THE BUNTINGS UP AT CAPITAL PARK.  4

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT IN 1983 THE CITY HIRED A MAN NAMED EDDIE FROST.  HE WAS A WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE, BUT WORKED IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT PAID THE WATER DEPARTMENT BACK FOR WAGES. 

1. CARTER ALSO QUESTIONED THE COUNCIL ON THE NEW WATER LINES BEING RUN TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT WITH THE NEW BUSINESS BEING OPENED IN INDUSTRIAL PARK II, THERE WILL BE A GREAT DEMAND FOR WATER AND THIS WILL HELP PROVIDE THAT. MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE LEAK UNDER I-57 CAUSED AN ISSUE WITH THE WATERLINES ALREADY RUNNING TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE NEW LINES WILL BE BIGGER LINES. 

1. CARTER ASKED IF THE AIRPORT OWNED LAND THAT IS POTENTIALLY GOING TO BE FOR SALE IS UNDER A GRANT. MATTHEW HARRISON STATED THAT THIS IS BEING LOOKED INTO. MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF THE FILING CABINETS AT THE AIRPORT CONTAINING DEEDS HAD EVER BEEN BROUGHT TO CITY HALL. MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT.  MR. CARTER SUGGESTED THAT THE CITY ASK SOMEONE LIKE DAVID GARAVALIA TO LOOK INTO THESE. 

WILLIAM MCPHERSON ASKED ABOUT THE DEMOLITION GRANT THAT WAS ACQUIRED BY THE CITY IN 2021.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT BRIAN CALCATERRA IS KEEPING TRACK OF THIS. 

AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON STATED THAT THE AIRPORT FLY INS HAVE ENDED FOR THE YEAR.  HE STATED THAT ONLY ONE HAD TO BE CANCELED FOR WEATHER THIS YEAR AND HE FEELS THAT THEY WERE A GREAT SUCCESS.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT FUEL SALES ARE CURRENTLY DOWN, BUT THAT WITH THE PRICE OF FUEL IN ILLINOIS CURRENTLY IT IS HARD TO STAY COMPETITIVE.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT ALL THE HANGARS ARE FULL AND THERE IS A WAITING LIST WITH FIVE NAMES ON IT FOR HANGARS AT THIS POINT. 

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

7:13 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 22, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 8, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF AUGUST 17, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED.   

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A BREAKDOWN OF HOW THE POSITION COULD BE PAID FOR.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT BENTON GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT #47 HAS AGREED TO PAY THE CITY OF BENTON $50,0000 A YEAR FOR A NEW RESOURCE OFFICER.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THE COST OF A NEW OFFICER WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $63,532.97 AND SO THE DIFFERENCE WOULD BE $13,532.97.  IT WAS STATED THAT WITH THE DIFFERENCE IN SALARY FROM WHAT CHIEF ANDREWS WAS MAKING COMPARED TO WHAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER MAKES IN ADDITION TO THE DIFFERENCE IN WHAT FUNKHOUSER WOULD BE MAKING AS A 22-YEAR EMPLOYEE AND WHAT A FIRST-YEAR OFFICER WOULD BE MAKING, THE CITY WILL STILL BE SAVING APPROXIMATELY $7,796.38 FOR THE FIRST YEAR.  JOHN PULLIAM WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT STATED THAT THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 1,200 STUDENTS IN GRADES K-8 AND THAT HAVING ONE RESOURCE OFFICER FOR THAT MANY KIDS IS NOT ENOUGH.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICER FOR BENTON CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY SCHOOL, DISTRICT #47.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00376 TO MABAS DIVISION #68 FOR DUES IN THE AMOUNT OF $507.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00378 TO MERMET SPRINGS FOR BOTTLES, NECKLACES, AND HOSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $577.98.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00377 TO DIVE RESCUE INTERNATIONAL FOR A BOTTLE GAUGE, A REGULATOR, AND FREIGHT IN THE AMOUNT OF $548.56.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS IS TO BE PAID FROM THE DIVE ACCOUNT AND DONATION FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS A PURCHASE ORDER THAT WILL BE SHARED WITH THE STREET DEPARTMENT AND WILL LEAVE THAT FOR COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH TO PRESENT. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR BRYAN AND MEGAN LYLES FOR LOTS 52 AND 53.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR MICHAEL WESTON FOR LOTS #134 AND #135.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE A DEPARTMENT REPORT AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO POUR A CONCRETE PATIO AT THE AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00664 TO RURAL KING FOR A 5-FOOT ROTARY TILLER IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,099.99.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HALF OF THIS WOULD BE PAID FOR FROM THE STREET DEPARTMENT AND HALF FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH STATED THAT HE ALSO WOULD BE GIVING HIS DEPARTMENT REPORT VERBALLY AS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS BEEN VERY BUSY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE ON FORREST STREET AND THAT THE MILLING AND OVERLAY PROJECT FOR SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET IS SET TO BEGIN ON 09/06/2022. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-11 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING A FULL-TIME TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY DOWN TWO EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED AUGUST 19, 2022 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,441.09 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,724.24 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $98,165.81.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO COMMEND LISA MENO FOR COMING IN AND TAKING CARE OF WHAT WOULD NEED TO BE DONE IN HER OFFICE BEFORE LEAVING FOR A FAMILY EMERGENCY.  SHE ALSO ASKED THAT THE COUNCIL KEEP HER AND HER FAMILY IN THEIR PRAYERS. 

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

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

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE TOWN AND COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB HAS OFFERED TO PLANT FLOWERS AND PLANTS AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  ALL THE COUNCIL COMMENTED ON HOW NICE THE NEW “WELCOME” SIGN OUTSIDE OF CITY HALL LOOKS.  THE SIGN WAS DONATED TO THE CITY OF BENTON FROM THE REALITY SHOW THAT WAS RECENTLY TAPED IN BENTON. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

6:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022 AT 8:45 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS PAYABLE ON AUGUST 13, 2022 IN THE AMOUNT OF $496,485.86.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

8:47 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17, 2022 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD CALLED THE MEETING FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR UNDER INTERSTATE 57.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS LINE IS 10 FEET DEPT AND THAT IT WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.  HE STATED THAT THE PIP HAS BEEN ORDERED, THE EMERGENCY PERMIT FROM EPA HAS BEEN OBTAINED, AND THE IDOT PERMIT IS BEING ISSUED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WATER MAIN WILL BE UPGRADED FROM A 6” TO AN 8” LINE TO HELP GET WATER TO THAT SIDE OF TOWN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE MONEY FOR THIS PROJECT WILL COME FROM THE REVENUE FUND.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR UNDER INTERSTATE 57 WITH WORK TO BE COMPLETED BY WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,442.32.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD SECOND THIS MOTION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT SINCE THIS PROJECT WOULD NOT BE BID OUT, AS IT IS BEING DONE ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS, THAT BY ORDINANCE 80%, OR A 4/5^TH, VOTE WILL ALLOW FOR PASSAGE OF THIS MOTION WITHOUT A BID.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  MOTION PASSED. 

DARRELL AND MYRA ELLIS WERE PRESENT IN THE AUDIENCE, BUT STATED THAT THEY WERE JUST TRYING TO GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY BY ATTENDING VARIOUS MEETINGS.  MRS. ELLIS ASKED IF THERE WOULD BE RESIDENTIAL OR BUSINESS EXPANSION ON THE WEST SIDE OF TOWN AFTER THE INTERCHANGE IS CONSTRUCTED.  THE COUNCIL STATED THAT THE AREA IS NOT ZONED FOR RESIDENTIAL. 

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

TIME 9:38 A.M.                                              

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2022 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT WITH ALL THE NEW DECORATIONS THAT HAD BEEN DONATED TO THE CITY FROM THE REALITY SHOW, SHE HAD BEEN LOOKING INTO A SHED TO HOUSE THESE DECORATIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA HAD PREVIOUSLY PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH PRICES FROM KUK STORAGE BARNS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE A PREOWNED 16 X 24 FOOT SHED IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,000.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE SHED HAD A GARAGE DOOR, 3 SMALL WINDOWS, AND A SIDE DOOR.  THE SHED ALSO HAS A 16” ROOF WITH A 24-FOOT CENTER AND 2” X 8” TONGUE AND GROOVE FLOORING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HIS RECOMMENDATION WAS TO SIGN A FIVE-YEAR LEASE FOR $150.00 AN ACRE FOR THE AIRPORT FARM LAND.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO SIGN A FIVE-YEAR LEASE FOR $150 AN ACRE FOR THE AIRPORT FARM LAND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED TWO BIDS FOR SURPLUS PROPERTY FROM AN AUCTION HELD ON AUGUST 8, 2022.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WAS ONE BID RECEIVED ON 1303 NORTH MAIN STREET FROM JERRY BALDWIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $960.00.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WAS 80% OF THE APPRAISED VALUE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS BID.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WAS ONE BID RECEIVED ON THE PROPERTY IN THE 8700 BLOCK OF STUYVESANT STREET FROM GARRETT BRITTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,440.00.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WAS 100% OF THE APPRAISED VALUE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS BID.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

TIME 9:13 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 8, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF JULY 14, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE ANY PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR GRETCHEN BENNETT FOR LOTS 119A AND 119B.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

FOR A DEPARTMENT REPORT, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD PRESENT IT VERBALLY AS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS BEEN VERY BUSY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK UNDER THE INTERSTATE THAT WAS TEMPORARILY FIXED, BUT A NEW 8” LINE WOULD NEED TO BE INSTALLED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID THAT AN EMERGENCY PERMIT FROM THE EPA FOR THIS REPAIR HAS ALREADY BEEN OBTAINED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A WATER MAIN BREAK ON EAST MAIN STREET. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH STATED THAT HE ALSO WOULD BE GIVING HIS DEPARTMENT REPORT VERBALLY AS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS BEEN VERY BUSY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM HAS MOSTLY BEEN COMPLETED INCLUDING THE WORK AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT PATCHING AT THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN STARTED AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK HAS DONATED $10,000.00 TO THE PLAYGROUND BEING INSTALLED ON GRAND STREET, EARTH SERVICES HAS DONATED THE UNDERLAY, AND THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT BEING PROVIDED BY THE REALITY SHOW SHOULD ARRIVE THIS WEEK. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD RECEIVED THE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THEIR PACKETS.  THE REPORT WAS FOR JUNE 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022.  THERE WERE 74 CALLS WHICH INCLUDED 7 FIRES, 37 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE, 14 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS (NO FIRE), 2 SERVICE CALLS, 5 GOOD INTENT CALLS, 3 FALSE ALARM & FALSE CALLS, AND 6 SEVERE WEATHER & NATIONAL DISASTER CALLS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE DATE OF THE MEETING AND THE DATE OF THE DUE DATE ON BILLS TO BE TURNED IN TO THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DEPARTMENT, THE MEETING WOULD NEED TO BE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY IN ORDER TO PAY THE BILLS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED AUGUST 5, 2022 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,502.32 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,550.41 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,052.73.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED PRICES FOR MULTIPLE SHEDS TO HOUSE THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS THAT WERE RECENTLY DONATED TO THE CITY OF BENTON FROM THE REALITY SHOW.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A PREOWNED 16’ X 24’ SHED TO HOUSE THE DECORATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  TOM CARTER INTERJECTED THAT THE AGENDA ONLY CALLS FOR DISCUSSION ON THIS MATTER AND THEREFORE APPROVAL COULD NOT BE COMPLETED AT THIS TIME.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT MR. CARTER WAS CORRECT AND THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETED AT ANOTHER MEETING. 

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

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

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WILL BE PUTTING ON THE NEXT AGENDA THE MATTER OF HIRING ANOTHER OFFICER FOR THE POSITION OF SRO.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE GRADE SCHOOL IS PUSHING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD WILL BE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE HIRING OF A NEW POLICE OFFICER FROM THE ELIGIBILITY LIST.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE MERIT BOARD WILL BE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE HIRING OF JUSTICE PURDIE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS BEGUN RESEARCH ON HIRING A NEW DRUG DOG THAT WILL BE EITHER A LABRADOR OR AN IRISH SETTER. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHERE THE DECORATION STORAGE SHED WOULD BE PLACED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT IT WILL BE PLACED AT THE STREET DEPARTMENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTON TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022, AT 8:45 A.M. TO PAY BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY JULY 14, 2022 AT 8:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR KONDRITZ, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ WAS ABSENT. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT SINCE THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 11, 2022, HE HAD VISITED A NUMBER OF POSSIBLE LOCATIONS TO PLACE THE COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND.  HE STATED THAT AFTER CAREFUL REVIEW, HE STILL BELIEVED THE BEST LOCATION FOR THE COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND WOULD BE AT 304 GRAND STREET AND THAT THE FACT THAT THERE IS AN EMPTY LOT ON EACH SIDE OF THIS LOCATION WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN PICKING THIS LOCATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACEMENT OF A COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND AT 304 GRAND STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY DID STATE THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD AS SAYING HE STILL DOES NOT BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAFEST LOCATION TO PLACE THE PLAYGROUND AS IT SITS NEXT TO THE RAILROAD TRACKS, BUT THAT HE UNDERSTANDS IT IS CURRENTLY THE BEST LOCATION TO CHOOSE. 

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

TIME 8:05 A.M.