Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2023 AT 5:00 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.  CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WE WOULD BEGIN WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT FROM COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD 1 PURCHASE ORDER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00079 TO NEWMAN’S FOR AMMUNITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,453.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISISONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORTS TO PRESENT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY INTRODUCED SHANE PETRIGREW OF THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DRUG TASK FORCE AND ASKED HIM TO PRESENT TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. PETIGREW STATED THAT THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE HAS HAD A DRUG TASK FORCE IN OUR AREA SINCE 1980.  MR. PETIGREW STATED THAT THEY WORK IN SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES WITHIN FRANKLIN COUNTY AND THAT THERE HAS RECENTLY BEEN AN OPENING IN THE TASK FORCE THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO OFFER TO THE CITY OF BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  IF THE CITY AGREES TO PARTICIPATE, THE TASK FORCE WOULD PAY THE CITY OF BENTON $51,000.00, PROVIDE A CAR FOR THE OFFICER ON THE TASK FORCE, PAY FOR TRAINING OF THIS OFFICER, AND PAY FOR FUEL FOR THIS OFFICER AS WELL.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THIS OFFICER WOULD BE WORKING FOR THE DRUG TASK FORCE FULL TIME IN THE CITY OF BENTON AND PARTICIPATION WOULD ALLOW THE CITY TO COLLECT FORFIETURE ON THESE DRUG BUSTS AS WELL AS GIVE HIMSELF A SEAT ON THE BOARD.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT HE HAS A LETTER OF AGREEMENT FOR PARTICIPATION THAT THE ATTORNEY CAN SEE IT IF HE WOULD LIKE TO.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTICIPATION WITH THE DRUG TASK FORCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD SECOND THIS MOTION PENDING ATTORNEY MALKOVICH’S REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WILL VOTE YES PENDING APPROVAL FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO VOTED YES PENDING ATTORNEY APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ VOTED YES.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A MEMORANDUM FROM CHIEF FUNKHOUSER REGARDING RAISING THE BASE PAY FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS BEING PAID BELOW WHAT HE FEELS IS ACCEPTABLE FOR THE EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES AND HER 12 YEARS OF DEDICATION TO THE CITY OF BENTON.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT ON MAY 1, 2022, MRS. KRAFT RECEIVED A $5,000.00 RAISE, BUT THIS WAS NOT ADDED TO HER BASE PAY AND HE BELIEVES THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER ALSO STATED THAT ON MAY 1, 2022, ALL NONUNION EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN MRS. KRAFT RECEIVED A $2,100.00 RAISE.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT WHEN RESEARCHING SALARIES OF COMPARABLE POSITIONS, HE FOUND THAT IN HARRISBURG THE SAME POSITION WITH ONLY 3 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WAS MAKING $46,000.00 AND IN WEST CITY THE SAME POSITIONWITH ONLY 5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WAS MAKING $44,000.00.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS HIS RIGHT HAND AND HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES TO BE PAID ON THE SAME LEVEL AS OTHER DEPARTMENTS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT AND DISCUSS THIS WHEN THE ATTORNEY CAN BE PRESENT AND SHE BELIEVES THE COUNCIL SHOULD GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A BASE PAY INCREASE FOR CHRISTINE KRAFT TO $45,000.00.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A RESOLUTION CAN BE WRITTEN AND SHOW THE ACTUAL STEPS IN THE PAY INCREASE.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  2.   COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS PREPARED A RESOLUTION #23-04 AUCTIONING 13 ACRES SOUTH OF THE WASTEWATER TREATEMENT PLANT ON APRIL 13, 2023 IN THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL ROOM AT 9 A.M.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT STATE STATUTE ALLOWS THE CITY TO AUCTION THIS PROPERTY AT 80% OF THE APPRAISED VALUE.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #23-04.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. CALCATERRA STATED THAT AT THE SAME TIME OF THE AUCTION FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROPERTY, HE WOULD LIKE TO SELL SOME SURPLUS REAL ESTATE THAT THE CITY HAS NOT HAD SUCCESS IN SELLING IN THE PAST. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS PREPARED A RESOLUTION FOR THE AUCTION OF 109 NORTH NINTH STREET, 308 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET, AND 511 EAST SMITH STREET. MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUCTION OF THESE THREE LOTS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLTUION #23-05 AUCTIONING SURPLUS REAL ESTATE AT 109 NORTH NINTH, 308 NORTH BUCHANAN, AND 511 EAST SMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED RICK AND BARB LINTON TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. LINTON PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH SOME HANDOUTS REGARDING THE UPCOMING S3DA TOURNAMENT ON JUNE 15-18, 2023.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT LAST YEARS’ TOURNAMENT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS AND HE BELIEVES THIS YEAR WILL BE BETTER.  MRS. LINTON STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE SUCCESS OF THE TOURNAMENT, THE COLLEGE NATIONALS MAY ALSO BE LOOKING TO OUR AREA FOR A TOURNAMENT IN SEPTEMBER OF 2023.  THE LINTONS STATED THAT THEY JUST WANTED TO TELL THE CITY COUNCIL “THANK YOU” FOR ALL THE SUPPORT THEY HAVE PROVIDED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, LAKE LOT  LEASES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING ON WHISPER WAY, DOING DITCH WORK, AND FILLING POTHOLES.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE WORK ON MCLEANSBORO STREET AND MCCAN STREET WILL BE FINISHED UP IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AS OTHER ENTITIES FINISH THEIR WORK IN THESE AREAS AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT GREATER EGYPT REGIONAL PLANNING IS WORKING ON A MASTER BIKE PLAN FOR ROUTE 37, ROAD WORK WILL BEGIN ON EAST MAIN @@

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-03 FOR THE 2023 MFT PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED SOME OF THE NUMBERS HAVE CHANGED AND THIS RESOLUTION WILL REPLACE RESOLUTION #2023-02.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT JUST AS A POINT OF INFORMATION FOR THE COUNCIL, HE STATED THAT ANTHONY BRYAN HAS DECIDED TO GIVE UP THE MECHANIC ROLL IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  THIS POSITION HAS BEEN INTERNALLY BID AND WILL BE FILLED BEFORE THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS POSITION DOES CARRY A $0.70 AN HOUR INCREASE IN PAY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00074 TO FABICK CAT FOR REPAIR OF THE ELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR BY REPLACING THE FUEL LIFT PUMP AND REPLACING A 5-YEAR-OLD BATTERY IN THE AMOUNT OF $982.65.  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 #00386 TO IAMRESPONDING.COM FOR RENEWAL OF ANNUAL DISPATCHING SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $660.00.  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 #00385 TO FIRE APPARATUS AND SUPPLY TEAM FOR ANNUAL PUMP TESTING FOR ENGINES #801, #803, AND #805 IN THE AMOUNT OF $655.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT AMENDMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS IS IN REGARDS TO PLACING A GUN SAFE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR USE BY THE SRO.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT WOULD REITERATE THAT THE CITY HAS ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS GUN SAFE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AMENDMENT.  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 HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $255,683.31, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,786.03, AND OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,744.44 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS TO BE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $302,213.78.  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 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,931.57 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,547.44 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $96,479.01.  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 SHE HAD BEEN UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY HAD PURCHASED A TABLE FOR THE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY DINNER.  SHE STATED THAT SHE HAS SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD NOT BE MAKING A MOTION TO PURCHASE A TABLE, BUT WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THE COUNCIL AND OUR CITIZENS TO SUPPORT THIS EVENT THAT RAISES MONEY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS CONTINUING EDUCATION INTO THE MEDICAL FIELD. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY MATT WAYMAN FOR A SPONSORSHIP FOR SI COMIC CON IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE THINKS ANY AMOUNT THE CITY COULD GIVE FOR A SPONSORSHIP WOULD BE GREAT AS THIS EVEN BRINGS A LOT OF PEOPLE TO OUR AREA.  THE EVENT WILL BE TAKING PLACE ON APRIL 1, 2023 AT THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DO A $300.00 SPONSORSHIP TO THE SI COMIC CON.  MOTION DIED FROM LACK OF SECOND. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED DYLAN YOUNG OF LITTLE EGYPT PEST CONTROL TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. YOUNG STATED THAT HE JUST WANTED TO INTRODUCE HIMSELF TO THE COUNCIL AND TALK ABOUT HIS BACKGROUND.  MR. YOUNG STATED THAT HE WILL BE HONORING THE CONTRACT PREVIOUSLY AGREED TO BY THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE FORMER OWNER.  MR. YOUNG PLANS ON BEING IN BENTON ONCE A MONTH FOR 8 HOURS A DAY.  THE PREVIOUSLY AGREED UPON AMOUNT WAS $15,000.00 FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON.  MR. YOUNG THANKED THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ALLOWING HIM TO DO BUSINESS IN OUR CITY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LETTER OF INTENT – SOLAR POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT FROM KEYSTONE POWER HOLDINGS, LLC FOR THE BENTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME UNTIL ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA COULD BE IN ATTENDANCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DESIGNATING THE LAND SURROUNDING THE SEWER PLANT AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND HOLDING AN AUCTION TO SELL CITY SURPLUS PROPERTY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE DESIGNATING THE LAND SURROUNDING THE SEWER PLANT AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND HOLDING AN AUCTION TO THE SURPLUS PROPERTY AS WELL AS ADVERTISE DOING THIS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR ZONING CHANGE BY BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO RE-ZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1502 NORTH MAIN STREET FROM B-3 TO B-2.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO OPERATE A BUSINESS IN THE B-2 ZONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (H) DISCUSSION OF RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION PRICING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IN MARCH OF 2022 THE CITY GAVE THE MAYOR PERMISSION TO SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF BENTON FOR OUR ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION BROKER (SIMEC) TO GO TO MARKET FOR A NEW RATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED LAST THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023.  THE NEW RATE FOR THE CITY’S ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION WILL BE 11.3¢ PER KILOWATT HOUR AND WILL BEGIN IN JULY OF 2023 AND RUN THROUGH JUNE OF 2024. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION FROM THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD FROM BENITA COFFEL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT MRS. COFFEL HAS SERVED ON THE BOARD FOR A LONG TIME AND HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB WHILE ON THE BOARD.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO ACCEPT HER RESIGNATION.  MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR BRAD BURZYNSKI TO BE APPOINTED TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THIS WOULD BE A GOOD ADDITION AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO MAKE A MOTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF BRAD BURZYNSKI TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THE ALBINO DEER WHILE HE WAS TRAVELING ON POPE STREET.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING POPE STREET HE WITNESSED CHARLES RUFFINO PICKING UP TRASH ALONG THE ROAD.  HE STATED THAT MR. RUFFINO PICKED UP 2 OR 3 40-GALLON TRASH BAGS FULL OF GARBAGE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO PUBLICLY THANK MR. RUFFINO FOR VOLUNTEERING TO HELP KEEP BENTON CLEAN. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT KIND OF RATE MR. THOMASON HAD STATED TO MAYOR KONDRITZ REGARDING THE RLCD AGREEMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE RATE MR. THOMASON DISCUSSED WAS 5%.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD THAT IF THE CITY HAD NOT PURCHASED THE NEW METERING SYSTEM, THEY COULD HAVE BOUGHT THE SOLAR STUFF ON THEIR OWN, MADE MONEY ON THE OVERAGE, AND RECEIVED A GRANT FOR THE METERS.  HE ASKED THAT IF THE CITY WOULD, IN THE FUTURE, SIT DOWN AND REALLY GO THROUGH ALL AVENUES BEFORE MAKING PURCHASES LIKE THIS. 

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

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2023 AT 5:00 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 MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING, NO LAKE LOT LEASES, AND NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORT.  HE STATED HE WOULD TRY TO GET A WRITTEN REPORT FOR THE NEXT MEETING, BUT THAT CRAIG MILES HAS JUST BEEN VERY BUSY AND DID NOT HAVE TIME TO GET ONE DONE. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT IT IS TIME TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOWING FOR THE 2023 MOWING SEASON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH DAVID BOOKER, WHO MOWED FOR THE CITY LAST YEAR.  MR. BOOKER HAS AGREED TO DO THE MOWING FOR THE CITY OF BENTON AT THE SAME RATE THAT HE DID FOR THE 2022 MOWING SEASON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACTING DAVID BOOKER FOR MOWING OF CITY PROPERTIES FOR THE 2023 MOWING SEASON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TWIN OAKS FLOOR REFINISH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WATER SUPPLY CONTRACT.  HE STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE TABLED UNTIL AFTER A MEETING WITH THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT HAS BEEN HELD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT BEFORE WE MOVED ON, HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A CALL FROM KEITH THOMASON WITH THE RLCD AND MR. THOMASON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY WITH A RATE CHANGE. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAS BEGUN PREPARING FOR THE 2023 MFT PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT CREWS ARE CONTINUING TO WORK ON THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET AND EAST MAIN AND THAT IT WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE ALL WORK IS COMPLETED IN THIS AREA. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-03 FOR THE 2023 MFT PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED SOME OF THE NUMBERS HAVE CHANGED AND THIS RESOLUTION WILL REPLACE RESOLUTION #2023-02.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT JUST AS A POINT OF INFORMATION FOR THE COUNCIL, HE STATED THAT ANTHONY BRYAN HAS DECIDED TO GIVE UP THE MECHANIC ROLL IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  THIS POSITION HAS BEEN INTERNALLY BID AND WILL BE FILLED BEFORE THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS POSITION DOES CARRY A $0.70 AN HOUR INCREASE IN PAY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00074 TO FABICK CAT FOR REPAIR OF THE ELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR BY REPLACING THE FUEL LIFT PUMP AND REPLACING A 5-YEAR-OLD BATTERY IN THE AMOUNT OF $982.65.  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 #00386 TO IAMRESPONDING.COM FOR RENEWAL OF ANNUAL DISPATCHING SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $660.00.  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 #00385 TO FIRE APPARATUS AND SUPPLY TEAM FOR ANNUAL PUMP TESTING FOR ENGINES #801, #803, AND #805 IN THE AMOUNT OF $655.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT AMENDMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS IS IN REGARDS TO PLACING A GUN SAFE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR USE BY THE SRO.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT WOULD REITERATE THAT THE CITY HAS ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS GUN SAFE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AMENDMENT.  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 HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $255,683.31, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,786.03, AND OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,744.44 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS TO BE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $302,213.78.  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 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,931.57 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,547.44 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $96,479.01.  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 SHE HAD BEEN UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY HAD PURCHASED A TABLE FOR THE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY DINNER.  SHE STATED THAT SHE HAS SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD NOT BE MAKING A MOTION TO PURCHASE A TABLE, BUT WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THE COUNCIL AND OUR CITIZENS TO SUPPORT THIS EVENT THAT RAISES MONEY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS CONTINUING EDUCATION INTO THE MEDICAL FIELD. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY MATT WAYMAN FOR A SPONSORSHIP FOR SI COMIC CON IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE THINKS ANY AMOUNT THE CITY COULD GIVE FOR A SPONSORSHIP WOULD BE GREAT AS THIS EVEN BRINGS A LOT OF PEOPLE TO OUR AREA.  THE EVENT WILL BE TAKING PLACE ON APRIL 1, 2023 AT THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DO A $300.00 SPONSORSHIP TO THE SI COMIC CON.  MOTION DIED FROM LACK OF SECOND. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED DYLAN YOUNG OF LITTLE EGYPT PEST CONTROL TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. YOUNG STATED THAT HE JUST WANTED TO INTRODUCE HIMSELF TO THE COUNCIL AND TALK ABOUT HIS BACKGROUND.  MR. YOUNG STATED THAT HE WILL BE HONORING THE CONTRACT PREVIOUSLY AGREED TO BY THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE FORMER OWNER.  MR. YOUNG PLANS ON BEING IN BENTON ONCE A MONTH FOR 8 HOURS A DAY.  THE PREVIOUSLY AGREED UPON AMOUNT WAS $15,000.00 FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON.  MR. YOUNG THANKED THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ALLOWING HIM TO DO BUSINESS IN OUR CITY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LETTER OF INTENT – SOLAR POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT FROM KEYSTONE POWER HOLDINGS, LLC FOR THE BENTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME UNTIL ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA COULD BE IN ATTENDANCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DESIGNATING THE LAND SURROUNDING THE SEWER PLANT AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND HOLDING AN AUCTION TO SELL CITY SURPLUS PROPERTY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE DESIGNATING THE LAND SURROUNDING THE SEWER PLANT AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND HOLDING AN AUCTION TO THE SURPLUS PROPERTY AS WELL AS ADVERTISE DOING THIS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR ZONING CHANGE BY BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO RE-ZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1502 NORTH MAIN STREET FROM B-3 TO B-2.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO OPERATE A BUSINESS IN THE B-2 ZONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (H) DISCUSSION OF RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION PRICING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IN MARCH OF 2022 THE CITY GAVE THE MAYOR PERMISSION TO SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF BENTON FOR OUR ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION BROKER (SIMEC) TO GO TO MARKET FOR A NEW RATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED LAST THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023.  THE NEW RATE FOR THE CITY’S ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION WILL BE 11.3¢ PER KILOWATT HOUR AND WILL BEGIN IN JULY OF 2023 AND RUN THROUGH JUNE OF 2024. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION FROM THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD FROM BENITA COFFEL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT MRS. COFFEL HAS SERVED ON THE BOARD FOR A LONG TIME AND HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB WHILE ON THE BOARD.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO ACCEPT HER RESIGNATION.  MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR BRAD BURZYNSKI TO BE APPOINTED TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THIS WOULD BE A GOOD ADDITION AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO MAKE A MOTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF BRAD BURZYNSKI TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THE ALBINO DEER WHILE HE WAS TRAVELING ON POPE STREET.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING POPE STREET HE WITNESSED CHARLES RUFFINO PICKING UP TRASH ALONG THE ROAD.  HE STATED THAT MR. RUFFINO PICKED UP 2 OR 3 40-GALLON TRASH BAGS FULL OF GARBAGE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO PUBLICLY THANK MR. RUFFINO FOR VOLUNTEERING TO HELP KEEP BENTON CLEAN. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT KIND OF RATE MR. THOMASON HAD STATED TO MAYOR KONDRITZ REGARDING THE RLCD AGREEMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE RATE MR. THOMASON DISCUSSED WAS 5%.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD THAT IF THE CITY HAD NOT PURCHASED THE NEW METERING SYSTEM, THEY COULD HAVE BOUGHT THE SOLAR STUFF ON THEIR OWN, MADE MONEY ON THE OVERAGE, AND RECEIVED A GRANT FOR THE METERS.  HE ASKED THAT IF THE CITY WOULD, IN THE FUTURE, SIT DOWN AND REALLY GO THROUGH ALL AVENUES BEFORE MAKING PURCHASES LIKE THIS. 

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

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 23, 2023 AT 5:00 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 COCKRUM COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED KEYSTONE ENERGY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL FIRST.  ANTHONY FOTOPOULOS INTRODUCED HIMSELF TO THE CITY COUNCIL STATING THAT HE IS A CO-FOUNDER OF KEYSTONE POWER HOLDINGS, LLC AND FOCUSES ON PARTNER MANAGEMENT, DUE DILIGENCE, DEAL PLACEMENT, AND FINANCING.  MR. FOTOPOULOS HANDED OUT BINDERS TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING A PROPOSAL TO PLACE SOLAR POWER WITHOUT CAPITAL INVESTMENT AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  IN THE PROPOSAL AN ESCALATOR AND A FLAT RATE CALCULATOR OF SAVINGS WERE LAID OUT.  WITH THE ESCALATOR THERE WOULD BE A NEW RATE EVERY YEAR STARTING AT $0.0349FOR ELECTRICITY WITH A TOTAL SAVINGS AT THE END OF 30 YEARS IN THE AMOUNT OF $980,613.00.  WITH THE FLAT RATE THE CITY WOULD PAY A RATE OF $0.0449 AND THE ESTIMATED ELECTRICAL SAVINGS OVER 30 YEARS WOULD BE $1,105,322.00.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE CITY WOULD HAVE TO PAY REAL ESTATE TAXES ON THIS PROPERTY IF SOLAR WAS INSTALLED THEREFORE THE SAVINGS WOULD ACTUALLY BE LESS AND NOT START TO BE SEEN UNTIL YEAR 4 OF THE PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A FURTHER DATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING, NO LAKE LOT LEASES, AND NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WAS A BAD WATERMAIN BREAK TODAY ON EAST MAIN STREET AND THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN REPAIRING NUMEROUS WATER LEAKS OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD PATCHED EAST MAIN STREET IN FROM OF THE JAIL AND THAT THEY WERE PREPARING OF THE WINTER WEATHER THAT HAS BEEN FORECAST FOR OUR AREA. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE MEETING AND THEREFORE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00073 TO FABICK CAT FOR LEVEL 2 MAINTENANCE SERVICE ON THE FABICK CAT GENERATOR LOCATED AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $785.56.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00072 TO NOVACOM FOR AN IN-CAR VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM AND TESTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,115.00.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ALSO STATED THAT THIS PURCHASE WOULD BE MADE FROM THE DUI FUND.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO MONTHLY BILLS TO APPROVE AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 01/20/2022 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,686.28 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,036.99 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $106,723.27.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF).  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION OF UNDERPERFORMING AREAS WITH THE CITY AND THAT THE CITY RECOGNIZES THAT TAX INCREMENT FINANCING IS A MEANS TO ADDRESS AREAS OF BLIGHT, SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTE LOCAL JOB CREATION AND RETENTION.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD REQUEST THAT A MOTION BE MADE TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-02 IN SUPPORT OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A 2019 FORD FUSION FOR THE ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS RESEARCHED A LOT OF CARS AND FOUND A 2019 FORD FOCUS, BLACK WITH FOUR DOORS, FROM CARMAX OUT OF FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,110.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT A NEW CHEVY VOLT COULD BE PURCHASED FOR $23,000, BUT WOULD VOTE YES ON THIS PURCHASE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A SIT-DOWN TALK WITH THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY THAT HOUSED THE OLD LINCOLN SCHOOL BUILDING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO THANK PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES FOR MAKING THE HEART FOR THE VALENTINE’S PROJECT AT CAPITAL PARK.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS HAVE PLACED A HEART AT CAPITAL PARK FOR CITIZENS TO TIE BOWS AND RIBBONS TO FOR VALENTINE’S DAY REPRESENTING THAT OUR CITIZENS ARE THE “HEART” OF OUR COMMUNITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA INVITED ALL CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROJECT. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT THE CITY HAS AGREED TO HIRE A NEW POLICE OFFICER AND GAVE TWO PAY RAISES AT THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF WE WERE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE INCREASE IN PAYROLL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON IS FAR FROM BROKE AND THAT WE WERE WORKING IN THE POSITIVE AND IN GOOD SHAPE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WE ARE WORKING WITHIN OUR BUDGET AND THAT THE TREASURER WATCHES THE MONEY VERY CLOSELY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE IS PROUD OF THE CITY OF BENTON’S BUDGET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THINGS WOULD LOOK A BIT DIFFERENT IN THE BUDGET, BUT THAT THE CITY IS DEFINITELY OPERATING WITHIN THE BUDGET.  MR. CARTER ASKED FOR A DOLLAR AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT THE CITY HAS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE COULD NOT PROVIDE THAT AT THIS TIME, BUT THAT SHE WOULD GET THAT NUMBER FOR HIM. 

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

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 9, 2023 AT 5:00 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 MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 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 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022.  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 WE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA TONIGHT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR ZONING CHANGE BY BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO RE-ZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1503 NORTH MAIN STREET FROM B-6 TO B2.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THE COUNCIL DEALT WITH A FEW WEEKS AGO FOR THE AREA WHERE HUCKS IS LOCATED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ZONING CHANGE FROM B-6 TO B2 FOR 1503 NORTH MAIN.  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 MR. CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO OPERATE A BUSINESS IN THE B2-ZONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WITH LITTLE TRACTOR PURCHASING BEN’S LAWN THERE WERE WILL AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS FOR SALE AS WELL.  MR. CALCATERRA INTRODUCED JEFF RUSH AND G. DAVID GREEN TO THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME.  MR. GREEN HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH HELPING LITTLE TRACTOR ACQUIRE THIS PROPERTY AND MR. RUSH IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF LITTLE TRACTOR.  MR. RUSH STATED THAT OF ALL THE PLACES LITTLE TRACTOR HAS BEEN IN, HE FEELS THAT BENTON ACTUALLY WELCOMES THEIR BUSINESS.  MR. RUSH ALSO STATED THAT THERE WILL BE A GREAT INCREASE IN REVENUE FROM SALES TAX WITH THEIR BUSINESS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO OPERATE A BUSINESS IN THE B-2 ZONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA ADDRESS ITEMS (E) DISCUSSION OF CLARIFICATION OF THE TERMS OF THE NON-DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM THAT WAS PASSED APRIL 11, 2022 AND (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION MADE BY KEVIN EDWARDS AT 504 PUBLIC SQUARE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE TWO FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAMS WERE INTENDED TO RUN CONCURRENT WITH BOTH HAVING THE SAME END DATE.  HOWEVER, THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND THE END DATE FOR THE NON-DOWNTOWN TIF GRANT WAS INADVERTENTLY LEFT OUT OF THE APPLICATION.  THE COUNCIL AGREED THAT THE NON-DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM SHOULD BE A YEARLONG PROGRAM AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT END UNTIL APRIL 11, 2023.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION THAT THE NON-DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM WILL HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE OF APRIL 11, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

5. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FROM KEVIN EDWARDS AT 504 PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM. GENERALLY, THIS ADDRESS WOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM. HOWEVER, AS THIS PROGRAM HAS ENDED, HE ASKED THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER ALLOWING MR. EDWARDS TO HAVE HIS APPLICATION APPROVED UNDER THE NON-DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION BY KEVIN EDWARDS AT 504 PUBLIC SQUARE IN THE NON-DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM.  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 HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT AS A DEPARTMENT REPORT, THERE WERE NUMEROUS WATER LEAKS THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN FIXING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00477 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A BLOCK OF 50 HOURS OF TECH SUPPORT FOR USE BY THE ENTIRE CITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,975.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT FOR A DEPARTMENT REPORT, HE WOULD LIKE TO STATE THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING ALL CHRISTMAS DÉCOR AND PUTTING THE DÉCOR AWAY IN THE NEW BUILDING THE CITY PURCHASED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED WHERE THIS BUILDING WAS LOCATED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BUILDING IS AT THE STREET DEPARTMENT. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH BFW ENGINEERING FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT AFTER REVIEW OF THEIR RFQ.  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 RESOLUTION #2023-01 FOR THE 2023 MFT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $730,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE CONVERSATION OF DEVELOPING A POSITION FOR PUBLIC WORKS/CODES/CITY WORKER.  HE ASKED IF EACH COMMISSIONER WOULD CREATE A LIST OF WHAT THEY ENVISIONED THE POSITION OR POSITIONS TO INCLUDE.  HE ASKED THAT THESE LISTS BE TURNED OVER TO CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG SO THAT A MASTER LIST COULD BE COMPILED AND THEN THE COUNCIL COULD MEET AND DISCUSS THIS FURTHER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO FORM A COMMITTEE TO RESEARCH THIS POSITION OR POSITIONS AS WELL.  NO FURTHER DISCUSSION OR ACTION WAS HELD ON THIS MATTER AT THIS TIME. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TEMPORARY 60-DAY APPOINTMENT OF RYAN EATON IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT A RATE OF $16.55 PER HOUR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A MEMO FROM CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATING THAT HE WAS RECOGNIZING INVESTIGATOR KYLE MELVIN AS THE 2022 OFFICER OF THE YEAR.  THE MEMO ALSO STATED THAT OFFICER JEREMY WATKINS WAS RECOGNIZED FOR HAVING THE MOST ARREST IN 2022.  OFFICER MICHAEL CAIN AND OFFICER JEREMY WATKINS WERE RECOGNIZED FOR MAKING THE MOST DUI ARREST OF 2022.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WAS VERY PROUD OF THIS DEPARTMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ECHOED THIS SENTIMENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE GENERAL FUND AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $445,587.34, FOR TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $198,234.58, AND FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,972.58 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $666,794.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,984.18 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,038.63 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $107,022.81.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL COULD FIND A COPY OF THE MOST RECENT TAX DISTRIBUTION RECEIVED ON DECEMBER 29, 2022, IN THEIR PACKETS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE TOTAL WAS $767,911.45. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE OPENING AN ACCOUNT FOR PUSH TAX MONIES THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN RECEIVING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS IS NOT A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY, BUT IT NEEDS TO BE DEPOSITED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD AGREED TO INCREASE THE SALARY OF BRIAN CALCATERRA TO KEEP HIM WITH THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WAS AWARE THAT IF THEY HAD TO HIRE SOMEONE TO DO THE JOB THAT MR. CALCATERRA WAS DOING, IT WOULD HAVE POTENTIALLY COST MORE THAN THE INCREASE THAT MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO HER ATTENTION THAT IN THE PAST THE BASE SALARY OF THE CITY CLERK WAS THE SAME AS THE TREASURER’S BASE SALARY AND THIS WAS CHANGED AT SOME POINT.  SHE STATED THAT THE CITY CLERK HANDLES MORE ITEMS NOW AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WANTED TO OPEN UP A DISCUSSION AS TO HOW THE COUNCIL FELT ABOUT INCREASING THE CITY CLERK’S SALARY TO THE SAME BASE AS THE TREASURER’S SALARY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE FELT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR DISCUSSION AS HE BELIEVED SHE DID DESERVE THE SAME BASE PAY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAY RESOLUTION #2023-02.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MATTHEW HARRISON SPOKE ABOUT HAPPENINGS AT THE AIRPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE AIRPORT HAD $60,000.00 IN FUEL SALES AND 35 USES OF THE COURTESY CAR.   MR. HARRISON STATED THAT OF THOSE 35 USES OF THE COURTESY CAR, 20 WERE TO EITHER FISH CO OR SEASONING BISTRO.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE HAS APPLIED FOR A $440,000.00 FFA GRANT FOR THE APRON, A $16,000.00 AVIATION FUEL TAX GRANT, AND THAT THE HANGAR IS FULL WITH A WAIT LIST AT THIS POINT.  HE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO FINISH THE LIGHTING NEXT AT THE AIRPORT AND WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO A COMMUNITY HANGAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED WHAT THE AIRPORT PROFITS OFF OF FUEL AND MR. HARRISON STATED THAT IT IS APPROXIMATELY $0.10 A GALLON.  FINALLY, MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR ALL THEIR THOUGHTS, PRAYERS, AND THE PLANT DURING THE RECENT LOSS OF HIS MOTHER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND MR. HARRISON ON HOW WELL HE DOES WITH STAYING ON TOP OF EVERYTHING AT THE AIRPORT. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO PUBLICLY STATE THAT SHE APPRECIATED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG FOR ALL SHE DOES FOR THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO THANK THE CLERK FOR ALSO BEING SO LOYAL TO THE CITY. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JEFF RUSH STATED THAT HE REALLY APPRECIATES BRIAN CALCATERRA FOR ALL THAT HE DID TO HELP LITTLE TRACTOR IN THEIR RELOCATION TO BENTON.  MR. RUSH ALSO STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THIS BUSINESS WILL BRING TREMENDOUS REVENUE INTO THE CITY.  G. DAVID GREEN ECHOED THESE COMMENTS AND THANKED THE COUNCIL.  TOM CARTER ASKED IF A TIME STUDY HAS BEEN DONE ON THE NEW POSITION TO BE CREATED AND IF THERE IS AN EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR THIS POSITION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THIS MAY JUST BE A PART TIME POSITION AND THAT NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ON ANYTHING REGARDING THIS POSITION AT THIS TIME.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF WITH THE PASSING OF THE NEW RESOLUTION, WILL THIS BE A DOMINO EFFECT WITH RAISES.  FRED STATED THAT HE IS LOSING MONEY AS BEING THE MAYOR.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TOLD MR. CARTER HE COULD STOP BY CITY HALL AND SHE WOULD PROVIDE HIM WITH A COPY OF THE PAY RESOLUTION. 

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

6:05 P.M.