Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 24, 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 10, 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 CIRCUIT CLERK JIM MUIR TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. MUIR STATED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL INVITATION, BUT HE WANTED TO PRESENT A “SAVE THE DATE” OF SORTS FOR THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  MR. MUIR STATED THAT THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION IS APRIL 22, 2022 AT 11 A.M.  CITIZENS WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE WEST SIDE ENTRANCE OF THE COURTHOUSE, BE GIVEN A TOUR, AND EXIT THROUGH THE SALLY PORT WHERE HOTDOGS, BURGERS, AND OTHER SANDWICHES WILL BE SERVED.  THE FOOD IS BEING DONATED BY THE LOCAL BANKS.  MR. MUIR ALSO STATED THAT THAT EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE WILL RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE COIN AND BOOKLET THAT ARE BEING PAID FOR BY ADVERTISING IN THE BOOKLET. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO ASKED DAVID HARP TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARP STATED THAT THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IS PROCEEDING WELL AT THIS TIME. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF LAKE LOT LEASE #31 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO BRETT LOHMEYER AND JULIE LOYMEYER.  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 THE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT RENEWAL WITH EVAPAR FOR THE GENERATOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 QTPOD SUPPORT AGREEMENT AND ANNUAL CELL PLAN FOR THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,425.00.  THIS SUPPORT IS WHAT ALLOWS THE USE OF THE “PAY AT THE PUMP” FUEL SYSTEM.  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 ADVERTISING FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MOWING BIDS FOR TWIN OAKS, BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, BENTON CITY HALL, AND THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS MOWED THE CITY HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND TWIN OAKS IN THE PAST, BUT THIS YEAR THEY WILL BE CONCENTRATING ON REPLACING WATER LINES INSTEAD.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE SAW NO REASON TO BID OUT THE AIRPORT AS LAST YEAR’S MOWING PERSONNEL DID AN EXCELLENT JOB.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE FELT IT WAS ONLY FAIR TO BID ALL OF THE AREAS THAT NEED TO BE MOWED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY FOR THE WATENA STREET CROSSING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THIS IS PART OF THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT AND MONEY HAS BEEN ALLOTTED TO COVER THE COSTS ASSOCIATED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT IN JULY OF 2022 THE I-57 EXPANSION PROJECT WILL BE COMING TOWARDS BENTON, BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 71 AND 77.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00052 TO NOVACOM FOR A CAMERA SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,574.95 TO BE PAID FROM THE DUI FUND.  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 HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY HAS THE MONEY TO DO THIS, BUT WE ARE USING OUR MONEY IN OTHER PLACES AS OPPOSED TO WHERE IT SHOULD.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JANUARY 21, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,750.99 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,443.91 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,194.90.  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 THAT NO ADDITIONAL COVID BENEFITS BE PAID TO CITY EMPLOYEES RETROACTIVE TO DECEMBER 31, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00659 IN THE AMOUNT OF $900.00 TO PURCHASE A PAGE IN THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HISTORY SOCIETY/COURTHOUSE DEDICATION BOOKLET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE FELT THE SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR TWIN OAKS NEEDED TO BE RAISED FROM $100.00 TO $200.00 TO COVER THE COSTS OF CLEANING AND REPAIRS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 AT 10 A.M. THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD CEASE DISPATCH WITH WEST CITY AND BEGIN WITH CENTRAL DISPATCH. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JEFF SHOCKLEY STATED THAT HE FELT NOT ALLOWING HIS CAR SHOWS ON THE SQUARE WAS A MISTAKE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. SHOCKLEY STATED THAT HE HAD ONE SHOW WITH 68 CARS, HAS THE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE, AND HAS ASKED BUSINESSES ON THE SQUARE IF THEY MIND HIS SHOWS.  MR. SHOCKLEY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HIS CAR SHOWS ON THE 2^ND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER FROM 4 P.M. TO 8 P.M. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SEPTEMBER, WHICH WOULD BE THE 3^RD SATURDAY TO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WOULD DO SOME CHECKING WITH THE BUSINESSES AROUND THE SQUARE AND REPORT BACK TO THE COUNCIL WITH THEIR FINDINGS AT THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. 

1. TOM CARTER STATED HE HAD SOME QUESTIONS REGARDING THE AUDIT. HE STATED THAT THE DID NOT BELIEVE THE AUDIT WAS ACCURATE AS IT SHOWED A $600,000.00 DEFICIT IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS. CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT WAS AWARE THERE WERE SOME PROBLEMS AND MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED WITH THE AUDITING FIRM TO DISCUSS THIS AND OTHER ITEMS.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE COUNTY IS $2½ MILLION DOLLARS BELOW BUDGET ON THE COURTHOUSE AND HE BELIEVES THEY ARE DOING A GOOD JOB. 

AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS MOWER AT THE AIRPORT PROPERTY CHARGED $200/00 PER MOW.  HE ALSO REPORTED THAT THE TREE REMOVAL HAS ALMOST BEEN COMPLETED, THE TERMINAL HAS BEEN PAID OFF, AND THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,500 TAKE OFF AND LANDINGS THAT OCCURRED AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT THIS YEAR.  MR. HARRISON ALSO STATED THAT 20,000 GALLONS OF FUEL WERE SOLD THIS YEAR AT THE AIRPORT AND THIS PRODUCED APPROXIMATELY A $5,000.00 PROFIT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE RUNWAY PAINTING WILL OCCUR IN THE SPRING, A REDO ON RUNWAY LIGHTING WILL BE PLACED FOR BID, AND THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF A CORPORATE SIZED HANGER BEING BUILT AND A RUNWAY EXTENSION.  MR. HARRISON ANNOUNCED THAT THE 2^ND SATURDAY FOOD TRUCK FLY INS WENT VERY WELL LAST YEAR AND WILL BE DONE AGAIN THIS YEAR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THANK MR. HARRISON FOR ALL HIS HARD WORK AND STATED THAT WHEN THE GOVERNOR AND TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY VISITED THE AIRPORT, THEY WERE VERY PLEASED WITH ALL THE UPDATES. 

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. 

6:55 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 10, 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, DECEMBER 27, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION CEREMONY.  THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.  THE REND LAKE PARADE IS SET TO TAKE PLACE TWO WEEKS LATER.  THE CHAMBER WILL MAKE A DECISION ON ALL THE SPECIFICS AT A LATER DATE.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INVOICE #20 FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE SUMMER CRUISE ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM. 

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 ADDING TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 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 MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $346,693.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 JANUARY 7, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,933.53 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,247.10 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $111,180.63.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 SWORE IN BRIAN CALCATERRA AS ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A THANK YOU LETTER FROM THE BENTON ELKS FOR REDUCING THE GAMING LICENSE FEES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD RECOMMENDED APPROVING THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR SCHIRM USA, INC. TO CONTRACT AN AG CHEMICAL FORMULATION PLANT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  THIS BUSINESS WILL HAVE BETWEEN 15 AND 20 EMPLOYEES IN MULTIPLE POSITIONS.  OPEN DATE WILL BE OCTOBER 1, 2022 AND THEY WILL BE DEALING IN HERBICIDES. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS IT WAS STATED THAT DAVID GARAVALIA HAD WORKED ON 87 DEMOLITIONS BETWEEN 2016 AND 2021. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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. 

6:25 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 27, 2021 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, DECEMBER 13, 2021.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #001779 TO VANDEVANTER ENGINEERING FOR A CONTROL PANEL FOR THE DIAL STREET LIFT STATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,525.00.  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 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION #2 AND FINAL FOR BALANCING FINAL FIELD MEASURED QUANTITIES FOR THE AIRPORT.  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 PAY ESTIMATE #7 & FINAL TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,801.40.  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 THE IDOT RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE UNDER THE HIGHWAY CODE IN THE AMOUNT OF $475,000.00.  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 #00051 TO CELLEBRITE, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00 FOR IN-PERSON TRAINING FOR INVESTIGATOR KYLE MELVIN IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.  THIS EXPENSE WILL BE PAID FOR USING THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN ON ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A 6^TH FIREMAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A $10,000.00 DONATION. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR DECEMBER 22, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,664.81 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,312.31 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,977.12.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE AUDIT HAD FINALLY BEEN DELIVERED.  FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WERE GONE OVER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR AUDIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 RECEIVED A THANK YOU LETTER FROM THE BENTON ELKS FOR REDUCING THE GAMING LICENSE FEES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO SET THE MEETING DATES AND TIMES FOR 2022 FOR ALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS WITH THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT STATED THAT SHE WOULD MAKE 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 ASKED DAVID GARAVALIA AND BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (D) AND (E). 

UNDER ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ASBESTOS ABATEMENT PROPOSAL BY A&A ABATEMENT LLC FOR 300 NORTH TENTH STREET PRIOR TO DEMOLITION BY CHRIS MENCKOWSKI, DAVID GARAVALIA STATED THAT INSPECTION SHOWED ASBESTOS IN THIS HOME THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT A&A ABATEMENT SUBMITTED A QUOTE FOR $8,355.00 TO REMOVE THIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS QUOTE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DAVID GARAVALIA STATED THAT BETWEEN A GRANT THE CITY RECEIVED FOR DEMOLITION OF HOUSES, A NEW PROGRAM THE STATE IS ALLOWING FOR DEMOLITION OF HOUSE, AND WHAT IS LEFT IN THE BUDGET FOR DEMOLITION OF HOUSES, THERE IS MONEY TO TEAR DOWN QUITE A FEW HOUSES.  BRIAN CALCATERRA PRESENTED PROPOSALS FROM CHRIS MENCKOWSKI FOR DEMOLITION OF 3 HOMES ON NORTH TENTH STREET. 

THE PROPOSAL FOR 300 NORTH TENTH STREET IS $2,000.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

THE PROPOSAL FOR 301 NORTH TENTH STREET IS $5,700.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

THE PROPOSAL FOR 400 NORTH TENTH STREET IS $3,200.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

1. GARAVALIA STATED THAT A CITIZEN IS TEARING DOWN TWO HOMES ON THIS STREET IN ADDITION TO THE THREE THE CITY WILL BE TEARING DOWN.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED WHO THE ELECTRIC PANEL FOR THE LIFT STATION WOULD BE COMING FROM AND IF THAT IS ALSO WHO WILL PUT INSTALL IT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT VANDEVANTER IS WHO THE PANEL WILL BE PURCHASED FROM AND HE BELIEVED THEY WOULD ALSO DO THE INSTALL, BUT WOULD ASK CRAIG MILES AND GET BACK WITH MR. CARTER. 

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. 

6:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 13, 2021 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, NOVEMBER 22, 2021.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 7, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #001777 TO VANDEVANTER ENGINEERING FOR A 4” PUMP IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,250.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #001778 TO BEST ONE TIRE FOR 2 REAR BACKHOE TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,227.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS HAD 890 CALLS ALREADY THIS YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IT IS TIME FOR A SIXTH FIREMAN TO BE HIRED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE CAN GUARANTEE A REDUCTION IN OVERTIME WITH THE HIRING OF A SIXTH FIREMAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE FELT THAT IT WAS PATHETIC TO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED IF ALL THE CALLS WERE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON OR OTHER COMMUNITIES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT SOME OF THESE CALLS WERE FOR MABAS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD CONSIDER THIS A PRIORITY AND LOOK INTO IF IT CAN BE FIT INTO THE NEXT BUDGET YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.   

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $353,041.94.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  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 DECEMBER 10, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,851.69 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $19.452.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $70,304.64.  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 RESOLUTION #21-09 TO FUND THE LOCAL SHARE OF THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE SHOULDN’T BE ABLE TO LAY ASPHALT IF WE CANNOT HIRE A NEW FIREMAN. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CHRISTMAS BONUSES FOR THE CITY OF BENTON EMPLOYEES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE BONUS WOULD CONSIST OF A $50.00 GIFT CARD FOR BENTON SAVE A LOT AND A $25.00 GIFT CARD FOR ACE HARDWARE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2022 TAX LEVY ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE #21-10.  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 TABLE APPROVAL OF THE 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR AUDIT AS WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT YET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE APPROVAL TO AMEND THE LAKE HAMILTON SUBDIVISION COVENANTS.  AFTER DISCUSSION, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF AMENDING THE COVENANTS FOR THE LAKE HAMILTON SUBDIVISION.  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 HAD SEEN A POST ON FACEBOOK THAT SLANDERS THE MAYOR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ READ THE FACEBOOK POST STATING THAT THE MAYOR WAS RAISING GAMING FEES AND THAT HE HAS RECEIVED MANY CALLS REGARDING THIS SITUATION.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS IS A LIE AND THAT HE HAS NO INTENTION OF RAISING FEES AS THE CITIZENS HAVE ENDURED ENOUGH THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE INCREASE IN REVENUE FROM THE ADDED GAMING MACHINES IN THE CITY OF BENTON HAS ACTUALLY ALLOWED HIM THE OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE THE MACHINE FEES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION DECREASING THE GAMING MACHINE FEES FROM $250.00 PER MACHINE TO $200.00 PER MACHINE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REDUCE GAMING MACHINE FEES FROM $250.00 PER MACHINE PER YEAR TO $200.00 PER MACHINE PER YEAR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO SPEAK ON LETTER (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CIVICSERV MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR BENTON DOWNTOWN TIF AND BENTON IJRL TIF #2.  MR. CALCATERRA EXPLAINED THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM AND HOW THEY WILL HANDLE TIF APPLICATIONS, SCORING AND TRACKING OF HB0571 JOBS, AND TRACKING COMPLIANCE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS SERVICE NORMALLY WOULD COST $9,000.00, BUT IF WE ADOPT THIS EARLY THERE WILL BE A DISCOUNT OF $3,000.00 MAKING THE TOTAL $6,000.00 PER YEAR.  MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID WITH TIF FUNDS, $3,000.00 PER TIF.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. RON ROSE QUESTIONED WHY THE CITY IS STILL ALLOWING PARKING ON EAST MAIN STREET.  MR. ROSE STATES THAT HE DRIVES A TRUCK AND THAT THIS IS NOT SAFE.  MR. GREG KIMMEL THAT HE WANTED TO THANK THE CITY OF BENTON FOR GIVING HIM PERMISSION TO COLLECT DONATIONS AND PURCHASE THE GRASS EATING CARP INTO LAKE BENTON.  MR. KIMMEL STATED THAT 300 GRASS CARP WERE LAUNCHED INTO LAKE BENTON ON 10/20/21.  MR. KIMMEL ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE EXTRA DONATIONS AND THAT HE WAS ABLE TO FIX THE BOAT LAUNCH TO LAKE BENTON WITH THOSE DONATIONS.  MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF GAMING FUNDS COULD BE USED TO PAY FOR A NEW FIREMAN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS IS A POSSIBILITY. 

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. 

6:50 P.M.

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                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

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CITY CLERK