Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 25, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 11, 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 ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FY 2022-2023 BUDGET BECAUSE CITY TREASURER LISA MENO WAS IN THE AUDIENCE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FY 2022-2023 BUDGET.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00671 FROM LENSING BUILDING SPECIALTIES FOR TWO MAGIC FORCE SINGLE AUTO OPERATOR DOORS, INSTALLED, FOR A TOTAL OF $7,995.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS WILL MAKE THE ENTRY DOORS AT CITY HALL ADA COMPLIANT.  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 LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID FROM WYANT CONSTRUCTION FOR A WINDOW AND WALL IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA BROUGHT A MOTION TO THE FLOOR TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH IF THE MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABLE TO HAPPEN.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY FOR COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, THE SECOND MOTION IS THE ACTIVE MOTION AND MUST BE ACTED UPON FIRST.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN SECONDED THE MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FUNDING FOR THE VACTOR SEWER TRUCK FROM STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000.00 WITH A 3.5% INTEREST RATE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT TREASURER LISA MENO AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WILL BE SIGNERS ON THIS ACCOUNT.  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 PURCHASING MATERIALS FOR THE PARRISH STREET WATER MAIN PROJECT.  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 MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE PROGRAM FOR NON-DOWNTOWN TIF BUSINESS OWNERS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 #22-05 FOR THE BCHS GRADUATION PARADE.  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 HIRE LOGAN DARR IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS POSITION WILL MAINLY BE FOR MOWING AND THAT MR. DARR WILL START ON 05/09/22 PENDING MR. DARR PASSING HIS PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT MR. DARR WOULD START AT $17.40 PER HOUR.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR THE MFT ROCK BID AS THE BID TABULATION HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED.  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 #00056 TO MORROW BROTHERS FORD FOR TWO 2022 FORD EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPTORS IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,160.00.  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 NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING ON ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING UNION NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPOINTING CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS POLICE CHIEF WITH A 15-MONTH CONTRACT SINCE OFFICER FUNKHOUSER HAD A DEATH IN HIS FAMILY AND HAD NOT HAD TIME TO GO OVER THE CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE DID NOT THINK WE SHOULD WAIT TO APPROVE THIS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO START THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS FOR LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  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 ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO START THE TESTING PROCESS FOR THE POLICE OFFICER ELIGIBILITY LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,044.65.  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 PAYROLL FOR APRIL 14, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,163.50 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,237.03 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $83,400.53.  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 APRIL 29, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,456.54 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,683.04 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $99,139.55.  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 A PAY RESOLUTION FOR NON-CONTRACT/NON-UNION EMPLOYEES GIVING THE CITY TREASURER, CITY CLERK, BILLING CLERK, WATER CLERK, AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR A $2,100 RAISE TO THEIR BASE SALARY ONE TIME AND A 2% INCREASE IN FY 2023-2024.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DISCUSS THIS ITEM IN EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH THE NEW OWNERS OF THE LAKE HAMILTON LOTS AND THAT THEY ARE VERY HAPPY. 

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

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT GRUENINGER AVIATION WAS NOT READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE AVIATION LEASE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  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 A MOTION APPROVING BROWN AND ROBERTS AS THE AIRPORT SPONSOR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE LAND OWNER AT LAKE BENTON, WHERE THE STORM SIREN IS LOCATED, HAS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS SIREN RELOCATED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF THIS IS RELOCATED, IT WILL BE MOVED TO CITY HALL TO HELP WITH STORM NOTIFICATIONS ON THE SOUTH END OF TOWN. 

ALSO, IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE AN UPDATE FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT MOWING FOR THE CITY OF BENTON HAD BEGUN, THERE WERE 11 SERVICE LEAKS FIXED, NUMEROUS SINK HOLES FILLED, ELECTRICAL AT THE STREET BARN HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THERE WAS A POWER OUTAGE AT THE WATER BARN THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE PARRISH STREET WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WILL BEGIN IN JUNE, THE WATER DEPARTMENT IS WAITING ON EQUIPMENT FOR GROUND STORAGE, AND WHEN SCHOOL LETS OUT THE DAMAGED FIRE HYDRANT IN FRONT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE REMOVED AND CAPPED AS THERE ARE FIRE HYDRANTS ON BOTH ENDS OF THE PROPERTY EVEN AFTER THIS HAS BEEN REMOVED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT RODNEY POTTS WITH JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES AS APPLIED FOR THE WATER PERMITS FOR WEST MAIN STREET, DUQUOIN STREET, AND MAPLE STREET. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE NEW EMPLOYEE IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BE GRADER CERTIFIED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AT THIS TIME, MAJORITY OF THIS POSITION WILL BE FOR MOWING.  MR. CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM IF THE VACUUM TRUCK THAT IS BEING PURCHASED IS THE SAME AS WHAT THE CITY ALREADY HAS AND IF ANYONE HAS SEEN A DEMONSTRATION OF THIS MACHINE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS SEEN A DEMONSTRATION AND THAT THIS IS THE SAME MACHINE, BUT MORE MODERN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE CAPABILITIES OF THIS MACHINE HAVE INCREASED.

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, CITY TREASURER LISA MENO STATED THAT SHE HOPED THAT THE NON-CONTRACT/NON-UNION EMPLOYEES PAY RESOLUTION WOULD NOT BE DENIED AS COLLATERAL DAMAGE DUE TO A WAR AMONGST THE COMMISSIONERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:55 P.M. 

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

8:00 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN PAY FOR THE TREASURER, CITY CLERK, BILLING CLERK, WATER CLERK, AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF $40 PER WEEK FOR FY 2022-2023 IN LIEU OF PASSING A PAY RESOLUTION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN STATED THAT SHE DID NOT FEEL GOOD ABOUT DOING THE INCREASE THIS WAY AND WOULD IMMEDIATELY LIKE TO WITHDRAW HER MOTION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT PAY RESOLUTION #22-06 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 AND 2023-2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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. 

8:05 p.m.

                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________

CITY CLERK

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 9, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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 PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2022.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO GO OUT OF ORDER FOR THIS MEETING AND BEGIN WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS BENTON POLICE CHIEF WITH A 15-MONTH CONTRACT AND A STARTING SALARY OF $67,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AT THIS TIME.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UNION CONTRACT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE A 6^TH FIREMAN.  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 THE COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A REPORT IN THEIR PACKET FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT INCIDENTS IN THE MONTH OF APRIL.  THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 431 DISPATCH CALLS THAT INCLUDED 28 ALARM CALLS, 3 AMBULANCE CALLS, 1 ARMED PERSON CALL, 2 ASSAULT/BATTERY CALLS, 16 DISORDERLY CALLS, 21 DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, 4 FIGHT-IN-PROGRESS CALLS, 15 JUVENILE PROBLEM CALLS, 2 MISSING JUVENILE CALLS, 1 PROWLER CALL, 24 SUSPICIOUS PERSON CALLS, 19 THEFT CALLS, 13 WELFARE CHECKS, AND OTHER CALLS IN THE AMOUNT OF 289.  THE REPORT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 13 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS COMPLETED, 24 TRAFFIC STOPS, AND 9 TOTAL CRIMINAL ARRESTS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PRESENT THE ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE REPORT TO THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $236,912.40.  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 MAY 2, 2022 FOR THE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,125.00.  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 WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A WRITTEN POLICY ON WHETHER OR NOT THE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER HEALTH INSURANCE FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE REMEMBERED THE COUNCIL MAKING AN AGREEMENT TO NOT TAKE THE HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AT THE TIME HE SAID HE DIDN’T CARE EITHER WAY BECAUSE HE HAD INSURANCE AT THAT TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE SINCE CHANGED AND HE RECENTLY BEGAN TAKING THE HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD DONE SOME RESEARCH ON INSURANCE THAT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH CONTINENTAL TIRE (WHERE COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH’S WIFE WORKS) AND THAT COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH IS ABLE TO GET INSURANCE THROUGH THAT COMPANY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT CALLING HIS WIFE’S EMPLOYER WAS AN OVERSTEP AND THAT IF INFORMATION ABOUT HIS WIFE’S INSURANCE WAS NEEDED, HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPROACHED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO FORM A COMMITTEE TO OFFER THEIR RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO OFFER HEALTH INSURANCE TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED NO PART OF THIS COMMITTEE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMITTEE AND THEN SECONDED THE MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ IF HE HAD SKIPPED HIS TURN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WAS NOT SKIPPING ANYONE, JUST GOING OUT OF ORDER FOR THE EVENING. 

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH IF THERE WERE ANY FURTHER UPDATES ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT MR. MARK GRUENINGER WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND ASKED IF HE HAD ANY UPDATES.  MR. GRUENINGER STATED THAT HE HAS A MEETING ON MAY 11, 2022 WITH PEOPLE’S BANK TO REVIEW THE LEASE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED IF A MOTION COULD BE MADE BY THE COUNCIL TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A FURTHER DATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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 STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION FROM THE ZONING BOARD FROM JOHN MOHR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION.  MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF JOHN MOHR FROM THE ZONING BOARD WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT FRED KERLEY TO THE ZONING BOARD.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO CALL A RECESS AT THIS TIME.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ HOW LONG THE RECESS WOULD BE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A 28-MINUTE RECESS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TAKE A 28-MINUTE RECESS, RESUMING SESSION AT 6:49 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:21 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION FOLLOWING THE RECESS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:44 P.M.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD ONLY RECEIVED ONE BID FOR FENCING AT THE STREET BARN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS BID WAS FOR $95,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE BID FOR FENCING AT THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000.00.  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 #00662 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR A STOP LIGHT CONTROL MONITOR FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON NORTH MAIN AND PETROFF ROAD.  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 ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR MFT ROCK FROM BEELMAN LOGISTICS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,980.00.  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 THE GUYS ALL HANDLED THE PARADE VERY WELL AND THAT ALL CANDY WAS PICKED UP OFF OF THE ROADWAYS. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ TOLD COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH THAT THERE WAS CURRENTLY A POTHOLE ON WHISPER WAY WHERE HE STATED “CARS DISAPPEAR”.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS RECEIVED SOME BIDS ON CONSTRUCTION IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AT CITY HALL FROM ERWIN BUILDERS TO BUILD A WALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,610 AND RELOCATE THE DROP BOX IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,600.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD PRESENT THESE AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE DOES NOT WANT TO HURT ANYONE FEELINGS WHEN DISAGREEING ON AN ITEM.  HOWEVER, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WILL REMAIN FAIR AND WILL ALWAYS ADVOCATE FOR THE CITIZENS OF BENTON AND THEIR TAX DOLLARS BEING SPENT WISELY. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH MATTHEW HARRISON ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF RAISING THE FUEL COSTS AT THE AIRPORT. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AIRPORT IS AT LEAST BREAKING EVEN WITH THE FUEL SALES.  CITY CLERK, BROOK CRAIG, STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED A PROFIT WAS BEING MADE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS QUESTION WILL BE ASKED OF MATTHEW HARRISON. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATION. 

6:55 P.M. 

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

7:11 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION CONTRACT RETROACTIVE TO MAY 1, 2021 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2025.  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 ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

7:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 11, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ READ A POST FROM FACEBOOK REGARDING ALL THE GRAFFITI AROUND TOWN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT SEVERAL BUSINESSES, THE PARK, AND CAPITAL PARK HAD BEEN VANDALIZED WITH THIS GRAFFITI.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES WOULD BE PROSECUTED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (C), (D), (E), AND (F).

5. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO VACATE A PORTION OF CRIP AND COPPLE STREETS. MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE VACATING A PORTION OF CRISP STREET AND A PORTION OF COPPLE STREET ADJACENT TO THE CITY OF BENTON STREET DEPARTMENT FACILITY. 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. 

635. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM FROM LANA BAIN OF BAIN AND ASSOCIATES. MRS. BAIN’S RECEIPTS SHOWED THAT SHE SPENT A TOTAL OF $6,635.00 AND THEREFORE SHE IS ELIGIBLE FOR A REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH THE GRANT OF $3,317.50. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

1. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE ALSO RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM FROM DAVID KIMMEL OF KIMMEL INSURANCE. MR. KIMMEL PRESENTED RECEIPTS SHOWING HE SPENT APPROXIMATELY $32,000.00 ON HIS PROJECT. THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED REIMBURSEMENT PER PROJECT IS $5,000.00.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR APPROVAL FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO MR. KIMMEL IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. CALCATERRA PRESENTED A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR HEIDI ZSIDO TO OWN AND OPERATE A HOME OCCUPATION (HAIR SALON) AT HER RESIDENCE OF 1354 WHISPER WAY. THIS WAS APPROVED BY THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

500. CALCATERRA PRESENTED AN APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY DOROTHY VOICE TO OWN AND OCCUPY A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED AT 411 S. BROWN STREET. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT AN EASEMENT HAS BEEN OBTAINED BY MRS. VOICE AFTER THIS WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER. MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT THE VOICE’S WERE INFORMED THEY COULD NOT PLACE THE MOBILE HOME IN THE CITY LIMITS WITHOUT A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND THEY PLACED THE MOBILE HOME IN THE CITY LIMITS ANY WAY.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL APPROVES THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT, THEY WILL BE MAKING HIS JOB HARDER IN THE FUTURE AS THE VOICE’S DID NOT FOLLOW CITY ORDINANCE.  MRS. VOICE ASKED IF SHE COULD ADDRESS THE COUNCIL AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ALLOWED THIS.  MRS. VOICE STATED THAT THEY HAVE PLACED ALL THEIR RETIREMENT INTO THIS HOME AND IT WILL COST THEM ANOTHER $2,500.00 IF THEY ARE MADE TO MOVE THIS HOME. 

AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF THE VOICE’S MOBILE HOME, COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO LEAVE THE MOBILE HOME WHERE IT IS AND APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF THE MOTION BEING ON THE FLOOR, IT DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO OWN AND OCCUPY A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED AT 411 SOUTH BROWN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.

2022. CALCATERRA STATED THAT AN AUCTION WAS HELD AT THE BENTON CITY HALL ON APRIL 9, 2022. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 102 ALEXANDER DRIVE RECEIVED A BID OF $15,000.00. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $15,000.00 FOR 102 ALEXANDER DRIVE FROM JIM HUGHES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

800. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 104 ALEXANDER RECEIVED A BID FOR $10,800.00. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $10,800.00 FOR 104 ALEXANDER FROM JOHN DIETRICH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

200. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 105 ALEXANDER RECEIVED A BID OF $19,200.00. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $19,200.00 FOR 105 ALEXANDER FROM JOHN DIETRICH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #001780 TO C AND C PUMPS AND SUPPLY FOR A NEW LIFT STATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,087.30.  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 APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00660 TO COE EQUIPMENT FOR A VACTOR SEWER TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $315,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT IT WILL TAKE ONE YEAR FOR THIS TRUCK TO BE READY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 TRANSFER OF LAKE LOTS 12 AND ½ OF 11 FROM JIM AND VICKI PAGE TO DUSTIN AND CHELSEA CRISP.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CREATING A FAÇADE PROGRAM FOR BUSINESSES IN THE CITY LIMITS OF BENTON THAT ARE NOT IN THE TIF DISTRICT.  THE PROGRAM WOULD BE FOR A TOTAL OF $40,000.00 TO BE PAID FROM RESTRICTED FUNDS AND EACH BUSINESS WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE UP TO $5,000.00 BACK FROM THE CITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION # 22-04 FOR FUNDING THE EAST MAIN ROAD PROJECT.  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 WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE OF THE NEW FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  THE PUBLIC SQUARE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DURING THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT FRANKLIN COUNTY WILL BE STRIPING THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE SQUARE AND THEY HAVE ALSO AGREED TO RESTRIPE THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SQUARE AS WELL AS REPAINT THE CROSSWALKS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00053 TO DATAPILOT FOR SOFTWARE RENEWAL FOR COMPUTER FORENSICS IN THE AMOUNT OF $995.00.  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 #00372 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICES FOR REPAIRS TO ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,761.98.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH TO ADDRESS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING UNION NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THEY ARE CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIREFIGHTERS ARE NEGOTIATING WAGES TO BE ABLE TO HIRE A SIXTH FIREMAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  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 NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $365,357.20.  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 POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,401.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,176.11 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $101,577.93.  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 WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND CITY TREASURER LISA MENO FOR ALL THE WORK SHE HAS DONE TO PUT THE BUDGET TOGETHER THIS YEAR. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING THE FY 2022-2023 BUDGET ON DISPLAY AT CITY HALL FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS.  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 REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTS FROM EACH DEPARTMENT TO BE READ AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BEGINNING IN MAY OF 2022.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE DEPARTMENTS COULD SPLIT THE MEETINGS UP AND NOT EVERYONE PRESENT AT THE SAME MEETINGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND ACTING CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER FOR HOW TUNED IN HE HAS BEEN WITH THE GRAFFITI SITUATION IN TOWN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ACTING CHIEF FUNKHOUSER IS DEFINITELY THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB AND ASKED WHEN WE COULD APPOINT HIM AS FULL TIME CHIEF.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WHEN PREVIOUS CHIEF MICHAEL ANDREWS HAS BEEN PAID OUT HIS TIME, THIS COULD TAKE PLACE, AND CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO GET THIS COMPLETED. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS STILL WORKING ON THE INSTALLATIONS OF PLAYGROUNDS THAT MAYOR KONDRITZ HAD ASKED HIM TO LOOK INTO.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE PROPERTY HE IS LOOKING AT IS IN A TRUST AND HE HAS TWO BANKS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN FUNDING THIS PROJECT.  THE PROPERTY USED TO HOUSE THE LINCOLN SCHOOL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD UPDATE THE COUNCIL AS HE GAINS MORE INFORMATION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM SOMEONE ON THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD LETTING HER KNOW THAT THE CITY CAN HAVE THE BENCHES THAT USED TO BE ON THE COURTHOUSE PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO PLACE THESE BENCHES AT CAPITAL PARK. 

ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT PREVIOUSLY THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN ASKED TO REVISE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LAKE LOT LEASE FOR LAKE BENTON IN AN EFFORT FOR CERTAIN BANKS TO PROVIDE MORTGAGES FOR THESE PROPERTIES.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL DECIDED NOT TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE.  THE COUNCIL PREVIOUSLY APPROVED A LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LOT #31, BUT BECAUSE OF THIS LANGUAGE THE FAMILY COULD NOT OBTAIN A MORTGAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE REFUNDING THE TRANSFER FEE OF $150.00 AT THE REQUEST OF THE BUYER. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. WILLIAM MCPHERSON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PLAQUE OF SOME KIND PLACED BY THE MR. A STATUE SO THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT FROM BENTON WILL KNOW WHO THE STATUE IS OF AND WHY IT WAS PLACED THERE.  DAVE SEVERIN ASKED IF HE COULD ADDRESS THIS MATTER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. 

REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN STATED THAT A PLAQUE IS BEING PLACED BY THE COMMITTEE WHO BROUGHT THE STATUE IN.  THE PLAQUE WILL HAVE NAMES OF DONORS WHO DONATED OVER $1,000.00 FOR THE PROJECT AND THERE WILL BE A QR CODE TO BE SCANNED BY YOUR SMARTPHONE THAT WILL TELL A STORY. 

REPRESENTATIVE SEVERAL SO STATED THAT THE BUDGET FOR THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAS BEEN PASSED AND REMAPPING IS COMPLETE.  IN ADDITION, HE STATED THAT THE PRIMARY WILL TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 28^TH THIS YEAR AS OPPOSED TO BEING DONE IN APRIL.  OTHER MATTERS ADDRESSED BY REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN INCLUDED A PORTION OF ROUTE 37 JUST OUTSIDE AND TO THE NORTH OF BENTON BEING RENAMED TO FRANK DUNBAR HIGHWAY, THE LOCAL FUNDS ARE BEING INCREASED A LITTLE BIT, THERE ARE EIGHT NEW SCOOTERS BEING BUILT IN THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS REGION, THERE ARE NEW FLIGHTS FROM CHICAGO TO MARION WITH A PRICE OF AROUND $100.00 PER FLIGHT, AND THERE IS A LINCOLN GOLF TRAIL WITH HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE WORKS.  REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN ALSO STATED THAT FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS WILL BE WHEN SESSER HOMECOMING WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG WITH THE SC3DA NATIONAL ARCHERY TOURNAMENT, PARENT’S DAY AT SIU CARBONDALE, AS WELL AS THE MISS ILLINOIS PAGEANT TAKING PLACE IN MARION.  DUE TO ALL THE EVENTS, ALL HOTEL ROOMS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ARE BOOKED FOR THAT WEEKEND. 

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. 

7:05 P.M.