Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 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 AUGUST 25, 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.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND LET RICK AND BARB LINTON PRESENT TO THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME.  MR. AND MRS. LINTON SHOWED A COMMERCIAL FEATURING ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS AROUND OUR HISTORIC SQUARE.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT THIS IS BEING SHOWN AT A COUPLE OF REST AREAS AND IS ACTIVE ON THE INTERNET AT THIS TIME.  THIS COMMERCIAL WILL ALSO HAVE A QR CODE IN THE RL ADVENTURES ISSUE AND THE 2026 VISITOR GUIDE.  LONGTERM, THIS WILL BE ABLE TO BE VIEWED ON ENJOYILLINOIS.COM AND THE HISTORIC MAIN STREETS STATE TOURISM SITE.  MRS. LINTON STATED THAT THIS COMMERCIAL WAS PAID FOR THROUGH TOURISM DOLLARS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.   

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WAS AWAITING CALL BACKS ON REPAIRS TO THE DOOR AT THE ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) ‘DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO THE DOOR ON THE ANTIQUE GARAGE MUSEUM’ UNTIL A LATER DATE.  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 APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00699 TO WIGG’S EXCAVATING FOR PAY ESTIMATE #4 IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,523.08.  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 APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00344 TO T & T RECYCLING IN THE AMOUNT OF $875.00.  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 POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR 501 CARLTON STREET AND 209 CARLTON STREET.  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 DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR 200 EAST BLAKE STREET AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-11 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 3, 2025 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 #00436 TO FAST TRUCK AND TRAILER FOR A VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND A SIREN BRAKE REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,804.45.  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 APPROVE PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $81,652.77 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,093.20 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,745.97.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $330,130.33, FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,045.50, FOR TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,710.03. AND FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $181,342.52 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $550,228.38.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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. 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CAR SHOW WENT VERY WELL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE KUDOS TO JIMMY WELLS FOR ALL OF HIS WORK ON THE RC DRAG RACING.  HE STATED THAT THIS EVENT WENT VERY WELL. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00698 TO THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR THE RUNWAY LIGHTING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,828.46.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AN INSPECTION HAS BEEN DONE ON THE PROPERTY AT 105 NORTH MAIN STREET THAT THE CITY WAS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AFTER REVIEWING THE INSPECTION FINDINGS, THE CITY WILL NO LONGER BE PURSUING THIS PROPERTY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS COUNCIL POSITION/RESPONSIBILITY REASSIGNMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MOVED FROM THE COUNCIL TABLE TO THE PODIUM TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HE DID TO CAUSE THIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO ASKED IF THIS IS OVER THE FIRE CHIEF.  HE THEN PROCEEDED TO HAND OUT TIME SHEETS TO THE COUNCIL THAT SHOWED TIME WORKED AND PTO FOR FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED TO THE COUNCIL THAT MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER KAYS WILL NOT ANSWER THE PHONE WHEN CHIEF COCKRUM CALLS THEM.  HE STATED THAT HE BELIEVES ANY COUNCIL MEMBER SHOULD ANSWER THE PHONE WHENEVER ANY DEPARTMENT HEAD CALLS THEM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE STANDS BEHIND CHIEF COCKRUM 100%.  HE ALSO STATED THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH ARE CREATING A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE KNOWS HE IS ALSO CREATING A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE “HE IS ON SHANE ALL THE TIME”.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SAID HE DOES GET VERY MAD AT SHANE AND WANTS TO FIRE HIM, BUT HE HAS BEEN HERE 25 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN STATED THAT MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER KAYS ARE “BOTH SNAKES”.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH READ THE FOLLOWING STATE STATUTE. 

65 ILCS 5/4-5-3) (FROM CH. 24, PAR. 4-5-3).

  SEC. 4-5-3. EXCEPT WHERE CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER ARE REQUIRED TO RUN FOR A SPECIFIC OFFICE, THE COUNCIL, AT THE FIRST REGULAR MEETING AFTER AN ELECTION OF A MEMBER OR MEMBERS, SHALL DESIGNATE BY A MAJORITY VOTE ONE COMMISSIONER TO BE COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES, ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, WHO EX OFFICIO SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC PROPERTY. THIS DESIGNATION MAY BE CHANGED BY THE COUNCIL WHENEVER IT APPEARS THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE WOULD BE BENEFITED THEREBY. THE MAYOR SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE COMMISSIONER OF EACH DEPARTMENT SHALL BE SUPERINTENDENT OF THAT DEPARTMENT.
    IF THE MUNICIPALITY HAS VOTED, AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4-3-19, TO REQUIRE CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER TO RUN FOR A SPECIFIC OFFICE, EACH COMMISSIONER SHALL BE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT BEARING THE SAME DESIGNATION AS THE OFFICE TO WHICH HE WAS ELECTED. THE MAYOR SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE, EX-OFFICIO, COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS.
(SOURCE: LAWS 1965, P. 2677.)

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED “WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?”.  HE ASKED IF HE IS SUPPOSED TO REPRIMAND, FIRE, OR WRITE UP SHANE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT NO ONE HAS SAID THIS IS IN REGARDS TO CHIEF COCKRUM.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS NOT DOING THE THINGS HE HAD ASKED OF HIM AND THAT IS WHY HE IS RECOMMENDING THE CHANGE IN RESPONSIBILITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED IF ANYONE CAN WRITE UP ANY EMPLOYEE OR IF IT HAS TO BE THE COMMISSIONER OF THAT CERTAIN DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE REASON WE ARE HAVING THIS MEETING IS TO DISCUSS THE SWITCHING OF COMMISSIONERS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CHIEF COCKRUM TO SPEAK.  CHIEF COCKRUM ASKED WHAT HE HAS DONE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS IS A SITUATION WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AT THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE SWITCH THAT HAPPENED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDS SWITCHING COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY AND COMMISSIONER STOREY TO PUBLIC PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THAT MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.  ABSTAIN:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED DUE TO BEING SO CLOSELY INVOLVED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF BRANDTLEE BROWN FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION DUE TO HIM ACCEPTING A JOB WHERE HE WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS.  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. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF HE COULD GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  THE COUNCIL SAID THEY HAD NO REASON TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY REMOVED HIMSELF FROM THE TABLE AND SAT IN THE AUDIENCE WITH CHIEF COCKRUM STATING HE STANDS WITH THE CHIEF. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

5:28 P.M.

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.