Category Archives: Announcements

City Council Meeting Minutes — June 27, 2022

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 27, 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 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  ABSTAIN:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND PRESENT FIRST.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE MATT WARREN AS A FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER.  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 FIREFIGHTER WARREN TO COME TO THE FRONT OF THE COUNCIL ROOM.  MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN FIREFIGHTER WARREN AND AN OATH WAS SIGNED. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00063 TO MAJESTIC ENTERPRISE FOR A 20-FOOT COURTYARD SERIES FLAG POLE AND INSTALLATION AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $985.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS FLAG POLE WAS DESTROYED IN A STORM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS.  THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR INCIDENTS BETWEEN 05/01/22 AND 05/31/22 AND INCLUDED 9 FIRES, 35 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE CALLS, 4 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, 5 SERVICE CALLS, 6 GOOD INTENT CALLS, AND 4 FALL ALARM/FALSE CALLS FOR A TOTAL OF 63 INCIDENTS.  THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR INCIDENTS BETWEEN 05/26/22 AND 06/26/22 AND INCLUDED 9 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS COMPLETED, 9 TRAFFIC STOPS, 3 TRAFFIC CITATIONS ISSUES, 12 CRIMINAL ARRESTS, 14 ALARM CALLS, 2 AMBULANCE CALLS, 1 ARMED PERSON CALL, 1 ASSAULT/BATTERY CALL, 18 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 29 DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, 3 FIGHT-IN-PROGRESS CALLS, 11 JUVENILE PROBLEM CALLS, 1 MISSING JUVENILE CALL, 2 PROWLER CALLS, 29 SUSPICIOUS PERSON CALLS, 26 THEFT CALLS, 16 WELFARE CHECKS, AND 290 OTHER CALLS WITH A TOTAL DISPATCHED CALLS EQUALLY 443.  IN ADDITION, COMMISSIONER STOREY DISTRIBUTED A MEMO FROM CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER THAT WAS A LETTER OF RECOGNITION FOR OFFICER MORGAN CORN’S PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE ASSISTING THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES INVESTIGATOR ANGELO HIGHTOWER ON JUNE 17TH, 2022.  THE MEMO STATED THAT INVESTIGATOR HIGHTOWER REPORTED THAT OFFICER CORN WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND VERY HELPFUL. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASES FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED HIS WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT REPORT TO THE COUNCIL.  THE REPORT WAS FOR DATES OF 06/01/22 TO 06/27/22 AND INCLUDED 12 SERVICE LEAKS, 2 NEW SERVICE INSTALLATIONS, 4 SEWER CALLS TO THE FRANKLIN HOSPITAL, 1 INK HOUSE, SEWER ISSUE ON SOUTH NINTH STREET, SEWER ISSUE ON SOUTH FIRST STREET, CHANGING OF THE PUMP ON THE LIFT STATION AT CLEARVIEW, SEWER SINK HOLE ON FAIRLAND STREET, AND THE “SHUT OFF LIST” FOR NONPAYMENT WAS COMPLETED. 

 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO DEPARTMENT REPORT TO SHARE AT THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BIDS FOR THE MCLEANSBORO AND JOPLIN STREET OVERLAY PROJECT WILL BE OPENED NEXT WEEK.  ALSO, THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT BIDS WILL BE DONE IN AUGUST. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/10/22 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,047.95 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,416.28 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,464.23.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR HIMSELF.

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

UNDER ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL, A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING BULLET PROOF GLASS AND BULLET PROOF WALLS.  THERE WERE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT GRADE OF “BULLET PROOF” OR “BULLET RESISTANT” MATERIALS THAT WERE TO BE USED.  BECAUSE OF THIS, A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM 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. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY PASSES A RESOLUTION ALLOWING THE SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE OCCASIONALLY AND THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-07 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDS A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POTENTIAL BUSINESS LOCATING TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II, AS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION TO MOVE FORWARD AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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 STATED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE IN MALKOVICH PARK AFTER HOURS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE ARE HOMELESS PEOPLE SLEEPING IN THE PARK, URINATING IN THE PARK, LEAVING LITTER IN THE PARK, AND SOMEONE WAS ACTUALLY DAUGHTER SHOWERING IN THE GAZEBO AT THE PARK.  THE POLICE HAVE BEEN CALLED ON NUMEROUS INCIDENTS INCLUDING ONE INCLUDING THE MAYOR AND HIS WIFE BEING THREATENED BY ONE OF THE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN THE PARK.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW SIGNS TO BE HUNG IN THE PARK STATING THE HOURS THE PARK IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  THE SIGNS WILL STATE PARK HOURS BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 10 P.M. AND PARK CLOSED HOURS WILL BE 10 P.M. TO 6 A.M.   MAYOR KONDRITZ WOULD LIKE THE SIGNS HUNG AT MALKOVICH PARK AND CAPITAL PARK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO UPDATE ON THE GRUENINGER AVIATION AIRPORT GROUND LEASE AND SO HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THE ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AN AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER STATED THAT TE CONDUIT IN MALKOVICH PARK IS BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD CONTACT MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC TO HAVE THIS FIXED. 

 

FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL TO UPDATE THEM ON SOME TRAINING HIS DEPARTMENT IS DOING WITH THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THE SECOND WEEK OF JULY THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE DOING ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING WITH THE RESPONSE TEAM.  HE STATED THAT BENTON’S TWO DEPARTMENTS ARE HIGHLY TRAINED AND WILL BE OPEN TO ASSIST OTHER SCHOOLS IF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENT WERE TO HAPPEN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THAT THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEMS TO BE THE DEPARTMENT THAT GETS TO THE SCENE FIRST AND ASKED IF THEY HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED IN THAT SITUATION.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT DOES HAVE EQUIPMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THEN ASKED IF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS ARMED WITH WEAPONS.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ONLY OWNS 3 AR-15’S AND THAT IS BECAUSE THE CITY DOES NOT PURCHASE GUNS AND THE OFFICERS DO NOT WANT TO SPEND THE $1,500.00-$2,000.00 THEMSELVES TO ACQUIRE THIS GUN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ABOUT ADDING THIS TYPE OF PURCHASE TO NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET. 

 

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

 

6:40 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — June 13, 2022

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 13, 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 COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY WERE ABSENT. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TRANSFER LAKE LOT LEASE #119A AND #119B FROM THE BETTY J JONES TRUST TO DANIEL AND SHERRIE HAMMONDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE ONLY THING HE NEEDED TO REPORT ON HIS DEPARTMENT WAS THAT THERE WOULD BE A BID OPENING FOR PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER ON JULY 7, 2022. 

 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE ONLY THINGS HE NEEDS TO REPORT ON HIS DEPARTMENT ARE THAT THERE WILL BE A BID OPENING ON JULY 6, 2022 FOR THE 2023 MFT PROGRAM AND HE WILL BE HAVING A MEETING WITH CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS FOR CURBS ON WASTENA AND TO DISCUSS ISSUES WITH LINCOLN DRIVE. 

 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00059 TO LARRY J FREDERICKS, LLC FOR BALLISTIC HELMETS AND POINT-BLANK STEEL CARRIER VESTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,688.40.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00373 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP FOR A PART OF GLOBE BOOTS TO REPLACEMENT BOOTS WITH HOLES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $517.85.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING JAMES PRITCHARD AS A POLICE OFFICER.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT OFFICER JAMES PRITCHARD HAD SUBMITTED A LETTER NOTIFYING THE MERIT BOARD, CHIEF, AND CITY COUNCIL THAT HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER AT THIS TIME.  THERE WAS NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN ON THIS ITEM. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING MATT WARREN AS A FIREFIGHTER.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. WARREN HAS PASSED ALL BACKGROUND AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIRE MR. WARREN AS A FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER AT THIS TIME TO HELP CUT DOWN ON OVERTIME THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY VACATIONS AND SUCH.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF MATT WARREN AS A FIREFIGHTER.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT HIRING OF PERSONNEL SHOULD BE DONE WITH A FULL COUNCIL AND THEREFORE HE DID NOT FEEL HE COULD SECOND THE MOTION AT THIS TIME.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. 

 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $352,278.20.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PAYROLL FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,322.84, FIRE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,275.13, AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,685.89 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $109,283.86.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PAYROLL.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED AN INVOICE FOR DO YOUR PART RECYCLING IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,400.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO PAY DO YOUR PART $2,400.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR HIMSELF.

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

UNDER ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL, A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING BULLET PROOF GLASS AND BULLET PROOF WALLS.  BECAUSE THERE WERE NO BIDS TO EXAMINE AT THIS TIME, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF DAVID BOOKER’S REQUEST TO RAISE THE COST OF MOWING OF NUISANCE LAWNS DUE TO HIGHER COST OF FUEL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAS REQUESTED THAT THE DECISION OF WHETHER OR NOT TO RAISE PAYMENT BE BASED UPON HOW THE COUNCIL VOTED TO RAISE OR NOT RAISE PAYMENT FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTY MOWING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DENY THIS REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN PAY TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE REQUEST FOR AN INCREASE IN CITY OWNED PROPERTY MOWING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PAPERWORK FOR VACATING A PORTION OF PARK STREET.  IT WAS STATED THAT THE CITY WOULD STILL MAINTAIN AN EASEMENT OF THIS STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION MADE BY AKASH PATEL.  REIMBURSEMENT WOULD BE $5,000.00 AND ESTIMATED COMPLETE DATE OF THIS PROJECT IS OCTOBER 1, 2022.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LEASING A LOT IN THE BENTON INDUSTRIAL TIF UNTIL A FUTURE DATE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WE HAVE A BIT OF A HOMELESS PERSON PROBLEM IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD WITH NO SOLUTIONS AGREED UPON.   COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE DOESN’T BELIEVE WE SHOULD TURN OUR BACK ON THE HOMELESS POPULATION. 

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF VACATING THE SECITN OF PARK STREET WOULD CAUSE ISSUES BECAUSE OF MANHOLES IN THE ROAD.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE IS NO SEWER IN THIS AREA.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED WHAT THE CITY IS PLANNING TO DO ABOUT ELECTRIC AGGREGATION.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE CITY’S BROKER, REG ANKROM, IS WATCHING THE MARKET CLOSELY.  SHE STATED THAT THE CITIZENS WILL BE SWITCHED BACK TO AMEREN AND THAT THE RATE IS PROJECTED TO BE $0.1067 KWH WHERE OTHER SUPPLIERS ARE COMING IN WITH RATES BETWEEN $0.16 KWH AND $0.17 KWH.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR ELECTRIC SUPPLIER, BUT SHE URGED THEM TO READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE SIGNING OFF ON ANYTHING.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF THE CITY PLANS TO CLEAN UP THE MESS IN THE CLARIFIERS AT THE OLD WWTP.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT DUCKS ARE BUILDING NESTS IN THEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. 

 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

6:35 P.M.

Special Meeting Agenda

 

 

NOTICE

 

SPECIAL MEETING

BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

JULY 14, 2022

 

 

AGENDA

 

BENTON CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING   THURSDAY, JULY 14, AT 8:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

  • DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LOCATION FOR COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND

 

BEC

POSTED AT 7:30 P.M.

07/11/22

AGENDA — CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 11, 2022

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JULY 11, 2022

6:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER
  4. DEPARTMENT REPORT
  5.  DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID FOR PAINTING THE WATER TOWER

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                               COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DEPARTMENT REPORT
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PLAYGROUND ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION CLOSING THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR AN

EVENT IN JULY

  1. DISCUSSION AND OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION CLOSING THE BENTON SQUARE FOR THE                 ANNUAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CAR SHOW
  2. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MFT PROGRAM
  3.      DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SOUTH MCLEANSBORO AND JOPLIN STREET OVERLAY PROJECT

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS  
  3. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS & MONTHLY BILLS
  3. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES ATTENDING THE ANNUAL

ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE

  1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEES ATTENDING THE ANNUAL TIF

CONFERENCE

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY                                                                                      TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES   

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                  MAYOR KONDRITZ
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE POLICE AND FIRE PENSION BOARDS

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                   
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                                POSTED 07/07/22 AT 3:00 P.M./BC

Public Notice — Merit Board

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for the City of Benton Illinois will hold a special meeting at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.  The meeting will be held at the Benton City Hall, 1403 South Main Street, Benton IL  62812.  The purpose of the meeting is:

 

  1. To Review and possibly take action on the results of the written test and/or POWER test administered by the COPS and FIRE Personnel Testing Service at the Police Officer testing on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

 

 

 

John D. Aiken, Chairman

City of Benton IL Fire and Police Commissioners

 

 

 

 

 

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

6:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER
  4. DEPARTMENT REPORT

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                               COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DEPARTMENT REPORT

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS  
  3. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING MATT WARREN AS A FIREFIGHTER

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS & MONTHLY BILLS
  3. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY                                                                                      TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES   

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                  MAYOR KONDRITZ
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POTENTIAL BUSINESS LOCATING TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SIGNS AT MALKOVICH PARK AND CAPITAL PARK
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                   
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                                POSTED 06/23/22 AT 3:00 P.M./BC

City Council Meeting Minutes — May 23, 2022

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 23, 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 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 9, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH IF THERE WERE ANY UPDATES REGARDING ITEM (C) UNDER THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO UPDATES AT THIS TIME AND REQUESTED THAT THIS ITEM BE TABLED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING OFFICIAL BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF VACATING AN ALLEY LOCATED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PETITION TO VACATE A 20-FOOT-WIDE ALLEY RUNNING NORTH AND SOUTH A DISTANCE OF 352.5 FEET THAT IS SITUATED WEST OF LOTS 102 THROUGH 108 AND EAST OF LOTS 109 THROUGH 115 IN CRISP, COPPLE, AND MARTIN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF BENTON, SITUATED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS AND THAT ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS HAD BEEN PAID.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE VACATING THIS ALLEY.  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 COMMEND THE COUNCIL FOR ACTING ON THE ITEMS THEY HAVE BEEN PRESENTED WITH OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS HE FEELS THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS BEEN OVERLOOKED, BUT HE FEELS THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE REALLY HAS SET BENTON OFF AND HE FEELS WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO BETTER OPPORTUNITIES. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED HIS DEPARTMENT REPORT.  BETWEEN MAY 1, 2022 AND MAY 23, 2022 THERE WERE SERVICE LEAKS ON BOWLING ALLEY ROAD, SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET, POPE STREET, FIFTH STREET, NINTH STREET, SHERIDAN DRIVE, FOURTH STREET, AND COMMERCIAL STREET.  THERE WERE WATER MAIN BREAKS ON EAST MAIN STREET AND SPANI STREET.  THERE WAS ONE NEW SERVICE PUT IN AT LAKE MOSES.  THERE WERE SEWER ISSUES AT THE HOSPITAL (3 TIMES), SINK HOLE ON FIRST STREET, SEWER ON SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET, LIFT STATION ON CLEARVIEW, SEWER SINK HOLE IN THE 200 BLOCK OF MITCHELL STREET, AND SEWER AT JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER (5 HOURS).  GENERAL WORK IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT CONSISTED OF THE MONTHLY SHUT OFF LIST, 76 JULIE CALLS MARKED, AND CLEANED OUT 13 METER PITS FOR METER REPAIRS. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM DAVID BOOKER FOR AN INCREASE IN HIS PAYMENT FOR MOWING AT TWIN OAKS AND THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  MR. BOOKER’S REQUESTED STATED HE WAS ASKING FOR AN INCREASE OF $25 AT THE AIRPORT PER MOW AND $20.00 PER MOW AT TWIN OAKS DUE TO FUEL PRICES REACHING OVER $5.00 PER GALLON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT SINCE THE BID HAD BEEN ACCEPTED, THE CITY HAS SOLD TWO PIECES OF PROPERTY INCLUDED IN THE TWIN OAKS MOW AND THEREFORE HE DID NOT FEEL THE TWIN OAKS INCREASE WAS WARRANTED.  HOWEVER, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH GIVING AN INCREASE IN THE AIRPORT PRICE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE PAYMENT TO DAVID BOOKER TO $225.00 PER MOW FOR THE AIRPORT PROPERTY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A REQUEST TO PERMIT A CAMPER TO SIT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF TWIN OAKS ON JUNE 6, 2022.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD ALLOW THIS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THIS AS IT HAD BEEN DONE IN THE PAST AND FELT THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD ALLOW IT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO NOT ALLOW A CAMPER TO PARK ON THE PROPERTY AT TWIN OAKS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  CITY CLERK CLARIFIED THAT THE MOTION WAS TO NOT ALLOW THE CAMPER TO PARK ON THE PROPERTY. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED THE REPORT FOR HIS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER.  THE REPORT STATED THAT THERE WAS CONCRETE WORK DONE ON THE SIDEWALK ON THE FIRST BLOCK OF JOPLIN STREET AND A DRIVEWAY POURED BACK ON WHISPER WAY FROM REPAIRING A WATER LEAK.  THERE WAS A NEW TILE PLACED ON MITCHELL STREET.  A NEW TRAFFIC CONTROL LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 37 NORTH AND ILLINOIS AVENUE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT TO DATE 40 TON OF COLD PATCH AND 20 TON OF BAM HAVE BEEN USED.  THE STREET DEPARTMENT SPENT FOUR DAYS WEED EATING AND CLEANING THE MAIN PARADE ROUTE.  THE MECHANIC HAS COMPLETELY REDONE THE WATER DEPARTMENT DUMP TRUCK, COMPLETED SERVICE ON THREE OF THE BACKHOES, AND DONE ALL THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE OTHER VEHICLES.  THE MOWER IS BEING RAN EVERY DAY.  FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MONTH OF MAY, THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BE PATCHING HOLES LEFT FROM THE WET WINTER AND SPRING AS WELL AS WORKING ON A MAJOR DRAINAGE ISSUE BEHIND THE APARTMENTS ON LINCOLN DRIVE. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH IF HE COULD FIND OUT WHY THE ISLAND BESIDE US BANK HAS NOT BEEN MOWED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND GET AN ANSWER FOR THE MAYOR. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #0057 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR EQUIPMENT FOR TWO NEW POLICE SUVS IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,658.65.  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 #00058 TO LAWMAN FOR ANNUAL SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUBSCRIPTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT.  FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL, 2022, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 8 FIRES, 1 OVERPRESSURE RUPTURE/EXPLOSION/OVERHEAT (NO FIRE), 27 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, 5 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS (NO FIRE), 5 SERVICE CALLS, 3 GOOD INTENT CALLS, AND 4 FALSE ALARM/FALSE CALLS.  THIS CAME TO A TOTAL OF 53 CALLS RESPONDED TO BY THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER CODY SHOCKLEY DUE TO CHANGES IN HIS WORK SCHEDULE.  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 ADD ANDREW CAIREL TO THE PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  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 HIRE MATT WARREN AS A FULLTIME FIREFIGHTER ON A 60-DAY-TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT AT A RATE OF $15.00 PER HOUR WITH NO BENEFITS.  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 INCREASE THE RATES FOR “TREAT NO TRANSPORT” AND MILEAGE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLS.  CURRENTLY “TREAT NO TRANSPORT” IS $0.00 AND IT WOULD BE RAISED TO $300.00 AND MILEAGE IS CURRENTLY $12.00 PER MILE AND WOULD BE INCREASED TO $18.00 PER HOUR.  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 OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 13, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,635.15 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,648.26 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $99,283.41.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSTRUCTION OF A DRIVE-UP TUBE SYSTEM FOR THE BENTON CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,656.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CONSTRUCTION OF A DROP BOX FOR WATER BILLS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,603.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REQUEST BIDS TO REPLACE THE FENCING AT MALKOVICH PARK.  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 CEASE PROVIDING INSURANCE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AS OF JUNE 1, 2022.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THE COUNCIL DISCUSS THIS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION BEFORE A DECISION WAS MADE. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A BAD DEBT WRITE OFF POLICY FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  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 ADOPT A SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE WAS GLAD THE COUNCIL DID NOT INCREASE THE PAY FOR MOWING AS IT WOULD BE A BAD PRACTICE TO INCREASE A LOW BID.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ATTEND A COUNTY BOARD MEETING. 

 

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JASON SEDDON OF 1215 GRAYSON STATED THAT THE BENTON SQUARE LOOKS WONDERFUL.  HOWEVER, MR. SEDDON ASKED IF THE COUNCIL COULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT HIS NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THERE IS EXCESS TRASN, A PERMANENT YARD SALE, AND COOPER BURNS ALONG WITH “METH AND CRACK PROBLEMS”.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE ARE MOSQUITO PROBLEMS AND A LOT OF SPEEDING.  MR. SEDDON ASKED THAT HE IS VERY HAPPY THAT THE DOWNTOWN AREA LOOKS NICE, BUT ASKS THAT THE COUNCIL NOT FORGET THE REST OF TOWN. 

 

MATTHEW HARRISON, AIRPORT MANAGER, STATED THAT THE NEW SIGN HAS BEEN PLACED AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE AIRPORT.

 

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

 

7:45 P.M. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION IN REFERENCE TO ITEM 7(E) UNDER ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE TO CEASE ALL INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2022.  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 MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

7:50 P.M.

City Council Meeting Minutes — April 25, 2022

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

Agenda — City Council Meeting 06/13/2022

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

6:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER
  4. DEPARTMENT REPORT

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                               COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DEPARTMENT REPORT

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS 
  3. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING MATT WARREN AS A FIREFIGHTER
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING JAMES PRITCHARD AS A POLICE OFFICER

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS & MONTHLY BILLS
  3. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PAYMENT TO RECYCLING PROGRAM

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY                                                                                      TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES   

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                  MAYOR KONDRITZ
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DAVID BOOKER’S REQUEST TO RAISE THE COST OF MOWING NUISANCE LAWNS DUE TO HIGHER COST OF FUEL
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF VACATING A PORTION OF PARK STREET
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION MADE BY AKASH PATEL
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LEASING LOT IN BENTON INDUSTRIAL TIF
  9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                   
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                                POSTED 06/08/22 AT 4:00 P.M./BC

Update on Special Meeting Agenda — CANCELED

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