Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 28, 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, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED REG ANKROM OF SIMEC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION CONTRACT THE CITY HAS ENTERED IN TO IS EXPIRING. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT ALL THE ELECTRIC RATES HAVE DOUBLED AND HE DOES NOT RECOMMEND THE CITY AGREE TO ANY OF THOSE RATES. MR. ANKROM ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PAUSE THEIR ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM FOR 12 MONTHS, BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2022, IN HOPES OF BEING ABLE TO OFFER A BETTER PRICE PER KILOWATT HOUR AT THE END OF THE PAUSE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND THE SIMEC ELECTRIC AGGREGATION CONTRACT FOR 12 MONTHS, BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2022. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO SPEAK REGARDING APPROVAL OF AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER STUDY FOR COMMUNITY HANGAR CONSTRUCTION. MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THERE IS A COMPANY INTERESTED IN LOCATING AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. THE COMPANY IS FUNDING THIS CONSTRUCTION OF THE HANGAR PRIVATELY, BUT THE CITY DOES HAVE TO ALLOW FOR THE STUDY IN ORDER TO BEGIN THIS PROCESS. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER STUDY FOR COMMUNITY HANGAR CONSTRUCTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF BRIAN CHARD AS A WATER DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEE. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. CHARD’S FIRST DAY WOULD BE APRIL 11, 2022 PENDING FIT FOR WORK RESULTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF ILLINOIS TO ELIMINATE PARKING ONE BLOCK OFF THE PUBLIC SQUARE AND CREATE A BIKE LANE ALONG WITH A PROJECT TO REPAVE EAST MAIN STREET. THE CITY’S PORTION OF THIS PROJECT WOULD BE $8,050.00.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AGREEMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE GREATER EGYPT REGIONAL PLANNING TO PROCEED WITH THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE GETTING ESTIMATES FOR AN OVERLAY PROJECT ON MCLEANSBORO STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONE4R STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BEGINNING THE HIRING PROCESS FOR A STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL ANDREWS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS ACTING/INTERIM POLICE CHIEF. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

THERE WAS NOTHING FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO BE DISCUSSED AT THIS MEETING.

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH WAS ABSENT AND NO UPDATES WERE LEFT FOR THE COUNCIL FOR THIS MEETING.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASING A LAUNCH KIT FROM SIDWELL TO CREATE AND CONFIGURE THE ArcGIS SUBSCRIPTION. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WHEN HE PRESENTED THE ArcGIS SYSTEM TO THE COUNCIL PREVIOUSLY, HE DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A LAUNCH KIT THAT HAD TO BE PURCHASED BEFORE THE SYSTEM COULD BE UTILIZED. THIS KIT IS $4,222.00. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF THE LAUNCH KIT FROM SIDWELL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHING SOLAR ENERGY FOR USE IN CITY PROPERTIES. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHORTAGE OF FIRST RESPONDERS IN THE UNITED ST A TES AND IT IS STARTING TO AFFECT OUR AREA AS WELL.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY HANGAR. MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE PRIVATELY FUNDED, BUT THE ENGINEERING STUDY MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE AIRPORT ENGINEER, BROWN AND ROBERTS. MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED ABOUT THE OVERLAY PROJECT ON MCLEANSBORO STREET. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ANSWERED AND STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE SIMILAR TO NORTH MAIN STREET AND WILL BE A 2-INCH OVERLAY.

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. AMON (MIKE) NEWBERRY OF 605 N MCLEANSBORO STREET SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING A HOUSE NEXT TO HIS. MR. NEWBERRY STATED THAT THE HOUSE NEXT TO HIS IS COVERED IN GRAFFITI AND IS AN EYESORE. MR. NEWBERRY STATED THAT THE HOME DOESN’T EVEN HAVE FLOORS IN IT. THE COUNCIL MEMBERS STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION.

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

6:50P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 14, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001781 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR REWIRING OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT AND NEW LIGHTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID OF BOOKER’S MOWING SERVICE FOR THE 2022 MOWING BID AT THE RATES LISTED BELOW.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A UTILITY TRACTOR WITH OLD EQUIPMENT TRADE IN FROM H&R AGRI-POWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,500.00 FOR THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE REND LAKE CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REPLACING THE DRIVEWAY AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THE MAPLE STREET ENTRANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ARRIVED AT THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:07 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00371 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICE FOR REPAIRS ON ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,067.65.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 $294,669.14.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MARCH 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,770.16 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,653.32 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,423.48.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MARCH 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,121.59 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,913.80 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $84,035.39.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH WAS ABSENT AND NO UPDATES WERE LEFT FOR THE COUNCIL FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A MOTION WOULD BE NEEDED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY’S STRONG COMMUNITIES’ PROGRAM.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS GRANT WOULD BE FOR $27,353.16.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THIS WOULD BE RESOLUTION #22-04.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT IS DOING A GREAT JOB ON THE WHEELCHAIR RAMP BEING BUILT AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, ROB WILMING FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  MR. WILMING STATED THAT THE HEAD DRIVER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S TRASH DISPOSAL HAS A HEALTH CONDITION THAT HAS CAUSED HIM TO MISS SOME WORK.  HE STATED THAT THE COMPANY IS TRYING TO GET THINGS BACK ON TRACK AND EXPECTS THEM TO BE BACK TO NORMAL VERY SOON. 

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

6:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS CALLED OUT OF TOWN FOR AN ILL FAMILY MEMBER AND HAS ASKED FOR PERMISSION TO ATTEND THE MEETING REMOTELY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER CATHY GARAVALIA TO ATTEND THE MEETING VIA TELEPHONE CONFERENCE.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ATTENDED VIA PHONE CONFERENCE AND ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-03 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  ABSTAINED:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE HAD A HARD TIME HEARING THE MOTION OVER THE PHONE AND THEREFORE WOULD ABSTAIN. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ARCGIS PROFESSIONAL BASIC SUBSCRIPTION WITH ESRI THAT INCLUDES EDITING CAPABILITIES FOR ZONING CHANGES AND LAND ANNEXATIONS.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE IN ADDITION TO THE GIS MAP WE USE THROUGH FRANKLIN COUNTY AND THIS SUBSCRIPTION WOULD COST $700.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO OPEN ALL MOWING BIDS THAT HAD BEEN RECEIVED IN HER OFFICE.  BIDS WERE RECEIVED AS FOLLOWS: 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF THE MOWING BIDS UNTIL ALL INFORMATION COULD BE VERIFIED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ESTIMATE FROM ALL STARS -N- STITCHES FOR A SIGN AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW A SURVEY OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,800.00 TO BE DONE BY JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY FENCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-02 FOR CLOSING OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICE #21 FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,460.22 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00369 TO FIRE APPARATUS AND SUPPLY TEAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $575.49 FOR REPAIR OF A WATER LINE ON ENGINE #803.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00370 TO SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,731.00 FOR HYDRAULIC RAM EXTRICATION MATERIAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF DAKOTAH REED TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ADDITION OF MATTHEW WARREN TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF KYLE SYNDER TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SALE OF THE 2011 CHEVY TAHOE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE BID RECEIVED FROM IBID IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,500.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, BILLS, OR PAYROLL TO APPROVE FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT” AND (D) “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW TITLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT” IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

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

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

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE FELT THE STREET DEPARTMENT DID A GREAT JOB WORKING ON OUR SNOW- AND ICE-COVERED STREETS THIS YEAR.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER STOREY BOTH STATED THAT THE STREETS WERE THE BEST THEY HAD EVER LOOKED DURING A STORM. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAD A MEETING WITH THE CITY AND IF THE DISCREPANCY WAS RESOLVED.  CITY TREASURER LISA MENO WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED HER TO ADDRESS THESE QUESTIONS.  MRS. MENO STATED THAT THE DISCREPANCY WAS A TYPO AND THAT THE AUDITORS WILL BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE CITY TO RESOLVE ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS CURRENT AUDIT. 

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 MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:38 P.M.

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

7:45 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM 7 (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GIVE CHRISTINE KRAFT A $5,000.00 RAISE ON MAY 1, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM 7 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW TITLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  CITY TREASURER LISA MENO ASKED IF SHE COULD SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL ADJOURNED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ AGREED. 

LISA MENO STATED THAT SHE THOUGHT THE COUNCIL WAS VERY KIND AND GENEROUS FOR GIVING CHRISTINE KRAFT A $5,000.00 RAISE AND THEREFORE BELIEVED THAT THEY SHOULD ALSO AFFORD THE SAME TO THE CITY CLERK, THE BILLING CLERK, AND THE TREASURER POSITIONS.  SHE STATED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY AND THAT ALL JOBS HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN AND NOT JUST THE POSITION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED IF MRS. MENO HAD A NUMBER IN MIND AND SHE STATED THE NUMBER WAS $5,000.00.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THEY COULD TALK ABOUT THIS AT A LATER TIME. 

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

7:25 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 14, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT ANY TIME THE MUNICIPALITY IS DEALING WITH FEDERAL MONEY, A CERTAIN CRITERION MUST BE FOLLOWED.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT A QBS POLICY MUST BE PASSED AS WELL AS RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. DOUG CIME FROM HANSEN PROFESSIONALS ACCOMPANIED MR. POTTS AND STATED THAT HIS COMPANY HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING EASEMENTS FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. CIME STATED THAT 21 OFFERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT THIS TIME.  THERE ARE 8 SIGNED EASEMENTS, 2 THAT ARE IN AGREEMENT AND WAITING TO SIGN, AND THERE ARE 11 PENDING AND IN NEGOTIATIONS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS POLICY FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THIS HAS TO BE DONE EVERY 5 YEARS AND THAT SINCE IT WAS A VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS, IT IS GOOD FOR ANY PROJECT DONE WITH FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RELEASE OF RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING LAKE LOT LEASE LANGUAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD BEEN APPROACHED AND ASKED TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LEASE TO ONLY BEING ABLE TO TERMINATE A LAKE LOT LEASE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THIS LANGUAGE OR MAKE NO CHANGES AT ALL.  NO MOTION WAS MADE FROM THE COUNCIL ON THIS ITEM. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REWIRING OF THE STREET BARN AND TO GET PRICES FOR THIS TO BE DONE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A DISCUSSION HAS BEEN HELD REGARDING PARKING ON EAST MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT UNTIL CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURTHOUSE IS COMPLETED BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON PARKING. 

 COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-01 FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE REND LAKE WATER PARADE.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MONTHLY “CRUISE” SERIES PUT ON BY MR. JEFF SHOCKLEY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST SECTIONS OF THE SQUARE FROM MALKOVICH PARK TO CAFÉ BLOOM, AND IF NEEDED THE USE OF CAPITOL PARK.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HIMSELF TO APPROACH THE COUNTY FOR CARES FUNDING TO REPAIR INFRASTRUCTURE AND SIDEWALKS AROUND THE SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00367 TO EVAPAR FOR EMERGENCY GENERAL REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $649.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #22-01 AUTHORIZING LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE MOVE OF DISPATCH HAS GONE VERY WELL AND THAT HE FEELS THE SERVICE IS BETTER THAN WHAT WEST CITY PROVIDED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,325.96.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,439.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,498.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,388.77.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,688.52 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,739.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,427.52.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS TOTAL INCLUDES POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,108.94.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS TO SPEAK ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WILL BE RETIRING THIS YEAR AND HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HIS $5,000.00 STIPEND FOR COMPUTER CRIMES INVESTIGATOR TO BE GIVEN TO CHRISTINE KRAFT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT CHRISTINE HAS BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR 12 YEARS AND HAS BEEN HANDED A LOT OF NEW DUTIES WITH THE NEW POLICE REFORM AND HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES A SALARY INCREASE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MRS. KRAFT RECEIVE A $7,000.00 A YEAR RAISE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT THIS WOULD TAKE MRS. KRAFT’S SALARY TO $43,900.00 A YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS VERY GOOD AT HER JOB AND ALWAYS APPEARS BUSY WHEN HE IS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES WHAT CHIEF ANDREWS HAS PROPOSED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS NOT PREPARED TO VOTE ON THIS AT THE CURRENT MEETING AND WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO RUN THE NUMBERS BEFORE THE VOTE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE SECURITY MEASURES AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO SEEK BIDS FOR FENCING OF THE STREET AND WATER PROPERTIES AS WELL AS INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOLAR POWER FOR CITY PROPERTIES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF CRAIG MILES, LEE MESSERSMITH, AND RODNEY POTTS TO RESEARCH SOLAR POWER FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO POSSESS A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME ALREADY PLACED ON BROWN STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION ALLOWING AN ORDINANCE TO BE DRAFTED FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO HAVING A DRIVE THRU WINDOW PLACED IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CITY’S QUESTIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AN IN-PERSON MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED.  LENNIE SHELTON, DIRECTOR OF THE BENTON/WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, STATED THAT SHE APPRECIATES ALL THAT THE CITY DOES FOR THE CHAMBER AND THEIR EVENTS. 

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

7:24 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 14, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 224, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT ANY TIME THE MUNICIPALITY IS DEALING WITH FEDERAL MONEY, A CERTAIN CRITERION MUST BE FOLLOWED.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT A QBS POLICY MUST BE PASSED AS WELL AS RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. DOUG CIME FROM HANSEN PROFESSIONALS ACCOMPANIED MR. POTTS AND STATED THAT HIS COMPANY HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING EASEMENTS FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. CIME STATED THAT 21 OFFERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT THIS TIME.  THERE ARE 8 SIGNED EASEMENTS, 2 THAT ARE IN AGREEMENT AND WAITING TO SIGN, AND THERE ARE 11 PENDING AND IN NEGOTIATIONS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS POLICY FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THIS HAS TO BE DONE EVERY 5 YEARS AND THAT SINCE IT WAS A VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS, IT IS GOOD FOR ANY PROJECT DONE WITH FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RELEASE OF RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING LAKE LOT LEASE LANGUAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD BEEN APPROACHED AND ASKED TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LEASE TO ONLY BEING ABLE TO TERMINATE A LAKE LOT LEASE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THIS LANGUAGE OR MAKE NO CHANGES AT ALL.  NO MOTION WAS MADE FROM THE COUNCIL ON THIS ITEM. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REWIRING OF THE STREET BARN AND TO GET PRICES FOR THIS TO BE DONE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A DISCUSSION HAS BEEN HELD REGARDING PARKING ON EAST MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT UNTIL CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURTHOUSE IS COMPLETED BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON PARKING. 

 COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-01 FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE REND LAKE WATER PARADE.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MONTHLY “CRUISE” SERIES PUT ON BY MR. JEFF SHOCKLEY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST SECTIONS OF THE SQUARE FROM MALKOVICH PARK TO CAFÉ BLOOM, AND IF NEEDED THE USE OF CAPITOL PARK.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HIMSELF TO APPROACH THE COUNTY FOR CARES FUNDING TO REPAIR INFRASTRUCTURE AND SIDEWALKS AROUND THE SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00367 TO EVAPAR FOR EMERGENCY GENERAL REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $649.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #22-01 AUTHORIZING LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE MOVE OF DISPATCH HAS GONE VERY WELL AND THAT HE FEELS THE SERVICE IS BETTER THAN WHAT WEST CITY PROVIDED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,325.96.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,439.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,498.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,388.77.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,688.52 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,739.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,427.52.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS TOTAL INCLUDES POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,108.94.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS TO SPEAK ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WILL BE RETIRING THIS YEAR AND HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HIS $5,000.00 STIPEND FOR COMPUTER CRIMES INVESTIGATOR TO BE GIVEN TO CHRISTINE KRAFT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT CHRISTINE HAS BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR 12 YEARS AND HAS BEEN HANDED A LOT OF NEW DUTIES WITH THE NEW POLICE REFORM AND HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES A SALARY INCREASE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MRS. KRAFT RECEIVE A $7,000.00 A YEAR RAISE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT THIS WOULD TAKE MRS. KRAFT’S SALARY TO $43,900.00 A YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS VERY GOOD AT HER JOB AND ALWAYS APPEARS BUSY WHEN HE IS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES WHAT CHIEF ANDREWS HAS PROPOSED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS NOT PREPARED TO VOTE ON THIS AT THE CURRENT MEETING AND WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO RUN THE NUMBERS BEFORE THE VOTE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE SECURITY MEASURES AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO SEEK BIDS FOR FENCING OF THE STREET AND WATER PROPERTIES AS WELL AS INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOLAR POWER FOR CITY PROPERTIES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF CRAIG MILES, LEE MESSERSMITH, AND RODNEY POTTS TO RESEARCH SOLAR POWER FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO POSSESS A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME ALREADY PLACED ON BROWN STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION ALLOWING AN ORDINANCE TO BE DRAFTED FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO HAVING A DRIVE THRU WINDOW PLACED IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CITY’S QUESTIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AN IN-PERSON MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED.  LENNIE SHELTON, DIRECTOR OF THE BENTON/WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, STATED THAT SHE APPRECIATES ALL THAT THE CITY DOES FOR THE CHAMBER AND THEIR EVENTS. 

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

7:24 P.M.